tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38486630853303317782024-03-05T17:51:51.799-08:00Go Create, Minister, Teach!Communicating Christ in an unforgettable way. See what's onstage, backstage and offstage in our creative ministry. cmtministries.orgCreate, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-23312086327842881682018-01-03T13:12:00.000-08:002018-09-27T13:15:02.349-07:00Autumn Adventures with an Awesome God<div style="text-align: center;">
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Just weeks after our <a href="http://createminteach.blogspot.com/2017/09/summer-time-soujourns-international.html" target="_blank">summer time soujourns,</a> I found myself in Ohio for the <a href="http://www.cccuhq.org/cccunews/latest-cccu-news/130-the-latest-cccu-ministry-news/298-christian-education-department-announce-fall-conference" target="_blank">Christian Education (CE) Conference</a>. </div>
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Here we shared ways to incorporate creativity in ministry with children's ministry leaders. My absolute favorite class to lead was "Building a Team, Creating a Space," a discussion on how to grow a team socially, emotionally, and spiritually. </div>
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The feedback we received was enormously encouraging. To our surprise (and delight), we even received an invitation from one of the attending pastors to visit their church the next morning!</div>
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So our evening became a brainstorming session as we planned this children’s service. We had a blast leading this simple but creative service that incorporated worship with motions, technology, scripture with actions, Gospel Illusion, and puppetry to focus on one thing: knowing God!</div>
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"I have heard nothing but positive feedback regarding the conference... It was great to see your love for Jesus and passion for children's ministry in all of your presentations." — Becky Johnson, CE Conference Coordinator</h4>
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In early October, our ministry team was invited to <a href="http://createminteach.blogspot.com/2016/10/anchored-with-hope-in-or.html" target="_blank">return</a> to the <span id="goog_284602183"></span><a href="http://www.creativemin.com/category/creative_ministry_festivals" target="_blank">Creative Ministry Solutions OR<span id="goog_284602184"></span> Festival</a> to present “the Lightlings” for the conference. So north we went! </div>
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This trip really served as a spiritual retreat. Our time away from home and focused in ministry made us tighter than ever. The encouragement we received after presenting was also an immense blessing!</div>
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On October 31st, we visited Onnuri Church of San Jose for Hallelujah Night. The majority of our audience was children and their reactions are always so energizing! </div>
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From joyous laughter to genuine “woooooah’s” of wonder to moments of absolute silence as they absorbed the message, we were so humbled to share our ministry with such open hearts.</div>
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And just a week later, I was on a plane once more for my final fall conference! This time cross-country to teach at the <a href="http://www.creativemin.com/category/creative_ministry_festivals" target="_blank">Creative Ministry Solutions PA Festival</a>. </div>
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With nearly 200 attendees, there was an undeniable energy that was infectious. I was most inspired by seeing so many pre-teens and teens in attendance with such enthusiasm and passion for using their gifts for Christ!</div>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-41587745594567538102017-09-01T13:05:00.000-07:002018-09-27T13:06:39.073-07:00Summer Time Soujourns: (Inter)National Conferences<img height="240" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/31dceff6-fb95-44b0-8936-cbc7dc8c715d.png" width="320" /><br />
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Early in July, I attended the <a href="http://creativemin.com/ifest" target="_blank">International Festival of Creative Arts Ministry</a> in Illinois. I-Fest drew nearly 200 attendees from around the world!<br />
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Workshop leaders included Jeff Smith (the creator of the Dowel Rod technique), Edna Bland (puppeteer mentored by “Big Bird” Carroll Spinney), and many other respected leaders in the creative ministry world.<br />
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I felt so blessed to enjoy a week of encouragement and investing in my ministry as I shared with attendees, took classes and enjoyed the devotions. This energy was going to be much needed for the…<br />
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Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers (FCP) National Conference in Maryland. I crossed 4 state lines the day after I-Fest ended to co-direct this conference.<br />
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Aside from directing the logistics of the conference, I led worship in general sessions and shared in performances, workshops, and devotions. My favorite classes to teach were Creativity & Christ and the Making of the Lightlings!<br />
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A major highlight was the opportunity work with some exceptionally talented ministry friends to present “the Lightlings.” It was so special to see my vision come to life with so much heart and passion throughout the presentation! I still feel extremely blessed for the privilege I had to foster rich fellowship and to share in a time of creativity, testimonies, prayers and praises!<br />
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"The fellowship of like-minded believers in Jesus, along with a heart to glorify God made this conference a success!" —Vonnie Pratt, Missionary</h4>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-88988754755972474452017-06-29T12:55:00.000-07:002018-09-27T12:56:47.294-07:00Shining His Light At Home & On The Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In November, we were invited to bring "the Lightlings" to Center of Praise Ministries in Sacramento, CA. Our visit served as a kick off for their launch of children's ministry for their Saturday evening services! We had the immense privilege of presenting for the Saturday evening congregration in their Cathedral which is one of our greatest joys - serving the young and young at heart alike!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In February, we brought "the Lightlings" to one of our favorite hosts: El Sobrante Christian School. We have had the blessing of visiting their elementary campus every other year for the last 6 years. It is so special to present for nearly 200 unapologetically enthusiastic students. The encouragement they provided through their cheers, applause and laughter is not only electric, but a treasure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">"Gabriel and his team are a shining light for God’s kingdom. I pray that everyone has the opportunity to have this wonderful team come to their church or school to spread the good news about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!" — Darren Ojeda , El Sobrante Christian School</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">In February, we hosted Creative Ministry Solutions' California Festival. I led two workshops: Secrets I've Learned from Disney & Pixar and Blacklight Puppetry. This year we had the privilege of an invitation to present "the Lightlings" for the conference. It's always great fun to share with fellow creatives! We also presented a human video, based on the ministry of Paul, for the Creative Ministry Competition and received a Silver Award!</span><br />
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<a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/e8740a70-5464-4d59-a191-b01559c19f21.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/e8740a70-5464-4d59-a191-b01559c19f21.png" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">In April, we spearheaded an Easter Family Service at our home church: Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor. Despite our church's small size, we had double our usual attendance for the service: praise God! We led praise and worship, used puppetry, illusions and games to "break the ice" with our visitors, and concluded with a call to truly reflect on Christ's victory over death and sin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In April, I was invited to the Renewal Conference in Elk Grove, CA for the 3rd year. It was a great joy to share with many encouraging children's workers in my seminars: Lively Lessons with Magic, Puppetry & Drama - Captivating Classes with Storytelling & Scribbles - Creativity & Connections Roundtable. A huge highlight was hearing the message and testimony of the keynote speaker, Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">"What the young pastor said that day is: If God has given you a dream, the dream comes to life, and then the dream dies - it may be that God wants to see what is more important to you: the dream or Him."— Phil Vischer</span></h4>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-5834627821018995432016-11-09T12:40:00.000-08:002018-09-27T12:41:50.931-07:00Anchored with Hope in OR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The weekend of October 22nd had us scheduled to travel to Oregon! Gabriel was invited by Creative Ministry Solutions to lead workshops at the Creative Ministry Festival and our ministry was scheduled to perform for the conference. Except for Gabriel, the team had never been to Oregon before so they were thrilled about this opportunity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, just a week before our departure, our assistant director/adult female chaperone, was no longer able to go! As you can imagine, the team was disappointed about the need to cancel their travel to Oregon and Gabriel made arrangements for a solo presentation for the conference. In light of these circumstances, we knew that God was in control!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gabriel arrived to Keizer, OR on Friday, October 21st and taught a workshop on basic rod-arm puppetry for a group of eager-to-learn puppeteers!</span><br />
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<a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/8e74edff-11d1-4ed9-8b64-c51f679cb07b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/8e74edff-11d1-4ed9-8b64-c51f679cb07b.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="264" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next morning, Gabriel opened the conference with a devotional based on the woman who anoints Jesus in Matthew 26. He encouraged the attendees to follow the example of this unnamed woman who found a creative way to demonstrate her love for Jesus. He then segued into his performance, which combined video, illusions, painting and puppetry to tell "the Original Love Story" of God's love for humanity through creation, the fall of man and our redemption through Christ. Following this, Gabriel co-taught "Advanced Puppetry" with Brett Belleque, from Mount Morris, IL, and later in the afternoon taught "Hand Mime." Other sessions offered at the festival had topics varying from gospel illusions to big object lessons to ministry leadership to ventriloquism!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a tremendous blessing to attend this festival. These weekends buzz with creativity, offer opportunities for fellowship with other ministry leaders and workers, and most importantly, offer spiritual encouragement. This year has been successful, but not without challenges, for our church and ministry. The festival theme verse hit close to home: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls." Heb. 6:18-19</span></h3>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-47597228358784579022016-10-30T20:45:00.000-07:002016-11-21T20:46:40.593-08:00Bringing the Joy of Jesus to EcuadorSaludos de Ecuador! I had the privilege of investing 9 days with the missions team that's assembled from UT, OH and CA in Quito, Ecuador. <br />
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Our trip was led by Rod and Debbi Bond, missionaries that dedicated 11 years to working in Quito Ecuador. They were called to work in a new mission field, Utah, 2 years ago and this was their first time returning since they left.<br />
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Our mission? To encourage the local believers and churches that the Bonds planted while sowing seeds for the children of the communities with vacation bible school (VBS) style community programs.<br />
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Our first day had a late start since the flights from UT and OH were delayed so those team members didn't arrive until 3 am. We had a low key day exploring the Colonial District of Quito, the Artisan Market, getting to know each other and trying to adjust to the altitude (we're over 9,000 ft above sea level). The evening was spent prepping and planning for our events on Day 2! <br />
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<b>Day 2 </b></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praise & Worship in the Park!</td></tr>
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We visited "La Victoria" a community an hour outside of Quito. Here, we visited with the local “house church” that the Bonds planted many years ago. One of the women we met was “Angelita.” <br />
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She is 90 years old and was the first brave believer to open her home for Bible Studies. The Catholic Church publicly denounced her upon learning this and she received many threats. Despite this, she opened her doors for other believers and, when they became too large to fit in her home, moved to other homes, including her daughters’.<br />
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Later in the day set up our VBS in the park. We had about 40 children join us for 2 hours of games, music, clowns, puppets and fun! We also had a church service in the park later in the afternoon and even enjoyed a bit of rain.<br />
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<h3>
Day 3 </h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Steve from UT with the children</td></tr>
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We returned to La Victoria for a 2nd day of programming. We set up in the park once again and the clear skies promised it would be a nice, hot day in South America.<br />
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Our morning began with an hour long program for select classes from the local primary school and the kids were so excited about the souvenir "clown noses" they received. We then had a short break for lunch to catch our breath and return to the park for our 2nd VBS program. <br />
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Once again, songs, games, music, clowns and fun! In total, we worked with about 70 kids for the day. One of my highlights? When the children were asking us "What time will you be back tomorrow?”<br />
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<h3>
Day 4 & 5 </h3>
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We traveled to a low-income community about 45 minutes outside of the center of Quito, Oyacoto. We had just under 100 kids each day and it was... Wild! We actually had the opportunity to actually work indoors and it was a blessing because it was pouring on our first day.<br />
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Catholicism is also deeply rooted in this community. One of our missions team members was chatting with a little girl and asked her if she believed in Jesus. She responded “I believe in the Virgin.” <br />
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Still, the children were very excited about having us and enjoyed the opportunity to sing songs, play games, make crafts and hang out with clowns and puppets. Crowd control was challenging at times. Each day was stressful kind of joy with the children and we've not only embraced it, but ran with it!<br />
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We also were requested by the leader of the area to visit a home. Despite being very tired, we dragged ourselves to this home… and were reminded of how we can be God’s hands and feet. We met a terminally-ill bedridden woman who simply wanted prayer. The team earnestly prayed for this woman and her grieving family. It was an emotional meeting.<br />
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<h3>
Day 6</h3>
It’s my birthday! I was greeted with a slice of cake, a candle and birthday card at breakfast and then.. it was off to work!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio, Rod & Rosa</td></tr>
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We headed to another community about 45 minutes from Quito and visited an elderly couple that holds a very special place in the hearts of the Bond Family, and quickly learned why. Sergio and Rosa are over 90 years old and have been married for 71 years. They both now have difficulty walking so are unable to visit their local “house church” and were overjoyed to see the Bonds visiting them.<br />
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As a team, we prayed for them and sang hymns together. Before departing, we presented them with a love offering we quietly collected for them during our visit. Upon receiving this gift, they immediately raised their hands, looked to the sky and praised God. Their faith and love for Christ is inspiring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Children of Chambitola!</td></tr>
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After this, we moved on to La Ruminahui to set up our VBS in a basketball court. Here, the local leader Lucy has been hosting a kid’s club every Saturday in one of the local believers’ homework for over 6 years. As soon as she steps out of our van, the children flock to her to greet and hug her. <br />
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Though the team anticipated around 40 children, Lucy revealed that she and the church had printed and distributed 500 invitations to the program and she was expecting around 100… and 100 showed up!<br />
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It was a special afternoon for me to lead games, puppeteer and bring a message of God’s love to these children on my birthday. Easily the best!<br />
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<h3>
Day 7</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitad del Mundo</td></tr>
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Friday was our 2nd and final rest day and it was very much welcome. We started the at the "Mitad Del Mundo" (Middle of the World) Park and had some time for fun photos and souvenir shopping.<br />
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From there, we had a 2 hour drive to Septimo Paraiso, a cloud forest reserve near Mindo, for hiking, hummingbird watching (we saw at least 10 different types) and relaxing in the cold mountain water pool. It was a great day to recharge, enjoy Ecuador's natural beauty and prepare ourselves for Saturday.<br />
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<h3>
Day 8</h3>
We had an early start for our 3 hour drive to Chambitola, a very rural community in the mountains. The entire drive was scenic and gorgeous and the final stretch of the drive was up the side of the mountains on very narrow dirt and rock roads. <br />
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Once in Chambitola, we joined the local church for a dedication of their new sunday school classrooms for the children. The Bond Family and many of their ministry partners and supporters helped raise the funds for the construction of these classrooms. The inauguration included gratitudes, a Kincha (indigenous language) choir and a surprise for Rod as he was asked to cut the ribbon for the new classrooms.<br />
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From there, we quickly set up for our final program. The children and adults alike were all excited about everything: the puppets, the clowns, music, games, crafts, storytelling and fellowship.<br />
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We ended our time together gifting 60+ handmade finger puppets (from Kristie Baldwin in PA), clown noses and snacks to all the kids and teens. Bertha, from OH, also gave a big bag of beanie babies to the lead teacher and she was thrilled to have them for future gifts to the children.<br />
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We then had to rip ourselves away to say goodbye and begin our journey down the mountain before the roads became too dark. Chambitola was a huge blessing to visit. I've often observed that those with the least give the most and the people of this community were no exception. <br />
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<h3>
Day 9</h3>
For our final day of the mission, we spent the morning together with nearly all the ministry partners we had worked with during the week. Our time together included sharing experiences, encouraging the Ecuadorians who work in these communities and eating lunch together. <br />
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Ending on this note gave us an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the work we had done with the children and communities all week. The rest of the day was busy with packing and final preparations for the team to go home. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missions Team from the US <b>and</b> Ecuador</td></tr>
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In summary, we worked with somewhere around 350 children with 5 site visits over 6 working days. We even logged around 20 hours of travel time in our van to these site visits for the week! <br />
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Each day was an adventure where our greatest reward was seeing a group full of smiling faces as these children enjoyed clowns, puppets, songs, games and crafts. Each day, these children walked away hearing a message that they mattered.<br />
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If a group of almost strangers from the United States was willing to come all the way to Ecuador to spend the day with them, how much more do they matter to God, the Creator of the Universe? Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-8943382556848325062016-07-30T18:01:00.000-07:002017-07-03T18:01:54.376-07:00Journey to the International Festival in Chicago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo5s1WAuhF0Nku_HMc0b_fWMbUheJ7lq2nu4dZJWf8XqmxOVFjgxxD6rdID6Xypyb4Z556ollBzUSAI54TJh9zf8YZJoPU0Nc7EYtQbkfuLAu3whjmphEB-ktDMBflBDEDeJeuGCkWG9I/s1600/f6ca7ad6-6e1a-4699-a96d-2e99b144500f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="600" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo5s1WAuhF0Nku_HMc0b_fWMbUheJ7lq2nu4dZJWf8XqmxOVFjgxxD6rdID6Xypyb4Z556ollBzUSAI54TJh9zf8YZJoPU0Nc7EYtQbkfuLAu3whjmphEB-ktDMBflBDEDeJeuGCkWG9I/s400/f6ca7ad6-6e1a-4699-a96d-2e99b144500f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/10aebf40-0533-46d2-a551-6b02be300d8b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="800" height="112" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/10aebf40-0533-46d2-a551-6b02be300d8b.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Presenting "Children of God" from <i>the<br />Lightlings </i>for the Open Puppet Competition.<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CMTministries/videos/1214896305221448/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Watch the video</a></span></td></tr>
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After many years of dreaming, praying and (I'll admit) even a bit of doubting, we achieved a long-time goal of taking our team to the International Festival of Creative Arts Ministry(I-Fest) at Olivet Nazarene University in IL... and we couldn't be more grateful! I-Fest is an exciting 5 day conference full of inspiration, ideas and spiritual challenge.<br />
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I was invited to lead performance workshops and lectures, including the wildly popular "Secrets I've Learned from Disney and Pixar."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/43e56d9b-0eaf-42ba-b5f5-81c00f95c32f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="132" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0e9f89680ac78e2ed649c7e2/images/43e56d9b-0eaf-42ba-b5f5-81c00f95c32f.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Gabriel's human video class<br />presents "Love is Here."<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CMTministries/videos/1209423379102074/" target="_blank">Watch the video!</a></span></td></tr>
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Mitzi, our newest member, proudly attended 15 workshops that included construction classes, lectures, demos and discipleship series.<br />
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Meanwhile, Camila and Bibiana both auditioned and were accepted to the "Dream Team." They worked with 16 other young people from across the country under 2 seasoned directors to prepare the I-Fest Finale Performance.. in just 5 days!<br />
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The presentation was spectacular but, more importantly, both Cami and Bibi were moved by the experience and the call they felt to worship God with creative ministry.<br />
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5 years ago Camila and Bibiana were willing to join me to start a team, without a clue as to what "creative ministry" was. Seeing their growth over the years and watching them lay their talents at His feet has been extremely rewarding. I couldn't feel more privileged as a director!<br />
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Our team has returned home energized and with a renewed sense of calling. We are eager to put into practice what we've learned and can't wait to see what God will do in the coming year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camila, Gabriel, Mitzi and Bibiana</td></tr>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-30674110157357336452016-02-28T09:01:00.002-08:002018-02-05T14:54:29.890-08:00the Lightlings now booking!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Based on the story by R.C. Sproul, the Lightlings are a race of beings created in the image of the King of Light. Upon disobeying the King though, their lights dim and they flee into the darkness. Join us as we explore the redemption of the Lightlings and why some people fear light more than darkness.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="169" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254399080?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="300"></iframe></div>
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Puppetry, music, blacklight and multiple creative arts are woven together to illustrate a message that audiences of all ages will understand. This 35 minute musical is available in English and Spanish/English through Spring 2018. The themes of darkness, light and redemption make the program suitable for Christmas, Easter and any other special event!</div>
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Please contact <a href="mailto:gabriel@CMTministries.org">gabriel@CMTministries.org</a> if you'd like to bring <i>the Lightlings</i> to your next event or to request more information.</div>
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<b>"<i>For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!</i>" Ephesians 5:8</b></div>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-10519332806572214852016-02-22T17:55:00.000-08:002016-02-28T18:42:28.601-08:00Rejoicing with the Body at the Regional Ministry Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On February 19-20, we had the opportunity to co-host the<a href="http://www.creativemin.com/product/ca1/spring" target="_blank"> San Francisco Regional Creative Ministry Festival</a> with our friends at Central Assembly Church. We welcomed pastors, directors, worship leaders, youth and creative ministry enthusiasts from throughout California. What a wonderful time of teaching, learning, sharing and fellowship!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl42cKbI-2xh0B6mTzyGerhQDzzngXg_avF4YUDweBjtGG1KVNqY6cQeNy51Ef4Ft_x-Shb6cRV9UT5NCowkS01sAzQh3wHRZ8POh_jzukFI1-zodx6d-PfsbOC2cTA0XWfIvaup6oVUv/s1600/DSC_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl42cKbI-2xh0B6mTzyGerhQDzzngXg_avF4YUDweBjtGG1KVNqY6cQeNy51Ef4Ft_x-Shb6cRV9UT5NCowkS01sAzQh3wHRZ8POh_jzukFI1-zodx6d-PfsbOC2cTA0XWfIvaup6oVUv/s320/DSC_0282.jpg" width="320" /></a>The conference theme, "the Family of Ministry" was first introduced at the 2015 <a href="http://cmtministries.blogspot.com/2015/07/i-fest-2015-family-of-ministry.html" target="_blank">International Festival of Creative Arts Ministry</a>, with the theme verse of 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. </div>
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"<i>there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it</i>." </h4>
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Friday</h3>
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The conference kicked off with the opening theme presentation, <i>the Family of Ministry. </i>As the host team, we were able to assist with this presentation.</div>
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The story follows DJ, a kid who everyone expects to be a great praise band singer like his Grandpa was. However, singing isn't exactly DJ's talent so he feels that has nothing to contribute. He ends up experiencing a blast from the past as his Grandpa and other relatives show him that a wide variety of talents make up "The Family of Ministry."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_qvbok8e9YX0V24oHJrvTYM3NmZ5AdzSKTIl3U3IltVFHHlO77DY-Z4sgS21M5rG1TtCE0oKx15hZGbloBj8bnjrjsdpt-PV3Hawi-5RH8K2pcnLeq4jJhCH2Cn9CGuP5A0GTH6gYyf1/s1600/IMG_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_qvbok8e9YX0V24oHJrvTYM3NmZ5AdzSKTIl3U3IltVFHHlO77DY-Z4sgS21M5rG1TtCE0oKx15hZGbloBj8bnjrjsdpt-PV3Hawi-5RH8K2pcnLeq4jJhCH2Cn9CGuP5A0GTH6gYyf1/s320/IMG_0525.jpg" width="320" /></a>Following this, we were off to our first set of workshops in topics ranging from Beginning Puppetry, Sign Language, and Gospel Illusion. We then proceeded to the next highlight of the evening, the Competitions!</div>
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5 teams from far and wide presented pieces including puppetry, human video and dowel rods. We presented a blacklight human video set to Casting Crowns' "Set Me Free." This was only our second performance of the piece. We were thrilled to bring this story and message to the conference.</div>
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Saturday</h3>
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Saturday morning began with worship and a devotional led by our director, Gabriel Galdamez. Gabriel shared his testimony and the challenges he has faced in ministry while encouraging the attendees to be like the woman in Matthew 26:6-13. Offer whatever is in your alabaster jar, your best, to the Lord and pour it at Jesus' feet, regardless of what those around you may say.</div>
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We were then off to 2 more sets of workshops covering topics such as "Ventriloquism, "Developing a Successful Ministry," and "Children in Ministry," to name a few. </div>
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We ended the morning with a performance by Tim Cowles of <a href="http://skadoodles.org/" target="_blank">Skadoodles!</a> Using illusions and ventriloquism, Tim encouraged us to reach up to God and reach out to our world.</div>
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Following the lunch break, it was time for the infamous "Lip Synch Challenge!" A 16-person tournament where puppeteers lip synch to randomly selected songs, which they likely have never heard.<br />
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It's always great fun to watch while giving an opportunity to appreciate the talent and bravery of the participants. After 3 rounds, the judges narrowed it down to the top 3. Phew!<br />
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We were now off to a fourth and final set of workshops, including "Developing Character Voices," "Drama," and "Creating a Program." Then..it was time for the Closing session!<br />
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For our human video "Set Me Free," we were awarded a Silver Award, the People's Choice Award and valuable feedback from the panel of judges. During the Ending Raffle, one of our team members was the lucky attendee to win the final prize, a new puppet!<br />
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As we shared in our article "<a href="http://cmtministries.blogspot.com/2016/01/top-5-reasons-to-attend-ministry.html" target="_blank">Top 5 Reasons to Attend Trainings</a>", conferences are such a wonderful opportunity for your you and your ministry to not only get ideas... but be equipped and encouraged to continue to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. The road isn't easy, but we are not alone. There are others going down the same path as us... and God is always by our side.<br />
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We closed the conference, and we will close this article, with the verse Stacy Divine of San Jose left with us and I leave with you as a challenge:<br />
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<i>"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."</i> Colossians 3:23-24</h4>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-49313480129116500712016-02-15T11:38:00.000-08:002016-02-16T14:58:40.645-08:00Ministering & Teaching in Nicaragua!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECKhOfnWm1DglG8qgSm1fbHKnw-CmWCj0PWvv_IkcCJ-i-OAnmYtipvmxKVZSVlzvino6xNHlvmh0QfUXbbHx74Vb00iLYP-2UTUmeXj8H5Qrxtb-xHocI2Wg60MKt45apIgCSI29CH9-/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECKhOfnWm1DglG8qgSm1fbHKnw-CmWCj0PWvv_IkcCJ-i-OAnmYtipvmxKVZSVlzvino6xNHlvmh0QfUXbbHx74Vb00iLYP-2UTUmeXj8H5Qrxtb-xHocI2Wg60MKt45apIgCSI29CH9-/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /> From January 25th through January 31st, Create, Minister, Teach! had the opportunity to travel to Terrabona, Nicaragua, a small rural town 2 hours outside of the capital. What was our mission? Several!<br />
<div><ol><li>To spread the message of the Gospel to rural Nicaragua </li>
<li>To provide support for FestiNiños, a children's outreach festival</li>
<li>To plant a creative ministry team</li>
<li>Anything else that was needed!</li>
</ol><h2>Rehearsals</h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkSLPuwjudHaQYE7I81Nn7HpZaHFN2OsmAmgaZi35v-ucR_7o_Y1LmSDzutTJw2TZPBgZGrhZcgQuXWDsS6CrNgTvWQFk0ZpOnxL0_gfl91vx3cWapMr4GCZRavhyLDdFnHJpx3CYO_sB/s1600/IMG_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkSLPuwjudHaQYE7I81Nn7HpZaHFN2OsmAmgaZi35v-ucR_7o_Y1LmSDzutTJw2TZPBgZGrhZcgQuXWDsS6CrNgTvWQFk0ZpOnxL0_gfl91vx3cWapMr4GCZRavhyLDdFnHJpx3CYO_sB/s320/IMG_0227.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpW_kpVk8pdB2wE-X49Qocw40qhdZeuBFUnimjZp1o2lGMF5P-ZJOV3rcYaDlGi9wsQZM9XW14i5wnX5t4W_yUMXdek8LX9ufw3zyof4gk7lhyphenhyphend2DjObReC1zmdsRR_X1zROeZ7bVL_vXB/s1600/IMG_0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>I focused on directing the 9 youth from Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor Terrabona who had committed to working together for the week. Our first meeting and rehearsal was on Wednesday. The goal was for them to be ready to present a program for both FestiNiños... the first one on Saturday!!!</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>I immediately dived into prayer and rehearsal with them. I took time to explain the purpose of our ministry, the delicate task and privilege that we had been given, and a general overview of the program we'd be presenting, a Spanish adaptation of "<a href="http://cmtministries.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-original-love-story-now-booking.html" target="_blank">the Original Love Story</a>." The program featured video segments narrating Creation and the life of Jesus and I served as a bridge for the video and performance pieces with illusions and stories. Our songs included Spanish-language versions of:</div><div><br />
</div><div><ol><li>"Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin (featuring Blacklight Hand Mime) </li>
<li>"Superhero" by Hillsong Kids (featuring Blacklight Puppetry) </li>
<li>"Alive" by Hillsong Young & Free (featuring Choreography) </li>
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</div><div>We began by tackling our most challenging song: the hand mime piece. If you're unfamiliar with hand mime, using white gloved hands, dark clothing and blacklight performers can combine their hands to create a variety of images and words. If you're having trouble understanding what I mean... try being those youth! </div><div><br />
</div><div>By the end of that first hour of rehearsal though, I video'd the 30% of the song they had learned and was delighted by their excitement when they finally <i>saw</i> what they were twisting and forming their hands into. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Fast forward through a Friday evening rehearsal, a bit of stress from feeling like I was too short on time, freaking out over the stage we built failing to stand up, a Saturday morning rehearsal where I felt much better... and our first FestiNiños was upon us!<br />
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<h2>FestiNiños </h2><div>FestiNiños is an annual children's ministry event that Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor Terrabona hosts as an outreach to the children of rural Terrabona. It is their way of offering these children an afternoon of play, treats and a message of God's Love through Jesus Christ. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>We had 125 children (many unchaperoned) join us for what proved to be an immensely rewarding but beautiful afternoon of kid mania. We kicked off with songs and a devotional and moved into tournaments and carnival-style games for prizes. They were each sent back home with a goody bag and an invitation to come back after supper with a friend and their parents for a creative ministry spectacular!</div><div><br />
</div><h2>Presentation Time!</h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZEWGbFpuzJ_62IJ-dZJnhQ3hCQtqx3sY0VY021PaIFQPwOlc6tIPxyVGfZvRGXBYkmj-3xG2G91QU_GFoR3b3FBfbIfNBee-eaYjjK7dsF9POC_KlJiDl1QVWiag9a-z0Hz1P8AC7VFK/s1600/IMG_0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZEWGbFpuzJ_62IJ-dZJnhQ3hCQtqx3sY0VY021PaIFQPwOlc6tIPxyVGfZvRGXBYkmj-3xG2G91QU_GFoR3b3FBfbIfNBee-eaYjjK7dsF9POC_KlJiDl1QVWiag9a-z0Hz1P8AC7VFK/s320/IMG_0168.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After only about 6 hours of rehearsal, and with no formal dress rehearsal... or tech rehearsal... and without being 100% sure if our stage would even stand... it was showtime! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Our first presentation was in Terrabona on Saturday night and what a joy it was to see little ones raising their hand to accept Jesus as their savior! Our second presentation was in Chaguite Grande, the site where our church, Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor, has been building a church and community center. This is a very rural mountain community about 5 hours outside the capital.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We left at 6 am to arrive in Chaguite Grande by 9 am... to find the center already packed with about 200 people waiting our arrival! We quickly divied up tasks so the adults could prepare and host a FestiNiños and we could set up for our presentation. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>By showtime, nearly 300 people had packed into the center! After a few hiccups with the power (they had just installed electricity the week before our arrival), the second run went beautifully. More beautifully, many, many hands of both children and adults alike were raised to invite Jesus as their Savior.<br />
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<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/CMTministries/videos/vb.168040136573742/1107299062647840/?type=3"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/CMTministries/videos/1107299062647840/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CMTministries/videos/1107299062647840/">Mission Nicaragua: "Indescribable" (ft. Hand Mime)</a><p>We only had about 3-4 hours to rehearse this song with 9 volunteers. This was performed in Chaguite Grande, a rural community about 5 hours from Managua, as part of FestiNiños. Our church has been building this community center and they just had electricity installed the week before our arrival! Want to support our mission? Visit https://www.gofundme.com/67bff3jq</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CMTministries/">Create, Minister, Teach</a> on Monday, February 15, 2016</blockquote></div></div><br></div><br />
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<h2>Home</h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4dlsf8RKK-XWHWOG3CXhLuKlFQ-PF6s1yE_vqIYkVMn72UzwMrkraNFF9NySQyQQ_js524-zuvupZCoQBAqE61ENQ4f8VFj5VEazKz8Hll-Di4KoTXk8M4lfc8-K3eDo_VTbcOe4iOmT/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4dlsf8RKK-XWHWOG3CXhLuKlFQ-PF6s1yE_vqIYkVMn72UzwMrkraNFF9NySQyQQ_js524-zuvupZCoQBAqE61ENQ4f8VFj5VEazKz8Hll-Di4KoTXk8M4lfc8-K3eDo_VTbcOe4iOmT/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our drive back to Terrabona from Chaguite Grande was another experience. I forgot to mention that in order to transport our team of about 30 volunteers 2.5 hours up the unpaved, rocky hillsides, we rode in the back of a large cargo truck.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Riding back high on energy and encouragement, our group joyfully sang praise and worship songs back down the slope. Can you imagine what it must've been like for the communities we drove through to hear a mobile choir passing through their roads? I thought it was so fun to see adults and children poking their heads out of their homes as they heard us driving by and singing praises to our God.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXPjVsD239V7yXSUgD1K95jccH4ZghLqYSMjMewGIIUjZOCOWLW4GxKdnCruvEt1kqhk1iksePoNT4CZgifR2ZLJXsNIItQQG5ioXBIHhiEEcPMD5NHsvekmtymrZ3P0HI3kNPgHTXSIV/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXPjVsD239V7yXSUgD1K95jccH4ZghLqYSMjMewGIIUjZOCOWLW4GxKdnCruvEt1kqhk1iksePoNT4CZgifR2ZLJXsNIItQQG5ioXBIHhiEEcPMD5NHsvekmtymrZ3P0HI3kNPgHTXSIV/s320/IMG_0239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had over the years to use my gifts for ministry and encouraging others. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my ordinary self being a part of such extraordinary things with our God. </div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>"<i>God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another</i>." 1 Peter 4:10</b></div>Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-78726766666123590492016-01-12T17:18:00.002-08:002016-03-02T22:16:27.670-08:00Top 5 Reasons to Attend Trainings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe7nGYqC01sYXmJBB0BqOuh22469YOMUu4e2M9QaKe89pnKsPc4DVA6mmmwZfJ0cP-vrhFboZzZI6JBQcYZ_XVSNRVvuIbQ36T7n4cW9CnZrnHzgL9yU_4FindbF09Mw7kyOAx3FIIdRQ/s1600/blogger-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe7nGYqC01sYXmJBB0BqOuh22469YOMUu4e2M9QaKe89pnKsPc4DVA6mmmwZfJ0cP-vrhFboZzZI6JBQcYZ_XVSNRVvuIbQ36T7n4cW9CnZrnHzgL9yU_4FindbF09Mw7kyOAx3FIIdRQ/s1600/blogger-banner.jpg" /></a><br />
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Each year, one of my team's most anticipated traditions is attending the <a href="http://www.creativemin.com/category/ministry-training-events" target="_blank">regional creative ministry festivals</a>. For some, it motivates them to "step it up" as they prepare to compete. For others, it's the idea of spending the weekend with the team out of town. For maybe just one of them... they like the idea of getting out of school early.<br />
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What about for the leaders though? Sure, it's a lot of work to coordinate overnight travel, budget everything and rally the troops (and their parents) behind the idea of going. But (there's always a but) I strongly feel that it's a worthwhile investment. Here are my top 5 reasons for taking yourself and your team to a training conference this year and every year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9620tiKj01HqDIeTRkUzqt4lehjQ1sc1uaQWadJMfebQX_8gFOBzpAXvk36co2rKsD4XlWma0oRPrzcG-yXEC6BGH4FwXYJEu8v68lYMllg_cUiPvg18pp3VYS9ewSFBtbvIhLsMhVd2/s1600/10385312_792348214142928_2015844920742568754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9620tiKj01HqDIeTRkUzqt4lehjQ1sc1uaQWadJMfebQX_8gFOBzpAXvk36co2rKsD4XlWma0oRPrzcG-yXEC6BGH4FwXYJEu8v68lYMllg_cUiPvg18pp3VYS9ewSFBtbvIhLsMhVd2/s320/10385312_792348214142928_2015844920742568754_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>
1. So many ideas to steal errr— use!</h2>
<span style="text-align: center;">The feature performances, competitions, workshops and resources can't help but leave your brain chock full of ideas and eager to take some home to use with your team or church. Some ideas you can put into practice as soon as you get back, some you can file away for future use. It's good to always have ideas handy to keep things fresh for your ministry.</span><br />
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2. Get (re-)equipped</h2>
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Whether you're just starting out or have been at it for 20 years, the workshops, resources and workshop leaders at conferences provide many opportunities for you to continue to polish your technique, learn a new art form or just hear sage advice/confirmation from seasoned leaders. As leaders, we should be constantly learning and in the pursuit of excellence in ministry.</div>
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3. Give them some motivation!</h2>
Nothing like some good ole "competition" to kick your team's energy and drive into high-gear. The competitions at these festivals aren't pitting teams against each other but challenging each ministry to continue improving. I know my team is most driven with polishing a piece when they know people are going to be critiquing their performance.<br />
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Also, the feedback you get from competing is so much more valuable than any award. The comments the judges provide, mostly pointers for improvement and reinforcement of things well done, can help push your ministry and team closer to excellence.<br />
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4. Get connected!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Perhaps one of the things I treasure most about festivals is to find myself surrounded with people who "get it." They've been in my shoes, are wearing those same shoes or chucked them out and took it to the next level. </div>
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Many times though, as we rally the team to go to lunch, or are nervously preparing for the next competition, we are missing our opportunity to <b>connect</b> with the leaders surrounding you that could be your next best friend. Even for your team, seeing other people their age also engaged in ministry can be so encouraging. I can't tell you how valuable it is to make and maintain</div>
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5. Be Challenged, Be Inspired! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_h-TjBuiYgfiQxRx4N7RNvEP7Gx6hCCoBU0dM8c7WeGEXRCx-6f7h_kXTCX31J4CJ82HkK0iQlc1AS1vpqxkwqP4VR_VUm0h_Wz1_A1_7dRvMIi0jKCJk4AkLaB4Deu-DnzdKS8t2pvJ/s1600/11792115_996648123712935_1380417465694470568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_h-TjBuiYgfiQxRx4N7RNvEP7Gx6hCCoBU0dM8c7WeGEXRCx-6f7h_kXTCX31J4CJ82HkK0iQlc1AS1vpqxkwqP4VR_VUm0h_Wz1_A1_7dRvMIi0jKCJk4AkLaB4Deu-DnzdKS8t2pvJ/s320/11792115_996648123712935_1380417465694470568_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As directors or members of a ministry team, it can be easy to lose sight of the "ministry" part of "creative ministry" when we're so immersed in rehearsals, making props, or keeping our cool.<br />
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Conferences are a wonderful retreat from the "norm" and this, along with the devotionals and spiritual challenge, provide you an opportunity to reflect on your ministry and remind you of who you're serving and why. I am always most refreshed, energized and eager to serve when I return from these conferences because of the spiritual battery charge I get. Don't let yourself miss out on this opportunity to be refreshed in your ministry!<br />
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So there you have it!</h3>
I could keep going on and on but those are my top 5 reasons for hoping to challenge you to either continue or begin to participate in training conferences. <b>If you participate in conferences, what are your reasons? Feel free to share in the comments section!</b><br />
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For more information on creative ministry conferences in your area, I recommend checking out <a href="http://www.creativemin.com/">www.creativemin.com</a><br />
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<br />Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-41711209657921553462015-11-19T17:28:00.001-08:002015-11-19T17:28:43.934-08:00We’re going to Nicaragua!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1">We’re thrilled to announce that we will be participating in a mission trip to Nicaragua this January 2016! Our missions team will be traveling with members from our church in California and brothers and sisters from Ohio and Mexico. We will be partnering with <i>Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor Terrabona</i><b><i> </i></b>to celebrate 10 years of ministry to the community. Praise God!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Our time in Nicaragua is set to include:</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">Creative ministry and leadership training with the local leaders and youth</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">Creative ministry performances by the missions team and Nicaraguan youth</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">FestiNiños, an outreach event that provides much-needed school supplies to children of the community</span></li>
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<span class="s1">Please keep this mission trip in your prayers. Here are our prayer requests:</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">May God encourage the pastors through the leadership trainings and give them strength to continue ministering in these challenging areas</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">May God bless the youth we will partner with as we train them to use their talents for God</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">May God touch and restore the lives of the children, youth, individuals and families in the communities we will minister to</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1">May God bless those who are setting aside their personal finances and time to join this mission trip and minister to the least of these</span></li>
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“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’" Matthew 25:40 (NLT)</div>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-67354972607567707942015-07-29T21:30:00.000-07:002015-07-29T22:07:22.044-07:00End of Season Reflections: 5 tips for the director<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1">The 2015-2016 season was one of the shortest I've directed in the last 4 years with my ministry team. Despite that, it has been a wonderfully productive season with it's own set of challenges and blessings.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Looking back on this season, I've come to realize that I've remembered some old lessons and learned new ones as a director...</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Learn to work with what you have</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7lm-zsa_dvRfnsNTTWIAuUHBoPxLL1RRxGGYjm4u4m22Jt5ujQj1mhVHKzVKPLUnD1E13Pv4z8pr1jwanlPvMtC4dkT-bPgR-4rXg_vZkCjy0ue94eP_o2KCrVr2b3ziyJjhmaH9Qka7/s1600/11792115_996648123712935_1380417465694470568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7lm-zsa_dvRfnsNTTWIAuUHBoPxLL1RRxGGYjm4u4m22Jt5ujQj1mhVHKzVKPLUnD1E13Pv4z8pr1jwanlPvMtC4dkT-bPgR-4rXg_vZkCjy0ue94eP_o2KCrVr2b3ziyJjhmaH9Qka7/s320/11792115_996648123712935_1380417465694470568_o.jpg" width="299" /></a><span class="s1">Last season, we staged an adaptation of "Heavenly Street" by Carrie Murphy. We survived our first completely live production complete with microphones, large set pieces and a huge variety of props and creative arts. The message was beautiful and we rehearsed long and hard... yet by the end of each performance and the season the team was exhausted. Why? The production was originally done with 16 people... our team had 9 including myself and our tech girl.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This year, I opted for a more simple production, "the Original Love Story," which cleverly (if I do say so myself) wove in video segments and illusions with the songs into one sweeping narrative. The transitions advanced the story but also freed the team up to prepare for the next song. Really, it was a production better suited to a team of our size and capability.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Yet again, the message was beautiful... but we didn't have to work nearly as hard before/during/after. The team <i>enjoyed</i> the production much more.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">It's easy, and in fact I encourage you, to dream BIG. Yet, learn to be realistic and see how you can accomplish your vision with your current resources.</span><br />
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<h2>
<span class="s1">Don't be afraid to recycle</span></h2>
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<span class="s1">Sadly, we were only able to present "Heavenly Street" twice last season and, as much as I loved the production, I was hesitant to stage it again with only a team of 8 this time. I'm also known for not wanting to "do the same thing twice." Still, we dedicated so much time to learning the songs and painting sets that I didn't want it to go to waste...</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So I re-used some of the songs in a new context for "the Original Love Story." I didn't do "exactly" what we did last time and this kept the material fresh for our church and my team. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Have fun</span></h2>
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<span class="s1">We work hard and, though I didn't always make as much time as I should have, we made time to just have fun as a team. We play Charades together and get pretty competitive. We take the scenic route home and stop to take pictures on long drives back from a performance. We even had a "pizza party" where I bought pizza dough and everyone brought toppings so we could make and eat our own custom pizzas.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Having fun with your team is a way to build your team and share some fun moments together. Let them know it's not all business, it's also friendship and fellowship.</span><br />
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<h2>
<span class="s1"><b>Motivate your team</b></span></h2>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">It's one thing to direct your team. It's an entirely different thing to<i> believe </i>in your team. </span></div>
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I am my team's #1 encourager. I am always cheering them on, constructively giving feedback to encourage excellence and challenging them to try something new and step out of their comfort zone. </span><br />
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<h3>
<span class="s1"><i>Do your best and let God take care of the rest!</i></span></h3>
<div>
I often remind my team of this, especially before a performance. It's so easy to get caught up in being "perfect." I want them to remember that their honest best is matters but what God does matters most.</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I like to think I've always done this for my team but sometimes believing in your team means accepting that this is their best, and it may not be the way you wanted it. Or they are so terrified of a particular part that you need to stop everything and just pray for them. </span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<h2>
<span class="s1"><b>Remember the big picture</b></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7ujK12caTUVgTOi7TTlAhq57__p_Nvi8bPATlV6jItuDuaUxOcFVljElP7tdSlemjLoh9T5_1BjGqKT9oB3OS3XGKQEshT0ViiH0ec0IyXXVdDTpDE59IS4UOEjsOQAnpGNQtHL1L2ut/s1600/11780021_996648100379604_6462746315350646025_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7ujK12caTUVgTOi7TTlAhq57__p_Nvi8bPATlV6jItuDuaUxOcFVljElP7tdSlemjLoh9T5_1BjGqKT9oB3OS3XGKQEshT0ViiH0ec0IyXXVdDTpDE59IS4UOEjsOQAnpGNQtHL1L2ut/s320/11780021_996648100379604_6462746315350646025_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="s1">My leaders and I are always reminding our team the <i>why </i>of our ministry. We do stage these productions because they are fun but, ultimately, we're hoping to present the life-changing message of God's love through Christ. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Make time for devotionals, share testimonies with each other and prayer with and for your team. Ask them what is their takeaway from a song or what impacts them most about the program.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">My biggest highlight this year was when I sent a group text to my team thanking them for their hard work and reminding them that they never know the impact they might have on someone's life.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">One of my students, who doesn't always appear to be "on" during rehearsals, replied: "No need to thank me! I've come to realize that I'm doing this for God and to try and change someone's life. Thank you, good night, and God bless you."</span><br />
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<div class="p1">
<h3>
<b>In summary...</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">What a blessing the 2015-2016 season was! Although ministry is tiring... it is also encouraging and a privilege to serve. I hope to apply these lessons as I move forward and begin to plan a new year. Let's pray that my team enjoys their sabbatical and returns refreshed and eager to serve. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Did you try something new this year? What have you learned in your recent experiences? </b></span></div>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-46477955603235008772015-07-15T21:52:00.000-07:002015-07-29T22:00:30.707-07:00I-Fest 2015 -the Family of Ministry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL6buoHzkZsnJJgB4R6d91bZlVUyKIsdzDNt7cRVFMnTRi3rOfkZD2hNugWPDgu3oFtzDiRP2dyig75zuYQ89auHM-fl8KxXUjolh9CQMx5x85XMGlnIoRdx7yC-fmORy46obVtFrNJmB/s1600/11742828_992693357441745_3740402667949410487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL6buoHzkZsnJJgB4R6d91bZlVUyKIsdzDNt7cRVFMnTRi3rOfkZD2hNugWPDgu3oFtzDiRP2dyig75zuYQ89auHM-fl8KxXUjolh9CQMx5x85XMGlnIoRdx7yC-fmORy46obVtFrNJmB/s400/11742828_992693357441745_3740402667949410487_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="p1">
And just like that, my favorite week of the year has ended: the 2015 International Festival of Creative Arts Ministry (#IFest2015)... <i>WOW! </i>What an incredible week it was.</div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I will never forget my first I-Fest. I had attended a Regional Creative Ministry Festival and met an absolutely wonderful workshop leader that just raved about I-Fest, the 200+ workshops they offered and the experience you would have.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I was only 17 but I determined that I wanted to attend I-Fest. I flew out by myself and little did I know what expected me. I met wonderful creative people who have poured so much into me, I was spiritually challenged and I had never before witnessed such excellence in ministry. My life and ministry was forever changed.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1">A week of encouragement and inspiration </span></h3>
<div>
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</div>
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<span class="s1">I haven't missed an I-Fest/MAX conference since. Each summer I arrive tired, low on spiritual and motivational juices. Yet, each summer, I leave encouraged, challenged and beyond pumped to continue in ministry.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">This year was no different. Each jam-packed day consisted of this dynamic formula (which really is dynamic, you <i>have</i> to GO to experience it for yourself)</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb78OgdCPSeZ_DGKvqbG6NQ7sG5nGkS22XSuCtZSsZ9H6DZhxJ45tM2EHjN5WfnPL2CJ8IoJzIvCC8xudjDSbpDanhKR2XES_dcK4uTqTds0MAfrGWcaFHqfYZZIl_vZwOlATZFBAF8BGH/s1600/1512865_992685600775854_4516026742942816629_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb78OgdCPSeZ_DGKvqbG6NQ7sG5nGkS22XSuCtZSsZ9H6DZhxJ45tM2EHjN5WfnPL2CJ8IoJzIvCC8xudjDSbpDanhKR2XES_dcK4uTqTds0MAfrGWcaFHqfYZZIl_vZwOlATZFBAF8BGH/s200/1512865_992685600775854_4516026742942816629_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christy Watkins lead several <br />
hands-on performance<br />
workshops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
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<span class="s1"><b>Morning</b></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Breakfast on-campus with attendees that share your passion and experiences in ministry</li>
<li>Morning Chapel with Pastor Lenny Corliss (anointed pastor that will encourage and challenge you) and workshop presentations</li>
<li>2 Mid-Morning Workshops (variety of seminars ranging from puppetry, drama, painting, blacklight, sign language, and more!)</li>
</ul>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Afternoon</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Lunch on-campus with, yet again, those amazing people you can network with in the morning or maybe make some new friends</li>
<li>2 Afternoon Workshops (includes "hands-on" workshops where you can learn by doing: puppet building, prop construction, learn a human video or drama, stage a puppet song)</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8baijmYNW9OqDZJvNy9eR8pTI8Pr1M0diYLcKnts9pL4XnwYqxkX3KkdEo51uw3Inwttj3DrduTGebk9jaGWQ8W-qzcSn_Dh-hty0mEvIq5mCMGo76u4AYvCJtpFlLtYisfQ8FAcFIORI/s1600/11781657_963327700354248_2742130199292476058_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8baijmYNW9OqDZJvNy9eR8pTI8Pr1M0diYLcKnts9pL4XnwYqxkX3KkdEo51uw3Inwttj3DrduTGebk9jaGWQ8W-qzcSn_Dh-hty0mEvIq5mCMGo76u4AYvCJtpFlLtYisfQ8FAcFIORI/s200/11781657_963327700354248_2742130199292476058_n.png" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virtuous Reality Blacklight<br />
Theater debuted Langston <br />
Hatch's "the Suprings"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Evening</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Dinner on-campus with more amazing people! Maybe even have lunch with that workshop leader who really struck you or who's brain you want to pick?</li>
<li>Evening Programs that feature exceptional performances from the workshop leaders (who range in backgrounds from senior pastors, ventriloquists, jugglers and so on) and local ministry teams</li>
<li>Night-time Competitions where ministry teams and individuals can receive feedback from an expert panel of judges to continue to polish their technique and ministry</li>
<li>Bedtime... if you can manage to sleep from all the ideas buzzing in your head and your excitement for the next day!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Be challenged: creatively and spiritually</h3>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4Mv7Oov4b67N5m1Qs-D_1PtTkVDy-vY7dWvG2dYQwULTkXgRJucb6CMC5_wcX5dyH3ny_lyZgsl38bNZu1vKIu2Zt_yTQZG3ZSBEP4DwJQkXht9ds4mA8qfOs1O2xunHqoc60ezRuran/s1600/11071568_1632839183599463_7719846168856401574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4Mv7Oov4b67N5m1Qs-D_1PtTkVDy-vY7dWvG2dYQwULTkXgRJucb6CMC5_wcX5dyH3ny_lyZgsl38bNZu1vKIu2Zt_yTQZG3ZSBEP4DwJQkXht9ds4mA8qfOs1O2xunHqoc60ezRuran/s320/11071568_1632839183599463_7719846168856401574_n.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2015 Creative Ministry Dream Team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Now I know I cannot call <i>everything</i> a highlight... but a big highlight is always the "Dream Team" finale performance that closes I-Fest. The Dream Team is a special team formed of talented youth from across the world under the direction of highly creative and seasoned directors. Members submit an audition video and application for consideration. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">They come together on Monday as strangers... and leave Friday as friends that have impacted all the attendees with a powerful message and exceptional program... that they learned in<i> just 5 days!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">This year's Dream Team was directed by Sheri Brubeck of Buffalo Grove, IL and Carrie Murphy of Rapid City, SD. Their production, "Finding Foreverland," told the story of Wendy's visit to Neverland to teach the Lost Boys about God's Heavenly Family in Foreverland. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="s1"></span><br />
<h3>
<span class="s1">
<span class="s1">Remove "M-Y" Part From "F-A-M-I-L-Y" & We "F-A-I-L."</span></span></h3>
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</span></div>
<div>
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1S7CpFpSZJasBMkBsZZO63vn3bJBkTtPiYn_GD4SEPDPF7raPi_JZPPEMwqTC_AxC0klFG0AkvAN0jKHgfazyFzirXZIuKsmL-CwWmNWN28n6Gq68v7vXzQ8qtBEfs1B5Ms2R3xzvhdE/s1600/11039302_992686570775757_8129678560493590871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1S7CpFpSZJasBMkBsZZO63vn3bJBkTtPiYn_GD4SEPDPF7raPi_JZPPEMwqTC_AxC0klFG0AkvAN0jKHgfazyFzirXZIuKsmL-CwWmNWN28n6Gq68v7vXzQ8qtBEfs1B5Ms2R3xzvhdE/s320/11039302_992686570775757_8129678560493590871_n.jpg" width="312" /></a><span class="s1">I could write a novel about the I-Fest experience but, really, I hope this gives you a glimpse of the special week it is and encourages you to consider attending yourself or recommending this conference to someone.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="s1">I'll close with words from Pastor Lenny Corliss, our Conference Chaplain. Each day, his message was centered around the theme of the "Family of Ministry." <b>We are a "FAMILY" and should<i> each</i> do our part.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br />
We are each given talents, skills or attributes that we can contribute to the Body of Christ for the benefit of the kingdom. For some, it's teaching. For some, it's preaching. For some, it's reaching. Maybe for you it's using a puppet, or being an usher, or writing a song. Whatever it is, let us <b>work together</b> to expand the Kingdom and give God Glory. </div>
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<div>
<span class="s1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="s1">I challenge you to not be a Christian spectator, or consumer, but one who contributes to the Body and teachers others to do the same. Remember 1 Corinthians 12:25-26:</span></span></div>
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<div>
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1">"so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."</span></h3>
<div>
You can learn more about I-Fest by visiting <a href="http://www.creativemin.com%20/" target="_blank">Creative Ministry Solutions</a></div>
<div>
View more pictures from I-Fest 2015 on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.992685520775862.1073741830.168040136573742&type=3" target="_blank">Facebook page</a></div>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-14565717374766190502015-02-24T22:40:00.000-08:002015-02-25T22:02:23.924-08:00The Original Love Story now booking Spring 2015!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZcAsj0eNv-wc3YCk02NXlqrlBG5V0GFvnMFQ0eMfBKeQSACpEU_YoIDX3wpshiPsXnuTL3fem_ldDXzcam83VqmBCZe3G4zx4YZNjSIsQgwZvhpDKYax8RJFsL0fLCplPvHB2hlpUatq/s1600/lovestorybloggerbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZcAsj0eNv-wc3YCk02NXlqrlBG5V0GFvnMFQ0eMfBKeQSACpEU_YoIDX3wpshiPsXnuTL3fem_ldDXzcam83VqmBCZe3G4zx4YZNjSIsQgwZvhpDKYax8RJFsL0fLCplPvHB2hlpUatq/s1600/lovestorybloggerbanner.png" title="" /></a></div>
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Create, Minister, Teach! is now taking bookings for March and April 2015! This year's Easter program is titled <i>the Original Love Story.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1BJJ5ow4bxyJ-5QW5JvEEkCBAoa_OFYMS4gHGEGDVDDISWaslM0PtKPCANQird4YjIefZu_R__ZWjss8CRrPJshw8BsCkXLRLRgLzKpdF-ghqV-4FGIhSBiN7Gj6l4cYjKeJ-1-Ge33C/s1600/GEO_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1BJJ5ow4bxyJ-5QW5JvEEkCBAoa_OFYMS4gHGEGDVDDISWaslM0PtKPCANQird4YjIefZu_R__ZWjss8CRrPJshw8BsCkXLRLRgLzKpdF-ghqV-4FGIhSBiN7Gj6l4cYjKeJ-1-Ge33C/s1600/GEO_1375.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><i>The Original Love Story</i> is an interactive musical that tells the compelling story of God's mercy and love for humanity. Weaving together storytelling, illusions, puppetry and drama, the musical delves into the Creation, the life of Jesus and Modern Time.</div>
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Partner with us as we remember the greatest expression of Love the world has ever seen and discover what it means for you and me. This 40-minute program can be adapted to fit different time constraints and is available <br />
in English and Spanglish.</div>
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To book a presentation of <i>the Original Love Story, </i>please contact gabriel@CMTministries.org<br />
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"<i>But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</i>" Romans 5:8 (NIV)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG7J9LrHMAjtwdhxz-O3eoHUhXvhR9zkBTq9z8uFcwwUehPqVhTFbfZK0RQL_1p3fJlwpVm8_bPti6l7q1kDY_JZL7DJ91e1RP-ElxbEacXIkrTUqkBo-PuSQXTG73x2IZWVmv0VOJYS7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-25+at+9.39.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG7J9LrHMAjtwdhxz-O3eoHUhXvhR9zkBTq9z8uFcwwUehPqVhTFbfZK0RQL_1p3fJlwpVm8_bPti6l7q1kDY_JZL7DJ91e1RP-ElxbEacXIkrTUqkBo-PuSQXTG73x2IZWVmv0VOJYS7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-25+at+9.39.06+PM.png" height="125" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSO0uumiNPlKuKg391vLFNsioXJmxHuaqcX1A_HbZK3bfhxsnoN4SOq4PjI9FoRSnzWDqyW0z-G8Ec7h8ltTAmo9PmUSVlbRAdA_hh3b451tBQySC5EfdB8Y-00UC8z9CX7KPr3yadikN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-25+at+9.38.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSO0uumiNPlKuKg391vLFNsioXJmxHuaqcX1A_HbZK3bfhxsnoN4SOq4PjI9FoRSnzWDqyW0z-G8Ec7h8ltTAmo9PmUSVlbRAdA_hh3b451tBQySC5EfdB8Y-00UC8z9CX7KPr3yadikN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-25+at+9.38.15+PM.png" height="130" width="200" /></a></div>
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-90058010702965807032015-01-31T21:59:00.000-08:002015-02-25T22:02:57.362-08:00Heavenly Street now booking for Spring-Summer 2015!<div class="p1">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/120025995?byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpVAWOnRiH1yABOZxeDAr6nXvlr6U1QHmxMCFR12QBRkjjyNHuyxNU8eQzgbAYdRS60o1GeCUylxyLWx3niLv2XtoHXzDGUqLZbAldQ8aLTqjN7eE2NzUOvnQ-kjkD9QVtCF2UmwiR1vo/s1600/GEO_2734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpVAWOnRiH1yABOZxeDAr6nXvlr6U1QHmxMCFR12QBRkjjyNHuyxNU8eQzgbAYdRS60o1GeCUylxyLWx3niLv2XtoHXzDGUqLZbAldQ8aLTqjN7eE2NzUOvnQ-kjkD9QVtCF2UmwiR1vo/s1600/GEO_2734.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a><span class="s1">Create, Minister, Teach! is now booking for April through July 2015!</span></div>
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<i><br />
</i> <i>Heavenly Street </i>tells the story of Paco, a rat living in a trash can, who’s kind neighbor, Maria, flips his can around with music, scripture and wonder. Join Paco as he learns how “whatever” God offers is much more valuable than what the junk of the world. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzL2hySr5gZS8_FXB22BGCJRIs3wHWs8q9RvJGSG4pj4v1V2Nykn7fJDGi_9IUt75yk6MaAo118ViYW5GB01jUx6szyMMmmxm-nyDMfEt_64ZZjndHerbYOIG94P3VctAP1j5JkjFA_61/s1600/GEO_2752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzL2hySr5gZS8_FXB22BGCJRIs3wHWs8q9RvJGSG4pj4v1V2Nykn7fJDGi_9IUt75yk6MaAo118ViYW5GB01jUx6szyMMmmxm-nyDMfEt_64ZZjndHerbYOIG94P3VctAP1j5JkjFA_61/s1600/GEO_2752.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a><span class="s1">This 60-minute musical features all forms of creative arts, including puppetry, music, blacklight, drama and flags, to illustrate a message audiences of all ages will understand. The length of the program can be adapted to fit different needs. Languages available are English and Spanglish.</span><br />
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</span> <span class="s1"></span> <span class="s1">Please contact us if you are interested in bringing <i>Heavenly Street </i>to your next event at <a href="mailto:gabriel@cmtministries.org">gabriel@cmtministries.org.</a></span><br />
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"<i>Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things</i>." Philippians 4:8<br />
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-6268797030155972552014-06-08T22:54:00.001-07:002014-06-08T23:00:43.487-07:00How to get to Heavenly StreetThe last few months have been incredibly busy with rehearsals, puppet building and prop making with "Create, Minister, Teach!" It's all about to pay off though as we hit our final stretch before our new musical debuts at the end of June.<br />
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"Heavenly Street" focuses on Paco, a packrat that lives in the trashcans and has been trying to fill his life with the wrong things. Through the help of the a friend (and a few convenient musical numbers), he learns that there is much more to life when we take our eyes off the junk of this world and onto the things of God. The program features a variety of art forms, including puppetry, drama, blacklight, dowel rods, dance and flags.<br />
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Create, Minister, Teach! is the youth ministry of Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Senor (Jesus Christ is Lord Church) in San Bruno, CA. The team has 9 pre-teens through adults this year and we rehearse 2-3 hours per week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv18YFRUfuJFisYi97z-_9k-0WNjet9m4Wh_7i2XFp8DKpuT0ym6R5lntgUinZSEYXum2XnQUYWwFQdY6JRLVknNBfzOTCjL-imxeyig2XFBb_0ov2blpp4Ui89UnrbG9YuosfYx-LW1-/s1600/Hold+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv18YFRUfuJFisYi97z-_9k-0WNjet9m4Wh_7i2XFp8DKpuT0ym6R5lntgUinZSEYXum2XnQUYWwFQdY6JRLVknNBfzOTCjL-imxeyig2XFBb_0ov2blpp4Ui89UnrbG9YuosfYx-LW1-/s1600/Hold+Me.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a> </div>
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"Heavenly Street" debuts on:</div>
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<b>Sunday, June 29 @ 11 am</b></div>
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Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Senor</div>
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251 Citypark Way</div>
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San Bruno, CA 94015</div>
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<b>Admission is FREE!</b></div>
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We are also touring this musical throughout the Bay Area this summer and plan to take a weekend tour in Central California. If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a Christian musical, please contact <a href="mailto:gabriel@CMTministries.org">gabriel@CMTministries.org</a>. Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-70148134820450052442014-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:002014-03-07T09:24:10.151-08:00Remembering that God works "Then & Now"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7MzYI7f75BIhNisikn2Ojo9jxy1oUidI4l8F5x-rvzSoJG_Je7DmU9bqw_4G5RQH2I48FljGc8OwBSul1n8VtypiGpQ2NxgAdP69pjf_TF7DaFF6M3Zn27HZMq5xLYC7GJcp8Q1-Ugg1/s1600/1504966_684450741599343_1836025038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7MzYI7f75BIhNisikn2Ojo9jxy1oUidI4l8F5x-rvzSoJG_Je7DmU9bqw_4G5RQH2I48FljGc8OwBSul1n8VtypiGpQ2NxgAdP69pjf_TF7DaFF6M3Zn27HZMq5xLYC7GJcp8Q1-Ugg1/s1600/1504966_684450741599343_1836025038.jpg" height="166" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wow! There is something to be said about how inspiring and energizing it is to see your team growing and blossoming as they use their gifts for God. We had the blessing of staging a new bilingual musical for the winter and the even greater blessing of seeing this kind of growth take place in our youth.<br />
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Our production was simply titled "Then and Now." The idea behind the musical began after listening to a sermon one Sunday on the demon-possessed man that Jesus freed from Legion. This planted a question in my head, "What would it be like to have a conversation with this man? What would it be like to experience this first-person?" This led to wondering about other figures that Jesus touched throughout ministry. <br />
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In prayer and planning with my assistant director, we decided to focus on 3 narratives: a child and mother that went to see Jesus, an ill woman and a youth raised from the dead. We re-purposed some songs we had just learned while also including new material to weave it all together. The songs we used included:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Hold Me" by Jamie Grace (featuring puppetry, props and live actors)</li>
<li>"Me Dice Que Me Ama" by Jesus Adrian Romero (featuring blacklight hand mime)</li>
<li>"Beautiful" by MercyMe (featuring sign language and painting)</li>
<li>"You Are Being Loved" by Steven Curtis Chapman (featuring human video and choreography)</li>
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The way we structured the narratives were as monologues and dialogues. In writing the scripts, we decided to incorporate elements from both the history of the characters and the testimony of the actor. This created a deep personal connection between the actors and the characters and made the production feel "real" for everyone involved. My goal was to free my team from the burden of "acting" and just let them be themselves.<br />
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Our goal was met and I was blown away. The team, though trembling from nerves, not only shared their stories but drew us into them. The audience's response was incredible. People laughed, people cried (and I laughed, I cried). People were also moved as they realized that God didn't just work <em><strong>then</strong>, </em>he also works <strong><u>now</u>.</strong><br />
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→ If you are interested in the script and director notes for this musical, please feel free to e-mail <a href="mailto:Gabriel@CMTministries.org">Gabriel@CMTministries.org</a> <br />
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Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-1520451831545809222013-09-14T10:47:00.000-07:002014-06-08T23:01:12.307-07:00Taking Puppetry, the Arts and Creative Ministry to Panama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wgmLTp0YFOv1cOZ8UXnUCC75H0EmAgDOdlcFjfSpgCas01rWn9EWC0D6EDmBqz-5uaTQvGXk_8hh9rYCnvExbeI958u3XeLqPYtqIRv_5qsyO25xJtXXMRojx6xewMpiQL4ZAXb3A20b/s1600/CAM00715-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wgmLTp0YFOv1cOZ8UXnUCC75H0EmAgDOdlcFjfSpgCas01rWn9EWC0D6EDmBqz-5uaTQvGXk_8hh9rYCnvExbeI958u3XeLqPYtqIRv_5qsyO25xJtXXMRojx6xewMpiQL4ZAXb3A20b/s1600/CAM00715-b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From August 31 through
September 8 I had the incredible opportunity to return to Panama City, Panama, with Ministerios IR and Hands of Peace, to train
children, youth and adults in the art of puppetry, sign language, hand mime and
drama.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year, I was asked
to direct a team of 19 youth from the host church, Comunidad Evangelica Monte De Sion (COEMONSI) to prepare a program in 5
days to take out into the community for children's crusades. As daunting as the
task seemed, I felt prepared and optimistic with the musical I prepared, titled
"I AM" and was dead set on using <u>all</u> 19 youth in <u>all</u> 4
songs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Imagine my surprise
when I arrived and learned I now had 23 youth to work with! We went straight
into a team meeting Sunday evening and began our rehearsals on Monday morning.
For the next 4 days, I worked relentlessly with youth from 9 to 21 years old on
"I AM" with rehearsals beginning at 8:30am (with some time for
prayer, team building and devotionals) and ending around 3:00pm. I'll admit,
there were moments of "What was I thinking!?"</span></span><br />
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<span id="goog_261353293"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This, in addition to
teaching performance workshops in the evening for conference attendees, created
a very busy and tiring yet rewarding week. Thankfully I had the support of the
other artists and people that were volunteering on the trip, including <a href="http://genecordova.com/" target="_blank">Gene Cordova</a> (a talented
Christian ventriloquist, balloon artist and much more) and <a href="http://www.judybuch.com/" target="_blank">Judy Buch</a> (a
wonderful Christian ventriloquist, puppeteer and author). They taught workshops on puppet
construction, puppetry, ventriloquism and other topics. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My team’s dedication
and hard work impressed me though; as was their willingness to sacrifice their
weeklong vacation to serve their community and the God they so dearly love. Work was so hard in such a humid environment (what I
would’ve done for a rehearsal space with AC). Their effort paid off as they
nailed all 4 songs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Songs included Spanish versions of:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span> "<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin (featuring blacklight hand mime)</span></div>
</li>
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"<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Christ Alone" by Owl City (featuring human video)</span></div>
</li>
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"<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Superhero" by Hillsong Kids (featuring blacklight puppetry)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don't Let Me Miss The Glory" by Gordon Mote (featuring dowel rods, sign language and flags)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This all wove into a story about a little girl's curiosity about God as she
and a woman admire the stars of the heavens. Together, they learned about God the Creator, the Redeemer, the Father and the Promise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All in all, this
summed up into an incrediblly blessed week. My team grew closer together and many of
them called it #LaMejorSemanaDeMiVida (translation: #TheBestWeekOfMyLife) on
Facebook. More importantly, several little ones turned their hearts over to God and these little lights returned to their dark homes. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH3WWa8bfIwcgXOf3fBPo1m13w6R6GJpuFUHz3cMVuyVIxxgYx7Dn7m9uJQEzcROLjjZoGg9QH995V1zyPuch-HVJSq34aQpEcQ1qzADpi5yckPCnfoBVm-LtwqYmvZt5JNlfVfewVZLp/s1600/CAM00719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH3WWa8bfIwcgXOf3fBPo1m13w6R6GJpuFUHz3cMVuyVIxxgYx7Dn7m9uJQEzcROLjjZoGg9QH995V1zyPuch-HVJSq34aQpEcQ1qzADpi5yckPCnfoBVm-LtwqYmvZt5JNlfVfewVZLp/s320/CAM00719.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s always a true pleasure to be able to pass on to others what we
are passionate about and to share this in another country was tremendously
rewarding. Passion, pass it on. Your artistry, your faith. Pass it on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can view photos
and videos from this trip by visiting: <a href="http://facebook.com/CMTministries">facebook.com/CMTministries</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
→ If you are interested in the script and director tips for this musical, please feel free to e-mail <a href="mailto:Gabriel@CMTministries.org">Gabriel@CMTministries.org</a> </div>
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</span>Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-59189226920445474212013-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:002013-08-01T13:14:39.815-07:00Pushing Creative Ministry to the MAX at Ministry Arts Xtra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHE5Yri9gVLN4X8lkiCRbuVkY34_YwKq8zKEjPpaFIo7mVS0GSkTMh2Ub6N0jvDAjFLlbZhEBrT3-8z-r5hR4ZAlbRdDLYhQ0ggBfS8mrUvLwRj0m1FHt9sc7kYIQ_x8-DBWqXLaZWLLH/s1600/MAX-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHE5Yri9gVLN4X8lkiCRbuVkY34_YwKq8zKEjPpaFIo7mVS0GSkTMh2Ub6N0jvDAjFLlbZhEBrT3-8z-r5hR4ZAlbRdDLYhQ0ggBfS8mrUvLwRj0m1FHt9sc7kYIQ_x8-DBWqXLaZWLLH/s1600/MAX-b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just returned from
another week of incredible blessings, inspiration and fellowship at Ministry
Arts Xtra (MAX), an international festival sponsored by <u>Creative Ministry
Solutions </u>at Grove City Church of the Nazarene in Ohio. Again, all I can
say is “Wow! Thank you God!”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you aren’t familiar with Ministry Arts Xtra, it’s an amazing 4-day conference that dives into a variety of creative ministry topics through workshops, performances and competitions. The Creative Ministry Dream Team is a select group of 15 attendees that audition to be part of the team and come together for the 4 days to put together a program to present as the finale of the conference.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year I had the
blessing of being able to fill a support role for the Dream Team’s directors,
Christy Watkins and Carrie Murphy, as well as the Dream Team as they worked to bring
together an ambitious program set in “Heavenly Street."</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1JMX2kTepILYgw5DMdD0OIEyYxTRn8p7B1HmuaRu6SxAa3hxuozhB5NhtxHmt5c7y_IieIA9ZJ5-SLkeKbgK_xsa76facmxNBYQDR0lIboFofjZwMJart2J3nEqFA1cJL0Dvcugnnsxi/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1JMX2kTepILYgw5DMdD0OIEyYxTRn8p7B1HmuaRu6SxAa3hxuozhB5NhtxHmt5c7y_IieIA9ZJ5-SLkeKbgK_xsa76facmxNBYQDR0lIboFofjZwMJart2J3nEqFA1cJL0Dvcugnnsxi/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The program followed
this year’s festival theme “Whatever,” inspired by Philippians 4:8. “Whatever”
tells the story of Max, a pack rat that fills his trash can with the junk of
this world, while his friend Sally shows him there’s much more to life than
just trash when we set our sights on God and “whatever” he has in store for us.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgCcpI3MvZkuLYzAMivaDscs04AAWoQs6vpV7-YSRJUyl8kE_z0Xi2v4OZsXlw7xvWuIkVWX3rwhJsFFdKxMnybUyytuLqd8dWLfN-0bYuB8XQtXmXiPWG70yjRLywP7x75ZZva8bTG91/s1600/1006027_10200907839916608_772259139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgCcpI3MvZkuLYzAMivaDscs04AAWoQs6vpV7-YSRJUyl8kE_z0Xi2v4OZsXlw7xvWuIkVWX3rwhJsFFdKxMnybUyytuLqd8dWLfN-0bYuB8XQtXmXiPWG70yjRLywP7x75ZZva8bTG91/s320/1006027_10200907839916608_772259139_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The script and songs
were woven together beautifully and the program featured puppetry,
ventriloquism, sign language, dowel rods, dance and much more. The story drew
delightful references to Sesame Street, such as Yip Yip Martians discovering
the audience and “which of these is not like the other?” Everything came
together to create a charming, humorous and meaningful program that was a joy
to be a part of. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR173UQ_66zWx4Dw1tt2xZ52dbK76HkuK8HQwDFrBQJMWgWvmNsT0D-Fet84l4NpuN74HazhGGms-OPLSNvj2UMHO6atUu2gn-5RBacGbpFMiEAcPVK99kd_LZKZT1uxO-QA7cluRLwqze/s1600/994559_10200914104073208_598460194_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR173UQ_66zWx4Dw1tt2xZ52dbK76HkuK8HQwDFrBQJMWgWvmNsT0D-Fet84l4NpuN74HazhGGms-OPLSNvj2UMHO6atUu2gn-5RBacGbpFMiEAcPVK99kd_LZKZT1uxO-QA7cluRLwqze/s320/994559_10200914104073208_598460194_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Songs included:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Heavenly
Street” (Sesame Street Parody) by Mark Bradford – featured out-front puppetry</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Where I
Belong” by Building 429 – featured chair choreography, sign language and dowel
rods</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hold Me”
by Jamie Grace – featured live actors, puppet choreography and umbrellas</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There Is
A Way” by NewWorldSon – featured blacklight Stringbean puppets</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When He
Saved The World” by Mark Bradford – featured hand mime</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I
Surrender All” by Crystal Lewis – featured flags</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Feelin’
So Fly” by tobyMac – featured dance choreography</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t Let
Me Miss the Glory” by Gordon Mote – featured dowel rods, sign language and banners</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnbrU1idCK-xuXyr1_qlfu10cLX9rRCX-He80qzahiqrpLISxzAbYGkAfvSKEUuHVkHT241PV6_3bgkl-wt5yazIxhVkX6mluqg1AA7GPp_ZUmIrvWQxza8yoMUUHiPI8s5H24CJTwWAp/s1600/547097_10200896077622558_1834042201_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnbrU1idCK-xuXyr1_qlfu10cLX9rRCX-He80qzahiqrpLISxzAbYGkAfvSKEUuHVkHT241PV6_3bgkl-wt5yazIxhVkX6mluqg1AA7GPp_ZUmIrvWQxza8yoMUUHiPI8s5H24CJTwWAp/s320/547097_10200896077622558_1834042201_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rehearsals were long,
lasting up to 12 hours a day, to polish the hour-long program in time for the
end of the week. The hard work paid off though as the Dream Team presented a
beautiful, diverse program that not only made the audience laugh and smile but
also applaud the glory of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2GiZeIZ6H2qfR7t3lcfTkdmX6C2chbPMA2rLS0gICsl-vdDiFVaMVS1TxKLOISGL0e-zl27IA7_L4YkiKdUaZ5HtKOElca7zQNJKT1Rn4NdJLLTbM-wbICwLaCNbEjcXXvgtJWNxMzzg/s1600/603062_10200896390150371_1840734992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2GiZeIZ6H2qfR7t3lcfTkdmX6C2chbPMA2rLS0gICsl-vdDiFVaMVS1TxKLOISGL0e-zl27IA7_L4YkiKdUaZ5HtKOElca7zQNJKT1Rn4NdJLLTbM-wbICwLaCNbEjcXXvgtJWNxMzzg/s320/603062_10200896390150371_1840734992_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The opportunity to
work with the Dream Team again but on the directorial side was also an amazing
opportunity to learn from the example of the two very seasoned directors. Their
servant leadership, creativity and humility was a wonder to watch in action!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">All in all, I’m grateful
for the wonderful opportunity I had to jump back into creative ministries after
10 months of sabbatical. We are going to start gearing up the ministry team soon
for the 2013-2014 year and I have come back not only eager to serve but also inspired
and blessed!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoBWUr_6hF-h5OsDvTx3IP34aZl4aOEHvngXlt81XsXsebiMxjqdbN8cAlGNETQn4ylamzmNvvuHSpJC__OGRDAyQOzMaZ8DxwwjtyjZ0rkrfH9cvLDBcWd_4uY2nNg4TZdhE6CXzAxWT/s1600/1009832_10200896404270724_1003401987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoBWUr_6hF-h5OsDvTx3IP34aZl4aOEHvngXlt81XsXsebiMxjqdbN8cAlGNETQn4ylamzmNvvuHSpJC__OGRDAyQOzMaZ8DxwwjtyjZ0rkrfH9cvLDBcWd_4uY2nNg4TZdhE6CXzAxWT/s320/1009832_10200896404270724_1003401987_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For more information about Ministry Arts Xtra and the Dream Team, please visit <a href="http://www.creativemin.com/category/max">http://www.creativemin.com/category/max</a></span></div>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-27270263616723973342013-05-20T20:53:00.000-07:002013-06-12T20:54:10.449-07:00Celebrating 2 Years of Faith, Hope and Love with Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOEizs24-fRCo8b3b3385AvYSvi4YRKsbUs2Q-nkGhnz4qtRChRPcUGGNd7l0Ouevc0Nr5XaFRbGk7XjqQLAo8cN91xXi7Gk-Ry32tdBY0Jtgz3Qf7Slhh56r5RvKzDcl3gX_9HxGy6c0/s1600/ANN_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOEizs24-fRCo8b3b3385AvYSvi4YRKsbUs2Q-nkGhnz4qtRChRPcUGGNd7l0Ouevc0Nr5XaFRbGk7XjqQLAo8cN91xXi7Gk-Ry32tdBY0Jtgz3Qf7Slhh56r5RvKzDcl3gX_9HxGy6c0/s1600/ANN_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I</span>t’s incredible when you pause and realize how time passes like sand between our fingers. We are
thrilled that our home church, <a href="http://facebook.com/experimentasuamor" target="_blank">Iglesia Jesuscristo Es El Señor</a> (Jesus Christ is
Lord Church), has had 2 beautiful years of celebrating faith, bringing hope and
sharing His love. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a church, we decided to seize this opportunity to shine by inviting
our friends, family and community to celebrate with us over the weekend. On
Saturday the 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> we hosted FESTiFAMiLiA (FESTiFAMiLY), a
family-friendly festival featuring music, food, tournaments, carnival games, prizes
and a program by <a href="http://cmtministries.org/" target="_blank">Create, Minister, Teach</a> (CMT).</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite battling the wind, the event was a wonderful time of fellowship
and also sowing some seeds in the hearts of those attending. CMT’s teaser
program featured a few illusions, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=651719051509978&l=1460110234648178611" target="_blank">a human video</a> and testimonies that
highlighted what we’re all about: His love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, we held a Celebration Sunday service that
featured praise and worship and a new program by CMT titled “With(out) Jesus.”
The program wove together illusions, puppets, blacklight, sign language,
painting with testimonies and stories that shared the power of life in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are so grateful for having had the opportunity to work together as a
church to Shine and are looking forward to another year of spreading Faith,
Hope and Love in the San Francisco Peninsula!</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To view pictures from the event, please visit our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.656419197706630.1073741826.529288490419702&type=1&l=107df3835b" target="_blank">church’s Facebook</a>. </span></span></div>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-15030395092270989112013-01-01T20:29:00.000-08:002013-06-10T20:40:04.863-07:00Happy 2013! | Resource Spotlight: The Crayon Kingdom by Jennie Bishop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv1mwRH0XnJ-T_oor0zmI63LPNv49M6BIlK1or_6fcX1Et1T0SoLSQELb3b8Ij5ClMnN0lAfqlQbSHY_DEr2JvXN7-CCp6Adq_KeFkTexXUTF7lblYdbse7cf8ClRhUEEhL5Jt9S6vSih/s1600/CK-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv1mwRH0XnJ-T_oor0zmI63LPNv49M6BIlK1or_6fcX1Et1T0SoLSQELb3b8Ij5ClMnN0lAfqlQbSHY_DEr2JvXN7-CCp6Adq_KeFkTexXUTF7lblYdbse7cf8ClRhUEEhL5Jt9S6vSih/s1600/CK-b.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy New Year everyone! We are grateful for all that has happened in
this past year and look forward to a new year.</span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a little over four years ago when we stumbled upon a wonderful
story by Jennie Bishop, “the Crayon Kingdom,” in the midst of development of a
new production for a New Year’s event. The story is charming and thoughtful, and,
at the time, just felt right.</span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The decision was made to scrap our current developing production and to adapt,
record and produce a Spanish puppet musical of the Crayon Kingdom (with only 6
weeks until show time)! Little did we know just how beautiful this production
would turn out to be and now, years later, we are more than happy to recommend
this book, whether for pleasure reading/learning or production material.</span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Crayon Kingdom tells the story of the trouble that ensues once Green
feels underappreciated and decides to work only with other Greens instead of
his colorful friends. Join the Crayons as they learn the necessity and beauty of
working together to make a masterpiece.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />The Crayon Kingdom is available from <a href="http://shop.purityworks.org/The-Crayon-Kingdom-10100.htm" target="_blank">PurityWorks</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to our Spanish adaptation on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32567SddyOI" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.</span></span></div>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-32919016443765942702012-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:002013-06-10T20:14:48.686-07:00CMT on Touring Sabbatical for Fall 2012 – Spring 2013
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have some news to share! Our director, Gabriel, has been accepted
into AmeriCorps NCCC, a national program that sends members to different cities
for short-term service projects. Congratulations! We are very excited for him and this
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The leadership at Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor is preparing for the transition
in leadership for the team during Gabriel’s 10 month leave of service. The team will continue to
rehearse and work within the church but will be taking a sabbatical from
touring programs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please keep our team and Gabriel in your prayers as we undergo these
changes. We look forward to picking up touring once again in the summer. So
until then, stay tuned!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-67502779506377340432012-09-19T12:25:00.002-07:002012-09-19T12:55:54.645-07:00Teaching and Reaching in Panama City with Hands of Peace<img src="http://cmtministries.org/blogger/photos/PAN_2354-b.jpg" /><br />
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A few months ago I was blessed with the invitation to join Hands of Peace Ministry Team from Connecticut on a mission trip to Panama City, coordinated with Ministerios IR (Go Ministries). I first worked with Hands of Peace in January in Mexico. <br />
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Like Mexico, our objective was to equip and encourage children's workers, church leaders and youth with creative arts tools to reach out to their community. The 7 days consisted mostly of 3 days of training rehearsals and workshops and 3 days of dress rehearsals and children's crusades. Reflecting on this experience, all I can say is: WOW!<br />
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God never ceases to amaze me. Over 3 days we were able to share with the eager and ready-to-learn Panamanians several ideas ranging from puppetry, ventriloquism, props, creative movement, dowel rods, sign language, illusions, hand mime and blacklight. <br />
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Their eagerness and willingness to serve was particularly striking. Our host church's, Comunidad Evangelica Monte de Sion (COEMONSI), slogan is "salvos para servir" (saved to serve). They unhesitatingly lived up to this challenge.<br />
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The 3 days of workshops also included afternoon rehearsals, (about 2-3 hours a day), where we trained 3 different teams to participate in our program for the children's crusades. The brothers and sisters were motivated, not only to learning the program but to being excellent.<br />
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The next three days of dress rehearsals and children's crusades were long and arduous. Still, our team was the epitome of dedication: assisting with set-up/tear-down, distributing invitations to the community (rain or shine) and enduring the sticky heat in rehearsal and performance. <br />
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Our first crusade was in a rural community 2 hours away from Panama City, where teen pregnancy is high and electricity/running water can be considered a luxury. Our program there was powered with a generator, portable sound system and lit by a single bulb. Our last 2 crusades were in the barrios Pedregal and Concepcion, both considered "red zones" for drug dealing, assaults and other violence. <br />
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While each crusade ranged from small to large facilities, very hot to slightly less so, from mostly adult to mostly children, what never changed was the genuine fun and wonder captured in the program, backed with God's presence and the call to accept Him. <br />
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Many of our objectives were met in those 7 days of work in Panama: equipping the leaders, training the youth and reaching out into the community. Better yet, other benefits came about as "side effects," including working collaboratively with other churches, developing the leadership of the church members and empowering the youth with ministry that opened the eyes of the adults to their potential.<br />
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I am so grateful for the wondrous opportunity I had to be a part of this trip. Many people came to know Christ during our visit and we are excited for the potential ripple effects that will continue long after we are gone. As COEMONSI's Pastor Elias said: "Several little lights have been lit that are now going back to their homes, where they will shine in the darkness."<br />
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Though we did come to equip and encourage our brothers and sisters in Panama, the blessing they are to our own lives is just as great. Their humility, dedication and servant's hearts are inspirational and they send us back home refreshed, rejuvenated and eager to serve!<br />
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For the daily photo updates, photo albums, videos and more visit our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/CMTministries" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/117788731114053665046/117788731114053665046/posts#117788731114053665046/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>.Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0Panama8.9942689 -79.5187928.8688014 -79.6767205 9.119736399999999 -79.360863500000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-7176112085621744882012-08-05T13:13:00.000-07:002012-08-29T13:14:38.925-07:00Taking it to the MAX!<div style="text-align: left;">
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I had the incredible priviledge of being selected to participate in the Creative Ministry Dream Team at Ministry Arts Xtra (MAX) in Ohio. The Dream Team was charged with one task: learn a program in 3.5 days to serve as the finale performance for the conference. No worries... right?<br />
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Being on the Dream Team was inspirational. The high caliber of talent was apparent as soon as we began rehearsing. What was most amazing and impressive though was the passion burning inside these servant leaders, especially our directors, Christy Watkins and Amanda Cowles.<br />
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Despite running on little sleep, a problem I credit to the time change and a little thing called work, I survived the 6+ hours of rehearsal a day. Better yet, I had an <b>amazing</b> time!<br />
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Working with the Dream Team was a breath of fresh air. Imagine getting to spend all day with a group of 18 passionate and talented people that "God brought together for a moment in time to shine for Him."<br />
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Speaking of which, the program was titled "Shine." Don't let the simple name fool you, the depth of the script is awe inspiring.<br />
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The story centers around a hilariously adorable 3-year old turtle named Gigi (voiced by Amanda Cowles) who sits in her bedroom and talks to God. About what? About her day, about being his child and about what it means to shine for Him.</div>
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The program featured a variety of creative arts, including live puppetry, outfront puppetry, blacklight, drama, sign language, reverse blacklight, dance and dowel rods. The settings explored were just as diverse, ranging from a corn field to a jungle to the life of Jesus to the depths of history itself. <br />
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The week was filled with several God moments but perhaps the one that struck me the most was before I even met the Dream Team and became a theme throughout the week. It was the last line of the letter from the directors: <br />
"We are looking forward to creating a program together with you and then laying it at His feet."<br />
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Wow, that hit me. I really don't how to explain why but it did. I've always loved the arts. It's something I am passionate about. I know I'm not the best preacher, singer, evangelist or writer and often we are made to feel <u>these</u> are the ways to share Christ. <br />
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But when I arrange a program and get to present the message of salvation, I feel as if I'm finally doing something <em>right</em>. Yes, I am aware that I am using my gifts for God, but something about the visual of laying your passion, effort and work at His feet just floored me. What a beautiful way to look at the meaning behind our work!<br />
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MAX and the Dream Team definitely challenged my ideas of what it means to be a Christian artist. Our goal became not to have audiences saying "Wow what a performance" rather "WOW, what an amazing God!" <br />
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It's <u>not</u> about us. It's about <u>him</u>. We are <u>not</u> the light. <u>He</u> is.<br />
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So I leave you with this challenge: "Dare we hope to be mirrors in the hands of God? To behold God so intently that we can't help but reflect the light of God? To live a life that really 'shines' for him?"Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848663085330331778.post-73261566636727521652012-07-14T14:09:00.004-07:002012-08-14T10:26:00.896-07:00How to Start a Creative / Puppet Ministry Team<img src="http://cmtministries.org/blogger/photos/HOW_1341-b.jpg" /><br />
I’ve often gotten the question: “just how <i>do</i> you start a creative/puppet ministry team?” There’s no single way really. I will try to share though what I have learned from many seasoned directors and my 10 years of ministry team experience.<br />
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This is by no means an exhaustive list, but simply points to consider. I hope you find this helpful!<br />
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<b>1. Purpose (Habakuk 2:2)</b><br />
Before you do anything, determine <u>why</u> you are doing it. God has a plan and purpose for you and he has plan and a purpose for your team. Pray about it. Determine why you are going to do this and make sure those you work with know it too. Here is an example of CMT’s purpose:<br />
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“CMT Ministries stands for Create, Minister and Teach. We are a ministry dedicated to communicating God’s love through Jesus Christ through the creative arts and personal testimony. Our programs combine puppetry, music, drama, blacklight, sign language, illusions and special surprises that appeal to all ages.”<br />
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In sum, our team’s purpose is to <b>create</b> programs that will <b>minister</b> the love of God to our audiences and we <b>teach</b> others how to do this. Still, do not get caught up on just this. <br />
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The team’s purpose is ministry to <u>others</u>. The director’s purpose is ministry to the <u>team</u>.<br />
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Remember, <b>you</b> will be a positive influence and role model for those you work with. You are training people to use their gifts for God. Your <u>team</u> should always be your priority, not the presentation.<br />
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<b>2. Leaders (Proverbs 11:14)</b><br />
Behind every team, there should be a fearless leader. Better yet, there should be fearless leader<b><u>s</u></b>. The best creative works were not created by a single person, rather by a team. Think about it.<br />
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Disney had the “nine old men.” Pixar has their “brain trust.” While one person may have the spark, it is refined and strengthened when others build on it. Do this for your team. <br />
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Plus, there are too many things to get done. Don’t be the lone ranger. Woe to him that is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. (Ecc. 4:10) Don’t burn yourself out (been there, done that)!<br />
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Your leadership could include parents, responsible team members or members from your church. Meet regularly to pray for the team, plan for the month and evaluate program material and key issues.<br />
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There are many opportunities to involve other members and ministries in your church, outside of rehearsals and presentations! Some ideas are: prop-making, costuming and scenery, devotionals, scriptwriting, drivers, technicians and fundraising. <br />
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Do this and you will see that the more people you partner in ministry with, the more rewarding and beautiful your ministry will become.<br />
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<b>3. A Team (1 Peter 4:10)</b><br />
Go back to your team’s purpose and think about the audiences you want to reach. Is it children? Is it teens? Is it families? This impacts the age of people you will want to work with. Also, consider the age group that is <u>available</u> for rehearsals and presentations. <br />
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The size of your team should be determined based on your ability to effectively: (1) use them all and (2) handle them all. <br />
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If you are not keeping everyone busy, there is a greater likelihood of them getting either bored, frustrated or into mischief. Plus, can you handle 15 teens alone? Maybe… but not sanely (been there, done that too)!<br />
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Lastly, consider the kind of people you want to work with. You want people who are dependable, enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready to work hard and ministry-minded. <br />
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The last two are key. People think its super fun… but then realize it’s a lot of work too. More importantly, make sure they are joining because they want to <u>minister</u>.<br />
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<b>4. Resources (Deuteronomy 30:9-10)</b><br />
Depending on the art forms you wish to use, you need puppets, props, blacklights, costumes, music, a stage and the list goes on. Creative ministries, especially puppet ministry, can get expensive. <br />
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Try to start with versatile materials that you can use time and time again. White gloves can be used for signing and hand mime. People puppets can be costumed creatively for different programs. I mean, how often do you <i>really</i> think you will use that cute monster puppet?<br />
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You will also want to consider how your ministry will be funded. Talk to your church board and see if you can make a budgetary request. Or start your own budget by fundraising. Love offerings or honorariums for programs are an excellent source of funds too. <br />
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If you back the ministry with your own credit card, be clear with which resources belong to whom. Are you donating these to the ministry, or are you loaning them for ministry’s use?<br />
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All in all, be sure you have enough to meet the present and future needs of the ministry. And when I mean the needs of the ministry, I am not limiting it to the materials themselves. Don’t forget the human capital.<br />
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Have funds that can help with festival scholarships, transportation expenses, marketing, team outings and so on. Don’t be selfish. <u>Invest in your team.</u><br />
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<b>5. Commitment to Excellence (Colossians 3:23-24)</b><br />
For me, this is most important and what I stress the most with my team. The secular world works very hard for the world to enjoy their creations. Should we not work just as hard, if not harder, when we are offering our works to God? <br />
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How do you commit to excellence? Educate yourself. Train yourself. Share.<br />
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<u>Educate yourself</u> in the art forms you wish to pursue. You can’t expect to teach something you know nothing about. The internet literally has billions of ideas and resources at your fingertips. <br />
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Better yet, go to a conference such as those held by Creative Ministry Solutions, the Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers or Puppeteers of America. I guarantee you will always learn MANY new things.<br />
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Next, commit yourself and your team to <u>pursuing excellence in rehearsal</u>. Don’t let your team demonstrate poor technique. Realize that it’s a distraction and takes away from the power of the program. Create a rehearsal space where the focus is to hone oneself for <b>true</b> ministry. <br />
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This does not solely mean mastery of craft, but a commitment to pursuing <u>Christ</u>. Do not forget to include time for spirituality. If you plan on calling yourself a ministry, that is.<br />
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Lastly, the oft neglected point: <b>share</b>. You will learn so much from God, yourself, your team and your experiences. <br />
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Don’t be selfish. <u><b>Share it</b></u>. <br />
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Connect with other directors. <a href="http://www.creativemin.com/category/ministry-training-events">Compete in festivals</a>. <a href="http://www.puppetsandstuff.com/">Contribute to forums</a>. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/CMTministries">Post pictures on Facebook</a>. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/CMTministries">Upload videos on YouTube</a>. Inspire us!<br />
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In short, remember: “We are God’s masterpiece, created through Jesus Christ, to in turn create masterpieces for Him”. — Michael Card <br />
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<b>Recommended Resources:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.creativemin.com/product/130/puppet_director">Puppet Director’s Notebook</a><br />
<a href="http://www.creativemin.com/product/860/marketing">Puppet Ministry: Basics and Beyond DVD</a><br />
<a href="http://www.creativemin.com/category/ifest_workshops">I-Fest Workshop CDs and DVDs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.creativemin.com/product/1462/614">The Human Video Handbook</a>Create, Minister, Teach!http://www.blogger.com/profile/12204838456921162050noreply@blogger.com2