SERIAL
39 reflections for Cub Scout groups and other young people. Every Damaris Media resource pack is tailored to help groups reflect on their values and meet their aims in an engaging way.
EXPLORING THE GOSPEL
When it comes to the church, we recognise that leaders are always looking for fresh ways to explore the gospel, both with existing church members and with those who aren’ t yet Christians. We want to resource you to do this as effectively as possible, and we’ re always keen to hear more from you about what you’ d like us to offer.
Earlier this year we had a great response to our resources based on Risen, an epic adventure based around the resurrection of Jesus. By telling the familiar story through the eyes of an agnostic Roman soldier( Joseph Fiennes), and framing it as a mystery thriller, the film offered audiences plenty to mull over. Our main resource pack used specially created videos and discussion material to lead people of all beliefs through questions around truth and personal change. For Christian groups wanting to delve deeper into the spiritual message of the film, an additional discussion guide included gospel readings, reflections and prayers. All of this is available at risen. damarismedia. com.
The idea is that speakers and other leaders can use this material in whatever way suits them: whether that’ s playing a video feature as part of a sermon, organising an outreach event, or running a small group session. When Risen was released in cinemas shortly before Easter, it was fantastic to see churches across the country embracing the opportunities it offered – and with the DVD set for release this summer, the possibilities for using our resources in future ministry are endless.
ILLUMINATING STORIES
Other Damaris Media resource packs this year have included material based around Miracles from Heaven
( miracles. damarismedia. com), a moving true-life drama about a couple dealing with their young daughter’ s illness. The film, which stars Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah, offers a springboard for questions about faith, perseverance and gratitude.
We’ re currently encouraging churches to get excited about Ben-Hur, a reimagining of the classic story which will be playing in cinemas nationwide from 26 August. As well as being a gripping action / adventure, the film promises to captivate with the tale of a hero who must learn to forgive after a devastating betrayal. We’ re providing resources geared towards the church, as well as for young people( available at benhur. damarismedia. com).
These stories, and others like them, are far more than entertainment. When we experience them together, we’ re taken on a shared emotional journey. We’ re led to reflect on our deepest questions about who we are and how we live. We hope that Preach
readers, as people who speak and lead in churches, share our vision for uniting communities around the power of cinema: and for seeing how, in all kinds of unexpected ways, the latest cinema releases might help illuminate the greatest story ever told.
Joseph Fiennes and Tom Felton in Risen © 2016 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Kylie Rogers and Jennifer Garner in Miracles from Heaven © 2016 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Damaris Media
Damaris Media create free film resources for churches and community groups. You can download exclusive videos, discussion guides and more at damarismedia. com; keep up-to-date on the latest Damaris Media resources by subscribing to our e-newsletter at damarismedia. com / signup; and email them about how you’ re using the resources or what kind of resources would be helpful to you at hello @ damaris. org.