"I left the theater feeling encouraged by Gru's respectful, tender, and even courageous growth as a father," notes Kidology Kidmin Pro Glen Woods in his review of Despicable Me 2.

"This sequel is an odd mix of cheap laughs which do not quite measure up to that of their predecessor, and subtle complex characterization, showing that you may be able to take the villain out of a life of crime, but it takes far more to uproot his former nature out of him completely."

As with all Kidology movie reviews, we provide children's ministry-oriented teaching tools such as an overview, areas of concern, and teachable themes with scripture.

» Read the Review
» Discuss the film in the Forums

Here's a preteen lesson from Karl Bastian featuring David and Goliath, illustrating what it means to be an alien in this world.  Includes editable Microsoft Word document of the lesson, a PDF of the lesson plan, and a PDF of the Small Group handout.

 

First, you start off with a game:

 

Have leaders stand in the midst of the kids with Styrofoam cups on their heads. Choose some kids to come up front. Give them sling shots and show some rocks, tell the audience they are going to try and knock the cups off the leaders heads with the rocks from the sling shots! (Tell the leaders ahead of time this is only a prank/joke so they don't panic and play along!) Do not hand the rocks to the kids! 

 

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Also, don't miss these new ideas in the Kidology Zones:

 

» Four Creative Water Day Games by Steven Knight
» What Should I Wear? by Kathy Vincent

From the Kidology Forums, Jeannine brings up the topic of furthering her education in kidmin: 

 

I have been the Children's Ministry Director at my church for over 5 years now. I never sought after this position, I was just a faithful volunteer with a heart for kids.  

 

When our previous director suddenly moved on, God called me to fill this spot and now I truly fill he had been molding me into this leadership position many years before.  

 

I have spent the last 5 years learning the ropes, creating new visions, and building the ministry he has entrusted me with. I have been to several conferences, but now I am ready to get a little more serious Bible training.

 

I just don't know where to look.  

 

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