Celebrating Advent

From the Advent Newsletter, 2009

"Silent night, Holy night. All is calm, all is bright. . . ."

The carols try to tell us that this is a calm and silent time of year. But for most of us, the weeks leading up to Christmas can be anything but calm. You know the drill: Christmas parties, shopping, wrapping, relatives, Christmas plays, etc., etc. It's enough to leave even the strongest among us exhausted.

Can we slow things down a little so we can enjoy the season again? Can we put Christ ahead of Christmas?

There is a way to put a little relaxation back into your Christmas season without adding too much to your busy schedule. As we enter the Advent season and get closer and closer to the 25th, try reading a Christmas book, borrowed from the Church Library. Find a quiet corner, a cup of cocoa, and favorite blanket and curl up and read from a selection of:

"The Glory of Christmas: Inspirational Writings from..." - C. Swindoll, M. Lucado, C. Colson
"The Purpose of Christmas" - Rick Warren
"Christmas in Mitford: Esther's Gift; The Mitford Snowmen" - Jan Karon
"The Good Shepherd" - Gunnar Gunnarsson
"Christmas Stories..." - Teresa Worman

plus a few more...

There is always available that timeless original Christmas story from the Bible: Luke 2:1-20.

The Church Library is always looking for more reading treasures to add to it's Advent and Christmas collection. Have a Blessed Christmas, everyone.

-submitted by M C

Harvesting good Christian books...

From the October 2009 Newsletter

During the mid-17^th century theologians gathered and compiled a document that was meant to encompass the core doctrines and beliefs of the Christian faith. This document, called the “Westminster Catechism”, was one of the most important and influential documents to come out of the Reformation. One of the Catechism's most powerful statements is this - "The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

“In Him we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Our church library is full of books written by worshipful authors who glorify God and enjoy Him, through their writings, so that we may also better understand the passion of glorifying and enjoying God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We have many books about prayer, and devotionals that help guide us in glorification of our God, for both young and old.

Inspirational books (both fact and fictional) tell stories of people who were lost, and then found by God, and how their lives were changed by glorification and enjoyment in the service of God. None of these books ever replaces the utmost authority of the Bible, but help to broaden our faith and understanding of the Word.

As the crispy autumn days comes upon us, let us grow and harvest the books of St. Timothy’s Church

library, broadening the horizons of our faith:

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that He answered them well, asked Him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:28-30)

Submitted by M C

St. Timothy's Church Library

(from the June 2009 Newsletter)

Summer holidays are just around the corner, and what a great time to pick up a book or two from your Church Library for reading during those balmy evenings ahead.

I encourage the church children and youth to check out some of the books, now that school is almost over --- more time to read and grow as a Christian over the holiday months. During the next few months the Church Library will become "reorganized", with new selections from the many donated and new books that have been received --- and have yet to be catalogued. The Church Librarian has got a busy summer ahead of her... (smile)

I also am calling an "amnesty" on any books borrowed in the past, that have not yet been returned to the Church Library. If you have any of those books lying around the house, or on your bookshelves, please bring them back for others to enjoy. Have a great summer reading some great Christian books. Check out your Church Library, today.

-submitted by M.C.

St. Timothy’s Film Ministry

(from the June 2009 Newsletter)

Films recently added to the collection include:

Rachel Getting Married

Sitting through a movie about sibling rivalry at a wedding, especially one starring the doe-eyed and normally facile Anne Hathaway, sounds like a potentially painful way to spend an evening. However, as directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Jenny Lumet (Sidney's daughter), this 2008 drama is not a lightweight star vehicle à la Julia Roberts circa 1997 but a darkly realistic look at the dysfunction within a family thrown into disarray. Using an almost cinéma vérité style, Demme explores how a wedding reopens old wounds within a family in a naturalistic way made all the more palpable by the emotional acuity in Lumet's screenplay. This film beautifully explores issues of redemption and forgiveness. This film is rated R for language and sexuality.

Millions

From legendary director Danny Boyle comes “a family film of limitless imagination and surprising joy!” It’s holiday season and seven-year-old Damian believes he’s received a divine gift from above when a suitcase filled with cash literally falls out of the sky. Damian is anxious to share the wealth with those less fortunate while his fun-loving brother Anthony would rather spend it like there’s no tomorrow! But when the loot turns out to be stolen, both the boys’ plans are put to the test—with heart-warming and hilarious results. This film could provoke and interesting discussion on the Christian’s role with charity and giving to the poor.

Slumdog Millionaire

Winner of 8 academy awards, including best film, this film is directed by Danny Boyle (Millions). A Mumbai teenager, who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers. This film explores issues about poverty, choices, survival and love.

Savages

Starring award winning actors Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman, this film is about Jon and Wendy Savage who are two siblings who have spent their adult years trying to recover from the abuse of their abusive father, Lenny Savage. Suddenly, a call comes in that his girlfriend has died, he cannot care for himself with his dementia and her family is dumping him on his children. Despite the fact Jon and Wendy have not spoken to Lenny for twenty years and he is even more loathsome than ever, the Savage siblings feel obliged to take care of him. Now together, brother and sister must come to terms with the new and painful responsibilities with their father now affecting their lives even as they struggle with their own personal demons Lenny helped create. This film explores issues related to caring for aging family members, facing life’s trials, and coping with death. This film is rated R for language and sexuality.

-submitted by P.Y.

Ripple Effect: The Legacy of Billy Graham

(from the April 2009 Newsletter)
M.C. reports:

Little did a Sunday School teacher realize how far the "ripple effect" of her evangelism would reach. It started with J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918), an American evangelist, revivalist and pastor, who wrote some of our well known hymns; He was helped during an invitation time, by his Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Binkley, who, "putting her hand under my elbow... I stood up with the others...it was the day of my acknowledgment of Christ". The ripples that emanated from Chapman's evangelism included the conversions of Billy Sunday, then Mordecai Ham, who brought the great evangelist, Billy Graham, to Jesus Christ, in1934. This tremendous impact of evangelism began out of the humble efforts of a simple Sunday School teacher. Everything we do in the name of Jesus Christ has an effect that will be viewed through Eternity. "We may never live to see the full fruits of our labour, but the "Glory of God" will shine on through your evangelism, in life and death."

We have a couple books about, and by Billy Graham in the Church Library:
A very colourful pictorial biography: "Billy Graham: God's Ambassador", by photographer Russ Busby -- Billy Graham was the driving force behind the evangelical movement of the 20th Century.
This book begins with a quote from Daniel Webster, in fitting with the theme -
"If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear up temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and the love of our fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity."

The other books:
"Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse", by Billy Graham, sends us the warning message of Revelations to the Seven Churches, and the church (believers in Jesus Christ), that we must not forsake our "first love", nor diminish the message of the Bible, in particular, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Billy Graham states that those who "water down" the Bible's message simply are leaving the doors open to the four horsemen of the apocalypse, in the end (Ephesians 6:12). A very powerful book, with a sobering message to us all. This is a "must read" for those studying "Revelations" in our Bible study home groups.

also: "The Secret of Happiness", by Billy Graham. Based on the Beatitudes.The foremost preacher of our generation searches the heart of the world's greatest sermon. Happiness. It's what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

Instead of looking for happiness in the temporal pleasures of this world, we need to understand eternity through what Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount – that true, lasting happiness is a by-product, a bonus that comes when we seek what is really important -- trust in God. Presented with Dr. Graham's characteristic simplicity, this landmark book teaches us to live above the circumstances of life and rest in the true happiness God wants us to have.

Film Ministry is "Fireproof"

(from the April 2009 newsletter)

P.Y. reports:

The purpose of St. Timothy’s Film Ministry is to help people engage with God through the medium of film. Even though the story of Jesus Christ and his people may not even be in the mind of the director, writer or producer they cannot help but tell the stories of temptation and sin, death and new life, love and joy, grace and forgiveness, salvation and redemption. The ministry desires to make use of popular, wide release (Hollywood) films to help people encounter these ideas and truths in a way in which they did not expect but also in a way, which is safe and accessible.

New films:
The Bucket List: This film staring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson strikes a nice balance between comedy and drama, favouring humour and poignant conversations over weepy developments. Morgan Freeman is a car mechanic and a loving family man with a penchant for trivia. Jack Nicholson is a billionaire with an appreciation for the finer things, but with an unsympathetic, boorish attitude (a character that is perfect for Jack Nicholson!) In spite of their obvious differences, the two men share something important in common, both are terminally ill with the prognosis of mere months to live. As they endure chemotherapy treatments together, Carter and Edward forge a friendship and begin talking about life and death. Recalling an assignment from his college philosophy class, Carter begins to write a "bucket list" of things he'd like to experience before he kicks said bucket. Staring at mortality, their deadlines looming, wealthy Edward makes some additions of his own and proposes that the two begin fulfilling their checklist, a journey that takes them around the world despite the protests of Carter's wife Virginia. From there it's pretty obvious where this movie is headed. There are laughs to be had as the men live out some of their childish fantasies. Tears are shed, lives are changed. One man learns that in spite of what little he's experienced in his life, he's always had all he ever wanted. The other has everything, only to discover he has nothing. Predictable? Perhaps, but if nothing else, this movie reminds us of the importance of the journey.

The Express: If you enjoy “sports films” you will enjoy this film which is based on the incredible true story, of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Raised in poverty in the Southern Tier of New York State, Davis overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become an unstoppable running back for the Syracuse Orangemen. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder - a hard-nosed surrogate father with an obsession for winning a national championship - Davis would develop from an impressive high-school athlete into a legend. While everyone agreed Ernie Davis was a miracle player, few thought this quiet young man would become an icon for the burgeoning civil rights movement dividing America in the early 1960's. Refusing to play by the unspoken racist rules of the day, Davis broke through one barrier after another to alter the way fans looked at men of his color. Though struck a terrible blow in the prime of his life, his spirit soared when most would crumble. Forcing his bull-headed coach to re-examine a life lived in color-based privilege, Davis would join the ranks of black pioneers who inspired a movement that smashed barriers on and off the playing field.

Fireproof: Although I don’t normally include what might be called, “Christian films” in this collection, I have decided to include, “Fireproof” because I believe that this film will provoke some very interesting discussion. This film, which is entirely directed, written and acted by members of a Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia is in many ways similar to their other film, “Facing the Giants” – which is also in our collection of films. Even if the marginal acting and the predictable ending “put you off” it is worth watching this film. Post-film discussion could focus on whether or not films like these have a positive or negative impact on sharing the gospel. In fact this film and “Facing the Giants” provoked outrage from Christians when the films received PG ratings, not because of any profanities or violence, but because of its spiritual content! Also it might be worth talking about why some Christians praised the film for its positive, family-friendly values, while others condemned it as bad art, a bad story badly told that would only encourage the worst artistic instincts of the evangelicals who saw it.

The story this time concerns a firefighter whose wife of seven years wants a divorce. He is ready to give up on the marriage altogether, but his father gives him a book called The Love Dare and challenges him to follow its steps before throwing in the towel. Since Fireproof has been endorsed by a plethora of marriage ministries, you can pretty much guess how things will turn out. But the directors earn their resolution this time; instead of dropping miracles and messages from God on their characters, they keep the story focused on the Holts and driven by the choices that the Holts make. Put simply, it no longer feels like the filmmakers are "cheating."

A Few New Films for Borrowing

(from the December 2008 Newsletter)

Batman Begins: You might ask yourself, “What is a Batman film doing in a church film collection?” But this excellent film is very relevant to our Christian faith as it explores topics such as justice, revenge and man’s fall into sin. In Batman Begins, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan explores the origins of the legendary Dark Knight. In the wake of his parents’ murders, disillusioned heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. With the help of his trusted butler Alfred, detective Jim Gordon and his ally Lucius Fox Wayne returns to Gotham City and unleashes his alter ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses strength, intellect and an array of high-tech weaponry to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. This film has a PG 13 rating.

Akeelah and the Bee: Akeelah Anderson is a bright eleven-year old with an extraordinary gift for words. Despite her mother’s objections, and with the help of an outspoken professor, her aptitude lands her a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, bringing together her entire community through courage and inspiration. This family friendly film opens discussion on topics such as using our talents, encouragement and perseverance.

Into The Wild: Based on the best selling book by John Krakauer, Into the Wild, this film is inspired by the true story of Chris McCandless a young man who abandons his life of comfort to pursue the freedom of life on the road, a quest that leads him to the Alaskan wilderness and the ultimate challenge of his life. This film explores topics such as forgiveness, suicide and what is true happiness? This film is rated 14A.

Juno: Juno is a charming, quirky, and witty look into the life of a whip-smart 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant after a one-night stand with her boyfriend. And again you might ask yourself, “What is a film about teenage pregnancy doing in a church film collection?” But this excellent film explores some very relevant topics to our Christian faith especially how we relate to today’s society and it’s problems. The film of course provokes discussion about teenage pregnancy and abortion, but most importantly looks at forgiveness and showing grace in difficult situations. The film is rated PG13.

Submitted by PY

The Bible Series DVD's

(from the December 2008 newsletter)

The Church Library has added a small collection of DVD films, "The Bible Series". It consists of four films:

GENESIS - The Creation and the Flood: The story begins with the creation of Man and Woman, the sin committed by Adam and Eve, and the temptation by the snake, which led to their banishment from Paradise. The story continues with the first crime committed by mankind, Cain's murder of his brother, the condemnation of God, mankind's corruption and evil, and God's regret for having created earth. The choice f Noah, a just and upright man, to build the Ark, the flood and its clearing the way for a new mankind, the pact of the eternal Covenant between God and all living beings, are told through the clear and simple words of an old nomad shepherd.

ESTHER: Following the conquest of Babylon, the King of Persia gives a banquet for his people at which he requests the presence of his wife, Vashti. As she refuses the King's demand, Ahasuerus disowns Vashti and goes in search of her replacement. In his harem, he meets the young girl Esther who immediately captivates him with her charm and beauty. Unaware of her Jewish heritage, King Ahasuerus falls in love with Esther. Esther then reveals to Ahasuerus that she is Jewish and asks him to show her people mercy, because of a planned genocide of the Jews by the King's right-hand man, Haman. In doing so, she saves the lives of may innocent people and paves the way for their return to Jerusalem.

JEREMIAH: Jeremiah tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the woman he loves, in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor for warning others of the destruction of the Holy City, he continues fearlessly with his mission. When his prophecy is fulfilled, he experiences first- hand Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians.

SOLOMON: Defeating his older brother, Solomon is crowned King of Israel and rules the land with love, peace and respect. While visiting the city, Solomon meets the beautiful Queen of Sheba and falls in love at first sight. When the time comes for her to return to her homeland, Solomon is unable to convince her to stay. Bereft of her beauty and companionship, he falls into a deep depression, departing from his once idyllic world of peace and luxury while his kingdom threatens to collapse.

The fifth film in the library's new Biblical Films collection, JESUS - The Greatest Story of All Time (2004), was originally produced as a television mini-series for CBS -- which not only retells the biblical story, but takes a look at the more human side of Jesus. While the movie does stray from strict scripture--Jesus is shown feeling conflicted over his feelings for Lazarus's sister Mary; Satan works hard at convincing Jesus to stray from his path--most of the plot will be familiar to viewers. The life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, from His humble beginnings as a carpenter to His destiny as the son of God, are vividly retold in this epic movie event.

The biblically-based films and videos added to the Church Library complements the existing Church Film Ministry. More will be added over time for our church members to enjoy.

-- submitted by MC