Northern California Ecumenical
Media Resource Center

                          ACTIVITY KITS

TOPIC CODES:  AK = Activity Kit

Some of the most valuable resources we have are "bits and pieces" gathered from a variety of sources, many no longer published.  Some kits are learning centers made up of games, activities, dramas, crafts, etc. for planning or enriching a unit.  They may be especially helpful for teachers using the rotation model of teaching.

The third letter is a subject code used throughout the catalog.  The letters in parentheses are the age code.   (See the Table of Contents page for help.)  Please use all three letters and the number when ordering.  The Activity Kits are currently being revised.  They are listed here with very little description of the contents.  If the topic is of interest to you, please ask the staff for further details.

-A-  (UCC Resources)

AKA-1   UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST RESOURCES

AKA-2   THE CIRCLE OF GRACE - EMBRACING THE WHOLE COMMUNITY OF GOD- (A)

                A binder with information affirming the ministries of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Christians.

-B- (Bible)

AKB-8  BIBLE DEVELOPMENT- (E)

             Includes guides, charts, timelines, and suggestions for activities for studying the history of the Bible.

AKB-9  BIBLICAL MAPS, TIME CHARTS, AND TRANSPARENCIES- (J/A)

AKB-10          BIBLE TIMES

    A.     General Bible Times Resources

    B.      Biblical Arts Festival- (E)

             Learning centers for a 4-6 week period include:  The Pottery Shed, The Cookery Place, The Print Shop, The Stitching Corner, Movement and Music, and The Metal Works.

    C.     Marketplace-29 A.D.- (C/A)

             Complete plans for an experiential learning unit on life in Bible times.

    D.     Palestine 30 A.D.:  You are There- (Pre/E)

             Learning centers about Bible times that can be used for a 12-week program.

     E.      Bethlehem B.C.- (K/A)

             Sets, sounds and activities to recreate life in Bible times.

     F.    Life and Bible Times - (Intergenerational)5 or 10 sessions for a VBS or summer camp.

AKB-53          BIBLE STRUCTURE AND USAGE- (E)

             Games, activities, etc., for learning centers on the make-up of the Bible and practice in looking up references.

AKB-54          PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE- (E)

             Activities and books for helping students relate  to Bible people.

AKB-55          BIBLE STORIES- (E/JH)

             A collection of books of Bible stories including a comic strip Bible, picture Bibles, and poems.

AKB-56          BIBLE STUDY SCOPE- (C/Y)

             A question-and-answer game for use in reinforcing Bible information.

AKB-57          BIBLE STUDY AIDS- (J/A)

             Resources designed to give students some practice in the use of Bible Study Aids.

    A.     Bible Study Resources for Adults.

    B.      Bible Info-cards.

    C.     Bible dictionaries, Bible dictionary flash cards, encyclopedias, a Christian word book, Bible Talk: Old.Testament conversation starter cards, and a Bible Mastery game.

    D.     Learning centers designed to give students some practice in the use of Bible Study Aids.

    E.      KNOW YOUR BIBLE SERIES  by Roy Smith – A set of 12 booklets and a teacher’s guide for learning to know the Bible. .

-C- (Church)

AKC-1 J. W. AND COMPANY:  FUNTASTIC ADVENTURES WITH JOHN WESLEY AND THE CIRCUIT RIDERS- (K/E)

             A 5-session program with events and activities in each session that prepare for a special event in session six.  The lessons are set up with a village format representing the life and times of John Wesley.  May be set up indoors or outdoors.

AKC-2 THE CHURCH YEAR

             Includes resources for teaching about the major seasons of the church year.

             FESTIVAL OF FAITH by Liechty, P Weseman, J. Chase- A vacation church school curriculum celebrating the gifts of God.  Each session includes a season of the church year: 
    1.  Advent/Christmas 
    2.  Epiphany 
    3.  Lent/Easter 
    4.  Pentecost 
    5.  Kingdom-tide .

AKC-14          THE CHURCH- (E/A)

    A.     Pictures, leaflets and books for looking at the church as it is today and what different denominations believe.

    B.      Church History

             Includes games, leaflets, books and stories about church history and the beginnings of some denominations.  Also included is a Fact Finders Kit

    C.     Church Leaders

             Resources about some of the men and women of faith.

    D.     Ecumenicism

AKC-15          CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

    A.     Resources for Christian ministry and vocations.

    B.      Lutheran Vespers Radio Ministry Tapes by Walter Wangerin, Jr.  These seven audio-tapes were given to the Media Center Directors.  The topics are:

             1.  Divorce and Can I Love Again?

             2.  Thoughts on Parenthood

             3.  The Lambs of God (abuse)

             4.  The 4th Commandment X 4

             5.  The 6th Commandment

             6.  Prayer

             7.  Mary Magdalene, Beloved and Loving       

AKC-16          PORTRAITS OF FAITH by LIFE

             Lessons on great church leaders throughout the ages.

-D- (Religions)

AKD-37          RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD- (K/JH)

    A.     Gives cultural and historical information about the Jewish religion.  Includes booklets, posters, a religious articles kit, and books about Jewish festivals.  A kits of Jewish religious articles is also included.

    B.      Bible Celebrations, Today and Long Ago (K/A) Contains information about Jewish holidays and how they are celebrated today.

    C.     Contains information on various religions and interfaith relationships.

-E- (Easter)

AKE-30           EASTER - (All ages)

    Includes learning centers, workshop ideas, books for teaching and celebrating Lent and Easter, family prayers and activities.       National Teacher Education Project learning centers included are:

              Lent-Easter Learning Centers for children,         youth, and adults.

                  Word Packets for Forgiveness, Sacrifice, and     Covenant.

             The Unexpected- (E) A short drama script in modern language of the 3 women's visit to the tomb.

             The Last Supper--cardboard cut-outs for creating the Upper Room scene.

             Holy Week:  experiencing Events through Art Activities by Phyllis Vos Wezeman -  Outlines 13 events which took place
       during Holy Week, lists Scripture and offers activities to use in retelling, reinforcing, and reviewing the stories.

AKE-31    EASTER RESOURCES FOR ADULT
CALMLY PLOTTING THE RESURRECTION by Donna E. Schaper
JOURNEY TO THE CROSS (Lenten Reflections) by Myra Nagel
WE  ARE AN EASTER PEOPLE:  THE TRIUMPH OF GOD’S LOVE IN OUR LIVES by John and Adrienne Carr: 
               A 5-week, small-group program.  God transforms our lives, making us Gifted Strangers, Wounded Healers,
               Chosen Ministers, Victorious Victims, Wealthy Investors.
LENTEN ALPHABET by Phyllis Vos Wezeman and Jude Dennis Fournier- Contains 26 activities and experiences based on the
              significant stories and themes of this important season.
CELEBRATING HOLY WEEK edited by Henry R. Rust- Suggestions from many authors for celebrating the days of Holy Week.
CREATIVE IDEAS FOR LENT Vol. 1 & 2 by Robert G. Davidson- Includes intergenerational events, worship ideas, activity
     projects, youth programs, lesson plans, stories and many other ideas for use during Lent.  Vol. 2 has, in addition, a section of
    family

-F- (Family)

AKF-34           FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING RELIGION IN THE HOME

             Includes a Family Weekend Experience Kit and a kit on Teaching Religion in the Home. 

             Listening to Children: Guide for Teachers and Parents by Sue Downing.

AKF-49           CHRISTIANS AS NEIGHBORS- (E/A)

             A National Teacher Education Project set of learning centers to help all ages learn about neighboring.

AKF-52           PARENTING

             Material on parenting from pregnancy through dealing with youth.

AKF-53           HUMAN SEXUALITY

    A. INCLUDES DENOMINATIONAL CURRICULUM ON TEACHING HUMAN SEXUALITY TO YOUNG PEOPLE.

             Our Whole Lives Curriculum for kindergarten and first graders and companion series Sexuality and Our Faith for grades K-12 published by United Church of Christ, 2000.

             God’s Gift of Sexuality – A Study for Young People in the Presbyterian Church- Witherspoon Press, 1998.

             God’s Plan for Growing up:  Wonderfully Made for Grades 2-3 and Amazing Stuff for Grades 4-5-Presbyterian Publishing House, 1996

             God’s Gift of Sex – Bible Studies for Junior High- Faith and Life Press, 2000.

             Created by God – About Human Sexuality for Older Girls & Boys- Abingdon Press, 1999.

    B. THE CHURCH AND GENDER ISSUES

             Made in God’s Image – A resource for dialogue about the church and gender differences. – Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Washington DC, 2003.

             The Blue Book:  What We Wish We Had Known –breaking the silence, moving toward understanding, a resource for individual and families.  This resource is designed to address the most frequently asked questions about homosexual orientation.  Put out by First Tuesday Group, The Presbyterian Church, Mt. Kisco, NY, 2000.

             Taking a New Look:  Why Congregations Need LGBT Members  explains why a loving and accepting attitude toward LGBT people brings many blessings to a church

             Homosexuality and the Bible- by Walter Wink-.; Fellowship Publications, 2006.

             Far From Home:  Tales of Presbyterian Exiles- by Alice V. Anderson; Covenant Network of Presbyterians., 2004

             Guidelines for Examination of Church Officers by Tim Cahn and Blair Moffett; Covenant Network of Presbyterians, 2008.

-G- (God, Death)

AKG-1 GOD AND NATURE- (Pre/K)

             Resources for helping young children appreciate the wonder of God's plan, nature, and the seasons.

AKG-4 IDEAS AND IMAGES OF GOD- (Pre/Y)

             Includes activity sheets for learning about God and the names for God.

AKG-39          DEALING WITH DEATH AND ILLNESS- (Y/A)

             Books and articles on dealing with death and illness.

-H- (Ethnic Heritage)

AKH-16          ETHNIC HERITAGE- (E) Materials and activities for studying how various ethnic groups live and worship.  Includes 9 Days to Christmas:  A Story of Mexico with puppets.

AKH-17          RACE RELATIONS- (Y)

             Posters, plays, and other resources about race relations.

AKH-19          DIVERSITY- (A)

             Resources on racial, cultural, and other  diversity.

-I- (Science and Ecology)

AKI-43 LEARNING ABOUT AND TAKING CARE OF GOD'S WORLD- (E/JH)

             Stories, games, and activity center ideas for taking care of the environment including recycling.

AKI-44 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES- (Y/A)

             Resources for a study on environment and justice.

AKI-45 SCIENCE AND RELIGION- (A)

             A collection of materials which discuss the relationship between science and religion.  Includes a timeline of influential events in the history of the relationship Western between Christianity and science.

-J- (Jesus)

AKJ-11 JESUS- (E)

    A.     Pictures- Includes Disciples (including Together Magazine Disciple section).

    B.      Jesus and His Times- (E/A)

             Stories, games, flannel board figures, and activities for learning centers on the life of Jesus.  Materials include The Sermon on the Mount and other teachings and resources on the disciples.  The Miracle  Man:  A Journey Through the Life of Jesus is a 5-session unit, each session focusing on some aspect of Jesus's life.  Activities include drama, folk dancing, storytelling, games, special music, and a visit to the Marketplace.

    C.     Jesus for Young Children- (K)

             Booklets, games, stories, and other resources for teaching little children about Jesus.  Includes a table top or floor chart called Where Jesus Walked:  Land and Town Where Jesus Lived.

    D.     Jesus and His Followers

     E.      Stories of Jesus

     F.      Life of Jesus

             Resources for teaching about the life of Jesus.

    G.    The Miracle Man:  A Journey through the Life of Jesus by Judy Cooper and Carol Cowden - A curriculum resource on the life of Jesus for children Pre-K through elementary age.  Chapters include:  Schedule Suggestions, Resources Section, Daily Session Plans, and Marketplace activities

AKJ-31 MIRACLES OF JESUS (E)

             Activities and resources for some of the well-known miracles of Jesus including:   Stilling the Storm, Healing miracles, Loaves and Fishes, and Water into Wine.

AKJ-32 PARABLES OF JESUS-  (E)

             A set of collected ideas for planning a unit on the parables.  There is also a separate envelope for each parable.  The entire kit or an individual parable envelope may be ordered.

AKJ-43 JESUS LEARNING CENTERS- (Y/A)

             Ideas for 12 National Teacher Education Project learning centers.

-K- (Presbyterian)

AKK-1 PRESBYTERIAN LITURGICAL RESOURCES

             Gives instructions and resources for the preparation of a worship service.

AKK-2 PRESBYTERIAN RESOURCES- (A)

             Includes books published by Presbyterian publishing companies dealing especially with doctrine, policy, and polity.  Also includes sexuality, Mission and Mariner  materials.  Updated regularly through our Presbyterian Publishing subscription.

 AKK-3           PRESBYTERIAN MATERIALS IN OTHER LANGUAGES

             Bible study and curriculum in other languages.

-M- (Mission, Social Concerns, Stewardship)

AKM-16         OTHER COUNTRIES:  MATERIAL ON PEOPLE OF OTHER LANDS

    A.     (Pri)  Maps, pictures, games and songs about children in other lands.

    B.      (Y/A) Includes material relating to people in other countries; including  the Middle East conflict.

    C.     (A) India and Pakistan Resources

AKM-17         POVERTY - (J/A)

             Open-ended plays, Joy leaflets and role situations on poverty and materialism.  Presbyterian Hunger Kit started by a child. - A Fast That Lasts Hunger program- A 24-30-hour fast program for youth groups.

AKM-18         CHILDREN'S ISSUES - (A)

             Includes material on children's rights, child abuse, and  child advocacy.

AKM-22         STEWARDSHIP AND CARING RESOURCES -(C/A)

             Includes manuals and program guides for stewardship education.

AKM-23         AGING - (Y/A)

             Contains material on the elderly and aging. 

AKM-24         SOCIAL CONCERNS - (Y/A)

             Includes books on substance abuse, AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and other social concerns.

AKM-25    REFUGEES - (Y/A)
Contains material on refugees.  Includes information from Church World Service, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Presbyterian Church and others.

AKM-26         UNDER CONSTRUCTION BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY- (E/JH)

             A VBS kit which can be used for summer Sunday School includes a hat and transparencies for songs.  An excellent hands-on activity to help students appreciate what they have and to want to help others.  Also includes four books with colorful pictures and pertinent stories.

-N- (New Testament)

AKN-20          JOHN THE BAPTIST- Resources for teaching about John the Baptist.

AKN-33          PAUL- (E/A)

     .1      Resources  for teaching a unit on the life of Paul (E/JH)

     .2      National Teacher Education Project learning centers:  All About Paul- (E/A) and Intergenerational.

     .3      PAUL (E and Intergenerational)- A kit for studying the life of Paul with contemporary situations.

AKN-34          EARLY CHRISTIANS- (E)

             Books, pictures, and learning center materials on Biblical Christians.  Includes a "Survival Game" about the early Christians.

AKN-35          FACT FINDERS ABOUT THE NEW TESTAMENT- (J/JH)

             Viewer, viewstrips, and booklets about the New Testament

AKN-36          PETER RESOURCES- (E)

-O- (Old Testament)

AKO-13          OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES

    A.     Together Magazine:  People of the O.T.- (J/A)

             Pictures reflecting artist's interpretation of emotions and mood.  The kit has three parts:  Children of the O.T., Women of the Bible, and Men of the O.T.

    B.      Patriarchs and their Times- (E)  Activities, games and pictures on Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, etc.

    C.     Creation Resources- Includes We Trust in God kit a learning about creation kit for young children

    D.     Moses Interest Centers

     E.      Fact Finder Kits about the Old Testament

     F.      Psalms and David - Includes puppets, books and plays to be used with studies of David.

      G, H, and I are resources for elementary children.  They may be ordered as a whole or by individual person.  They include books and interest center ideas.

    G.     Judges, Leaders, and Kings

    H.     Prophets

     I.      Women (includes Ruth, Esther, and Deborah)

     J.      All About Noah

 -P- (Personal Development)

AKP-1  ME AND OTHERS- (K/Pri)

             Books and games for teaching about personal development and relationships to young children.

AKP-18           WHO AM I? AND WHO ARE YOU?- (Pri/J)

             Games, stories, activities, and booklets on knowing your body, your emotions, what  love is and how to get along with others.  Material for teaching a unit on personal development including human sexuality.

AKP-54           DISABILITIES- (A)

             Resources for working with people with disabilities.  Includes Braille cards and signing examples.

AKP-55           WOMEN'S ISSUES

             Includes information about sexual exploitation and abuse of women, women's employment issues and women's ministry.

AKP-57           ALCOHOL LEARNING CENTERS- (E & Inter.)

             12 National Teacher Education Project Learning Centers about alcohol abuse which are designed to encourage thoughtful examination of values.

-Q- (Holidays)

AKQ-1 CELEBRATIONS- (K/Pri)

             A collection of material to help plan modern holidays such as Thanksgiving.

-S- (Symbols, Games, Art, Drama, Music)

AKS-27           MUSIC

             Song sheets, books, and other resources for teaching music to children.

AKS-28           DRAMA

             Contains scripts of plays for children and adults which deal with Biblical themes and values.  (Some scripts for Christmas are in AKX-31 and some Easter scripts are in AKE-30.)

AKS-29           SYMBOLS- (E./A)

             Contains general information on symbols, including National Teacher Education Project symbol cards

AKS-30           CLOWN & MIME WORSHIP RESOURCES- (J/A)

             Skits for clown ministry and printed instructions for developing clown and mime ministries.

AKS-31           GLIMPSES OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH ART

             8 Bible studies with a famous art work as a focus.  Topics include Advent and Christmas, Discipleship, Forgiveness, Communion, and Easter.

-T- (Teacher Education)

AKT-4  THE PLANNING GAME  by Don Griggs

             A set of cards to help teachers learn to plan a unit.

AKT-5  VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL RESOURCE KITS

             A collection of Vacation Bible School kits.  Some kits which deal with a specific topic may be filed under the topic letter code.  Updated regularly.

AKT-6  VISUAL PARABLES KIT -  A collection of booklets about using modern  movies to teach values.

AKT-9  CAMPING RESOURCES- (C/A)

AKT-10           TEACHING WITH PUPPETS

             Puppets from Junk with instructions.

             Puppets with stories about the life of David- (O-13F)

             Let's Try Puppetry- teaches children to make puppets by telling the story of a little boy who finds an old puppet in the trash and fixes him.  Also gives 3 stories to use for a puppet show.

             Spongees -Puppets from polyfoam

AKT-12           CREATIVE ACTIVITIES RESOURCES-  (C/A)

             A collection of books with fabulous ideas for art, crafts, and other creative activities for teaching the Bible.  (See also Resource Book section - RBT.)

AKT-16           LEARNING THROUGH MOVEMENT AND DANCE- (E)

             Helps students and teachers learn basic movements for creative interpretation of Biblical stories, hymns, and seasons.  Shows the relationship of  movement to worship.

AKT-23           IDEA MAGAZINES AND PROGRAM GUIDES FOR TEACHERS

             Includes Educational Ministries magazine, Teacher's Aide  magazine, etc.

AKT-24           ROTATION MODEL RESOURCES- (E/JH)

             A series of  rotation workshop lessons developed by educators from local churches.

AKT-25           NEW MEDIA BIBLE- Guides and resources to be used with Genesis Project videos.

AKT-26     ADULT STUDIES -
        CREATIVE LEADERSHIP SERIES by Dick Murray
        STRENGTH-ENING THE ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
        TEACHING THE BIBLE TO YOUTH AND  ADULTS
        PLANNING FOR TEACHING CHURCH SCHOOL by Donald L. Griggs
        LEADING ADULT LEARNERS:  A HANDBOOK FOR ALL CHRISTIAN GROUPS by Delia Halverson

AKT-27    PRE-SCHOOL RESOURCES
        GROWING TOGETHER IN THE CHURCH (PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM) by Anne Gilbert
        THEME DAY TREATS (PRE-SCHOOL AND EARLY ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM) by Shirley Stevens

AKT-28    BIBLE TEACHER KIT (T)  
    This useful resource kit for anyone teaching the Bible includes:  resource pages, maps, charts, and a Biblical timeline.

-U- (United Methodist Resources)

AKU-1 UNITED METHODIST RESOURCES (A)

             Includes books and pamphlets published by Methodist  publishing companies dealing with doctrine, policy, and polity,  confirmation, black heritage, and other aspects of the Methodist Church.  (Updated regularly)

AKU-2 INTERPRETER MAGAZINE COLLECTION

             A collection of  “Interpreter Magazines.”  (Updated regularly)

AKU-3 MATURE YEARS MAGAZINE

             A collection of Mature Years magazines. (Updated regularly)

AKU-4 IGNITING MINISTRY SERIES:  THE TELEVISION AND WELCOMING MINISTRY OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH- (A) ; UMCOM.  (May be updated)

    A.     Planning Kit:  Hospitality and Media Planner- 3 videos; Guide; 2001.

             This kit provides hospitality and welcoming training which includes print ads, TV spots, direct mail, radio spots and many other creative ideas for church leaders.

    B.      Back to School Toolkit 2- 2 videos, 2 CD's, Guide, 2002.

             This kit offers new evangelism tools highlighted by a series of powerful national cable network commercials designed to raise awareness about the United Methodist Church.  It includes resources to assist churches in strengthening their welcoming and media skills.

-W- (Worship, Witness, Faith, Evangelism)

AKW-7           SACRAMENTS

             Resources for study of the sacraments.

    A.     Baptism and other resources 

    B.      Eucharist (Communion)

    C.     Confirmation

    D.     Reconciliation

AKW-40         PENTECOST- (Pre/A)

    A.     National Teacher Education Pentecost Packet -C/A

    B.      Resources for a children's Pentecost celebration including a special worship service for elementary children.  Includes a sample of a flame and a pinwheel.

    C.     Pentecost resources for young children

AKW-41         PEACE-MAKING KIT-(Pre/A)

    A.     Peace-making Activities for Children- (E) Resources and curriculum for a unit on peace. Includes  the story of a little girl who contracted  leukemia at Hiroshima and made paper cranes to symbolize peace.  Also includes a musical drama for boys and girls.

    B.      Stories of Peace in Bible times and Today- (Pre/E)

             6 stories of today and 6 stories of Bible times to teach concern for others and living in peace.  Includes flannelboard figures and songs.

    C.     Resources for Youth and Adult Peacemaking Studies

AKW-48         PRAYER RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN THROUGH ADULTS

    A.     Resources on prayer including a book of family prayer services.

    B.      TALKING WITH GOD- (K/Pri)

             Books and activities to enrich a unit on prayer.

    C.     Short meditations on the Bible and Peanuts.

AKW-49         WORSHIP

    A.     Children and Worship

             Includes books of children's liturgies and celebrations as well as ideas for including children in worship.

    B.      Worship Workshop using MRC videos

              C.     Gateways to Worship by Carolyn C. Brown – A year of worship experiences for young children  (donation)

 AKW-51         NTEP WORD PACKETS

             Each kit contains an array of ideas and materials for a 4 to 6 week sessions.  Words are Faith, Hope, Grace, Obedience, Freedom, Power, and Death.

-X- (Advent and Christmas)

AKX-31 IDEAS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS- (Pre/A)

    A.     Christmas Plays and Programs

    B.      Advent resources including Advent booklets and

             calendars

    C.     National Teacher Education Project Learning Centers

    D.     National Teacher Education Project Word Packets

     E.      Christmas Resources and Games for Children

     F.      Christmas Around the World

    G.     Christmas Resources for Adults

    H.     Christmas Crafts including Jesse Tree and Chrismon samples

     I.      Alternative  Christmas Celebrations

     J.      Stories for Christmas

-Y- (Youth)