New Releases by Willow Creek Press

Did you know that the match was invented before the lighter? Over 300 strange but true facts that you probably didn''t know, this entertaining collection of random facts and arbitrary details is perfect for wandering minds, interested inquisitors, and aspiring polymaths everywhere. No information is useless if it keeps you curious and makes you smile. Spark conversation with these outrageous ''did you know'' facts and trivia book, 112 pages, 6" x 9" in size and softcover.

From Yellowstone to Denali and the Grand Canyon to the Great Smoky Mountains, these treasured, protected lands have continued to amaze and enchant visitors for generations. National Park Trivia is a compilation of over 300 of the best "Did you know..." quips and will delight and surprise even the most seasoned parks enthusiast. Spark conversation with these outrageous ''did you know'' facts and trivia book, 112 pages, 6" x 9" in size and softcover.

The dad joke is a delicate thing. Part knowing humor, part lack of humor, it''s only requirement is that it elicits not a laugh from its audience but the annoyed response: "Daaaaaaaaad." Bad Dad Jokes is the biggest, baddest collection of "so bad they''re actually good" jokes that are guaranteed to deliver a daily dose of groans and giggles. Bad Dad Jokes is a one of a kind collection of extraordinary humor in one book. By giving this collection as a gift you will bring humor and lasting memories to events for years to come.

"Why do dogs turn around in circles before lying down? Why do they chase cars? Or their tails? These and other curious, but characteristic canine behaviors are answered informatively with lighthearted text, paired with stunning photography"--

13 lesson-by-lesson checklists for administrating the curriculum; reproducible pages for Small Group activities

A fun, powerful presentation of God''s loving and unending pursuit of His people from the beginning in Genesis through the restoration of Israel.

Parker stops into a church office. He is treated as just one more person who wants something done, until he happens to mention the word "volunteer." Suddenly, Ann sets off an alarm to alert everyone that there is a volunteer available. People converge on Parker from all directions, each assuming he''s going to fill their "volunteer opportunity." When he is finally able to get a word in, he says he was just looking for directions to the blood drive where he was going to volunteer to give blood. He decides that he already feels totally drained, however, and walks away.

This sketch explores the idea of having more than we really need or want. Throughout the action of the scene, several people walk on stage and add to an ever growing mound of stuff: garbage, old clothes, unwanted and unused items. Liz, Jane and Ed, after disposing of their items, speak directly to the audience, describing what they''ve thrown away and why. The sketch concludes with another couple entering as if they too will add something to the pile, but instead begin to discreetly take things that they need. (Note: This sketch is a bit shorter than our average - approximately 4 minutes in length.)

Topics: Christian Life, Discipleship, Community, Conversion, Becoming a Christian, Friends, Relationships, Helping Others. Characters: 4 Males, 3 Females. The importance of community, as shown through a small group, is revealed to characters as they go through life''s struggles.

In this monologue we meet Beth, a woman who is obviously quite anxious. The reasons for her anxiety range from trying to quit smoking to vertigo. However, as we get to know her, we learn that anxiety has always been a part of her life. As she shares her story we come to understand that the anxiety she has experienced is not a "garden variety" - Beth''s anxieties runs deep, causing fear, panic attacks and isolation. Then by chance, Beth meets Jeff, a man with a similar history. Jeff suggests she meet this "amazing teacher" who has helped him overcome his worries. Beth then speaks of meeting Jesus, coming to know him and the changes that have taken place in her life. She is honest and reveals that things are not perfect, that she still has "shaky days", but now she has "some pretty amazing people to lean on, one in particular."

This contemporary rendition of the prodigal son reveals how a modern family battles over money and wrestles with resentment and regret. Siblings Tony, Diana and Fletcher meet their deceased father''s lawyer to discuss their inheritance. Diana is livid that Fletcher is in attendance. The three children were given half a million dollars by their father to seed them in business ventures. Fletcher, the youngest, left home and quickly squandered his half million even giving some of the money away. Tony and Diana honored their father by successfully growing their share into many millions. When Fletcher realized his mistakes, he humbly returned to reconcile with his father who joyously celebrated his return. As the will is read, we learn that their father leaves some money to Tony and Diana, but they are sorely disappointed at the amount. But they are left speechless when Fletcher is bequeathed the remainder of the estate worth over 2.1 billion dollars. Tony and Diana sit in shock as the lawyer reads "This boy has managed to find the heart my other children lacked.". It''s about relationship-it''s never about stuff.

Lights come up as Mom and Dad are reading a bedtime story to their daughter Hope. The children''s book* they have chosen focuses on the differences between people. While Dad leaves the room for a moment, Mom asks her seven-year-old daughter, Hope, what she thought about the story. But the rituals of bedtime continue to distract Hope from answering. Finally mom finds a moment to help Hope understand that people who can make each other feel bad. Concerned about an incident with her daughter''s friend Brenda, Mom asks Hope why her friend was crying. Dad returns and notices his wife''s concern about Hope''s behavior but he moves on to a song. Mom kisses Hope goodnight as Dad sings her to sleep. As the lights fade on Dad and Hope, Mom returns to the stage in a different light while the scene plays out upstage of her. In a monologue, she admits to being the little girl no one wanted to play with on the playground. We now understand why Mom was so concerned about Hope''s behavior. How do we teach our children kindness? Love? Compassion? These are the questions addressed at the heart of this scene.

As a family gathers for dessert after the traditional Thanksgiving day meal, Sarah tries to engage her husband, mother-in-law, brother, two brothers-in-law, and daughter in meaningful discussion. Although her husband, Warren is trying to be supportive, the conversation keeps moving toward the superficial. When she initiates a planned conversation activity involving describing something for which they''re thankful or which was hard during the past year, she is met with awkward silence, and then off-target remarks that spoil the moment. In the end, family members go their separate way, missing yet again an opportunity for true closeness.

Through the sounds of the traffic, a busy street corner sets the scene. As individuals rush on with their day and cross the corner, their thoughts and prayers can be heard by the congregation. A frustrated pedestrian blames God for the traffic preventing him from crossing causing another delay. A business man apologizes and prays for God''s help. A tourist gives thanks for all that God has created as she stands in awe of the skyscrapers towering above. A woman battles with God over her husband''s illness. One passerby is heard reciting the Lord''s Prayer. Humorously a girl asks God for a sign that she is in relationship with the right guy. A man frustrated with his situation blames God. A father prays for his daughter''s spelling test. A man pleads with God about the truth. Another thanks God for making a difficult situation bearable. A woman prays for wisdom from God as she notices weary people on the street. She asks God to guide her in helping the needy. With each individual prayer we get a peek into the lives of everyday people seeking answers, reaching for God.

This package of our most requested scripts contain .Community, A Little Charity, Good Friday Medley, Mysterious Ways, The Offering, Stolen Jesus, The Best Gift, The Centerpiece, The Neighborhood, & The Next Step.

13 weeks of relevant, interactive, and age-appropriate activities and discussion questions to help children apply the Bible truth taught in Large Group; ideas for shepherding children

Video clips to creatively assist the Large Group Teacher in teaching Lesson 8--12; approximately 75 minutes in length

Resources to help the Director lead the curriculum: how to cast vision, organize the program, use space, recruit staff, communicate with and motivate volunteers; Activity Stations ideas and tips; one copy of: Administrator''s Guidebook, Large Group Programming Guidebook, and Small Group Leader''s Guidebook

13 weeks of Large Group programming material including Bible stories taught creatively, drama, scripts, music suggestions, ideas and instructions for teaching props, relevant, creative hooks into Bible teaching, and weekly Bible verses

Resources to help the Director lead the curriculum: how to cast vision, organize the program, use space, recruit staff, communicate with and motivate volunteers; Activity Stations ideas and tips; one copy of: Administrator''s Guidebook, Large Group Programming Guidebook, Small Group Leader''s Guidebook

Resources to help the Director lead the curriculum: how to cast vision, organize the program, use space, recruit staff, communicate with and motivate volunteers; Activity Stations ideas and tips; one copy of: Administrator''s Guidebook, Large Group Programming Guidebook, and Small Group Leader''s Guidebook

The Bible dramas on this video are used to creatively and relevantly demonstrate Helmet of Salvation (Salvation Message) in Lesson 1, Sword of the Spirit in Lesson 2, and Shield of Faith in Lesson 6; approximately 45 minutes in length

Two drama sketches used to teach the difference between pride and humility in Lesson 2, and growth through the Fruit of the Spirit in Lesson 10; approximately 30 minutes in length

13 weeks of relevant, interactive, and age-appropriate activities and discussion questions to help children apply the Bible truth taught in Large Group; ideas for shepherding children

13 lesson-by-lesson checklists for administrating the curriculum; reproducible pages for Small Group activities

13 lesson-by-lesson checklists for administrating the curriculum; reproducible pages for Small Group activities

The chants, cheers, music, and sound effects on this CD are used in the presentation of Camp Iwanabeagee in Lessons 9--13; instructions for using these tracks are included in the Large Group Programming Guidebook

13 weeks of Large Group programming material including Bible stories taught creatively, drama scripts, music suggestions, ideas and instructions for teaching props, relevant, creative hooks into Bible teaching, and weekly Bible verses

This CD and DVD set features 10 kid-tested songs for use with your Promiseland curriculum or in any kids'' program. Includes Every Move I Make CD and Move It Like This DVD.