July 2008 Newsletter

 
 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY?
Aren't you excited? It's only 154 days until Christmas! I've always thought "Christmas in July" was kinda silly - especially since there aren't any presents! But I can see the attraction of trying to bring into this hot month the coolness, wonder, joy, and happiness that seems to come so naturally in December. And it can't hurt to think about Jesus in July as much as we do around the holidays.

Maybe a better idea would be to celebrate "Christmas in Today" and try to bring that Reason for that season into our daily walk. Skip the eggnog and mistletoe, but take a moment to thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and all that means for you TODAY.

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

 

MOVIE REVIEW: THE DARK KNIGHT
The Dark Knight"The bottom line on The Dark Knight is that this is an excellent movie that your kids should NOT see," explains Kidology CP Team member Eric Ward. "However, if they do see it, don't miss the opportunity to talk about some of the issues this movie raises."


"On the surface, this is a basic, 'crazed-maniac-wants-to-kill and destroy-and-hero-has-to-stop-them' kind of plot. However, there are some deeper themes that are addressed in this film that make it stand out."

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

» Read the Review
» Discuss the Film in the Forums!

WORKSHOPS at KIDOLOGY UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Kid U Chicago We know your summer is busy, but it's never too early to be thinking about training in the fall, right? Kidology University Chicago is coming October 1-4. Join us for as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary conference with workshops, speakers, and activities for both full-time children's workers and part-time volunteers... all at an amazingly affordable price!


Take a look at some of the workshops you can attend:

Why are you still sitting here reading this?

» Register for Kid U Chicago today!
» Questions? Ask them in the Kidology Network Forums

EPISODE 3: Children's Ministry Podcast
Children's Ministry PodcastEpisode 3 of the FREE Children's Ministry Podcast -- presented by Kidology.org -- is now online!


In How To Show Kids L.O.V.E., Karl and Gus continue to unpack Karl's definition of a kid, and discuss insightful ways that you can show love to kids.

» ChildrensMinistryPodcast.com: Download Episode 3
» Discuss this podcast in the Network Forums

ONE WAY STREET: PUPPET MINISTRY MADE EASY
One Way StreetOne Way Street provides resources and training for creative ministry, specializing in puppet ministry and other creative arts such as children's music, clown ministry, gospel magic, ventriloquism, and more. We're happy to have them as a sponsor of Kid U!


Puppet Ministry Made Easy is a complete, comprehensive guide to puppet ministry to help you organize and direct your puppet team. It includes nine puppet scripts and comprehensive instructions for successful puppetry, recruiting, stage rehearsing, planning tours, writing your own scripts and more.

» Pick up a copy via the Kidology Store!

Also of interest:
» One Way Street Paul Rod-Arm Puppet
» One Way Street Righteous Pop Music CD: Volume 9
» OneWayStreet.com

GOT A QUESTION? USE THE FORUMS!
Kidology Network ForumsDrop by the Kidology Network Forums, the most active children's ministry community on the 'net... 43,000+ posts and counting!


Here are some current topics that might be of interest:

SPEED STACKS: STACK FAST!
Speed StacksIf you have been using Kidology for any period of time, then you know all about our founder Karl Bastian's passion for Speed Stacks. From competing against NFL players, using them as tools in schools, or just building really, really tall towers, Karl's shown that sport stacking can be used effectively in ministry and beyond.


That's why we're excited to have Speed Stacks as one of our sponsors for this fall's Kidology University Chicago. This family-owned business is passionate about benefiting kids' hand-eye coordination, reaction time and focus while promoting good sportsmanship and teamwork.

If you haven't done so already, check out the available Premium Designs, including "Black Flames", "Green Camo", "Flower Power", and "Pink Camo". Each set comes with a DVD and carrying case!

» Order your Speed Stacks today!

Also of interest:
» Speed Stacks Minis
» Speed Stacks StackMat + Timer
» SpeedStacks.com

LEADERSHIP LAB #4: Partnering with Parents
Kidology Online TrainingHave you gotten your copy of the lastest Kidology Online Training installment? This Special Edition Leadership Lab, titled Partnering with Parents, is our LARGEST LAB to DATE, packed with great training materials and tons of bonus features!


If the very thought of 'family ministry' and 'partnering with parents' stirs up feelings of failure and discouragement, maybe it's time to change the way you think about ministering to kids and parents! In this Leadership Lab, Karl Bastian offers a fresh approach that will both challenge and energize, offering a unique perspective on the topic.

Purchase the accompanying Leadership Lab Download Kit for the complete training experience!

» Start "Partnering with Parents" course online
» Continue with the Leadership Lab Download Kit

Kidology Online Training is exclusive to Professional and Group Members.
Want to access free online training videos and more? Upgrade today!

SHOP & SELL VIA THE KIDOLOGY GARAGE SALE
Kidology Garage SaleSummer is a great time to snap up some deals on previously-owned children's ministry stuff in the Kidology Garage Sale. Better yet, have you cleaned out your closets and found something you want to sell? Earn some extra cash and upload your products today!

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

BECOMING AN EXCELLENT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TEACHER
CoachContinuing his multi-part article series on "Becoming an Excellent Children's Ministry Teacher", Kidology CP Team member Glen Woods wraps it up with the final 5 installments this month!


Login to the extensive Kidology Zones to read up on this series...

» Take a look at what's new in the Kidology Zones!

GOT YOUR COPY OF THE KIDOLOGY HANDBOOK?
For over ten years, The Kidology Handbook has been a blueprint for an effective teaching ministry. Learn the Kidology Method of relational ministry, in addition to insightful instruction on preparing & teaching lessons, sharing the Gospel, shepherding kids, classroom discipline, and more.

Print The Kidology Handbook to read... PLUS, fill your need for on-the-go training by listening to the audiobook version of this publication. Either way, you get a complete self-study course for those who teach children.


» Order your copy today!

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