December 2008 Newsletter

 
 

A COOKIE OR A CAR?
My wife and I are so enjoying our daily Advent celebrations each evening with our son. As we gather around the fireplace, we unveil the next Playmobile nativity figure, then we read the Christmas story as our little boy fills in the details.

This time is capped off by singing "Away in a Manger" and watching Luke roleplay the story with the growing collection of nativity figures. Finally, it's his favorite time... a visit to the mommy-made Advent Tree where every ornament holds a daily treat: "A Cookie or a Car."

Oh, how we love to give gifts to our children, especially things we know they'll enjoy. How much more so does our Heavenly Father delight in revealing to us a little more of His divine Story each day, while providing us gifts He knows we'll enjoy? When you get into your PJ's, don't forget to say "Thanks, Papa."

Keep reading to find our gifts to you this month. We hope it will equip and encourage YOU as you share God's Story with the kids you love. There is also an opportunity for you to bless us and get a very special gift in return! Thanks for your friendship!

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

 
ARTICLE: KEEP CHRIST IN YOUR MINISTRY
"I have no doubt that children's ministry leaders and volunteers will keep 'Christ in Christmas' during this season," writes Kidology founder Karl Bastian.

"I am more concerned about whether we will keep a relationship with Jesus at the center of our life and ministry. Christmas serves as a perfect object lesson on this topic because Christ slips away from our ministries the same way He slips out of Christmas.
"

» Read the full article!
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY PODCAST IS BACK!
The Children's Ministry Podcast returns with Episode 8. This FREE series presented by Kidology.org features Karl Bastian and his sidekick Gus. Enjoy the story of how Karl got into children's ministry as a child as well as insight into why we must engage kids from within the context of their culture.


» Download and listen to Episode 8
» Discuss this podcast in the Network Forums  
FREE TASTE OF TRAINING
For those of you who haven't yet experienced Kidology Online Training, we wanted to give you a limited-time "taste" of that experience. Here's a 6-minute excerpt from the Leadership Lab #3: Kid-Focused Ministry Foundations video:


» Watch FREE sample video

Give Kidology Online Training a try. It's the affordable way to sharpen your skills... on your time!

» Watch entire Lab #3 video (20 min; Kidology Membership required)  
» Purchase Leadership Lab #3 Download Kit  
» Share your thoughts in the Network Forums  
HAVE YOU USED THE CHRISTMAS ZONE YET?
Are you looking for ideas to use during the Christmas season? Stop by our packed Christmas Zone for lessons, creative tips, and other ideas submitted by children's ministry folks just like you! You may need to fire up some Christmas music to get you in the proper mood, but it will be worth it!


» Explore the Christmas Zone for ideas!
YOU BOUGHT THE DVD. NOW WHAT?
Disney's theatrical version of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is now on DVD. After you pick up your copy, make sure you pair it with Kidology's Prince Caspian Companion Study by Susan Harper. The combination makes for a great teaching tool! Available for immediate download.


Narnia Companion Studies:
» Prince Caspian Companion Study
» The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe Companion Study
» Wardrobe + Caspian Study Bundle

Also of interest:
» Kidology's Movie Review of Prince Caspian
» Network Forums discussion of Prince Caspian

DONATIONS AND THANKS
This One's On MeKidology'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. Consider a donation before the end of the year.

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

As an additional "thank you" for any donation to Kidology $5 or more by the end of 2008, we'd like to send you our donor-exclusive Worship DVD. This media-rich presentation features breathtaking images and video from our Yosemite Summit retreat, backed by the music of the Newsboys.


» Learn more about our fundraiser
» $0.99 Donation - iTunes Song
» $1.99 Donation - King-Size Candy Bar
» $5.00 Donation - Dozen Donuts
» $25.00 Donation - Dinner Out on the Town
» Shop for other donation products!

UPDATE: KIDOLOGY COACHING
Kidology CoachingBarney Kinard, Kidology Coaching Instructor, chimes in with an update: "There are now 9 students in the program. Also, for a limited time, we have waived the application and registration fee, so it's more affordable!"

Kidology Coaching provides a veteran children's ministry professional who guides you through a 12-unit curriculum that covers 26 foundational areas of ministry.


» Learn more about Kidology Coaching
» Interested? Ask questions in the Network Forums!

YOSEMITE SUMMIT & UNBRIDLED
Challenge your spiritual life by attending our upcoming Kidology Retreats in 2009. They are "Unconferences for Children's Pastors!"

Yosemite Summit is a 4-day personal sabbatical for male children's pastors, taking place in California's Yosemite National Park from May 17-21, 2009. Only 6 slots remain available!

Unbridled is a 3-day retreat for female children's pastors, taking place in central Ohio from May 18-20, 2009. It also only has 6 slots available.


» Learn more about Yosemite Summit
» Discover what Unbridled is all about

Kidology Report

Death by Meeting
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
ForumsFrom the Kidology Network Forums: "I invite you to dream with me. What is your dream for your ministry in the coming year and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish? Are there any dreams which seem impossible, yet you hold them deep in your heart? Share here. Let's inspire and encourage each other!"


» Join the conversation!

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