2008 Mission Studies

The study deals with four key components, namely (a) the gift of faith in Jesus Christ,  b) the meaning of faith in Jesus, (c) whose faith counts and (d) faith in Jesus in a post-modern world.  The Wesleyan Quadrilateral provides us a means for our prayerful consideration of who Jesus is for us and the world. The witness of Jesus, as someone who loved all persons, must be the model of our discipleship.  

The purposes of this study are to learn about the inter-relatedness between the indigenous peoples and their land, to identify selected key issues affecting the Native Americans in the United States and to examine the root causes of these issues, to understand and appreciate the “Give Away” culture of the Native Americans in the areas of spirituality, ecology, language, story-telling, food, and to lead the participants to act as responsible US citizens and Christians in accompaniment and solidarity with Native Americans.  

I Believe in Jesus, by Bishop Minerva G. Carcano renews minds and hearts to the gift of faith in Jesus Christ and the meaning of faith; answers questions relating to exercising faith in Jesus in today's world. Study guide by Glory Dharmaraj.

I'm Living the Faith - Youth Spiritual Growth Study Text, by Jay Godfrey and Alison Lutz challenges youth to consider how their faith in Jesus informs how they engage their world by reflecting on their own faith journey, their Wesleyan heritage, and the diverse global Christian community. Study guide included.
 

Giving Our Hearts Away:  Native American Survival , by Thom White Wolf Fassett with Study Guide by Brenda Connelly. Told from Native American perspective, this mission study provides historical narrative of America's native people; past issues, survival, ongoing challenges

Creator Sang a Welcoming Song: Native America for Children - Leader's Guide by Ray Buckley. Through this four-study session, children will learn something of Native histories and cultures and discover the "Welcoming Song" that the Creator sings for them and for all God's children.

Walking in These White Man Shoes:  Youth Explore Native America - Leader's Guide by Ray Buckley. In this four-session study, youth are invited to walk with Native people as they hear the story of where Native people have walked, where they are walking now, and how they walk with God.

North American Indian Reference Map - This informative and illustrative map displays the history and evolution of Native Americans at the time of the first European contact; the story, history, leaders, innovations and culture of North American Indians. Published by National Geographic.

Stories from the Circle of Life - DVD - Narratives of Native Americans explore faith journeys, integration of culture into faith and life, issues confronting communities historically and today, and lessons for all God's people. Includes audiobook of Giving Our Hearts Away by Thom Fassett.

Response Magazine - April 2008 Issue - The April 2008 issue of Response has a variety of articles related to the Native American mission study.

Israel and Palestine, by Steve Goldstein with Study Guide by Sandra Olewine. This study will help the participants to learn about the history and complexities of relationships between Israel and Palestine. We will explore and understand the concepts of security and freedom that dominate the lives of these peoples.

2008 Update to be written by Sandra Olewine (Not yet available)