August 2008 Newsletter

 
 

WINNING THE PRIZE
Is children's ministry a sprint or a marathon? Or is it just a marathon of sprints? Week-in and week-out you are reaching and teaching children, and in my book, that makes you a champion! Even if you never get to stand on a podium in front of thousands of cheering people like the athletes will do at the Summer Olympics in China, we at Kidology are cheering you on! You have set your focus on Jesus and are pressing on to win the prize which God has called you heavenward. While we each race in different places, every time a child calls on Jesus as Savior, a cheer goes up in heaven! As you warm up for this new ministry year, let me encourage you to keep on keeping on.

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

 

AUGUST 'AWESOME' PRIZE GIVEAWAY
Awesome Prize GiveawayJoin or renew your Kidology.org membership in August at the Professional or Group level -- and we will enter your name into a random drawing for an 'Awesome' Prize Giveaway!

What's included in this 'Awesome' prize? How about one of each of the AwesomeVideoStuff.com products featured in our Store:

  • Animated Bible Maps uses actual satellite images to create 3D animated maps, which can be projected onto a large screen.
  • Children's Pastor's Tool Box is packed with audio and video clips designed for use by churches. Revolutionize the way you teach!
  • Secret Weapon will be your best recruiting tool, featuring 6 'commercials' to attract willing volunteers.
  • Drama Tool Kit allows multiple sound effects, to enhance your drama or skit. Also includes video backdrops!
  • Stadium FX features a completely customizable animated scoreboard, to take your ministry to the next level!
Each of these 5 items are unique and PACKED with useful resources for your ministry. This prize pack retails for $575!

The winner of the drawing will be chosen on September 1, and will be announced in the September newsletter as well as on Kidology.org.

Like what you see? Anxious to get your hands on your own copy? Can't wait to see if you won? Purchase now, and if you win the drawing, we will refund the cost of the products you buy!


» JOIN or RENEW today to enter the contest!

POLL: USING THE OLYMPICS?
Summer OlympicsThe Summer Olympics start later this week in China. Are you using the upcoming Games to tie into any of your children's ministry activities? Unique competitions... discussions about missions... Take this exciting Kidology Poll and see what other folks are doing.


» YES or NO?

TAKE 5. EPISODE 5, THAT IS!
Children's Ministry PodcastEpisode 5 of the FREE Children's Ministry Podcast -- presented by Kidology.org -- is now online!


Karl and Gus grill, er, interview the creative genius behind much of what you see in children's ministry. You may not recognize his name, but you've seen his work all over the place!

Find out more about Timbuktoons, the man, his resources, and how he can help your ministry!


» ChildrensMinistryPodcast.com: Download Episode 5
» Discuss this podcast in the Network Forums
» Learn more about Timbuktoons, a Kid U sponsor

FREE EVENTS DURING KID U CHICAGO
Kid U ChicagoOur upcoming fall conference, Kidology University Chicago (October 1-4), offers more than just classroom-based experiences and personalized teaching. There are an abundance of events that you are welcome to attend as part of your registration. Here's an overview of activities you won't want to miss... all included!

  • Dinner Groups - Join a Kid U presenter for an evening of socializing, networking, and learning from each other.

  • Kidz Blitz Live! Event - Don't miss this uplifting, high-octane event, customized for Kid U attendees. Roger Fields and his Kidz Blitz team produce these fast-action, family-based events coast to coast each year, and here's your chance to experience it first hand!

  • God Rocks! Concert - The award-winning God Rocks! team shares their exciting, scripture-based music at a concert for the whole family. Celebrate and worship at this exclusive Kid U event sure to energize all who attend with the Good News!

  • Speed Stacks Competition - Throughout the conference you can learn how to sport stack with Speed Stacks and record your best score in the Exhibit Hall. The top-8 stackers will then compete on stage in Saturday's Closing Session for the title of Kid U Sport Stacking Champion. Prizes will be awarded!
» Learn more about Events during Kid U!
» Register for Kidology University Chicago

KIDOLOGY REPORT: YOU-CAN-DO-IT-GUIDE
"If I were to recommend one book to a new or aspiring children's pastor or volunteer leader, it would without a doubt be Children's Ministry Leadership: The You-Can-Do-It Guide by Jim Wideman," notes Kidology CP Team member Matt McDaniels in his book review.

"Within my first few years of children's ministry I read this book. I felt like someone had taken off the blindfolds that were keeping me from becoming excellent. That's what this book did for me, and I believe this book can do the same for others."

"If you are new to children's ministry leadership, or training young volunteer leaders, this book must be a part of your resource library."


» Read the Report
» Discuss in the Forums
» Pick up a copy from the Kidology Store

Kidology Report

Children's Ministry Leadership: The You-Can-Do-It-Guide


The Kidology Report is exclusive to Professional and Group Members.
Want to access this publication and more? Upgrade today!

GIVE IT BACK TO GOD
Sure, the athletes in Beijing must be stressed, but what about you? Running through the paces of children's ministry isn't exactly relaxing. Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, outlines a plan to give your ministry back to God. Here's a couple tips you'll find helpful!


» What? Me? Stressed?

THE OLYMPIAD OF WACKY
You don't have to travel around the world to participate in breathtaking competitions! Teach valuable lessons in teamwork as you host your own Wacky Olympics. Dog sledding, windsurfing, and... pickleball? We doubt you'll see highlights on your local news, but these events will keep your kids smiling!


» Does Vlasic know about Pickleball?

Also of interest:
» Super Book Olympics
» Message in the Colors
» A Famous Olympic Story

TO GO OR NOT?
Athletes have a choice to go compete in the Olympic Games. But what about God's call to us everyday to go when He says? Use this unique Kids in the Word lesson to illustrate the need to trust God even when we can't see the reasons, the outcome or the situation before we get there. Ideal for talking about missions!


» Following God leads to adventure!

Kid's Church Lessons are exclusive to Professional and Group Members.
Want to access this lesson and more? Upgrade today!

HAVE YOU TRIED THE SEARCH LATELY?
SearchWe know that you don't have a lot of time when you are preparing lessons and other events. That's why it's important to us that you are able to find what you need on Kidology quickly and easily.

We've recently made some improvements to our Search tools, providing you with more robust options to find what you are looking for amongst the thousands of Zone posts, Forum conversations, products, and other tools on Kidology.org.

We're going to be continually tweaking these tools in the months to come. If you haven't done so already, go check it out and tell us what you think!


» Go SEARCH for something!
» Share your thoughts about these improvements

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