Educational screen & audio-visual guide (c1956-1971])

I endeavor — missions, general Christian education, leadership education, stewardship, etc. One of the strongest penetrations of the local congregational program came through the excellent stewardship films prepared by the Lutheran Laymen's Movement. Dr. Henry Endress has spearheaded the movement begun in 1950 to supply top-quality, 30 to 50 » minute modern-story films to interpret stewardship in its broadest aspects. Such films as And Now I See, Like a Mighty Army, For Good or Evil, and Salt of the Earth have been used widely in the United Lutheran Church (on a free rental basis initially) and throughout all Protestantism (on a rental basis). One film, 45 Tioga Street, was jointly sponsored by the Lutheran Laymen's Movement and the Board of Parish Education as part of a churchwide, year-long emphasis on the effective use of the Bible. Excellent new color filmstrips and films depict both the quiet glory and the constant needs of our overseas missionary work. From the earliest efforts of zealous missionaries with inadequate equipment and little "knowIiow" in scripting, to the current professionally scripted and professionally produced films and filmstrips, the two agencies most concerned (The Board of Foreign Missions and the United Lutheran Church Women) have kept pace with audio-visual developments and opportunities. Whereas ten years ago the audio-visuals for missionary education were provided free, or for an offering, the newer and more realistic pattern of distribution is on a sale or rental basis. One of the most creative and novel approaches to picturing the foreign field is the picture-story "paper filmstrip," developed during the past three years and related to the Epiphany appeal of the Board of Foreign Missions. Many synods (over half of the thirtytwo) now furnish many of the better filmstrips to their own churches free or for a very low service charge. A newer philosophy in the use of audio-visuals is beginning to take hold throughout our Church. .Although much has been written about how to use effectively audio-visuals in the church, it is only recently that I sense a "turn in the road." We are beginning to understand these aids as resources for the broader purposes of Christian education and for the communication of the Gospel. Congregations are slowly learning that films, filmstrips, slides, and other audio-visual material should not stand alone or work alone, but be teamed with other means of reaching the whole person with the whole message of the church. Forthcoming AV's A recent (Feb.-Mar.) issue of the Broadcasting and Film Commission's "News" reports BFC at work on a NearEast mission study film. The Temptation, for the Joint Committee on Missionary Education. Refugees, a film for Church World Service, is also in process, with work in Austria and Hungary finished; with crews in Korea and Hongkong, and the final .Arab refugees section slated for work about when you read this. The Department of Stewardship, and its cooperating members, is working on a film, Split Level Family, a promising treatment of stewardship from the angle of the whole family. Just getting into their very early stages are these productions: A new kit of sound filmstrips for leaders of youth for 1958 release; a film on "Christian Concern for North American Neighbors" for early '58; Drought, tentative working title of film on Arab refugee problems for Church World Service and perhaps ready by summer. Periscoping denominational production effort, the following loom on the AV horizon: The Church of the Brethren is planning a sound and color filmstrip. The Family Council, to encourage family worship, councils, and consultations. The Church of God is about ready to release a 30-minute sound and color film. Against the Tide, depicting the struggle Japanese Christians must make when they break with Buddhism. Nondenominational in approach and content, it will be an asset to the forthcoming study of Japan by the churches. The Disciples of Christ plan the release of a sound and color film on Africa which will show the principles and concepts that guide contemporary missionary work in the Congo. The Evangelical Lutheran Church is releasing a new filmstrip on training workers for the Every Member Canvass. The Evangelical United Brethren has produced. Church of Christ in Japan, a sound and color film with interdenominational usefulness. The Methodist Church has projected three films in a series. Land of Decision, spelling out the need for a new missionary approach in three typical areas Belgian Congo, Japan, and Bolivia. Decision in Hongkong, a sound and color film for youth and adults, was jointly produced by the Evangelical and Reformed and The Presbyterian USA churches. The Reformed Church in America is now planning a filmstrip on the history of theological education from the Reformation to the present. The United Church of Canada has completed two color filmstrips on Africa, Copperbelt Calling and Into a Larger Life, which have interdenominational character and usefulness. Now released, or soon to be: Prisoner Triumphant, a 20-minute 16mm color film telling the thrilling story of Sara Perkins, formerly superintendent of nurses in the Douw Hospital, Peking. A real personality film. From Presbyterian Distribution Service, 156 Fifth Ave., N. Y. 10, at a rental of J5.00 (to be reviewed). Two more releases in Family Films' "Living Parable" series: Two Sons and iMilKHIli'rwYi*^*!! wW;rt»Ba!a^<ii)»yp.„^^ for perfect darkening of any size window! j FORSE DARKENING SHADES & DRAPERIES Made of finest fabrics Custom-made, any size Complete, ready for installation 9 Guaranteed for ten years Used by schools everywhere Draperies in decorative colors Mjjj^^f.iKwSC.";'**^*'****'**''''*^''**"'*'" .-««<*—■'' FREt Fabric Samples; Complete Information; Price Schedules . . . V/rite for "Shade" or "Drapery" Literature OR BOTH. tytAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY 2349 SULLIVAN AVE. ST. LOUIS 7, MISSOURI EdScreen & AV Guide — May, 1 957 253