Home » News » Bush Telegraph » Issue archive » December 2003 » Resources

Resources

Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies

The Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies (EIDTS) offers a wide range of courses for people who want to study from their own homes and in their own time.

As from 2004 EIDTS will be offering an Associate Diploma in Ministry. This will be made up of eight subjects: Old Testament, New Testament, Pastoral Theology, Systematic Theology, Church History 0 - 500, Homiletics, Worship and Liturgy and Denominational Studies which can be taken in the area of Presbyterian Studies. This qualification will provide students with a broad understanding of faith and practice for ministry.

Both the Otago University and the University of Auckland have agreed to grant credit to students who have passed any or all of the first five of the above subjects. This means that if a person decides to study for the Diploma and then later wishes to progress to a B.Theol then they will gain credit for the work that they have done with EIDTS.

EIDTS also offers courses which people may choose to study as a 'one-off' subject. Courses such as Mary Petersen's 'Ministry with Children' may be of interest to people working in that area. Or the course 'Presbyterian Studies' which is delivered via the Internet and is tutored by John Roxborogh may be helpful for elders and other parish leaders or members. Ministers looking to do study leave without the cost of travel or the concern about leaving their families at home may well choose to study a course such as Keith Carley's 'Theologies of the Hebrew Scriptures' which will allow them to have 'guided studies' with access to some excellent material.

For further information or to obtain a Handbook contact the Academic Registrar freephone 0800 667 969
registrar(at)eidts.ac.nz
www.eidts.ac.nz

Dellwyn Moylan of Ashburton writes:

My Minister encouraged me to undertake my first EIDTS paper in Homiletics in 2000. Last year I did two more papers. This year, six. I chose to study with EIDTS because it meant I could study by distance education and remain part of my community and Church. They also give you access to some exceptional tutors from many denominations.

I chose as one of my papers Denominational Studies - Presbyterian. I have been a Presbyterian all my life but to study what it is I believe when I say I am a Presbyterian has been interesting.

The paper is presented on the internet. There are three six week sessions on Foundations, Global tradition and Diversity and Renewal. Each week a new topic in one of these categories is posted on the Internet, questions to think about and respond to. As well as posting comments and reflections each week, we were asked to take part with the others in discussions. Though we did not meet each other I have found it very helpful and supportive to have the others on the internet to discuss ideas with and receive fresh insights on the topic. Through the internet we have access to our tutor any time during the course to ask questions and clarify points, which has proved very helpful. The course takes approximately 160 hours depending on the individual student.We had three assignments.

We have been encouraged throughout the course to discuss with our community what we are doing. We also had to discuss each assignment before we started work on it. I found this very helpful. It is also encouraging when you are struggling or trying to meet deadlines to have some one to care and support you in your study.

When I began this paper and met my fellow students via the internet I was somewhat daunted about studying. But with reassurance from others, I persevered and am very pleased I have. This course is suitable for anyone wanting to study the Church, our beliefs, our way of being "church" and wanting to think through what it is that you believe. I have grown as person and certainly in my understanding of the Presbyterian Church through this course. I hope that my studies will prove of benefit to my parish.

Resources for Worship and Study

Epiphany

This set of preaching notes and prayers covers the period January 11-February 22 2004 and has been written by Rev David Grant. As with all the preaching notes which cover every Sunday and special day of the Church year the notes are based on the 3 year Common Lectionary readings. They are suitable for both lay and ordained preachers or can be used by groups either preparing worship or wanting to do some Bible study. $4 plus postage.

The notes contain exegetical material on each of the lectionary readings, preaching suggestions, hymn and song suggestions and prayers.

Preaching Notes and Prayers Kits for the whole lectionary year may be pre-ordered and sent as they become available. We prefer people to down load them from the web site when ever possible. The whole lectionary year of 8 sets of preaching notes is available at $32.
Epiphany Preaching kit 

Advent and Christmas Kit 2003

This kit of resources for the season contains: Santa's Presents- a play Christmas Through the Eyes of Mary Prayers and Communion for Advent Sunday The Twelve Days of Christmas A Journey to Bethlehem-worship for Advent Star Symbols for Christmas Eve Christmas Day - a service There were Wise Men in the East - a play
Advent and Christmas Kit 2003

Other Resources for Ministry on the website

Order Form for Print Resources - PDF format

Order form for Print Resources - RTF format

Order form for Print Resources - Word format