As obvious as it sounds, climate change affects everybody.
But climate change is already having a disproportionate impact on people in developing countries, and it's hitting women hardest.

It's not the easiest idea to understand, so to help explain, view the DVD "Sisters On The Planet", highlighting women in both rich and poor countries, who are determined to do whatever they can to put a stop to climate change.

Watch them and become aware of the impact our changing climate is having on people's lives. And be inspired to join the fight against climate change too.

A perfect resource for your UMW programming needs!

Peace with Justice is a faithful expression of shalom in the Bible. It calls the church to "strengthen its capacity to advocate publicly in communities and nations" throughout the world. The Peace with Justice program aims to make shalom visible and active in people's lives and communities by setting people free from bondage. We will celebrate peace with justice when all people have access to adequate jobs, housing, education, food, health care, income support and clean water. We will further celebrate when structures and systems that reflect economic exploitation, war, political oppression and cultural domination no longer exist.
The Old Testament speaks of God's sovereignty in terms of covenant, more particularly the "covenant of peace" with Israel, which binds that people of God's shalom (Isaiah 54:10; Ezekiel 37:20). In the covenant of shalom, there is no contradiction between justice and peace or between peace and security or between love and justice (Jeremiah 29:7). In Isaiah's prophecy, when "the spirit is poured upon us from on high," we will know that these laws of God are one and indivisible: "Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places" (Isaiah 32:16-18, NRSV).
The MARC office houses the Peace with Justice Library (formerly located at GR Trinity UMC), a collection of 63 books and videos. For a complete listing of these resources, contact Betsy Weems in MARC at marc@wmcumc.org.
For additional information on Peace with Justice Ministries, visit the web page on the West Michigan Conference website at www.westmichiganconference.org, or contact Ellen Brubaker, West Michigan Conference Peace with Justice Coordinator.

A new documentary on Immigration and Human Trafficking. Lives for Sale goes beyond the rhetoric to show why immigrants are willing to risk everything - even virtual slavery - for the American Dream.
While politicians, activists and the media wrestle with the thorny issue of immigration, this new investigative documentary exposes the painful, rarely seen human side of illegal immigration; especially the growing black market trade in human beings.
Study guide included on DVD

About half of all service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are members of the National Guard or Reserves, which means they return to their home communities and churches after deployment - and often churches do not know how they can help.
"How they reenter daily life after combat is a significant question for local churches," quotes the Rev. Tom Carter, director of endorsement and pastoral care for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry's United Methodist Endorsing Agency.
"Many resources have been developed and provided for churches, but this DVD, produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. is the best that I have seen," Carter said. "The DVD, developed as workshop resources for congregations or individuals, provides background information of the issues of serving in combat and practical ways for individuals or congregations to reach out in love and support."
This resource can be used in workshops for pastors, caregivers, or as an adult Sunday school. Although much attention is given to physical injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder, there are many other issues that face service members returning from combat. The local church can play an important role in making returning service members feel welcomed back into their communities.
What has your congregation done to support those who have been willing to risk their life in support of your way of life?
Includes:
- Veterans' issues and the military experience
- Psychological issues
- Moral and Spiritual Impact
- Family Impact
- Resources and Programs

Increased incidences of obesity, type II diabetes, learning and developmental disabilities, fertility challenges, and other health concerns all happen to have links to chemicals in the places we work, worship, and play. As people of faith we have a commitment to ensuring that the health of God's people and Creation are protected.
Presented by The National Council of Churches and National Religious Partnership on the Environment this resource, through a combination of interviews and narrative, will whet the appetite of any individual or group exploring a faith-based response to the health and safely of our environments: home, schools, playgrounds, etc. Accompanied by a study guide; perfect for an adult study class!

Glenn Olson, founder of Safety NET Kids Bullies program, teaches children the importance of building good friendships, how to respond to threats and physical abuse; and how to handle name-calling by instilling confidence with the aid of fun games and high energy content!

Listen to Adam Hamilton, Pastor of Resurrection UMC in Leawood, Kansas, in his Feb. 2009 "When Christians Get It Wrong" series as he addresses the issue of how our society treats/views homosexuals. This video does not deal with his thoughts on the issue of whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong, but instead focuses on how we engage with that particular segment of our population in a negative unscriptural manner. Adam Hamilton offers "What Would Jesus Do?"

We've all been there. Someone who is obviously poor or homeless approaches you and asks for money. What do you do? Do you give money knowing there's a good chance it will be used on drugs or alcohol or do you say "no" or even ignore the person as you walk by? No one wants to be a sucker in these situations, but at the same time Jesus' call to help the poor echoes in our hearts and minds. Servant or Sucker? will help viewers discern appropriate, Christ-centered actions when it comes to addressing poverty on a personal or organizational level. It includes the realities of poverty such as the concepts of time, relationships, money and values; a "poverty tour"; interviews with those who are homeless or poor; interviews with those who have helped and/or have been suckered; and steps you can take to be an effective servant without getting suckered. Leaders guide included on DVD.

5 sessions include:
1. The Dilemma
2. Why Do People Beg?
3. An Individual's Response
4. Making Compassionate Decisions
5. Churches and Organizations' Response

JustFaith, a thirty-week adult educational and formational process, offers an opportunity for people of faith to embark upon a spiritual journey into compassion. Most of us long to be a generous and compassionate people. However, occasions to explore this tradition in a deliberate and engaging way have largely not been available. JustFaith provides a lively and challenging format to read, view, discuss, pray, experience and be formed by the justice tradition that changes lives, inspires faithful witness, and transforms the world through love and service. JustFaith is an extensive, conversion-based process that provides a context in which participants can grow in their commitment to care for the vulnerable and to become advocates for justice, and serves to strengthen the growing commitment of churches to be agents of social transformation, mercy and compassion. The JustFaith program has been offered in over nine hundred churches from a variety of denominations in thirty-seven states throughout the country.

This kit contains all the resources (23 books and videos) needed for teaching the JustFaith class. Participants will need to purchase individual copies of each book, available through Sowers Books. Videos are for in class viewing. Optimum class size is limited to 10-12 students.

For more information about the JustFaith program, visit www.justfaith.org, or email at: info@justfaith.org.

Does God really condemn loving homosexual relationships? Is the chasm separating Christianity from gays and lesbians too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? These questions and more are raised in this documentary as it chronicles the stories of five Christian, American families- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson. Discover how some people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child or family member, the painful experiences they navigate through, and the peace they find in coming to terms with their own misconceptions.