Hello, friends!
We recognize that you are on the front lines—teaching kids how to practice their faith and have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for using Group’s Living Inside Out in your children’s ministry—it is a joy to partner with you to challenge kids to live out their faith in everyday life!
As we have been talking with churches about Living Inside Out, we’ve recognized that many churches are not using curriculum 52 weeks a year. On average, churches are saying they plan to use only five to seven Living Inside Out modules a year. So with 12 modules in production and more planned, we are getting ahead of what the average church needs. Based on this, we have revised our current production plans.
In mid-March of 2007, we will have a total of 12 theme-based modules available. All of our modules will be undated and be kept in inventory so that churches may use them at any time that meets their needs. This will allow the majority of churches to use Living Inside Out modules that they have not had a chance to yet. For other churches, you may need new solutions as you complete all 12 modules.
If you have used only a few modules of Group’s Living Inside Out, you can:
1) Take advantage of the flexibility of the various themes
All modules are undated (or in the process of being revised so that they are undated) and can be used in any order. You can simply pick and choose which modules you have not used previously.
2) Coordinate themes for various times of the year
For example, the Treasure Island module can be coordinated with an overall stewardship emphasis at your church at any time of the year. Arctic Antics, Under the Tree, and other modules can be used to create fun alternatives during “unlikely” times of the year. Kids will love the idea of celebrating Christmas in July or experiencing a winter wonderland during hot summer weather.
If you have used all four quarters of Group’s Living Inside Out by Fall 2007, you still have great opportunities and options:
1) Utilize Living Inside Out during a new programming time such as midweek, Sunday night, or second-hour.
For churches with various programming times, you can consider using Group’s Living Inside Out for a new time slot. Using Living Inside Out will reinforce learning from the previous year but also familiarize new students in these programming hours to the unique Bible learning approach of Living Inside Out. In addition, a different ministry time provides the opportunity to plug in new volunteers, or take advantage of the experience of current volunteers looking for a new time slot in which to serve.
2) Use another Group curriculum for 2007
Each Group curriculum provides the R.E.A.L. philosophy of learning which helps kids have learner-based experiences that allow them to apply Bible lessons and develop strong relationships with Jesus and others.
§ Group’s Bible Blitz™ – A multi-age curriculum that works in a large-group/small-group format and gets kids directly using the Bible each week. Like Living Inside Out, this curriculum utilizes both DVD and CD media to engage kids in each and every lesson. This curriculum is best if you're looking for a similar format just for elementary kids, or looking for a focus on more direct use of the Bible. Check out a free sample at www.Group.com/BibleBlitz.
§ FaithWeaver® – If you like how all kids in Living Inside Out explore the same Bible story, FaithWeaver helps expand that to all ages, and provides more reinforcements to help families grow in faith together. This curriculum is best if you're looking to help families grow. By adding the Instant Bible Drama from FaithWeaver Friends® and music (and even object lessons) from KidsOwn Worship®, you have a large-group time for FaithWeaver. Try out any or all age levels with free samples at www.FaithWeaver.com.
§ KidsOwn Worship® – This program helps kids worship God by learning about attributes of God worthy of our praise. This curriculum is best if you want to keep the multi-age large-group/small-group format. Get a feel for this curriculum by trying the free sample at www.KidsOwnWorship.com.
§ FaithWeaver Friends® – This program uses center rotation after a large-group opening to help kids grow in faith through relationships and service. This curriculum is best if you focus on outreach. Check out the preschool and elementary samples at www.FWFriends.com.
§ Hands-On Bible Curriculum® – This easy-to-teach program engages kids in Bible discovery in a fun way that makes Bible truths memorable. This curriculum is best if you're looking for an easy-to-do program with no student books. Try it out with free samples at www.Group.com/HandsOn.
3) Provide valuable feedback on Living Inside Out
We love feedback! As a Living Inside Out user, you have the opportunity to tell us what’s working, what you do/don’t like, and make suggestions for changes/additions to the curriculum. Share with us your new theme ideas and the stories about how Living Inside Out is helping your to practice living out their faith 24/7. Your comments will help us shape future development. And tell your friends, too!
Are you on Group's Standing Order Program (SOP)? If so, please be aware that our Fall shipment (going out in July) will include the Heroes, Wilderness Trail, and Star Quest modules. If you have already used these, you'll want to cancel your Standing Order Program orders after April (when the Music Camp, In the Dog House, and Storm Chasers modules are sent to you).
At Group, our goal is to help you be effective in ministry. Group is in constant development of resources that will help meet your needs. We want to do everything we can to help you with your Fall 2007 curriculum needs. As soon as new modules of Group’s Living Inside Out are available, we will post information here to let you know the new exciting themes and lessons that will help your kids live out their faith 24/7.
Please let us know how we can be of service for those affected by this change. God bless you and your ministry.