If Angels Could Sing…

Before you watch this incredible new video from Pentatonix, I’d like you to consider something. A professor of mine in Bible college suggested an interesting theory he had about angels based on a textual study of the Bible’s original languages. An interesting fact, that while we often talk about “angelic choirs” or say someone “sings like an angel,” nowhere in Scripture are angels ever recorded as singing. But often, the saints are and we are commanded to! Keep in mind, this is a theory based on an argument from silence. So while we can’t say the Bible says “angels can’t sing,” – there is no evidence that they can in the original languages of the Bible. As Dr. James used to say, I will also say, “I sure hope they do! I bet they are amazing.” The point is simply that perhaps singing was a gift given uniquely to humans as a means of worship? Note, in Job 38:7, states that on the first day of creation, the angels “shouted for joy.” Consider that the classic Christmas play scene of children dressed as singing angels (as adorable as it is) doesn’t match the biblical text where the angels were “praising…

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WIN a FREE What’s in the Bible Christmas Series!

Want to win a FREE copy of What’s in the Bible’s Why Do We Call in Christmas? I know you do. And not just because it’s free, but because anything created by Phil Vischer and his team you know is going to be fun, engaging, educational and pretty easy to use. Let’s face it, Christmas is filled with a lot of fun, but confusing stuff! Cutting down trees, eggnog, hanging stockings, that Santa character, and more. Somewhere in the midst of it there is a Nativity Scene too. This December, I highly recommend you take your kids on an adventure with Buck Denver* and the gang to explore the true meaning of Christmas like never before. What I love about What’s in the Bible is that it’s not just fun, but tackles stuff that many curricula ignore or overlook – deep stuff even – but does it in a way that captures kids eyes and hearts while engaging their minds. This 4 week series includes customizable lessons in addition to the great videos, helpful leader guides, printable games and activities, take home cards, and more. And get this: Online access lets you lead from your iPad! How cool is that!?…

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FREE Thanksgiving Video Lessons!

Wow! How would you like some amazing FREE Thanksgiving Video Based lessons from Pop Up Good News? These fun, interactive teaching videos are ideal for your young learners and the topic is perfect for November! Whether you use them in your regular programming or for a time when you need to provide quality care – make it a productive time with Pop Up Good News! Watching these reminded me of watching Nina on Sprouts when my boy was little. Each video also comes with a lesson plan and activity sheets. I know the best way to evaluate something is to TRY IT, so I asked the creator if he would share a lesson with Kidology Premium Members, and Scott surprised me by offering an entire series on Thanksgiving! That’s FIVE complete videos and lessons. How can you get this? Log into your membership on Kidology.org and visit the Member Perks for November. Then, head over to PopUpGoodNews.com to learn about how you can get these videos and lessons each and every month for your young learners!

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Get “Spooky” with Mr. Bones

Halloween is a complicated time for Christians. Some simply ignore it, pretending it doesn’t exist, others crusade against it, while others embrace it as an opportunity for ministry, even as they may wish it didn’t exist – and some I supposed love it and don’t see what the “big deal” is. As a pastor’s kid who grew up with very little emphasis on this day, other than going “Trick or Treating” – I found myself in a dilemma when my own son went nuts over this ‘holiday.’ Not in an unhealthy way, but as a boy, he just loves decorating with webs and spiders and the few skeletons we allow. He’s not much into dressing up, though he goes along with it – and lucky of us, he isn’t a huge candy eater. So after a few blocks of Trick or Treating he often says, “OK, I have enough candy, we can head home,” much to his dad’s surprise. (and a little disappointment, as Dad was hoping for some more mini licorice candies before we quit!) So as a Christian first, then a dad, and finally as a pastor – I had to ask myself, what do I do with…

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TWO FREE Kidmin Webinars THIS WEEK!

Hello! I wanted to make sure you knew that this week I am doing TWO FREE online seminars as a part of the totally free CMweb Summit, and I wanted to make sure you were aware of it. The first is: Thursday, October 23, 2014, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (MDT) It’s Called: Rebooting Your Kidmin Description: Ten Steps to Rebooting Your Kids Ministry from the Inside Out and Top Down! This workshop is for those brand new to leadership in children’s ministry, or those who may need to ‘start over’ more strategically. Get organized and learn the ‘insider secrets” to keeping sane while leading a kidmin. Leave encouraged and with a practical step by step strategy for building a ministry that can stand the test of time! The second is: Friday, October 24, 2014, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (MDT) It’s going to be fun! It’s a Virtual Tour of Kidology.org Description: Since 1994, before eBay, PayPal, YouTube or even Google (!) Kidology.org has been growing daily with the tools you need to succeed in children’s ministry. The site is massive! Enjoy Karl Bastian, (aka the Kidologist) giving you a virtual tour of all that is available…

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