Film and Radio Guide (Oct 1945-Jun 1946)

December, 1945 FILM AND RADIO GUIDE 35 available today for any church to launch an extensive program of projected visual aids, including features to coordinate in such a program as a Religionand-Life Film Series. The church-school curriculum, furthermore, lends itself well to the use of films and slides. Films can be used to stimulate discussion for older groups, to interpret Bible study for younger children, and also for review purposes. Even films that may not be “A-1” in photography and content can be used to emphasize some significant lesson. Most churches have a Vacation Church School as part of the church activity. Here again, there are many excellent films that have a strong appeal to children. The films used should, obviously enough, be integrated with the unit of study. For example, a unit on The World’s Children, makes possible the use of such films as Navajo Children, Eskimo Children, and others. Though these films are not religious in content, yet they have a place in the church curriculum— for they bring to children an appreciation of people of other races. That is a significant aspect of religious education. In the field of missionary education, many silent films have a wide use. Films taken at mission stations bring back to local churches pictures of life as it is lived on missions. Through the use of such films of missionary education in the church, there will inevitably result a renewed interest and understanding of the world mission of the church. We can read about the work of the church in the various parts of the world, but when we have before us pictures that were taken of the actual work in those areas, the mission interest takes on new vitality. A School of Mis Rev. Chorles W. Dobbertin, Minister of the Methodist Church at Allegan, Michigan. sions lends itself well to the use of films, both silent and sound. Such a school is usually held for a period of 4 weeks, meeting one night a week with a motion picture as the basis of each lesson. Young people find in the motion picture and the slide an appeal that makes their meetings interesting. It is easier to “put across” the lesson, and the young people leave the meeting with more lasting impressions of the topic. Film strips as well as motion pictures can be used here to stimulate discussion. There are many fine films which should be used in youth meetings of local church programs. The motion picture can also be used in the social life of the church. Here, usually, the primary purpose is that of fellowship. There are many excellent films which can be used in the church for family-night gatherings, men’s meetings, and similar occasions. Because people for the most part are “motion-picture conscious,” the right kind of entertainment films will have an appeal that will make a meeting an interesting and memorable event. Films thus have a variety of uses in the program of the church. As the churches put to use the films that are now available, more and more educational, inspirational, and promotional films will be produced. Films, to be used effectively and to fulfill their purpose in the work of the church, cannot be used as “fill-in” material when the program scheduled has fallen through. The proper use of films requires patience, time, and hard work. But every effort is well worth while, for the church that uses films will find its teachings more impressive and its ministry more effective and vital. Dedicot'ion Service for Sound Projector to Be Used in the Church Program. The following dedication service was prepared by Rev. Charles W. Dobbertin, who may b e addressed a t 228 Cutler Street, Allegan, Michigan, for copies : Prelude : Sound film : Ave Maria Hymn by Congregation: The Hymnalogue, My Faith Looks up to Thee Leader: That we may increase our knowledge of our Lord and his ministry and to know the true meaning of discipleship ; People: We dedicate this sound projector. Leader: That we may come to a better understanding of the world and its peoples and lay the foundations for Peace; People: We dedicate this sound projector. Leader : That we may become aware of the beauties of God’s world which we are unable to visit; People: We dedicate this sound projector.