Resource Center of the Delaware-Maryland Synod
Q. Where is it?
A. Housed permanently at the synod office, 700 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230-3850.
Q. What is it?
A. "The Vineyard" is an extensive collection of print, video, audio and other resources on every aspect of ministry. Each congregation has a complete catalog of available resources. Supplements, in the form of "Fruits for the Picking," are published frequently in the "Visions" leadership packet. Click here to get a taste of some of the many resources your congregation can borrow.
Q. How can I find out what resources are available
Q. Who’s in charge?
A. "The Vineyard" is a ministry of the synod’s Division for Congregational Ministries. Holly Crispell, coordinator for congregational ministries, organizes and maintains "The Vineyard." Call her locally at 410-821-5762; use the synod toll-free number, 800-394-9520; or e-mail her at HCrispell@DeMdSynod.org.
Q. What hours is "The Vineyard" open?
A. Monday through Thursday, 9am to 4pm.
An Overview of Vineyard Policies for Borrowers
Shipping:Resources borrowed from "The Vineyard" can be picked up and/or returned either by mail or in person.Faxing:1) In person, resources may be picked up and returned to the synod office, located at 700 Light St., Baltimore, during the hours listed above.2) By mail, each user is expected to cover the costs of shipping and handling both ways. Call "The Vineyard" office for costs for specific resources. Shipping and handling is at least doubled for items that need to be sent first class because of time limitations, so please reserve well in advance! Payment may be made by personal check, money order, or church drawn check, written payable to "Delaware-Maryland Synod." For specific prices for shipping resources, call 410-230-2860 or 800-869-5492.
Please plan ahead. We will not fax study guides or any other materials from "The Vineyard."Overdue Resources:
The Advisory Committee of "The Vineyard" has the expectation that resources will be returned on or before their due date. A letter will be sent when resources are overdue. When the resources become two weeks overdue from the date of the letter, $1 per resource per working day will be charged and will accumulate until the day the resources are shipped. Unfortunately, this charge is necessary to partially offset the expense incurred by the synod in following up on overdue resources.Lost Resources:
The borrower, or the congregation of the borrower, is responsible for replacing all lost items. Items are considered lost at two months past the due date.Financial Responsibility:
Congregations are financially responsible for items borrowed by their individual members and pastors. All members and pastors of congregations who do not remit shipping payment or fines or who do not replace lost items will lose all further borrowing privileges until their financial obligations to "The Vineyard" are met. However, members and pastors of negligent congregations will still be able to examine resources at the synod office only.
As Advent and Christmas approach, your congregation will discover many seasonal resources available in "The Vineyard." There are many choral, organ and handbell pieces to look at, as well as children?s programs, craft projects, worship helps, and family resources.
Recent additions to the "Vineyard" by month
Print Resources
- 101 Creative Worship Ideas for Children’s Church (1941)
- Ideas to spark singing, prayer, movement and worship. Includes devotions, object lessons, Bible stories, puppet scripts and more. 1995
- America’s Original Sin (1601)
- A study guide on white racism for use with adult groups. 1992
- Just Family Nights: Activities to Keep Your Family Together [in a World Falling Apart] (1827)
- Formats for 60 nights, with games, songs, sharing, reading and other activities. 1994
- New Songs of Rejoicing (1989)
- Collection of 171 contemporary hymns. 1994
- Unplug the Christmas Machine (1824; leader’s guide, 1825)
- Suggestions and exercises to create celebrations which decrease the commercialization of Christmas. 1991
- Unshakable Kingdom: A Study of Hebrews (1476)
- Resource book and leader guide exploring the New Testament book. 1993
- Who is Jesus? (1836)
- A curriculum resource for grades 9-12 exploring questions of faith and life. 1991
- Awakening: CMI of the ELCA (1731)
- A video workshop exploring how changes in culture and attitudes may be affected your congregation’s ministry. 1994
- Communicating Moral Values (1716)
- A video course including instructions, transparencies and a leader’s script to discuss values with youth of various ages. 1991
- Davey and Goliath: The Family of God (1469)
- Popular characters from tv explore the meaning of First Communion. 1990
- How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshiping Nature (1465)
- Popular speaker Anthony Campolo talks about becoming responsible stewards of God’s creation. 1990
- Light in the Darkness (1740)
- Movement artists tell the story of the last week of Jesus’ life.
- Mouse in the Manger (1829)
- For children in grades 1-3, the story of a runaway mouse who learns lessons about friendship during his travels.
- Not Without Hope (1744)
- Six sessions of Bible study and discussion guides to explore natural disasters and personal tragedies and their relationship to Christian faith.
A sampling of seasonal children?s programs: [catalog number in brackets]
- Children Know [1898]
- Christmas musical to be presented by grades 1-3 and/or 4-6. Story of Jesus? birth told through fictional characters. 1991
- Christmas Everywhere [1948]
- Two-part book. Part I: activities for the four Sundays of Advent, for use with whole church. Part II: pageant about how Christmas is practiced in different lands. 1994
- Christmas Sampler [1870]
- Scriptures, stories, songs, and poems. Pieces can be used for Christmas programs, at home, and in worship services. 1991
- Code Red: A Youth Musical [2233]
- Christmas music with strong evangelical theme. 50 minutes. 1996
- Come Hear the Story: Christmas Program Resource [1078]
- Helps congregations plan Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany celebrations for church and Sunday school. 1992
- Creative Ideas for Advent [1953]
- Special programs, plays and worship ideas; divided into all-church activities, children?s and youth activities. 1980
- Enchanted Tree [1995]
- Preview kit of stewardship program for use during Advent.
- Music of Bethlehem: A Christmas Program for Children [1071]
- Costumed characters create a living picture of the nativity as the Gospel is told. 1992
- Once Upon a Night: A Unison Christmas Cantata [1879]
- Designed for children?s choirs, grades 1-3 and/or 4-6. About 22-25 minutes. 1979
- That Special Night [812]
- Christmas service for children. 1990
- To You Is Born [832]
- Six speaking parts, scripture readings, hymns. Children discover that they are much like the people in the original Christmas. 1989
- Wonder of Christmas [1880]
- Music designed for unison and two-part choir and congregation.
Christmas Resources - General A sampling of other resources [catalog number in brackets]
- Anthem Releases for Christmas 1996 [2425 with CD; 2251 with audio cassette]
- Packet of choral music for review and purchase. 1996
- Before and After Christmas [47]
- Book with info about history/traditions of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany; symbols and their meanings; activities for each day up to Epiphany. 1991
- Behold the Christ [1972]
- A liturgy for social justice and the Advent of our God. Includes audio tape. 1993
- Christmas Book [1892]
- 12 sacred and secular Christmas selections for 2-3 octave handbells. 1978.
- Concordia Hymn Prelude Series [1637, 1638, 1639, 1640, 1641]
- These volumes cover Advent (1 and 2), Christmas (2, 3, 4) and Epiphany (5). 1986
- Customs of Christmas [181]
- Twelve Christmas ornaments representing seasonal customs from around the world. 1990
- From the Realms of Glory [2231]
- Christmas work featuring choir and narrator; perfect for small to mid-size choir. CD included. 1996
- God?s Gifts to Us [303]
- Three-dimensional Advent calendar and devotional booklet. 1989
- Reclaiming Christmas [1830]
- Packet to help people of faith to reclaim Christmas as a holy day. 1994
- Sent by the Lord: Songs of the World Church [1910]
- Selection of songs from around the world, including the first Canadian Christmas carol to a recent Zimbabwean protest song. Includes audio cassette. 1990
- Stories of Christmas Carols [2459]
- Stories behind 12 best-loved Christmas hymns. 1996
December listing of newly acquired resources from "The Vineyard" resource center. [Catalog number]
- A Companion for Your Way: The Small Catechism [2276]
- Course for Grades 8 and 9. Explore our relationship with God through four units: Word and Sacraments, the Lord?s Prayer, the Apostles? Creed, and the Ten Commandments. 1990
- A Good Time to be the Church [2277]
- By Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson. Q&A format to help readers clarify their own beliefs and discover ways to share the Christian faith with others. Can serve as study guide, with questions for reflection/discussion, along with suggested prayers and hymns. 1997
- Courage to Change: Young Adults Volunteer! [2298]
- Video for young adults and older adults. Focuses on people transforming lives through volunteer service.
- Young Marrieds: Building a Lifetime Foundation [2305]
- A course to help young marrieds strengthen their relationship by learning and sharing together. 1995
- Core Values: Changing from the Inside Out [2306]
- A course providing seven truths from Scripture to challenge your thinking about morality, spirituality, relationships, choices, etc. 1995
- Stressed Out: The Things that Hound You [2307]
- A course to help you deal with stress in your life. 1995
- Couples: Making a Good Marriage Better [2309]
- A course highlighting 7 skills for effective communication. 1995
- Support and Recovery Group: Training Manual [2317]
- Guide to support and recovery groups. 1992
- Parents in Pain: When Your Child Breaks Your Heart [2318]
- Book for group session on topics like family differences, lost influence, facing rejection, taking a stand, anger and violence, and hope. 1996
- A series of guides to adult courses from Serendipity Focus Group and Focus Series:
- Parenting: Not Just a Stroll in the Park [2279]
Seven stages of family life. 1994
- Troubles: Keeping the Alligators at Bay [2280]
Dealing with life?s troubles. 1994
- Jesus: Up Front and Personal [2281]
The life of Christ. 1995
- Warfare: Overcoming the Dragon [2282]
Spiritual conflicts. 1994
- Man to Man: Beyond Football and the Weather [ 2283]
Men?s issues. 1994
- Woman to Woman: Beyond Stereotypes and Status [2284]
Women?s issues. 1995
- Marketplace: Surviving in the Real World [2285]
Business issues. 1994
- Relationships: Becoming a Caring Community [2286]
Christian fellowship. 1994
- Whol-I-Ness: Holy, Wholly, Holey [2287]
7 dimensions of a whole person. 1995
- Basics: Confirming What I Believe [2299]
Basics of the Christian faith. 1995
- Gifts and Calling: Targeting Your Passion [2300]
Using your talents to fulfill your calling. 1995
- Self-Portrait: Taking Inventory of Yourself [2308]
Values, personality, obstacles, beliefs, fears, dreams, etc. 1995
- Singles: The Secret Behind the Smile [2315]
Discussion of common issues for singles. 1995
- Troubles: Keeping the Alligators at Bay [2280]
- A series of guides to adult courses in the Serendipity Support Series:
- Parents of Adolescents: The Hopes and the Hassles [2301]
Remember what it was like to be a teen? 1995
- Healthy Love: Loving Others, Loving Myself [2302]
1995
- Parents of Preschoolers: From Car Seats to Kindergarten [2303]
Strategies to help families learn how to adjust to changes when children are born. 1995
- Empty Nesters: Moving on to the Second Half [2304]
New things to be expected when facing an empty nest. 1995
- Pressure Cooker: Stressed and Ready to Blow [2311]
13 sessions on stress management. 1995
- Single Parents: Making It on My Own [2313]
Making it all work. 1995
- Career Assessment: Where?s My life Going? [2313]
13 sessions on job frustration. 1996
- 12 Steps: The Path to Wholeness [2314]
13 sessions on the Road to Recovery. 1995
- Streams in the Desert: Relieving Spiritual Dryness [2316]
1996
- Healthy Love: Loving Others, Loving Myself [2302]
- A series of guides for youth courses in the Serendipity Youth Identity Series:
- Up Close: Whom Am I? [2288]
Topics like uniqueness, personality, faith, values. 1996
- Pressures: Avoiding Wipeout (7 Things That Bring You Down) [2289]
Stress, peer pressure, sexual desires, expectations, moral issues. 1996
- Beginnings: Starting Out My Christian Life [2290]
Systematizing spiritual growth. 1996
- Belonging: Hangin? Together [2291]
7 keys to true friendship. 1996
- Confirmation: Getting Serious (7 Fundamentals in the Christian Faith) [2292]
Apostles? Creed overview. 1996
- Coach?s Book: For 101 Youth Identity Series [2297]
Teachers? guide for every session in Youth Identity Series. 1996
- Pressures: Avoiding Wipeout (7 Things That Bring You Down) [2289]
- A series of guides in the Serendipity Youth Bible Study Series
- Hassles: Problems That Hit Home [2293]
7 sessions on family and dating. 1994
- Choices: Dare to be Different [2294]
7 sessions on morality. 1994
- Challenge: Climbing Higher [2295]
7 sessions on discipleship. 1994
- Hot Issues: Hard Core [2296]
7 sessions on current topics like racism, gangs, violence, drugs, depression, suicide, lust, pornography, cults, Satanism. 1994
- Choices: Dare to be Different [2294]
January listing of newly acquired resources from "The Vineyard" resource center. [Catalog number]
- Grief & Loss: Hope in the Midst of Pain [2319]
- Guide in Serendipity Support Series for adults. 1995.
- Divorce Recovery: Picking up the Pieces [2320]
- Resource book for an adult course on topics relating to divorce. 1995.
- Healing the Inner Child: Letting Christ Heal the Past [2321]
- Resource book for adult course focusing on healing from life as part of a dysfunctional family. 1995.
- Success and Failure (Edition 20) [ 2322]
- Video for youth on how to handle both success and failure.
- Racism [2323]
- Video for adults.
- Rough Edges [2324]
- Video for young adults on how the real meaning of Christmas can help a troubled family.
- Making the Connections - Lutherans 2010 [2326]
- Video for adults on presentation of Walt Kallestad and Gordon Lathrop to ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Chicago. 1994.
- Mary Had a Baby. Amen! [ 2327]
- Animated video for preschoolers to third graders of the Christmas story, told by Simon the rhyming mouse.
- The Story Keepers: The Christmas Episode [2328]
- Video for youth presenting the story of Ben the Banker and his family in the year AD 64 in Rome. 1996.
- Choices: New Concepts in Ministry in the 21st Century [2329]
- Video for adults examining some of the trends and shifts in congregations reinventing themselves for the future.
- Restored! Profiles and Strategies for Innovative, Relevant Urban Ministry [2330]
- Adult video: five panel discussion segments and two interactive video workshops.
- Step by Step: Full Participation in Church and Community for All of God?s Children [2333]
- Intergenerational video and study guide to inspire congregations to begin the process of full participation of differently abled people. 1996.
- StoryBarn: Stories and Songs About. . .
- A series of videos for children in which storytelling and songs come together to entertain and teach kids lessons about life. 1995.
Family and Food [2334]
Friendship and Honesty [2335]
Forgiveness and Sharing [2336]
Lost and Found and Choices [2337]
Changes and Miracles [2338]
Wisdom and Kindness [2339]
February listing of newly acquired resources from "The Vineyard" resource center. [Catalog number]
- The Stewardship of All Life [2340]
- Adult study course, including study guide and video, on five important stewardship concerns reflected in the Bible and Reformed theology.
- In the Beginning [2341]
- Set of three videos from the Book of Genesis (Revised Standard Version): The Creation, Acts of Faith, and the Roots of Israel.
- A Late Frost: Reflections on Aging [2342]
- Video with discussion items included
- A Beginner?s Guide to Studying the Bible [2343]
- Book for all ages about how to use Bible "tools" such as commentaries and concordances; describes basic methods; etc. 1991.
- A Beginner?s Guide to Reading the Bible [2344]
- Book for all ages with overview of Bible content, description of how Old and New Testaments were formed, discussion of some common English translations, etc. 1991.
- A Beginner?s Guide to the Books of the Bible [2345]
- Book for all ages with easy-to-understand introduction to all 66 books. 1991.
- Ice Breakers and Heart Warmers [2346]
- 101 ways to kick off and end meetings for adults. 1994.
- Narcotics Anonymous [2347]
- Introductory booklet. 1993.
- Drug and Alcohol Information Referral Booklet [2348]
- Adult studies book: facts about various drugs, guidelines on talking to teens and children, info about addition and recovery, discussion of drugs in the workplace, list of Maryland drug laws, resource list, etc.
- Beginnings: Six Session for Spiritual Beginnings [2349]
- Book for adult course on getting acquainted and sharing your spiritual journey. 1996.
- Six Sessions. . .
- Series of courses for small groups.
All Aboard: Six Sessions for Kicking off a Group. 1996. [2350]
Women: Six Sessions for Starting a Women?s Group. 1994. [2351]
Couples: Six Sessions for Starting a Couples Group. 1995.[2352]
Men: Six Sessions for Starting a Men?s Group. [2353]
Welcome: Six Sessions for Getting Involved in Your Church. 1995. [2354] - Reading the Bible Book by Book [2355]
- Introductory study guide to the books of the Bible with Apocrypha. 1988.
- Families. . .
- Series of six videotapes on the family with leader?s guides. 1986.
Families and Boundaries. Vol. 1. [2356]
Atmosphere and Roles. Vol. II. [2357]
Rules and Faithfulness. Vol. III. [2358]
Affirmation and Confrontation. Vol. IV. [2359]
Problem Solving and Forgiveness. Vol. V. [2360]
Consolations and Rules. Vol. VI. [2361] - Good News - The Big Picture.
- Curriculum series of 15 sessions for each for each age group. 1997.
Age 2, Term A. Trusting and Caring. [2397]
Age 3, Term B. God, Jesus and Me. [2363]
Pre-K, Kindergarten, People and Relationships.Year 1, Term B. [2364]
Grades 1 & 2, People and Places.
Year 2, Term B. [2368]Year 1, Term B. [2365]
Grades 3 & 4, People and Places.
Year 2, Term B. [2369]Year 1, Term B. [2366]
Grades 5 & 6. Blessing and Belonging.
Year 2, Term B. [2367]Year 1, Term B. [2362]
Year 2, Term B. [2370] - Genesis: Creation, Choices, and Consequences [2372]
- Adult curriculum focusing on Genesis 1-11. 1997.
- Life in the Promised Land: God?s People from Generation to Generation [2373]
- Adult curriculum focusing on God?s promise of the land. 1997.
- Jeremiah: God Calls a Servant 2374]
- Adult curriculum focusing on Jeremiah and Christian discipleship.
- Journal [2375]
- Adult curriculum helping participants develop a journal of how God?s word speaks to them. 1997.
- Psalms: Find Yourself in the Psalms [2377]
- Hymn and prayer book of the Bible for adults. 1997.
- The Gospel of John: Conversations with Jesus [2378]
- Adult curriculum which highlights a feature of a biblical character in his or her relationships with Jesus and how that feature shapes our own lives. 1997.
- Acts: See God?s Amazing Grace [2379]
- Adult curriculum exploring Acts. 1997.
- Worship Wordbook [2380]
- Reference book defining over 500 words and phrases associated with Lutheran worship. 1995.
- Bible Time Line [2381]
- A beautifully illustrated poster to help students put history into perspective. 1995.
- On-line with God: Christians at Prayer [2382]
- Resource packet from 1996 Lutheran summer camps, including pamphlets to help families share their children?s camp experience. 1996.
- 101 Ways to Live the Good News with Kids [2383]
- A mini-poster to help parents nurture their children.
- Concordance to Hymn Texts [2384]
- Alphabetical list of major words in each stanza of each hymn in the Lutheran Book of Worship. 1985.
- A Vision for Living in a New Century [2385]
- Adult study set, including resource book, audiocassette, and leader?s guide, exploring ageless questions of faith and life by using the Gospel of Luke. 1997.
- Songs of Zion [2387]
- Adult hymn book containing 250 songs from the Black religious tradition. 1981.
- Set Free [2388]
- Collection of African hymns; English texts, some Swahili. Many in four-part choral style.
- Brazilian Songs of Worship [2389]
- 1989.
- Threads of Joy [2390]
- Multicultural hymn book. 1992.
- Celebrating God?s Hospitality [2391]
- Resource book to create four intergenerational meals focusing on important hunger and justice themes. 1997.
- The Use of the Means of Grace [2392]
- ELCA statement on the practice of Word and Sacrament. 1997.
- A Social Statement: For Peace in God?s World [2393]
- Social statement on peace. Approved in 1995 at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
- Using the ELCA?s Social Statement, "For Peace in God?s World," in Your Congregation [2394]
- Study guide for adults for five one-hour sessions. 1996.
- Give Us This Daily Bread [2395]
- A study for adults to understand how economic issues interrelate with how we live out our Christian faith. 1996.
- Women Healing and Empowering [2396]
- Small group resource for women who are suffering from domestic abuse. 1996.
- ELCA 1997 Youth Gathering Promo [2398, 2399, 2400]
- Video to introduce youth to "River of Hope," the New Orleans churchwide youth gathering. 1997.
- Adventure Fair: God?s Kids in Action
- Video [2401] and sample kit [2402] introducing 1997 Vacation Bible School materials.