Library

The Wives of David | May Library Update

Best selling author, Jill Eileen Smith has beautifully woven together three stories of the wives of King David. Her historical research, use of scripture and full imagination give us a picture of how God may have worked through the wives of King David.

Michal, the daughter of a king and the wife of a king. Her father’s fury at her own husband has taken David away from her. Will Michal be reunited with David? Read how God works in Michal’s life and teaches her to surrender to the King of Kings.

A struggle of unimaginable depths, sharing the love of your husband with other women he insists on marrying. Abigail has traded a life of abuse for a life of heart-ache. A woman determined to follow the will of God, Abigail is troubled at her husband’s ability to lead when going against God.

Bathsheba, the most famous-and infamous of David’s wives. We know the story from King David’s point of view. But what may have been Bathsheba’s story? Can she find forgiveness and healing through the grace of God?

February Library Update

It’s a great time to join the VBC Book Club! The club has just begun a new book and will be meeting to discuss it in March. Join us as we uncover the tale of two boys growing up and coming face-to-face with the hard realities of life in Romey’s Place, by James Calvin Schaap. Stop in the library to find out more details on joining the club.

New in the Library: Books for Your eBook Reader!

Do your children love to use a Kindle, iPad, Nook? Let them! Get them reading the Trailblazer books by Dave and Neta Jackson! The 40 book series is now available in the church library for you to download to your computer or your eBook reader! These books are action-packed stories about great Christian heroes. Read about people such as D.L. Moody, Joy Ridderhof, George Washington Carver, John Bunyan, and Amy Carmichael. Several of the books are available in print format in the library, but the entire 40 book collection is accessible in PDF form. What a great way to keep your kids reading and learning! For details, stop in the library.

Impactful Videos for the New Year

A new year… filling our minds with thoughts of new beginnings, life changes, and resolutions to do things differently this year. Is controlling the amount of TV that is on in your house part of what you’d like to change? How about making a difference for a cause like prolife? Check out these DVDs from the library that might impact your views in these areas.

Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture

WE ARE SURROUNED BY SCREENS. Have we entered a techno utopia or a virtual prison? Should we be celebrating unreservedly or should we be cautious and skeptical? Is it the greatest leap in productivity or the biggest setback from the things most meaningful in life? Has today's connectivity drawn us closer to one another or strangely more disjointed? Is our social experience richer and deeper or more shallow and artificial? Is it all of these things or none of them? Discover insightful answers to these questions from media experts, church leaders, and inspiring individuals and families from across the country. Most importantly you will discover how God's word addresses the unique media challenges we face today.

180

A 33 minute documentary that challenges our assumptions surrounding the prolife /prochoice controversies. Ray Comfort conducts many street interviews, asking people their views on the Holocaust. He effectively transitions the conversation to open people’s eyes to the way the Nazis treated Jews to be undeniably similar to how Americans treat unborn babies. A powerful movie with high impact. Best of all, Comfort clearly presents the gospel to the interviewees. Not recommended to be viewed by children as there are many pictures of what took place in the concentration camps during the Holocaust.

Christ is the Reason for the Season

Christmas with a Capital "C"

One lawyer on a mission to remove anything spiritual from the Christmas season. One town determined to KEEP Christ as the center of Christmas. So in the midst of this battle, an idea is sparked to begin a “Christmas with a capital "C" campaign, helping remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. A great reminder for all of us, as many faces similar situations in this “politically correct” age we live in.

Superbook: The First Christmas

Two children and their robot friend, Gizmo, find a way to be transported back in time to the when Jesus is born. The dramatic story of the birth of Christ is beautifully retold through the eyes of the children as they find themselves on the road to Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary. Witness the humble yet moving beginning of God's great plan of salvation for mankind at the birth of baby Jesus.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Based of the book, The Legend of the Candy Cane, this animated movie shares the story of how a candy cane can be a reminder of Jesus. A quiet prairie town is awakened and changed by a kind stranger who opens a candy store. This movie has a vivid story line and lively animals that provide a chuckle, all the while weaving in the hope found in Jesus Christ.

November Book Club Update

The Village Book Club has finished their first book and gathered for lively discussion about it. 

You are invited to join the group for their next book, "Christy", by Catherine Marshall. For information about the group, contact . Purchase "Christy"

October Library Update

Wanda E. Brunstetter

New York Times best-selling author, Wanda Brunstetter is known for writing about the simple life of the Amish. Her books are trusted and even read within and Amish community because of their ability to give the reader a true picture into the life and ways of the Amish. Through visiting and experiencing life along side the Amish, Wanda has an ability to write about their lives and draw the reader into the joys and struggles they go through. Her main attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a life to honor God. Look for these books of hers in the library!

SISTERS of Holmes County Series

After hearing about some unkind things done to the Amish community, author Wanda Brunstetter wrote this series. There are mysterious attacks being done to one particular family in the Amish community of Holmes County. This series shows how each sister of the Holstettler family is affected by the attacks and how God draws them closer together and teaches them about forgiveness.

BRIDES of Webster County Series

Look past the idyllic countryside and meet four Missouri women who are struggling to meet the expectations of their Amish community and to trust God when life hands them unexpected challenges of widowhood, parenting, careers, and dating.

September Library Update

Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom 

From Focus on the Family

With faith comes a price. What are you willing to pay? That's the question explored in Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom. Chronicling the life of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this provocative Peabody award-winning dramatization shares the story of one man's battle against the evils of Nazism, a decadent culture, and compromising church—something that's not so foreign to society today. Challenging and compelling, it's entertainment with a message!

Charles W. Colson: A Life Redeemed

By Jonathan Aitken

Evangelical Christianity lost one of its most eloquent and influential voices earlier this year with the death of Charles W. “Chuck” Colson. He was Nixon’s hatchet man. A jailed felon. And now, one of the most significant Christian leaders of our time. His ministry outreach,
Prison Fellowship, has swelled to 40,000 volunteers working in 100 countries. His Angel Tree Christmas program provides presents to more than half a million children of prison inmates every year. His daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint, airs daily on more than 1,000 radio outlets across the country. Read his life story: one of complete redemption.

The Blessing of Adversity: Finding Your God-given Purpose in Life's Troubles

By Barry C. Black

Most people see trouble as something negative and seek to avoid it whenever possible. But what if it’s those troubles that actually lead to greater blessing and purpose? In The Blessing of Adversity, a retired U.S. Navy admiral and the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate distills the wisdom gained from thirty years as a counselor, theologian, and psychologist. Barry Black offers a blueprint for removing the sting of life’s trials, showing us how to let God use our pain for his glory by blessing others—and how that can actually help heal our own pain. Drawing on Scripture and his own experiences as a counselor and chaplain to some of the most powerful people in the world, Black teaches us how to deal with seasons of God’s apparent silence, offers techniques for staying encouraged in the middle of life’s storms, and shows how to find advantages in adversity.

August Blog Update

¡La biblioteca está ser bilingüe!

Check out the library’s new and growing Spanish book section.

El niño que volvió del cielo

(The Boy who came back from heaven)

            By Kevin Malarkey

¿Cielo .... es real? Claro, sabemos que es real, porque la Biblia dice que es. ¿Pero, cómo respondería usted a alguien que te han dicho que han estado allí y pasaron tiempo con Jesús? Es posible que intrigado. Usted puede ser dudoso. Esta historia verdadera es sobre un chico, Alex Malarkey y su padre Kevin (el autor), que se encontraban en un accidente horrible de coche que dejó a Alex en estado de coma. ¡Mientras que en lo que parecía imposible era que Alex siquiera iba a sobrevivir, lo hizo! Y cuando se despertó del coma, dos meses después, tuvo una historia increíble para contar. ¡Había estado en el Cielo! Historia increíble del niño le dará una visión de nuestro hogar celestial.

Heaven….is it real?  Sure, we know it is real because the Bible says it is.  But how would you respond to someone who told you they have been there and spent time with Jesus?  You may be intrigued.  You may be doubtful.  This true story is about a boy, Alex Malarkey and his father Kevin (the author), who were in a horrible car accident that left Alex in a coma.  While in it was seemingly impossible that Alex would even survive, he did!  And when he awoke from the coma, two months later, he had an incredible story to tell.  He had been to Heaven!  The boy’s amazing story will give you a vision of our heavenly home.

Cómo Criar a las Hijas

 (Bringing Up Girls)

By: Dr. James Dobson

Como padre de una hija, una de sus deseos mayores es guiarla a través de su viaje a la feminidad. ¿Pero, cómo? Este libro, escrito por el aclamado experto en crianza de los hijos el Dr. James Dobson, ofrece ayuda a medida que el equipamiento de su hija para hacer chioces sabios, frente a los retos que se presentan a las niñas de hoy, y extender el estímulo al levantar y dar forma a la próxima generación de mujeres.

As a parent of a daughter, one of your greatest desires is to guide her through her journey to womanhood.  But how?  This book, written by widely acclaimed parenting expert Dr James Dobson, offers help as you equipping your daughter to make wise choices, face the challenges that are presented to girls today, and extend encouragement as you raise and shape the next generation of women.

(Find the Spanish and English versions of both books in the library.)

April Library Update

        Last month the library featured the dvd Courageous.

Here are some additional books and resources that coincide with the film to look for in the library.

Author Randy Alcorn brings us the story Courageous in novel form. Follow the lives of Adam Mitchell and Nathan Hayes, two law enforcement officers, as they struggle through the issue of giving their best not only at work, but most importantly at home with their families. See how God works in their hearts through tough situations to teach them to serve and protect their family.

“A man cannot be passive about what Scripture tells him to do for his family and expect to be found faithful to God in the end. He must see with spiritual eyes and realize that future generations are directly impacted by his daily decisions.”

—The Resolution for Men

Inspired by the movie Courageous, The Resolution for Men was written to encourage men to be the kind of family leader that God desires.   

“…God is calling all women to a new season.  Women who reflect their full purpose and potential.  Women who embrace life with joy and fulfillment and are known for being faithful in each area of their lives.  Women who understand that this involves discipline and self-sacrifice, but it can happen as they allow the Word of God to nurture them and the Spirit of God to take control of  them and have His way.”

—The Resolution for Women

Written in partnership with the movie Courageous, The Resolution for Women was written to stir and challenge women to be all God created them to be – in every role in their lives.

Courageous Christian men and women seem to be disappearing in America, replaced by people who readily give in to compromise and “go with the flow.”  Pastor Catt challenges readers to step out in faith and exhibit courage by looking at the stories of Moses, Daniel, Ruth, Stephen, and other well-known Bible characters.

March Library Update

Movie Night for the Whole Family

For the Kids | Friends and Heroes

Meet Macky and Portia- two friends from the first century who find themselves on adventures and use stories from the Bible to help them fight for justice against the Roman Empire. Friends and Heroes is an animated, DVD-based Bible-learning series that teaches kids Bible stories, ancient history, and how to live life as a Christian.

Features:

• Unique animation style! 
• A stunning mix of 2-D and 3-D!
• Includes a retelling of an Old Testament story and a New Testament story

Each episode features four curriculum lessons (PDF format) with teacher helps, reproducible activities, and other materials which can be used for a variety of teaching formats such as small and large group Bible study, Sunday school, home school, and family fun time. Look for episodes 1-11 in the library now! 

For the Teens | Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including Anna Sophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

And for the Adults | Courageous

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused, standing up to the worst the streets can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge they’re ill prepared totackle: fatherhood. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Sherwood Pictures, creators of Fireproof, returns with this heartfelt, action-packed story. Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers.

Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That takes courage.

Come check out these plus many other titles in the Library today!