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These video resources can be used to teach and demonstrate many aspects of the theology and practice of Christian worship.
To purchase them, click on the link (or visit Amazon.com); some are out of print. Also check your local public or church libraries for availability.
Africa Worship Services. Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and Timothy Institute, 2004. (Available to borrow through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number MRC 1055, record ID 6125)
A recording of two services in Africa. First an Anglican service in Uganda, second a Reformed service in Zambia
Amazing Grace with Bill Moyer. Hymn Society Book Service #617.
One of the most popular and enduring hymns in the English language, "Amazing Grace" has been adapted by scores of performers, from country music to gospel to folk singers. The program features some of these performers as they express what the hymn means to them, includes Judy Collins, Jessye Norman, Johnny Cash, Jean Ritchie, Boys Choir of Harlem.
Ancient-future worship: a model for the 21st century. Wheaton, IL: Institute for Worship Studies, c1999.
In Ancient-future worship you will see the worship of the future: immersed participation of the worshipers, bold pageantry, communal gestures and the rich symbolism of a worship that emphasizes mystery and transcendence
Understanding worship-The ministry of hospitality-Gathering into God's presence- Listening to God through the Word-Offering praise and thanksgiving at the table-Going forth to love and serve the Lord
Architecture for Worship. Luther Productions, 2002. Faith Discovery Series.
For many years, church design fragmented the worshiping community. Forty years ago, architect Ed Sovik believed that worship could be more intimate and meaningful experience if the church were redesigned as a one-room structure. In these 30 minute selections Mons Teig and Carol Frenning offer rich insight into Sovik's "one-room" concept for church architecture.
Baby's Baptism: Sacrament of Welcome Series. Three Parts. St. Anthony Messenger Press, Franciscan Communications.
Part One - Faith Journey #7283A
Looks at the needs of every human being to belong. It invites the parents to reflect on their personal faith journeys and on the nature of the commitment they will be making by requesting baptism for their child. Also traces the history of the sacrament from the time of Jesus to the present day
Part Two - Symbols and The Rite of Baptism #7283B
Explores the power and meaning of symbols in our lives. Using a beautiful dramatization of the rite of baptism for children, Father Scannell reveals the richness of the rite, its symbols, and its implications for the newly baptized, the family and the whole church community.
Part Three - Christian Parenting #7283C
For use after the baptism, reflects the beauties and responsibilities of Christian parenting, including ongoing religious formation. It emphasizes the process of initiation begun in Baptism and culminating in Eucharist.
Baptism When: Infancy or Later? Calvin College, 2000. Inner Compass #101.
Bob Nienhuis, Associate Provost and Biblical studies professor at Cornerstone University, and John Witvliet, who teaches theology at Calvin College and Seminary, consider the symbolism of baptism as seen by both sides. Is there room for both understandings? Compatibility of the two belief systems is becoming more of an issue as switching denominations becomes more common, and Christians find themselves confronted with an understanding of baptism they've never considered before.
Bringing Change to the Church. Calvin College, 2002. Inner Compass #321
When someone says "We're going to do things differently around here," do those words make you cringe or salivate? Most people run for cover. Pastor and social scientist Edward Seely of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has studied this reluctance to embrace change and applied it to the church setting. He tells guest host Karen Saupe what strategies and mindsets people might try when introducing change in churches.
Call To Worship. Volume One. Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church.
This resource enables you to take your Call to Worship to new levels of effectiveness. Ginghamsburg Church has used multimedia in video, graphics, animation, sound and music to effectively communicate to a multisensory culture. These segments can be used throughout your worship celebration experience as well, greatly enchancing the effectiveness of your message.
Chants of Orthodox Easter. American Home Treasures, BFS Entertainment Ltd. Richmond Hill, ON, Canada.
Experience the beautiful melodies of some of the greatest composers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in this concert programme of Orthodox Chants, reflecting the distinctive, traditional art of Russian choral singing.
Chicago Sings: Gospel's Greatest Hymns. Volume One. Tyscot Inc., 1998.
Trinity United Church of Christ Mass Choir sings favorite gospel songs of Joy, Majesty and Power, Pilgrimage, Supplication, and Jesus' Name.
The Craft of Hymn Writing. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL, 1997.
Timothy Dudley-Smith speaks to topics such as: his upbringing, his training as a writer of verse, how he came to write hymns, his working method, writing with a tune in mind, hymnal committees, making change, his favorite hymns and hymn writers.
The Dancing Church Around the World. Tomaso Productions, 2004.
A collection of service recordings that include dancing in their liturgy.
The Dynamic Parish: A Priestly People. Institute for Pastoral and Social Ministry, University of Notre Dame, 1990
Helps members of the Catholic Church become more aware of the liturgical experiences within your parish and the broader church; analyze elements of the liturgy's evolution in the US since Vatican II, defining "full, conscious and active participation."
Engaging Eucharistic Imagesd in Film: Ecclesiological and Liturgical Meanings. Jann Cather Weaver. pg 200-216 in Arts, Theology, and the Church: New Intersections. Edited by Kimberly Vrundy and Wilson Yates. Pilgrim Press. Cleveland, OH. 2005
"This essay examines representations of eucharistic images in two films that traverse a splice of the film industry: an international (British) film, Priest, and an independent African American film, Daughters of the Dust. Each film represents peculiar, distinguishing liturgical eucharistic scenes, calling us to engage the mythic structures of liturgical and ecclesiological practices, eucharistic meaings, and rhythmic/textual legacies through the dpeths of the eucharist."
The Faithful Revolution. Vatican II Productions, Lyrick Studios, 1997. Five Volumes.
More than 30 years ago, Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council a significant event which, to this day, continues to affect the very flow of contemporary human history. Set against a dramatic backdrop of world events, The Faithful Revolution: Vatican II is the first filmed series to document this, its decision and its profound impact on all of humanity. Told through the eyes of many men and women who witnessed this event firsthand, The Faithful Revolution is an important historical documentary for people of all faiths.
Fiesta! Celebrations at San Fernando. NY/Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press.
A taste of how San Fernando Cathedral celebrates during the course of the year, including the Flamenco Mass and the compelling and dramatic services of Holy Week.
Fire in the Pews. Oblate Media and Communication Corporation, 1987.
Focusing on an unique and diverse group, this program looks at what black Catholics share with other U.S. Catholics and at those things which are unique to them.
Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology with R.C. Sproul. Orlando, FL: Ligonier Ministries, c1999. (8 vols., 60 tapes)
v. 7. Tape 1. The church, one and holy-The church, catholic and apostolic-Biblical images of the church-Worship in the church.
v. 7. Tape 2. The sacraments of the church-Baptism-The Lord's Supper.
Freedom and Framework, Spirit and Truth: Recovering Biblical Worship. Calvin College, 2002.
N.T. Wright January Series Plenary
A Helen Kemp Portrait. Garland, TX: Choristers Guild, 2001.
Highlights Helen Kemp's remarkable work with children choirs. This video offers insight into Helen's philosophical and practical approaches to developing beautiful, expressive singing while nurturing the whole child.
A History of the Mass. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2001.
This video traces the evolution of the Mass, showing how it was shaped and reshaped by times and cultures, by theologies and the arts. We see the visual record of our past and hear from witnesses along the way, people who got engaged in conversation about the meaning and celebration of Sunday Mass. [Also available with Spanish subtitles]
Hi-Tech Churches. Calvin College. Inner Compass #502
New technological inventions offer exciting options for churches looking to update and streamline their worship services. If there's enough money in the budget, is that all we need to know? Quentin Schultze of the Calvin College Communication Arts & Sciences dept. and author of High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely, describes to host Shirley Hoogstra how a church can examine the fittingness of such changes for its worship service.
How Shall I Sing to God? Carol Stream, IL: Hope Publishing Company, 1989.
Brian Wren shares his skills and methods and speaks about the place of hymns in worship, a hymnwriter's calling and issues of inclusiveness. Part One: A hymnwriter's view of a hymn. Part Two: discussion with workshop participants. Part Three: Encountering God through language.
How We Seek God Together. Alban Institute, 2001.
Every congregation has a certain "tone" or "feel," because its members do things a particular way. How We Seek God Together identifies and explores congregational worship style, providing a unique resource for congregations seeking to answer the question "Why do we do things the way that we do?"
Inside the Vatican. National Geographic Television, Distrib. Warner Home Video, 2002.
National Geographic, with unprecedented access, provides a rare glimpse inside the secret archives and private chapels of the Vatican. Privileged accounts from Vatican officials, historians, and devoted individuals who work closely with Pope John Paul II provide insight into the remarkable history of the holy city and the unique traditions that have survived for nearly 2000 years.
An Inside Look at the Willow Creek Seeker Service: Show Me the Way. Willow Creek Resources, 1992.
A live worship service at Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Illinois, featuring senior pastor Bill Hybels. Also includes Hybels and programming director Nancy Beach dialoging with teaching pastor Lee Stobel on the philosophy of Willow Creek's seeker service.
Introduction and Sacred Space, Religion as a Window on Culture series (6 vols.). Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL8338 c1998.
Discusses the mixture of faiths that abound in Indianapolis, and the importance of sacred space to each denomination. Visiting several places of worship about the city, we learn how size, decoration (or lack of it), and location confirm the faith's place in history and express the cultural values of its members.
The Iona Community: Today's challenge, tomorrow's hope. Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow, UK. 2001.
The Iona Community is committed to a spirituality of engagement and challenge and continues to thrive as a dispersed group of members, associates and friends from many walks of life based all over the UK and in many other countries.
The Jeweled City: the Cathedral of Chartres. Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL7624. c1995.
The Cathedral of Chartres, built from 1150 to 1220 and widely recognized as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is now a world heritage site. Video offers narrated tour of cathedral, along with a historical portrait of the political and religious fervor of the medieval architects who saw it through to completion.
The Last Supper. Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL6832. c1993.
This historical reenactment examines the Last Supper within the context of the traditional Jewish Passover Seder meal. The event is depicted from food preparation through the moment of Eucharistic offering, and comparisons are made with those dishes is examined, especially as it relates to beliefs and rituals held sacred by two of the world's major religions.
Leading Worship with the Guitar. Aliquippa, PA: Celebration, 1985.
This guitar workshop teaches leadership techniques like how to introduce a song as well as end it, how to use a variety of strums, and how to control the tempo of a song.
Let My People Go: A Journey to Worship. Auckland, NZ: New Sound Publishing Ltd., c2000.
A 40 minute documentary that chronicles the changing expression of worship in the church as seen through the lives of David and Dale Garratt. As pioneers of contemporary Christian music, David and Dale were the driving force behind Scripture in Song which dominated the Christian music scene from the late 60's till the early 90's.
In the early 90's the Garratts began a new journey to call forth the people of the earth to worship the Creator in "Spirit and Truth." This is the remarkable story of their journey and how it has impacted the world. What is worship? What does worship look like? How is it changing throughout the earth? What role does culture play in worship? Do we truly understand how to touch the Father's heart?
Lift Up Your Hearts. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, c1994. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number BX2015.6 .L539 1994, record ID 735)
A documentary of the eucharistic prayer and how it is prayed each week by one Roman Catholic parish.
Liturgies of the Triduum: Easter Vigil. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1999.
Three very different parishes - one in San Jose, one in St. Louis, one in Washington D.C. - allowed LTP to record their celebration of the Vigil. You will hear many parishioners share their wisdom as they keep the great Vigil - with patience, joy, loud enthusiasm and many tears.
The Liturgy that Does Justice. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1995. [One of five in the Preaching the Just Word Video Series.]
Lecture given on the connection between liturgy and justice and the role of liturgy in the process of conversion.
How Firm a Foundation: The First Fifty Years. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1990.
In the fall of 1940, over 1200 persons from all over North America gathered at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago and began a new and important phase in the liturgical movement. That was the first of the Liturgical Weeks. This video is a recording of the anniversary gathering with interviews of the original participants.
Make Your Life a Song to God. Garland, TX: Choristers Guild.
Recording of 50 year anniversary Festival.
The Meaning of Mystery: Baptism and Communion. Louisville, KY: Presbyterian and Reformed Educational Ministry, 1992. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number BX9423 .S33 M439 1992, record ID 1542)
Designed to assist adults and youth to understand the meaning of the sacraments of baptism and communion in the Reformed tradition.
Mine Eyes Have Seen Glory. WTTM/Chicago and Isis Productions Ltd., 1992. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number BR1640 .M5649 1992, record ID 892)
Hosted by Randall Balmer, this three-part series seen nationwide on PBS Television examines Evangelicalism at the grass roots level, uncovering its joys and concerns, its strengths and struggles, its basic motivations and vision of life.
The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven. Rathfarnham, Dublin: Kieron Wood, 1991.
The tridentine mass and how to say/pray it. Fr. Joseph Vallauri, celebrant, St. Paul's Church.
More Than Joyful Noise. Harrisonburg, VA: Mennonite Media Ministries.
Mennonite worship service on video. Musicians lead viewers through services and lives.
Music, Emotion and Worship: Is there anything to fear? Calvin College, 2004.
Jeremy Begbie Plenary
Music in the Liturgy for Small Parishes. Liturgical Press, 1996.
Basic guidelines and suggestions for choosing ritual music in the Church's liturgy.
The Nightingale of Wittenberg. Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL33600. c2004.
Congregational music during worship owes its origins to Martin Luther, who used it to proclaim his bedrock message of the Protestant Reformation: God's grace as the sole ingredient for salvation. This program explains how Luther changed the mode of public worship by integrating music into the divine service so that all Christians could express and celebrate their beliefs.
Nueva vida-Un parroquia celebra el Bautismo infantil/New Life: A Parish Celebrates Infant Baptism. Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training Publications; Allen, TX: Tabor Publications, c1995.
The parish is a "begetting community." Each baptism is a celebration of a new life born into Christ, into Christ's body, the Church. Christ the King Catholic Community in Las Vegas, Nevada, baptizes their infants at Sunday Eucharist. The parishioners are full, conscious, and active participants. [Available in Spanish subtitles only]
On the Street. Volume One. Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, 2004. [Also Vols. Two and Three]
These on the street videos will give your congregation a glimpse into the real world, hearing honest responses to authentic questions.
Playing Together as a Worship Band. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, c2003.
Power of Teams. Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, 1997.
Praying with the Songs of Taize. Ateliers et Presses de Taize, 1996. [See also Taize Video Series below]Using teams to develop media for worship. Taped from the Change Conference.
The songs that originated in the tiny French village of Taize are now known throughout the world. Why have millions of Christians found them so helpful as a pathway into prayer? How did they develop and how are they used at Taize? Can they be used elsewhere? This video answers these questions.
Proclaiming the Word: Formation for Readers in the Liturgy. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1994.
Part One: The faith of the reader; Part Two: The work of the reader. Training lay people to read the liturgy.
The Reason Why We Sing: Community Song with Alice Parker. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Productions, 1995.
Singing is a wonderful thing that human beings do. Why is it sometimes so hard in church? This is for anyone interested in thinking about the vitality of singing in worship. Here's how singing sounds and looks. Here's how it does its work. The viewer enters into songs of our broad Christian heritage.
Re-examining Baptismal Fonts: Baptismal Space for the Contemporary Church. The Order of St. Benedict Inc. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991.
A historical survey and an analysis of contemporary baptismal fonts.
Re-reading the Reform: 30 years of Renewal. Notre Dame Center for Pastoral Liturgy.
Seeing what the Second Vatican Council has changed in liturgy, a organized discussion of transformation.
Religion: A World History: Holy Days. Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL8314. c1998.
Christmas, Easter, Passover, Yom Kippur, Bar or Bas Mitzvah, and other important feasts and rituals of the Christian and Jewish faith are discussed in this program.
Religion: A World History: Sacred Space. Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL8313. c1998.
Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo religious art, along with Christian iconography, are examined as reflections of the religious and political attitudes of the period in which they were created. This program also examines the role of the Christian Orthodox Church and the schism of 1054 that permanently divided its members.
*Say Amen! To What You Are. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, c1994. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number BX2215.2 .S299 1994, record ID 734)
A documentary of the communion rite and how it is prayed each week by one Roman Catholic parish, St. Henry Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sacred Rituals, Sacred Spaces. Princeton, NJ: Films for the Humanities & Sciences #BVL8340. c1998
Discusses the significance of rituals, and the necessity for defined sacred space both traditional and non-traditional. Eucharist, meditation, and others.
The Search for Jesus. ABC Broadcasting, 2000.
Peter Jennings goes to the Holy Land and retraces the footsteps, and the life, of the man known in his day as Jesus of Nazareth. Jennings searches for clues to who the man was, what we can know about his childhood, his brief adult life and the circumstances of his death.
Seeker-sensitive Churches. Calvin College, 2000. Inner Compass #105
What is church and worship for? Believers, or also a chance for others to find out about God? These are questions that people have been examining lately, trying to make church more of a welcoming place. But some worry that church and the Bible is getting watered down too much in an effort to entice people into worship.
Sing and Rejoice: Help for Hymn Singing. Knoxville, TN: Worship Works, 1990. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number MT191.A3 S56 1989, record ID 1190)
Music really does belong to all of us, and yields a unique and wonderful benefit when congregational song is a vital part of worship. Alice Parker talks about and demonstrates creative ideas for congregational singing.
The Songs are Free: Bernice Johnson Reagon and African-American Music. Films for the Humanities and Sciences #BVL6774. c1991 (1997).
In this program, Bernice Johnson Reagon discusses with Bill Moyers how black music has shaped the African American experience and identity.
Taize Video Series. Ateliers et Presses de Taize.
Praying with the songs of Taizé. 1997
Recording of Taize worship and exposition on the same.Meeting Brother Roger (1: Rooted in Love; 2: Servants of Trust). 1994
Brother Roger tells the story of Taizé and of his own life.A Week at Taize. 1999
For youth groups planning to go to Taizé.The Taize Community. 1999
Life at Taizé, the Community and the young adults.Lumen Christ: The Risen Christ. 2000
With images of the Holy Week liturgy at Taizé, reflections on the mystery at the heart of the Christian faith
This is the Night. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1992.
We follow the elect and the candidates from the celebration of the third scrutiny during Lent, through their baptisms and receptions at the Easter Vigil, to Easter Sunday morning.
*Through Jesus Christ: worship and faith. Louisville, KY: Presbyterian Publishing House [distributor], 1992. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number BX9185 .T47 1992, record ID 1246)
A five part study of the relationship between hymns, sacraments, preaching, prayer, space, and the church year in the worship of the Presbyterian Church.
Welcome to Christ: Preparing Adults for Baptism and Discipleship. Division for Congregational Ministries, ELCA, 1998. Augsburg Fortress.
Shows how at the dawn of the 21st century contemporary Christian congregations can organize parish life around the call to make and nurture disciples of Christ. Example of using a contemporary version of catechumenate to prepare adults for baptism or affirmation of such.
When We Sing: Conversations with Alice Parker and Friends. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1994.
A conversation with Alice Parker and friends discovering how music is a manifestation of people's faith today: in new compositions, in the use of existing texts and melodies, in the role that church music must take in a society of listeners.
Why Catholics Do What They Do (In Church). Videos with Values/Oblate Media and Communication Corporation, 2003.
Symbols and signs are essential to the Roman Catholic Liturgy and Ritual. Candles, water, gestures, and crosses are covered in short segments in a way that everyone can appreciate and understand.
*Why Do We Baptize Our Children? Winter Springs, FL: Third Millenium Ministries, c2000.
This lesson promotes mutual understanding and respect among believers, even as they come to different conclusions. The simple but in-depth presentation will benefit new believers and mature believers alike. It provides practical perspectives for all Christians especially for parents of young children.
Work and Pray. Yale Institute of Sacred Music, 2004.
The Benedictine nuns of Regina Laudis, living in simple and secluded devotion in Bethlehem, Connecticut, bear witness to the power of music - and especially the Psalms - to act upon and within individual and collective memories.
World Religions: Pentecostalism. Channel Four Learning Limited/Cambridge Educational.
Historical review and development of Pentecostalism.
World Religions: Russian Orthodox. Channel Four Learning Limited/Cambridge Educational.
Historical review and development of Russian Orthodox Church.
Worship Celebration. Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, 1998.
Easter celebration video-recording.
Worship in the ELCA: Mosaic. ELCA Department of Communication, 2001. (Scroll down to Worship in the ELCA, 2001 Summer Mosaic; watch all 3 videos online)
Worship Wars, Many Faces of Lutheran Worship, A Talk with the Experts.
Worship Is a Verb: A Series of Teaching Seminars. Wheaton, IL: Worship Resources, Inc., c1989. (Available through Ministry Resource Center, Hekman Library, Calvin College; call number BV15 .W3929 1989, record ID 3190)
Winds of change-Our current dilemma-Hebrew roots of Christian worship-Origins of Christian worship-Worship celebrates Christ-The order of worship-In worship God speaks and acts-Worship is an act of communication-In worship we respond to God and to each other-Return worship to the people-Worship and the arts-Worship and space-Worship and time
*Worship Styles, A Matter of Taste? Calvin College, 2002. Inner Compass #211
When churches are torn about whether to update their worship services or stick to tradition, too many decide to literally tear into two services. But does this create more problems than it solves? Theologian and author Marva Dawn and John Witvliet of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship recommend ways around this harmful solution.
Yes, We'll Gather! Singing Hymns with Alice Parker. Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1993.
Observe a small church community and Alice Parker as they explore old and new songs, discover the musical principles of sound and time that make for delightful music making, give good attention to the poetry of the text. Award-winning video.