July 2007 Newsletter

 
 

BEYOND THE FIREWORKS
Watching fireworks in July is a highlight of my year and I always play patriotic music while viewing. I don't want to enjoy fireworks without remembering what they represent. Fireworks ought to remind us of the battles that have raged in our nation's history and the lives that were lost so that we might live free. Too often I think people enjoy the show and miss the point. Could we be guilty of doing the same thing in children's ministry? We can put on quite an impressive show for the kids, but risk missing the point as they flock in. Make sure the "show" you are putting on is reminding kids of the Cross and the sacrifice that made us free! Fireworks may light up the sky for an evening, but Jesus is the Light that will pierce the darkness for all of eternity! Now there is something to prompt "oohs" and "ahhs"!

Because Jesus Loves Children,
Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"

 
REINVENTING SUNDAY SCHOOL?
"Okay, so I finally did it. I judged a book by its cover," writes Kidology CP Team member Terry Johnson in his Kidology Report book review of Aaron Reynolds' The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School.

"Not only did the cover and graphics catch my eye, I was relieved to finish a book that gave me so much energy to transform the way I do ministry to kids... The book transformed my thinking and encouraged me to evaluate what I am doing now to impact the kids I am reaching."

» Print your copy... and share!
» Talk about this book in the Network Forums
» Buy the book via the Kidology Store





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KIDOLOGY FORUM Q&A SERIES: AARON REYNOLDS
You've read the Kidology Report, now continue with the discussion! Starting Monday, July 23, we're very happy to welcome author, Kid U presenter, and creative guru Aaron Reynolds for a Kidology Forum Q&A Series discussion about creative teaching techniques. During this event, we'll be interacting with ideas about how to best transform your teaching style to be most effective with kids. It all takes place over a 5-day period! (Plus, we're giving stuff away, so you'll want to participate to win!)

The Kidology Forum Q&A Series is a periodic opportunity for Kidology members to ask questions and hear from established communicators, trainers, and educators in the realm of children's ministry. Want to participate but don't have a membership? Get one today!

» Post your questions in advance for Aaron Reynolds!

Transcripts of recent Forum Q&A Series Events:
» Patrick Snow & SuperStart! (Preteen Ministry)
» David & Teesha Laflin (Gospel Magic)
» Michael Martin (Teaching Truth)
» Karyn Henley (Preschool)

IT'S HARRY POTTER TIME AGAIN!
Children's Pastor Henry Zonio reviews Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with a look at the civil disobedience themes found throughout the film:

"This would be a good opportunity to take a look at historical figures who performed acts of civil disobedience... people like Corrie ten Boom, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and other Christians who commit or have committed acts of civil disobedience."

Movie Review - Discussion


Related Kidology resources:

SPEED STACKS ARE BACK!
We're excited to announce the return of Speed Stacks to the Kidology Store. Now you can once again join the world of sport stacking, sharing your tips and ideas here on Kidology. The basic set of 12 cups (plus DVD) has returned, along with the Speed Stacks Minis and Super Stacks. And don't forget about a Stackmat and timer!

» Kidology members save on Speed Stacks!

MOVIE REVIEWS: ROBOTS, RATS, & RISE
Three Kidology Movie Reviews straight from the theater! CP Team Member Brett Richmond notes that there's "more than meets the eye" with the summer blockbuster Transformers. It's PG-13, so there is some concern there.

While CP Team Captain Todd McKeever embraces the fun side of animation with Pixar's latest, Ratatouille. Lots of good opportunities to share about the concept of teamwork.

Finally, is the Fantastic Four sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer, worth your time?

To help you use these films as teaching tools, all reviews contain an overview, areas of concern, teachable themes with scripture, and discussion questions!

Transformers


Ratatouille

Fantastic Four:
Rise of the Silver Surfer

Review
- Discussion

Review
- Discussion

Review
- Discussion




THANKS FOR SUPPORTING KIDOLOGY!
As you gear up for the busy fall months, we kindly ask that you keep Kidology in mind as well with your prayers and financial support. (Hey, we're a non-profit... you know how that works, right?)

Not only are donations to our ministry tax-deductible, but they also allow us to continue development of new online ministry tools (like the Kidology Garage Sale, our Forum Q&A Series, and other stuff we can't tell you about yet!) Donations also help keep membership fees as low as possible.

» Consider donating today... and thank you!

NEW IN THE KIDOLOGY GARAGE SALE
Here are some items that have recently been added by members like you in the Kidology Garage Sale. Take a look and shop for a good bargain!

You too can earn some extra cash by selling your used children's ministry stuff. Upload your products today!

» Shop the Kidology Garage Sale!
» Sell your used items

PATRIOTIC IDEA WINNER ANNOUNCED!
We'd like to thank everyone for their submissions to our Patriotic Idea Contest. A winner has been selected by our Patriotic Idea Judging Department and that person is... Sue Kahawaii, Children's Pastor at Champions Centre in both Tacoma and Bellevue, Washington. (Two campuses, no waiting!)

Sue contributed a full lesson plan entitled "Honor is Honorable" that focused on Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be honored is better than silver or gold." For winning, Sue gets a nice mixture of products as part of her Kidology Prize Pack, valued at over $50. In addition, her Kidology membership has been extended for 3 months. Watch for future idea contests so you too can win!

» View the winning idea!

CM BLOGWATCH: THE LATEST
Kidology's CM BlogWatch, part of the Kidology Network Forums, highlights notable children's ministry-related posts from around the blogosphere. Here are a few entries to discover and discuss:

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE SUMMER SPECIALS!
If you've read this far down the Kidology Newsletter, we want to first of all thank you for your attention! We also wanted to remind you of the various Summer Specials taking place on Kidology that you won't want to miss as July continues on. These include such unique deals as:

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