You can find my new blog at: http://myministrybytes.blogspot.com/ and you can follow me at http://www.twitter.com/myministrybytes

Phishing is a rampant today and is an attempt for someone to steal your personal information.  Watch this 3 minute video to learn how to detect these fraudulent emails and avoid them to protect your identity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqRZGhiHGxg

Do you like to keep up on various blogs and other websites that seem to be updated frequently? If so, using the free Google Reader can save you A LOT of time! This new video from Common Craft explains how easy it is to get started using Google Reader.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSPZ2Uu_X3Y

With my family all in Wisconsin over Labor Day weekend, my dad, brother, and I took a trip to Green Bay to tour Lambeau Field and visit the Packers Hall of Fame.  Looking forward to another great Packers season ahead.  Go Pack, Go!

Any other Packers fans out there?

July 17, 2008 a new chapter began in my life as my wife and I welcomed our beautiful girl, Madigan Cecelia Marie Rhode, into our family!  Life as a parent is truly amazing and certainly presents a unique perspective on children's ministry...

Details regarding the features of CMUOnet will be added here...

Details about CMUOnet will be added here...

Hi just found the blog tool. We just finished up our VBS this year...The Incredible Race. The kids had a blast and it worked out well. I had a lot of support from a small group of people in the church. Our church is 1 year old and this was our first VBS. I insisted it be at night, because I was the only one available during the day. 6:30-8:30 M-F. 

We used Standard publishing's The Incredible Race. The music alone was worth it. The kids loved the music and could not get enough. We made CD's for each child (Standard encourages and allows duplication of their material for church use) with a full color printed label and case for them. I think the little details are important

We did not use the entire curriculum as it was extensive which did allow for lots of options and setting it up . We used 5 of the 10 days and even altered them in some ways. One of our members runs is a Royal Rangers director for the district and he had a Pinecar Track. We bought kits for the kids ($2.60 each after some online shopping around) that were pre cut wedge shaped. This was a craft (sanding, painting etc). and an activity for the last night Racing.

Advertising was tough. It can be expensive. The kit came with a sign, but we purchases another large one from a printer. It was costly. Some other posters were included. The best thing we did was to make postcards. We did not mail them but handed them out at a local supermarket and laundromats and had people hand them out. We got them printed through the internet, I designed them, they were glossy on both sides. the cost was $35 for 1000 through www.gotprint.net

Here is an example of the front of the postcard. Use some graphics or pics, be creative but make it look professional.