Planet Zoom Super Duper Starter Kit

Bee Bold. Bee-lieve. Be HIS.

 

 ”BE imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loves us and gave Himself for us.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)

Well, if you haven’t picked up on the buzz yet, Planet Zoom is a BEE-utiful VBS program in which children learn important lessons about Jesus’ amaz-z-zing love. Scout Bee, Bubba Bee, Nanny McBee, Sarge and Queen Bee Bianca help connect the kids to bible stories.

• Biz-z-zy Believers – Boy Jesus Goes to the Temple
• Unbee-lievevable Meal – Jesus Feeds 5000
• Amaz-z-zing Care – Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter
• New Bee-ginning – Jesus rose from the dead
• Bee Free in Jesus – God rescued Peter from jail.

Younger students are really going to like the bee theme and have a lot of fun with it. Older students? Personally, I’m not so sure. But then, maybe this is a great opportunity to introduce them to the concept of discipleship and let them help teach.

You’ll have a great picture to keep if you can get them all to wear the “Bee Bopper” headbands!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

*This is the fourth in a series of overviews of 2010 VBS programs. See more information on Group, Standard, Augsburg, Regular Baptist, Gospel Light, Answers in Genesis and others at www.saveonvbs.com. Don’t forget the 20% discount too!!

Son Quest Rainforest

In our continuing look at the VBS offerings for 2010, I thought we’d peek into Son Quest Rainforest today.

At first glance, I wasn’t in love with it. However, as you start to dig through the material, the simple message of Jesus Christ rings out clearly and simply from each day. I don’t know anyone who could critique G/L for sticking with the One who is most important!

Day one begins with Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. The Parable of the Sower is the discovery story and it follows with the typical pattern of engaging crafts and snacks.

Day two takes us to John 3:16 and the Parable of the Lost Sheep. The following days run through the Greatest Commandments, Philippians 4:6-7 (Don’t be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer…) and Colossians 3:23 (Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.). Parables of the Good Samaritan, friend at midnight and talents go with those days. Again – nothing flashy or fancy – it’s about Jesus.

As with each year, they continue to try to pack more value into each kit. Ancillary stuff is available of course (and discounted through LRM!). Be sure to check out the 77″ X 44″ coloring mural. Kids will have a blast coloring that in! (I want to get myself a monkey finger puppet too. Don’t know why…)

*And – Gospel Light still has the starter kit options for Son Rock Kids Camp (Who are you in Christ?) and Kingdom of the Son (Lord’s Prayer). Ask for more info.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

*This is the third in a series of overviews of 2010 VBS programs. See more information on Group, Standard, Augsburg, Regular Baptist, Concordia, Answers in Genesis and others at www.saveonvbs.com. Don’t forget the 20% discount too!!

Hero HeadQuarters Power Pak

Last year, Standard offered “Studio Go!” – an engaging game show format – as its annual VBS offering. The results? Not so good. It wasn’t that the material was bad. The simple reality was that it was a bit too much flash and punch for many churches.

This year? Back to the basics. As President Larry Carpenter said:

“As a result [of Studio Go!], the company approached this year’s program preparations with some trepidation,” Carpenter said. “We were very careful in our research. We wanted a theme that would be exciting, but perceived as ’safe’ and true to the Bible.”

So, what does Hero HeadQuarters offer?

• Bible Heroes: the “unnamed” heroes of the Bible who do little things that have great results (servant girl in 2 Kings 5: 1-14, young man speaks up in Acts 23:12 – 24, etc.
• Craft objects to illustrate the lessons learned and take-it-home
• “Projects with Purpose” to put faith into action
• Bible memory games to engage in fun while learning
• Kid Views DVDs: kids respond to real questions asked (New this year)
• And, of course, all the usual VBS whatnot!

If you liked Standard in the past but were turned off by last year’s offering, check it out again this year. I think you’ll be pleased at the return!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

*This is the second in a series of overviews of 2010 VBS programs. See more information on Group, Gospel Light, Augsburg, Regular Baptist, Concordia, Answers in Genesis and others at www.saveonvbs.com. Don’t forget the 20% discount too!!

VBS resources continue to grow each year. While some publishers have bowed out of this particular ministry, others – especially Group, Gospel Light and Standard – are running full speed ahead. (Augsburg, Regular Baptist and Concordia have good offerings too. They just aren’t quite as extensive.)

For many years, Group has been the #1 choice of churches through the LRM Resource Center. Since we offer the 20% discount, it’s pretty appealing from a cost perspective as well!!

So, why does Group now offer two options? A few years ago, Group began offering material that sought to build a bridge between Bible times and today. Personally, I was thrilled! The material has been fairly solid. For kids who don’t understand the culture and context, it is a great way to introduce them in a fun and engaging manner. (It helps adults too.)

This year, Group is again offering an option of a “regular” VBS and a “Marketplace” VBS.

• High Seas is a contemporary option with an emphasis on the New Testament. Imagine you are on the High Seas. Kids rotate between various stations – doing crafts, learning Bible verses and songs, exploring ways to apply faith – all while having a blast. Scriptures stories include God freeing Peter from prison, Paul in a storm and surviving the snake bite, Peter and John teaching about Jesus and the Acts 2 community of believers.
• Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace is the marketplace version where you transform your church into an ancient Egyptian village. Children rotate between various stations but everything is themed to present it from the Egyptian cultural perspective. Of course, all the Bible stories are about Joseph but they are reinforced with verses through the entire Bible.

I’ll post on the Gospel Light and Standard options later but these are always the ones that have the most initial interest.

REMEMBER – Pray about your VBS this summer. It’s not about the number of children who participate. It’s about the Truth of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Find the material that works for you AND presents a clear message!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Info / announcement from the Tourette’s Syndrome Association regarding David Pittman:

The TSA is excited to spread the word about David Pittman, who after auditioning on last night’s ”American Idol” has made it to Hollywood and round two of the highly popular TV singing competition show.

 

He wowed judges by singing Sam Cooke’s ”Bring it on Home,” but wowed America even more with his personal story about living with Tourette Syndrome.

 

Over 26 million viewers learned about Tourette Syndrome during last night’s broadcast, and countless others from today’s blogs, news stories and video posts.

 

You can view David’s performance on the official TSA Facebook page here. If you have not yet “become a fan” of our newly-launched page, please do so today to stay up to date on all news and events related to TS and network and connect with others from around the world! 

 

Please check the TSA Facebook page for any developments about David’s future appearances on “Idol” and let’s all hope he makes it to the Top 24!

 

OK – I don’t watch American Idol but the family does. So – that means I usually hear it and tune in from time to time. (I think it is better to be in the room reading a book or on the computer with everyone than downstairs or in the bedroom…)

Tourette’s Syndrome grabs my attention – as regular readers know!

David Pittman had a chance to give a little overview of TS and then sing. He’s good and made it to Hollywood. Hopefully he will do well and go on in the show. The more people who know, the better it is for those who struggle.

I’ll pay attention enough to see what happens!!!

Until you walk a mile in another’s shoes…

Why I Stayed

Gayle Haggard’s newest book, Why I Stayed, is bound to raise a few eyebrows. I haven’t read the book, but Christianity Today posted an interview with her discussing the book. During the interview, she stated:

I didn’t know what it was like to be the person who so desperately needed compassion.

It reminded me of a conversation I had with a pastor once upon a time. There was interest in starting up a “divorce recovery” group at the church. He was very opposed – stating divorce was sin and this would be like endorsing the sin.

Then, his daughter’s husband cheated on her and left her and their kids…

The divorce recovery program became a ministry of the church.

Don’t misunderstand. I believe in the sanctity of marriage. Marriage guidelines are clear in Scripture. That said, there are possible Biblical grounds for divorce. Most people ignore them and do what they want. It’s called sin. I’m impressed that Gayle stayed.

But my point in this particular post is simple this – try wearing someone else’s shoes. It’s not easy to walk that way. We don’t know what they are going through each day.

Pain, frustration, anger,  rage, sorrow, fear, depression…

Sin.

Remember that Jesus loves the sinner. He hates the sin. He longed to gather the people together in His arms (Luke 13:34) and protect them.

When’s the last time you loved instead of throwing a stone?

Yours in Christ,
Marty

If you are going to read one book this year, this has to be the one. You may think I’m kidding or exaggerating, but this is it.

Donald Miller meets J I Packer. Rob Bell meets John MacArthur. Bugs Bunny meets Beatrix Potter.

Dug Down Deep

OK – the last one was a bit of a joke. No insults to anyone intended, but you get the point – lightheartedness blended with good content.

In Dug Down Deep, Joshua Harris presents “a mixtape of Biblical Truth” written in language that everyone can understand. (For the non-cassette tape players out there, it’s your iPod playlist.) Harris clearly communicates theology with heart and passion. In his words, “We are all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.”

[If the word "theology" scares you, don't worry. The words (jus-ti-fi-ca-shun, sanc-ti-fi-ca-shun, ...) are not used as swords but rather as helps. How do those powerful words fit into your life and mine?]

Harris’ purpose in writing the book is clearly spelled out. “Dug Down Deep is my reveling in theology in my own simply way – not too polished, sometimes awkward, less than scholarly, hopefully gracious and faithful.”

What issues does he tackle? A quick, non-comprehensive snapshot in my words:

• God – far away or right here?
• The Bible – rules or food?
• Jesus – did he really have a bellybutton?
• Salvation – “born again” – imagine the guts and goo – not the flowers and balloons
• The Holy Spirit – what’s beyond that one line in the Apostle’s Creed?

That’s enough I hope for you to get the picture. (And I didn’t even mention the atheist summer camp!)

So – looking for a good book? This is it. You will enjoy the content and – prayerfully – find something to enrich your faith walk a bit more. Put this on your reading list for the New Year!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

**Oh – for some odd reason, the FCC wants me to mention that I received a free copy Multnomah / Waterbrook. Seems a bit silly since M / W didn’t pay me to write anything? Job security for someone! )

Hey – if I post today, it will not have been two weeks since my last post!

Ok – a little slacking, but between a Board meeting, the VBS Extravaganza and a lot of other things that have popped up, it’s been a crazy start to the New Year.

Broomball – What is it?

As I best understood it, it was a college-appropriate sport whereby people go out on the ice in tennis shoes and hit a soccer ball around with brooms into goals. [Think hockey but w/brooms and a big ball.] They also hit each other a lot. I guess there is a bit more to it (there are “professional” broom ball groups), but in my Midwestern mind, that’s what I thought…

Broomball – What is it now?

As I NOW understand it, it is a fun way for people to get some exercise and have a good time. If done with gentleness and to goof around, it can be a blast. If done with real brooms, it can be pretty funny!

But, I must caution you, if anyone gives you a broom with a metal handle, be careful. Metal can bend. Metal can break. Broken metal can cut. 2 inch lacerations on the hand can be uncomfortable.

Thankfully, it was my hand and not a child’s.

Unthankfully – OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

I’ve been remiss in blogging simply because the words haven’t been there. Actually, the words have been there – it’s just hard to get them to come together…

2009 had some pretty incredible highs and some pretty dismal lows. Last year at this time, we were still coming down from the incredible blessing of Drew being chosen as the Coin Toss captain and playing catch with Rams’ quarterback, Marc Bulger. Two months ago, Diana and I were on our knees in fear and worry. One month ago, we were cautiously rejoicing.

And now?

The words just aren’t there. Blessings? Abundant. Questions? Abundant. Love? Abundant. “Stuff?” Abundant.

Aaargh…

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2nd Peter 3:18

That should be our focus. That should be our priority. The rest is just the details.

Yours in Christ,
Marty