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   Of Cars and Target StoresAs we came in late from a neighborhood progressive dinner I suggested we skip our Advent and just head to bed, but my 4-year-old said, "No, Dad! We have to learn about God every day!" I must be doing something right, I thought.
 The topic on our Count Down to Christmas was contentment. Following the guided questions, I asked, "What makes you happy?" Luke answered, "Being at Target and looking at toy cars." Next question: "What makes you unhappy?" He replied, "When you or mommy don't let me buy one." Leading into contentment, I offered. "Who has a lot of cars already?" He pointed at me and my wife. I pointed at him. I tried again. "Even though I'm sure you'll get more cars, if you were to never get another car, would you have enough already?" He countered, "No! I want every car at Target." OK, Maybe I'm not doing so well.
Granted, he was teasing me a little since we'd already read Philippians 4:11-13 ("I have learned to live with little") and Luke knew where I was headed. But it lead to a great conversation on contentment and learning to be happy with what we already have. Giving him examples of things Mommy and Daddy need to be content about forced me to consider my own heart. A child is pretty open about their greed - "I want!" We are much more sophisticated, disguising our greed as need.What are the "toy cars" in our lives - the things we think we can't live without? What can't we get enough of? Perhaps it is time to do without and be a little more generous to someone who is in need. That would be more on Target with the reason for this season. Giving... not getting!Because Jesus Loves Children,
Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"
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New Year... Brand New Curriculum... Literally
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 Happy New Year! Tired of breaking resolutions every single year? Start this year off right with this simple tool from the folks at RealFun Curriculum.
Brand New is a 1-week lesson for children's church that will get the kids in your ministry excited about serving God in the New Year. It includes a Small Group Session, Bible Story, and an Object Lesson that will get the children in your ministry thinking about service.
Only $15 for Kidology Premium Members and available for immediate download!
» Download RealFun's Brand New lesson today!
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What to do with Santa?
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 A recurring conversation pops up every year around this time in the Kidology Forums, namely: "How to answer kids' questions about Santa?"
» Revisit the conversation and chime in!Also in the Forums:
» Staffing Issues:My dilemma falls in one particular area... children's church held on Sunday mornings during our morning worship service.
We currently offer this program for kids who are age 4 through 2nd grade. It is hard to get staff during this service time, to keep them and to get them to serve long enough to build relationships with the kids. |
OVER 50% OFF! - Just $8.99 for A ToyBox Tales Christmas!
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 As we get near the "big day," we're happy to offer this limited-time '12 Days of Christmas' special on the download version of A ToyBox Tales Christmas. Just $8.99 for Kidology Premium Members!
This 5-part performance, featuring 5-7 minute videos, humorously takes a look at the first Christmas by utilizing Playmobil figures. In addition, you'll find a Bonus Tale performed by children playing with toys... a truly hysterical classic! That's 6 Tales in all!
This download version of the ToyBox Tales holiday classic is delivered in MP4 format and is available for immediate download! But once Christmas comes, this special $8.99 price disappears, so don't miss out!
» Just $8.99 'til Christmas - Order right now! |
Gospel Magic: The Reason for the Season
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 Our friends, Christian illusionists David and Teesha Laflin, share the following gospel magic trick that you can use in your ministry during the holidays...
Theme: There are many things that may take our focus off of what is most important at Christmas time, but there is only one true reason for the season.
Verse: Luke 2:11 - "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Materials Needed: 6 envelopes, 4 photos representing Jesus, 1 picture of a Christmas present, 1 picture of Santa Claus, 1 picture of Christmas dinner, 1 picture of toys...
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New Stuff in the Kidology Store
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 Have you dropped by the Kidology Store lately? Remember that Kidology Premium Members receive substantial discounts on the many items in our Store and in the Kidology Garage Sale!
Every purchase helps support the ministry of Kidology!
Take a look at some recent offerings:If you are a Kidology member, then you can use the Kidology Garage Sale to sell your used children's ministry stuff!
» Shop the Kidology Garage Sale» Sell your used items today |
Wrapping up "The Future of CM" article series
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 Greg Baird's The Future of Children's Ministry article series is wrapping up in the Leadership Forum on Kidology.org.
Greg asked 18 kidmin leaders what they think lies in store for children's ministry and they responded with articles posted on his site, KidMin360.com.
Kidology Basic and Premium Members can react and ask questions with Greg and others in the Leadership Forum. Jump in!
Here are the final 5 articles, written by...
» Justyn Smith
» Gordon & Becki West
» Rick Chromey
» Gina McClain
» Sam Luce
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#1 Film in America: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
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 Debuting in theaters last weekend, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was #1 at the box office. Why not take your children's ministry along on this journey into Narnia?
Download a free sample of our 10 lesson series and see what's available to help your kids set sail through the 3rd installment of C.S. Lewis' excursion through The Chronicles of Narnia.
» Download Dawn Treader Sample (PDF, 5.4MB)
Written by children's pastor Nicki Straza, this downloadable study includes everything you need to plan, organize, and teach the adventures found in this magical book. Experience King Caspian's voyage through magic waters to the End of the World!
Just $25 for Kidology Premium Members!
» Order via the Kidology Store
» Discuss Narnia curriculum in the Kidology Forums
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Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows - Part 1
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