Northern California Ecumenical
Media Resource Center

The audience interviews a panel of Methodist leaders who explain the meaning of the Methodist Church.

VCU-522 A METHOD AND A MESSAGE- (A); 15 min.; Calif.-Nevada Conference, 1987.

Gives historical background of the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church.

VCU-526 CLAIMING THE STORY: A JOURNEY IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY FOR UNITED METHODISTS- (Y/A); 40 min.; Some black and white photos; Envisions, Inc., 1988.

An inspiring story of the drama of Christianity which includes personalities, movements, and events that shaped each age. After the German and English Reformations, the storyline follows the development of United Methodism.

VCU-527 SHARING THE HERITAGE: THE HISTORY OF UNITED METHODISM IN AMERICA-(Y/A); 21 min.; Some black and white photos; Envisions, Inc., 1988.

A stirring story of the UMC in America - its inspired beginnings, its record-setting growth, and its continuing evolution. Introduces viewer to Wesley, Asbury, Otterbein, Albright, and others.

VCU-533 A CHARGE TO KEEP: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE UMC- (Y/A); 30 min.; Guide; Cokesbury, 1988.

Looks at the history of the UMC and shows how Methodists are working to keep God's message alive today. Good for Confirmation and new-member classes.

VCU-544 THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH- (A); 22 min.; Guide; EcuFilm, 1990.

Provides an overview of the organizational structure and connectional polity of the UMC. Includes a brief history of the rationale for the mission and ministry of the denomination. Also offers an outline of the work of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.

VCU-549 WHY I AM A UNITED METHODIST- (Y/A); 60 min.; Guide; Abingdon Press, 1991.

Video accompanies the book by the same title with 7 segments corresponding to the 7 chapters in the book. Segments include discussions of the history, theology, worship, and outreach of the UMC. Includes dramatic monologues.

VCU-550 CALLED BY GOD- (A); 20 min.; No guide; Bd. of Global Ministries-UMC, 1991.

Focuses on the ministry of the Board of Global Ministries.

VCU-552 THRESSA HOOVER : THROUGH THE TEST OF TIME- (A); 22 min.; No guide; Bd. of Global Ministries, UMC, 1991.

History of women in mission featuring Thressa Hoover.

VCU-553 MISSION MAGAZINE- (A); 30 min.; Bd. of Global Missions, 1991 ff.

A series of videos about Mission Magazine, a publication of the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. The videos bring colorful stories from the U.S. and all over the world. Videos are added each year. See the Topical Index for countries covered. Please call the MRC about additional videos.

VCU-558 OUR UNITED METHODIST HERITAGE- (C/A); 35 min.; UMCOM, 1987.

Part 1 (17 min.) The Founders - A brief look at the background of the Protestant Reformation and its effect on the early development of the United Methodist Church.

Part 2 (17 min.) Travels on a Long Road - Continues the United Methodist Church story with the American Revolution, the organizational growth of the churches, the ministry to the frontier, and outreach to 1968.

VCU-560 BURNING BRIGHT- (Y/A); 32 min.; UMCOM, 1975.

Presents major aspects of the history of the United Methodist Church and other churches of Methodist origin in the U.S.. Uses a combination of live-action photography and historic graphics to show the historical emphases visible in the life of the church today. Relates viewer's own faith to the spiritual origins of the founders.

VCU-561 LIVING THE DREAM: NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS- (A); 11 min.; Guide; UMCOM, 1994.

Shows how the special offering from Native American Awareness Sunday was used to start up a new Native American church in Greensboro, North Carolina.

VCU-563 AN ORIENTATION TO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (Y/A); 30 min.; Guide; UMCOM., 1991.

A versatile resource which can be used by many groups seeking a better understanding of Methodism. It encourages further study of the church's history, its beliefs and organization, and opportunities for service.

VCU-567 GRADUATES IN ACTION- (Y/A); 4:30 min.; No Guide; UMCOM, 1996.

Features four of Africa University's first graduates who are already using their education for the betterment of others. The video reveals what congregational gifts have begun in their lives.

VCU-568 WHOM SHALL I SEND?- (A); 20 min.; Guide; UMCOM, 1996.

An informative and inspirational video which portrays missionaries in action. Some missionaries included are: Mario Rodriguez, who nurtures new Hispanic communities in Scottsbluff, Neb.; Don Wilson, a community developer in Little Rock, Ark.; Sun Lae Kim, a Christian educator; and Young Chuel and Susannah Cho, who focus on congregational development and leadership training in Moscow, Russia. The video is also available in Spanish and Korean.

VCU-570 A DAY OF NEW BEGINNINGS- (A); 24 min.; Guide; UMCOM, 1997.

In this video, the voices and actions of persons inspired and nurtured by United Methodist gifts tell the stories of 50 years of mission and ministry. Also available in Spanish and Korean. 

VCU-579 HOPE FOR THE CHILDREN OF AFRICA- (A); 3 sessions; 28:36 min.; Gen. Bd. of Global Min., 1999.

Videos in Korean, Spanish, and English which describe the "Hope for the Children of Africa" program of the Advance ministry of the United Methodist Church.

VCU-583 PRAYER OF THE CHILDREN- (A); 8 min. Guide; United Methodist Church, 2002.

This video is a resource to support the Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty. It shows the terrible plight of children in the United States who live in poverty. The program is a call to God's people to do what they can to improve the living conditions of the poor.

VCU-584 BLACK METHODISM - LEGACY OF FAITH I - (A); 28 min.; Guide; EcuFilm,

Featuring Hilly Hicks as host and narrator, the video explores the history of African-Americans in what is now known as the United Methodist Church. Particular attention is devoted to the origins of Black participation in the Methodist movement, to John Wesley’s association with African converts, to the long struggle with segregation and racial inclusiveness, to Methodist African-American contributions to United Methodism.

VCU-585 "NOW FINISH THE WORK": AFRICA UNIVERSITY- (A); 5:10 min.; No Guide; Africa University Development Office, 2003.

Update on Africa University and its tenth anniversary celebration.

VCU-586 CLAYRIDE: A GALLOP THROUGH METHODIST HISTORY- (Y/A); 4 min.; No guide; Clay Animation; UMCOM Productions, 2003.

The video uses the creative technique of clay animation against a catchy, original musical score to present a synopsis of 200 years of United Methodist history in America. Full of energy and creativity, this video entertains and educates everyone who uses it.

VCU-587 DEACONESS: IS THIS A CALLING FOR YOU?- (A); 18:05 min. General Bd. of Global Ministries, UMC, 2003.

Deaconesses are defined as a community of lay women who have responded to the call of God in their lives to full-time ministries of love, justice, and service. This video is designed to answer general questions about the ministries of deaconesses.

DVU-588 CALIF/NEV ANNUAL CONFERENCE VIDEOS-

This series of Cal/Nev Annual Conference videos and DVD's will be updated annually.

VCU-589 T-QUEST FOR MEN- (A); 8 min.; No guide; General Commission of UMM, 2001.

A life-changing spiritual development resource for men. The video combines relevant study materials, pertinent exercises, and a unique small-group model, to create an environment for personal discovery and growth as men explore their relationship with God.

DVU-590 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE UNITED METHODIST?- (Y/A); 50 min.; 5 sessions, Guide; Abingdon Press, 2004.

The video explores some frequently-asked questions about United Methodism and United Methodists. The following topics are discussed:

Session 1 - Wesleyan Heritage

Session 2 - John Wesley's Theology

Session 3 - Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Session 4 - Sacraments

Session 5 - How Do United Methodists "Do" Church?

VCU-591 CELEBRATE: A SEED IS A PROMISE- (A); 8:30 min.; Service Center, 2005.

The video shows a brief history and overview of UMW and their work. It was created to celebrate the 135th anniversary of United Methodist Women.

VCU-592  HERE I AM LORD- (A); 14 min. No guide; United Methodist Communications, 2004.

               This video is a celebration of missionaries of the United Methodist Church.  Meet Dr. Elma Jocson and many other United Methodist missionaries who answer God's call and whose work is sustained by generous United Methodists through the Advance of  Christ and His Church program, the World Service Fund and the United Methodist Women's Pledge to Mission program.

DVU-593  A JOURNEY IN MISSION - (A); 5 sessions, 65 min.; CD-rom (PC); United Methodist Women, 2006.
       
This mission kit have a CD-rom and a DVD.  The topics included are (1) Welcome message (2) Journey with Women in Mission (3) UMW Resources (4) Resources (PC only) (5) 2006 UMW Highlights.

VCU-594   LOVE, JUSTICE, AND SERVICE:  THE MINISTRY OF DEACONESSES - (A); 14 min.; No guide; General Board of Global Ministries, 1998.
       
The video shows the rich history of the deaconess movement and highlights the current involvement of deaconesses in cutting-edge ministries throughout the church

          DVU-595    BE THERE.  BE HOPE. - (Y/A); CA 20 min. total; UMCOR, 2007

               This DVD celebrates United Methodist Committee on Relief ministries made possible by gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing.  There are four brief spots that are perfect for mission moments.  The titles are:  Justice for Our Neighbors: In-Depth View (7:25), Justice for Our Neighbors: Turning Lives Around (4:25), U.S. Hurricane Recovery (4:04), World Hunger (3:14).

          DVU-596    ALL GOOD GIFTS:  STORIES OF UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL GIVING - (Y/A); 14 sessions; 69 min. No Guide; U M Communication Productions.
       

               This DVD presents stories of United Methodist Connectional Giving.

          DVU-597    GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS (’07); (Y/A); 4 sessions; 50 min.; No Guide; UMCOM Productions, 2007.
       

          Overview (13:49), Churches and Outreach (9:42), Henderson Settlement (13:26), Red Bird Clinic/Mission (12:38).

          DVU-598  IGNITING MINISTRY SERIES - (Young Adults); 4 DVD’s; Leader Guides; 4 CD-ROM’s; UMCOM, 2005.

             
 Each DVD includes: a television spot in 60 sec. 30 sec., and 15 sec. versions; a SpiritFilms video for use in worship and small groups;

               video clips to help congregations understand the message of the DVD and welcome newcomers with the spirit and theology of this message; a viewbook of the advertising materials in the package.

             The CD-ROM includes:

                   Theological summary of the theme of the DVD

                   Tips for implementing a six-week season of Scripture lessons, ministry ideas and themes related to the DVD

                   A one-hour training outline to help church leaders find ways for seekers and members alike to share “The Journey.”

               Advertising files.

                   .1    THE JOURNEY – This spot shows several images of people following a trail of items. Each person follows a different trail.  Ultimately, the path of each person leads to a place where all the journeys come together.  The spot shows that seekers can find their paths and share the journey with the people of the United Methodist Church.
    .2    THE GIFT shows a young woman, in multiple settings, carrying and placing gift boxes of varying sizes near other people.  As the spot closes, the woman approaches her home as if she’s just returned from a long day of good work.  The theme is that we are all called to share God-given gifts with others, and as we give, we also receive.
    .3    PRAYER – A young boy thoughtfully writes a note on a piece of paper, then grabs a bright red kite and heads outside.  Running excitedly through his neighborhood, he arrives at a vacant lot where he attaches his note to the body of the kite.  With great anticipation he sends the kite soaring and with equal excitement he reels the kite in.  He trusts that his hopes and aspirations, raised to the heavens, have reached their intended audience.  The theme is that communication with God expressed through prayer builds our relationship with God.
    .4    FAITH – A woman watches children playing in a sprinkler.  As she watches them, she is thinking, “They’re facing so much in this world.  I want them to make the right decisions – to be strong.  And I want them to hold on to this joy forever.”  The central message is that faith gives the family strength to respond to life’s challenges and assures them that God will bless and protect them and help them share their faith with others.

DVU-599  THE WELL (A); 31 min.; No guide; Calif./Nev. Conference, UMC, 2008.

The DVD shows stories of churches and programs within the California/Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church.

DVU-600 LIVING FAITH – SEEKING JUSTICE METHODIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY CONFERENCE – NOVEMBER, 2007   - (A); 6 DVDs; Resource; UMC General Board of Global Ministries, 2007.
    .1    Living with Elizabeth Tapia (40 min.) & Cheban Kernell (22 min.)
    .2    Faith with Rev. Michael Yoshii and Rev. Adam Hamilton (58 min.)
    .3    Faith  with Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey (25 min.)
    .4    Seeking with Dr. Mercy Oduyoye and Dr. Harold Recinose (60 min.)
    .5    Seeking with Jim Winkler (28 min.)
    .6    Justice with Shane Claiborne (65 min.) and Janet Wolf (23 min.)

DVU-601  GIFTS OF HOPE:  UMCOR IN DARFUR - (Y/A); 1 DVD; 1 min. or 5 min.; No Guide; Guide on DVD; UMCOR, 2007.

               This DVD tells of lives transformed by the gift of hope through the United Methodist Committee on Relief work in South Darfur.  The program provides relief supplies, water, seeds, tools, and schools to give people what they need for today and prepare them for tomorrow.  Additional resources are on the DVD when it is inserted into the computer.

DVU-602     THREE SIMPLE RULES: A Conversation with Reuben Job - (A); 1 DVD; 50 min.; Guide; Abingdon Press, 2008.
       
Reuben Job explores his book Three Simple Rules in five conversations designed for personal or small-group study.  A presentation of John Wesley’s General Rules, Three Simple Rules invites us into a more faithful way of living as disciples of Jesus Christ.
        Session 1 – Introduction (8 min.)
        Session 2 – Do No Harm  (10 min.)
        Session 3 – Do Good (11 min.)
        Session 4 – Stay in Love with God (8 min.)
        Session 5 – A Daily Practice (12 min.)

DVU-603    MARY ELIZABETH INN 2010 - (A); 1 DVD; 7 min.; No Guide; Little Spark Media Production, 2010.

The Mary Elizabeth Inn is a 158-unit shelter for homeless women in San Francisco.  The money for the home was originally provided by Lizzie Glide.  Several women share their stories of what the Inn means to them.

DVU-604    VITAL CONGREGATIONS:  STEP BY STEP - (A); 2 DVDs, 4 sess., approximately 1 hr. ea.; CA/NEV Methodist Conference, 2012.

Doug Anderson provides excellent information on forming and leading church small groups.  Some of the topics are:  leaders of small groups, discipling, frequent development of new

groups, and leader-focused groups,   Leadership training is also included.