YOU'RE NOT ALONE
"What would I do without Kidology.org? I'd feel so alone in ministry," writes a recent member of Kidology.org. While there is a lot of great stuff for children's ministry on the Internet, nowhere will you find people and ideas and resources brought together quite like they are on Kidology.org. "No matter what I need, I start on Kidology.org," says another member. "If you don't have it, you'll point me to who does. Which is why I'm always back again so soon!"

But beyond equipping you with endless ideas, personal training, coaching, a place to interact with others, or the latest resources, Kidology is committed to helping and ministering to you along the way.

Let me encourage leaders needing a break from ministry to prayerfully consider our Unconferences for children's ministry leaders. Men, join me at Yosemite Summit -- and ladies, we have heard you and are offering a similar event for women called Unbridled. Registration for both is extremely limited, so register as soon as possible for these life-changing events.

As you can see below in our newsletter, Kidology.org keeps you up-to-date on what you need to know. Perhaps you'll consider sending a small thank you today!

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

THANKS FOR COMING TO KID U!
All of us at Kidology would like to say thank you to those who attended the 10th anniversary of Kidology University Chicago. We enjoyed interacting with you, equipping you, and hopefully encouraging you to continue your work in children's ministry. Thanks for spending some time with us!

Karl Bastian has been writing a series of blog posts looking back at Kidology University. Why not give them a read and share your thoughts?

» Kidologist.com: The People of Kid U
» Kidologist.com: Kid U Really Stacks Up!
» Kidologist.com: The Music of Kid U
» Share your Kid U thoughts in the Network Forums

KIDOLOGY UNIVERSITY FEEDBACK SURVEY
Did you attend Kid U? Want to help shape future Kidology conference events? Please take a few minutes to complete our Feedback Survey with your thoughts. Positive or negative, we very much appreciate your input!

» Take the survey NOW!

INTRODUCING THE STARS OF CHRISTMAS
Looking for something new and innovative to use this holiday season? The Stars of Christmas is a revolutionary four-week, K-5 curriculum that delivers creative, Biblical content in a uniquely interactive, teacher-driven format.

It examines a different "Star" each week in a Grammy-style awards show that tells the entire biblical Christmas story. Large Group lesson segments are provided on DVD, making lesson set-up simple. However, the teacher sets up and interacts with kids between each section, while integrated, age-appropriate Small Group segments help kids process the key concepts of the lessons with adult volunteers.

Created by the Willow Creek Association in collaboration with Dan Huffman -- Kidology Board Member and Children's Pastor at The Chapel, an innovative multi-site church in Illinois -- this Christmas series brings elements that kids remember while also being easy to use by staff and volunteers.

» Learn more about The Stars of Christmas (via WillowCreek.com)
» Kidology Members save $5 via Kidology Store
» Discuss this new curriculum in the Network Forums

COMPARING VBS 2009 OPTIONS
Over in the Kidology Network Forums, CP Team member Eric Ward has compiled a handy grid comparing the Vacation Bible School offerings for 2009.

This list compares publishers, names, themes, and what lessons are taught each day of the VBS experience. We hope you find this resource helpful in your children's ministry planning.

» View the 2009 VBS Comparison Chart

MOVIE REVIEW: CITY OF EMBER
"My family read and enjoyed the book City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau so we naturally wanted to see the movie when it came out," noted Kidology CP Team member Marty Martin in his review of the film with the same name.

"As with every book to movie adaptation there are a great deal of variances in the plot, but this movie does a fairly good job of keeping true to the feel and overall message of the book".

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!

BOO! IT'S OUR HALLOWEEN ZONE!
Ghosts, goblins, and God? Halloween is a time when our culture becomes obsessed with death and the morbid. Origins and traditions aside, the reality is that it's one of the biggest kids' holidays in America. Redeem this time of year with creative ideas and resources.

» Treat yourself to our ministry tricks
» Ask Halloween questions in the Network Forums
» Looking for an alternative adventure? Try Order of the Ancient

FUNDRAISER: THIS ONE'S ON ME
Kidology's "This One's On Me" fundraiser is a way for you to support one of your favorite children's ministry websites with small donations that otherwise may seem insignificant.

To make it fun, you can choose to "buy" the equivalent of many every day products as your donation. The catch? You'll get nothing in the mail, but will receive our heartfelt thanks and a tax-deductible receipt!

» Learn more about our fundraiser
» $0.99 Donation - iTunes Song
» $1.99 Donation - King-Size Candy Bar
» $25.00 Donation - Dinner Out on the Town
» Shop for other donation products!

MEET THE CP TEAM
The Kidology CP Team (Children's Pastors Team) is a volunteer team of children's pastors who share Kidology's passion to equip and encourage those in children's ministry and volunteer their time, expertise and experience on Kidology.org.

They seek to make sure every question in the forum receives a thoughtful answer. They help keep us current with movie and product reviews and keep us sharp with book and events reports. Bottom line, they are fellow comrades in ministry committed to going the extra mile to share with our members from their lives and ministries so together we all can do a better job reaching and teaching children.

» Get to know the current CP Team members!

MOVIE REVIEW: BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA
"Chloe is the typical rich girl having lived her life going to day spas, shopping for the hottest fashions, eating at gourmet restaurants and sunning by the pool at her luxurious home. The only catch is that Chloe is a Chihuahua."

CP Team member Henry Zonio notes in his review of Beverly Hills Chihuahua that "Chloe learns that there is more to life than day spas and gourmet food. She also learns that there are people all around her who care for her, if she took the time to notice and be grateful."

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!

UNBRIDLED: MAY 18-20, 2009
Karl Bastian writes: "When I first announced Yosemite Summit last year, I got many e-mails asking me to plan a similar event for women, even a few polite scoldings for making my event 'men only'."

"Obviously, I can't host a women's retreat! So I went to one of the most remarkable children's ministry leaders in the country -- Kim Bobb (who happens not to be a man) -- and challenged her to create a similar event for women. Unbridled was born!"

UPDATE: This event has been moved to May 18-20, 2009, to better accommodate the ministry schedules of women interested in attending. Availability to this Circleville, Ohio, event is limited, so act soon!

» Learn more and register for Unbridled today!