First Quarter of the Year Round Up!
What has been going on at Cooee Kid’s Ministry for the first quarter of 2022? The short answer is lots. Here’s the longer answer…
Cooee Kid’s Ministry TV – You Tube Channel
The Cooee Kids Ministry You Tube channel went live on 16th January. This was very exciting and somewhat alarming at the same time. However, I am having the time of my life!
Videos produced on the channel began with the series ‘The Twins at Sunshine Cove’. This is one of the most downloaded series from the Cooee Kid’s Ministry website, so I felt it would be the best place to begin filming. It is a six part series about Daniel and challenges children not to compromise their belief in God but to trust Him to help them. The seventh story is about the local lighthouse at Sunshine Cove, the mysterious captain who lives in it, and Jesus’ teaching to shine your light (Matthew 5). Looking back at the filming and production, I can see things I should and should not have done, but it is all part of my education in presenting Kid’s Church resources online.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkcsjE8WBc
The series was followed up by a stand-alone video called ‘A Day in the Art Gallery’ which was in a totally different format and character driven to provide variety. Security guard Charmaine guards precious masterpieces which leads into teaching from Ephesians 2:10. It was well received, particularly by grandparents, who showed it to their grandchildren. I believe the prayer at the end of the video is anointed and will help kids who are suffering from rejection and problems with self-esteem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU52uTYtb9c
Then it was back to another series downloaded regularly every month, ‘Spud and the Figs’. This series challenges Christian kids to leave comfortable cliques and clubs to witness and open up to the kid who is an outsider. Within the series are many Bible stories and parables about reaching the lost. I am so grateful I was able to access free cartoon versions of some of the Bible stories which added to the quality of the series and kept it engaging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAZMA-l_L-s
An Easter video titled, ‘The Inside Story’ took three weeks to produce as it required a lot of footage, props and editing. The outcome was so worthwhile with the Gospel clearly preached, and it received 110 views.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJP7nhbSoNo
Next was a two part series named ‘Crucial Kids’. The Old Testament story of Naaman’s wife’s maidservant and the New Testament story about Paul’s nephew told in their ‘own words’. Bible Archaeologist Petra Clay encourages children to ‘dig in’ to God’s Word.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMKAba-o79I
I posted a Mother’s Day video early so it would be available in plenty of time for Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May in Australia). It is called, ‘Mum Has a Plan’, and is the story of Moses in the Bulrushes. Again the Gospel is preached. And a cute Mother’s Day craft is included because I’ve never had a kid in Kid’s Church who didn’t love making something for Mum, Grandma or Auntie!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7utd0wal1C8
So, the first quarter of the year has been a busy time, but productive. There is plenty of room for improvement but I have learned so much and am looking forward to producing lots of stories from the Cooee Kid’s Ministry website. Ahead is a series about Genesis, set on a moon base, and I will be using a green screen for the first time. A costume is sorted for an upcoming character and props have been collected from op shops. My husband and I are scouting locations for future filming (that makes us sound way more professional than we are) and I spend a lot of time thinking about footage and what order I need to film it in. (I can see why story boards are a thing!) We invested in a microphone attachment to cut down wind during outdoor filming and are going to invest in some lighting.
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZHseiQLyaZ9z-s5mqTHAcw
Cooee Kid’s Ministry Website
I’ve have still managed to write 4 new Bible Lessons, two with an emphasis on children learning verses of Scripture by heart. Memorizing Scripture is a challenge put out everywhere at the moment, from Christian radio stations to inner city church congregations. I was memorizing in my devotional time and so thought I’d pass it on to children using easy to learn prompts.
What is Love? A lesson with visual aids to help children memorize 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. The lesson also explains Agape love and all its attributes. You’ll find it here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/What-is-Love.pdf
Jesus is On Board! Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from knowing Jesus is on your boat, and with Him on board no storm can take you under! (From Vision 180 magazine’s WORD4TODAY. You can get your free introductory copy of Vision 180 magazine from vision180.org.au – 1800 00 777 0) Children learn Jesus is their peace no matter what storm the devil whips up. Here’s the link: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jesus-is-On-Board.pdf
What Does God Look Like? An important lesson that teaches children what it means to ‘fear the Lord’ how they need to walk in righteousness. Being good is not enough! It includes the story ‘Moses Sees God’s Glory’ and ‘The Golden Calf’. Find the lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/What-Does-God-Look-Like.pdf
Think on These Things! Another lesson used to teach a verse to memorize. This time Philippians 4:8. Children learn their thoughts are important. Thoughts impact speech and behaviour which forms habits that become part of their character. It’s important to think about things that are virtuous and praiseworthy, keeping them from polluted thoughts that Satan would use to rob them of a joy filled life. You’ll find the lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Think-On-These-Things.pdf
Coming soon: The Sword of the Spirit! This lesson is taking a little longer to finish but it will be worth it!
So the first quarter of the year has been jam packed. I’m excited for two new series that I’ve been dwelling on, one for a while and the other for only two weeks. I’m never sure which lesson will be the one the Holy Spirit will give me the go ahead on…but when I know, I know and I’m ready!
If you’ve been along for any part of the journey via Facebook, You Tube or the Cooee Kid’s Ministry website, can I say a big thank you!
God bless you,
Deb Wassenberg