Homework

Most of our series for this year are somewhat planned out.  We have a leadership trio that rotates preaching/teaching the kids' church series weekly.  I usually only prepare a sermon every three weeks.  As children's pastors, my husband and I develop the series.  We try to tie in trends like movies, music, and games the kids are already excited about with Biblical people, stories, and principles.  It's easier to reach them with the gospel on their level.  We have been so blessed.  God continually supplies us with an abundance of creativity.

In addition to reading our Bibles and praying, a large portion of a children's pastor's homework is going to the movies and playing video games.  I know, it's a tough life, huh?  Movies that are in theaters this year will be released on DVD at the end of the year or next year, so I have a couple on my list to see as my "homework" for kids' church next year.  We'll be having another Kids Krusade next year (our church hosts one every other year), so between it, teaching a preschool midweek class, and helping my husband write kids' church series, I'm getting a jump start on things.

Here's my list so far (I haven't watched any of these movies yet.  My husband and I are only considering watching them as possible kids' church inspiration):

1. The Croods (I'm wondering if maybe I can tie in the story of Moses and the first passover with this movie?)
2. Turbo (The possibilities are endless as this is an underdog story, but I think it's going to create the biggest hype with the kids.  Sounds a little like CARS.)
3. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (I'm not sure of how/if we will use this one either, but it sounds very cute.  Maybe each week of the series we could "go back in time" to a different Biblical event?)
4. Since Transformers 4 will be released next summer, we are considering (among many other options) using Kids Power Company's The Transformer sermon series for our Kids Krusade next year.  My only reservation is that after watching the blockbuster trilogy, I would not, in good faith, let my own niece watch the movie.  The sexual content and language, which in no way improve the storyline, are the reason why I myself won't be watching the movies a second time.  I know the toys are popular.  As a child I enjoyed them and the cartoons, but I'm afraid the series would make the church appear to be promoting the movies.  Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.  I'm also considering Turbo as the inspiration for next year's Kids Krusade.  Like I said, I think it's going to be a big hit, and well, many of the Bible's greatest heroes were underdogs.  But the movie hasn't been released yet, so it's hard to say if it would be a good, clean film to use or not.
5. Despicable Me 2 (our Blessable Me series this summer will coincide with the release of Despicable Me 2.)
6. Epic (maybe)
7. Since we are doing a lengthy Superhero series this fall, we will probably forgo using one for next year, so no Iron Man 3.  :(

Series we're considering from older films:

1. UP
2. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (since the sequel will be in theaters this fall)
3. Open Season trilogy
4 . Dr. Seuss movies
5. Antz/ A Bug's Life/ A Bee Movie


I enjoyed this article about some upcoming films on my "homework" list.