Coastal Empire Ministries, Savannah Baptist Association

Transcription

1 Page 1 Event Ministry Manual Event Ministry Guide Savannah Baptist Association Coastal Empire Ministries 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA Phone: (912) Fax: (912)

2 Page 2 Event Ministry Manual Contents: Starting a Ministry for Special Events Step 1: Understand the event and its setting Step 2: Identify needs and aspirations Step 3: Develop a design Step 4: Envision the ministry Step 5: Develop a ministry design Step 6: Prepare ministry activities Step 7: Carry out ministry plans Step 8: Follow up and long range planning Event Ministry Trailer Procedures and Check-out Form Face Painting Balloon Animals Sports Event Ministry i

3 Page 3 Event Ministry Manual Starting a Ministry for Special Events Then he [Jesus] said to his servants, The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find (Matt. 22:8-9, NIV). In the Special Events Manual written for the Home Mission Board, Tom Eggleston offers the following definition of a special event: A special event is an attraction, exposition, sporting event, or happening that brings people together for the purpose of entertainment, education, competition, enjoyment, or leisure. Special events can be divided into two categories. Those events that occur annually or more frequently, such as state/county fairs, carnivals, rodeos, art/music/craft festivals, parades, agricultural expositions, historical reenactments, flea markets, seasonal/ethnic/town festivals, pioneer days, trade shows, and sports events. Other special events may occur every two to four years, such as World Fairs, summer and winter Olympics, Pan Am Games, national Boy Scout jamborees, and political conventions. Special events that draw together large crowds that have collective and individual needs and expectations. Ministry can take place in responding to those needs and expectations on physical and spiritual levels. They provide a distinct place for resort and leisure ministries to be applied. Step 1: Understand the event and its setting. Elect a person, committee, or organization in the church to take leadership in this ministry. In order to put together an effective ministry for a special event, you must first know what is going on at the event. Experience the event as a participant. Look for unmet needs and needed services. Take notes on what you see, giving particular attention to opportunities for ministry. Find out who is there. Are they visitors, customers, local people, exhibitors, performers, organizers, promoters, employers, vendors, managers, security? Find out why they have come. Are they there for entertainment, leisure, business, pleasure, education, or competition? Are they finding what they are seeking? Understand the people at the event in terms of who they are: age, marital status, economic class, employment, ethnicity, religious orientation, etc. Step 2: Identify needs and aspirations. It is essential that you understand the needs and aspirations of the people with whom you minister what they need and what they are seeking. Interview the promoters and management of the event, local chamber of commerce, business associations, service clubs, tourist bureaus, local governmental agencies such as law enforcement, and other service providers. These can help identity met and unmet needs. Use a survey to discover those details of the event which you need to consider in defining your ministry: owner, purpose and nature of the event, target group, etc. Give careful consideration to the various groups who will be at the event. For example, affluent people may not have obvious needs, but they are still seeking after something. What is it people want? How is that already being met? Is it?

4 Page 4 Event Ministry Manual Step 3: Develop a mission statement. Include in it the reason and vision for this ministry. Tell who will do what for whom. Define the broad scope of the ministry and include an agreement to carry it through by all parties involved. Use this mission statement as basis to identify specific ministry objectives. Step 4: Envision the ministry. Brainstorm possible ministry activities. Dream big and don t limit your visions, Research similar projects. Be creative! Consider the following possibilities. Creative Entertainment Provide free entertainment involving puppet shows, clowns, magic, mime, and music groups. Puppet shows should be music-oriented, instead of dialogues. The music should be carefully selected in order to minister to the people who attend the special event. Music groups should provide a variety program that would appeal to most age groups. Upbeat 50 s, 60 s, beach, pop, country, patriotic, and mixture of secular and sacred provide a good variety. Clowns can be used to provide a few skits that involve audience participation as well as walk around entertainment giving out balloons and stickers. Information Booth This provides a great service to the organizers as well as the guests by providing information to assist in enjoying the event. Literature and scripture portions can be made available also. First-Aid Station Your Baptist state convention may have a mobile medical or dental unit that can serve as a first-aid station. A tent or fun wagon may also be used. Professional medical people should be used as volunteers for such a ministry. Booths/exhibits diaper-changing area; booth-sitting service for vendors; care packages for vendors (cookies, candy, snacks, etc.); information (maps, literature, Bibles); cups of cold water and a place to sit down; first aid; health screening (glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol checks); crisis counseling. Hospitality center/van/trailer directions to events and local maps; hospitality register; emergency hot line; crisis/spiritual counseling; literature, tracts, Bibles; bed and breakfast information; interpreters to language groups; deaf ministry; t-shirts, buttons, badges, pins; free refreshments; restaurant providing soup, sandwiches, desserts; creative arts groups; large-screen television; and tourist information.. Children s activities good-time wagon; music; drama; clowns; puppets; illusion; face painting; Bible storytelling; games; day-care service; and fun sporting events. Giveaways Giveaways may be specially designed for the special event. Giveaways could be buttons, stickers, wooden nickels, or balloons. A specialized brochure featuring the testimony of a Christian in the event works well. Be knowledgeable about regulations for distribution of tracts. Always secure permission to give any of these items away.

5 Page 5 Event Ministry Manual Counseling/Chaplaincy A pastor or volunteer chaplain can be named as chaplain for the special event. This person would make themself available to the organizers and participants families. The chaplain has to take initiative to get to know people and take advantage of times needed to counsel. This person may also be available to lead in a prayer of invocation to start the event. Evangelism The heart of leisure missions is evangelism. The leisure setting is secular. People s understanding of reality is what they can see and touch. Leisure evangelism is communicating in the vernacular the message of the Gospel to secular society. This requires an understanding of the hearer s thought patterns. Our words are interpreted according to his existing frame of reference. Leisure evangelism involves being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and earning the right to be heard. Tourists or resort employees must realize that we as Christians care before they will be open to the Gospel. Personal openness, common interests, and a listening ear help build trust in relationships. The first step in building a witnessing relationship is to be friendly and sincerely care. Secondly, the Christian must be at ease or laid back. Next, the Christian should listen to where the person is coming from what do they believe and why? Once we ve taken time to truly listen, the right to be heard has been earned. Then with a balance between urgency and sensitivity, the Christian shares his personal testimony. A low-keyed approach is preferable for leisure evangelism. The task is to get the Gospel to all who do not know Christ, recognizing not every person is at the same level of preparedness. In obedience, we share the Good News, and the outcome is left to God Step 5: Develop a ministry design. Elect a committee and brainstorm ideas. Put together a written ministry proposal to provide a foundation for further planning. Set priorities. Decide on the most pressing needs. Who can you help most effectively? What will you do first? What one or two projects are most needed? Be sensitive to ethnic groups. Be serviceoriented. Abide by rules and regulations. Be flexible. Determine your resources. Determine personnel, facilities, equipment, support, supplies, and finances needed for ministry objectives. Develop relationships with appropriate leaders. Be realistic in evaluating your resources. Plan the actual ministry. Reflect the overall ministry objectives and mission statement in your goals and action plans. Earn others respect. Use other ministry models. Develop strong supervisors. Develop clear job descriptions or duties. Structure the ministry with quality and integrity. Step 6: Prepare ministry activities. Recruit and train volunteers. Obtain the resources needed for ministry activities. Develop ongoing logistical support. Step 7: Carry out ministry plans. Develop a spiritual focus. Be sensitive to people. Have quality programming. Demonstrate openness and flexibility, and show supportive supervision.

6 Page 6 Event Ministry Manual Step 8: Follow-up and long-range planning. Evaluate the ministry, and ensure that promises are met. Share the results of your work with all involved. Make plans for future ministries. What leadership is needed? Start with the local committee and then gather local volunteers from churches and the community. The local Baptist association and state convention are additional resources for volunteers. The North American Mission Board can provide both short-term volunteers (student summer/semester missionaries, Innovators, Sojourners, mission youth groups, SPOTS teams, individual adults, adult groups) and long-term volunteers (Mission Service Corps and US/C-2 missionaries). Be sure to provide adequate training and resources for volunteers and supervisors.

7 Page 7 Event Ministry Manual SAVANNAH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Coastal Empire Ministries 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA savassociation@comcast.net EVENT MINISTRY TRAILER Contact the Savannah Baptist Association for Reservations: 704 Wheaton Street Savannah, GA (912) RESERVATIONS BY savassociation@comcast.net Completed forms must be mailed to the above address. Send check payable to Savannah Baptist Associational (memo CEM Trailer) to the Associational Office PURPOSE: In order to better assist our churches in reaching out to the Coastal Empire community, Coastal Empire Ministries has created an Event Trailer. The PURPOSE of the Event Trailer is to provide churches with affordable event resources in order to reach outside the walls to their community with the love of Jesus. See attached forms for inventory, set up, and cleaning procedures.

8 Page 8 Event Ministry Manual SAVANNAH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION COASTAL EMPIRE MINISTRIES EVENT TRAILER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Confirmation of your scheduled date will be made only after the completion of all requirements listed in these policies. Subject: Purpose: Goal: Regulations for the use of CEM Event Ministry Equipment To establish the SAFE and APPROPRIATE use of equipment from CEM. To work together and properly maintain the safety and use of the equipment in order to use it as an effective ministry tool to reach the lost in the Coastal Empire. General Policies: (Initial) Reservations need to be scheduled at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of activity, earlier if possible. Arrangements for pick up and return of the trailer must be worked out with the Associational Office. A $300 deposit to insure return of undamaged equipment. Please make all checks payable to Savannah Baptist Association (memo to CEM). The check will be returned once the equipment has been checked. The equipment must be returned clean and unbroken. (See attached Breakage Form if there happens to be an accident). The church must have trained volunteers to help with the setup, supervising, cleanup, storage, and return of equipment. The training will include setup and cleanup, and the reloading of the trailer. Maximum of one day checkout (unless dates are available and arrangements are made prior to event). Fees must be paid prior to equipment being picked up. Two separate checks: one for deposit, and one for rental fee payable to Savannah Baptist Association (memo to CEM). Please take note: Savannah Baptist Association and Coastal Empire Ministries are not responsible or liable for any injuries incurred during operation of this equipment. Savannah Baptist Association will insure the trailer and its contents. Check Out Procedures: 1. Reservations by to: savassociation@comcast.net or mail form to: Savannah Baptist Association, 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA Make check payable to Savannah Baptist Association (memo to CEM) and mail to the Associational Office, 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA Two separate checks: one for $300 deposit, and one for rental fee. Deposit check for $300 will be returned once the trailer has been returned and checked for damage. WE AGREE TO THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND PAYEMNT SCHEDULE Pastor s Signature Administrator s Signature

9 Page 9 Event Ministry Manual Savannah Baptist Association Coastal Empire Ministries EVENT TRAILER RENTAL FORM In order to better assist our churches in reaching out to the Coastal Empire community, Coastal Empire Ministries has created an Event Trailer. The PURPOSE of the Event Trailer is to provide churches with affordable event resources in order to reach outside the walls to their community with the love of Jesus. See attached forms for inventory, setup and cleaning procedures. Costs: Trailer and Supplies for 100 people (1 st time annual usage fee: 1/1 12/31) $ Trailer and Supplies for 100 people (subsequent annual usages) $ Additional Supplies for 100 $ Water Inflatable $ CONTACT INFORMATION DATE OF EVENT: Church Pastor Location of Event and purpose In order to use the CEM Event Trailer, the person in charge must have completed the CEM Event Trailer Training. Name of Person Trained Signature Training Date Phone Cell Phone Church phone number Office use: PLEASE COME AT TIME LISTED TO PICK UP AND RETURN NO GUARANTEE SOMEONE WILL BE THERE IF LATE Suggested date to pick up Suggested time to pick up Deposit $300 Check # Date Checked out by Payment $150 Check # Date Time of check out Payment $50 Check # Date Checked in by Add l Supplies $25 Check # Date Time of check in Water Inflatable $50 Check # Date

10 Page 10 Event Ministry Manual Savannah Baptist Association Coastal Empire Ministries DEPOSIT FORM We highly advise that the equipment be supervised and that young children be kept away from the equipment. Youth not trained are to be supervised by a trained adult. We understand there will be normal wear and tear of the equipment. Money will be kept from deposit for: 1. Any equipment that comes back unclean or broken $ Trailer is unclean on the outside $50.00 Church Pastor s name Date checked in Inspected by Problem with equipment Problem with Trailer Suggestions:

11 Page 11 Event Ministry Manual Savannah Baptist Association Coastal Empire Ministries EVENT MINISTRY TRAILER INVENTORY CHECK-OUT FORM PLACE AN X BY THE EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED TO CHECK OUT FOR THE EVENT Church Date Person picking up trailer Person checking out equipment TRAILER to pull you would need a standard vehicle with hitch and 1 7/8" ball and a 4 prong light plug. Cleaning supplies are included. Snow Cone Machine includes four (4) bottles of syrup (cherry, strawberry, blue raspberry, and lime), four (4) syrup pumps, spouts, covers, one (1) scoop, and cups for 100 people. Popcorn Machine popcorn for 100 people, utensils, measure cups, scoops, butter, salt, and bags. Popcorn, butter, and salt for 100 people (extra) Helium Tank two (2) valves Puppets 2 child, 3 men, 1 woman, 3 animals 2 Tents (10 x 10) Screened Tent (12 x12) 2 Extension cords 2 Ice Chests Sound System amplifier, 2 speakers, 1 microphone Table (9 x 12) (3) Inflatable blower & tarp (for children 5 & under) Water Inflatable blower & tarp (for children 10 and under) Recreation Equipment please circle the equipment you need Basketballs (2) Parachute (1) Scoops & 3 Balls (6) Jump Rope (6) Bowling Pins & Ball Kick Ball (3) Football (2) Nerf Baseball Bat & Balls (3) Horseshoes & Stick (4) Frisbees (3) Hula Hoops (3) Board Games (5) In order to operate this equipment you will need at least two (2) separate electrical circuits or a 5500 watt generator.

12 Page 12 Event Ministry Manual Savannah Baptist Association Coastal Empire Ministries Check-out and Check-in Procedures Sign necessary forms for responsibility of trailer and return along with your checks made payable to Savannah Baptist Association (memo CEM trailer), to the Associational Office, 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA Reservation confirmation will be via or phone. Confirmation of check-in and check-out time. Pick up trailer keys from Pastor Gary Bradham at New Vision Baptist Church, located at 2417 Louis Mills Boulevard. Try out keys and check all objects in trailer. Use front crank to jack up boot to proper height. Check the 1 7/8" or 2" ball of your automobile and the hitch of trailer to see if they will fit. Have at least one person to direct you to move your automobile perfectly under trailer hitch, then lower hitch onto ball, fasten chain and place lock. Raise crank boot as high as possible. Remove crank boot and place in trailer, fold up crank wheel, and hook up cord from trailer rear lights. Make sure all locks are on, tests running lights, brake lights, flasher lights, pray, and drove off slow and safely. Check in Allow time for the volunteer to check-in equipment. Please inform person checking equipment in of any equipment may need to be fixed or replaced.

13 Page 13 Event Ministry Manual Operating Instructions and Inventory Canopy Tent Instructions for setup Takes 4 people Pull frame up half way Place tarp across top of frame, pull to corners Raise frame up all the way Take Down Procedure: Cleanup and packing instructions: Drop frame down half way Remove the cover and fold it for storage Collapse the frame and store it Place all materials in the container Inflatable Instructions for setup Place Tarp Roll where you want it to be Roll out and lay flat be sure opening is where you want it to be Attach blower to other opening Turn on Inflate balls with bike pump Take Down Procedure: Cleanup and packing instructions The bounce house must be wiped down and swept out before storage Deflate Place all equipment back in container marked Inflatable Operating Instructions: Do not allow more than 6 children who are 5 yrs old or under in the inflatable at a time Every 10 minutes clear the bounce house and allow 6 different children to enter An adult must be supervising it at all time Make sure everyone removes shoes, glasses, and sharp objects Do not allow flips, piling on, or wrestling Do not allow bouncing against the sides or near the door, or closer than 5 feet to each other Keep the children s hands off the net If the inflatable begins to lose air, have the children move to the door and exit Do not allow anyone to enter the house unless an attendant is present If the wind exceeds 25 mph, unload the house and deflate it. Water Inflatable Instructions for setup Place Tarp Roll where you want it to be Roll out and lay flat Attach blower and turn on Take Down Procedure: Cleanup and packing instructions The water inflatable must be wiped down and allowed to dry for 36 hours Deflate Operating Instructions for Water Inflatable: For children 10 yrs and younger An adult must be supervising at all time Make sure everyone removes shoes, glasses, and sharp objects If the inflatable begins to lose air, do not allow children on the inflatable If the wind exceeds 25 mph, discontinue use and deflate

14 Page 14 Event Ministry Manual Popcorn Machine Instructions for setup All supplies are in a container marked popcorn machine Follow instructions on machine Sprinkle salt on popcorn Listen when popcorn slows down Take Down Procedure: Cleanup and packing instructions Let it cool down minutes The popcorn machine must be cleaned cleaning supplies available in container All supplies need to be placed in container Operating Instructions: Follow instructions on machine. Operating instruction in file folder While operating the popcorn machine, be aware that there is a possibility of being burned. Do not let children operate the machine Do not let youth operate the machine without an adult Use gloves when handling popcorn. Snow Cone Machine Instructions for setup Need ice for cooler Place grinder on top Supplies are in container marked snow cone machine Take Down Procedure: Cleanup and packing instructions Clean and wipe down machine Place all supplies back in the container Dump remaining ice The snow cone machine must dry before storage Place all utensils in labeled container Clean syrup pump with warm water only Operating Instructions Instructions are in file in container Do not place anything in the snow cone grinder except ice, since it can cause serious harm Use bucket provided for draining the water Use gloves in container Helium Balloons Instructions for inflating Attach the valve to the tank (there are two valves, one lets you know how much helium is available) Turn on the tank and bend valve Secure tank to a solid foundation with straps Do not let children near the tank Take Down Procedures: Cleanup and packing instructions Turn off the tank Remove valve, store in box, and place in container Place the cap over the valve and tighten unto the top of the tank Secure hand-truck with tanks to the inside of he trailer with strap Sound System Instructions Place the amplifier and 2 speakers on a table ¼ in plug into speaker hole 1 microphone plug into microphone hole channel 1 Take Down Procedures: cleanup and packing instructions

15 Page 15 Event Ministry Manual Coastal Empire Ministries Savannah Baptist Association 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, Georgia Office (912) Fax (912) EVENT TRAILER FOLLOWUP Please provide us with information on the effects on your church as a result of the Ministry Event in which you used the Event s Ministry Trailer. Church: Pastor: Date Event s Ministry Trailer was used Type of Event Where was the event held? RESULTS: Number of new people who now attend your church Number of new church members Number of professions of Faith How can we improve? Was the Ministry Event Trailer an effective tool? Suggestions:

16 Page 16 Event Ministry Manual Face Painting Face painting is sure to draw a crowd (especially when people realize it is free). So as far as tips on properly getting people s attention, just set up shop and go to work. Just like most other things, location will be far more important than anything else. Some Basic face painting tips include. Sample Board Have a sample board of the things you are willing to paint. Otherwise, you will get some very odd and difficult requests. Have appropriate things to paint if you are at the beach, paint beach related things. If you are at the Olympics be ready to paint a lot of sport symbols. Table and chairs try to be seated whenever possible. This will insure you will have the person s undivided attention and you will be able to plant seed. Mirror have a mirror for them to see it immediately after you are done. Free present/tract if possible, have some kind of free present to give them after you re done. This is a good way to get some appropriate ministry information into their hands. Assistant designate someone as official supply person. Keeping the painter(s) stocked with painting supplies so no one has to wait. This person could also serve as the attention getting tool joggling, up close magic, and so forth to pull people into lien. Napkins--have plenty of napkins. Do Something Eternal With A Moment: Perfect time for a line/crowd worker or two. As mentioned above, the painter has a captive audience for the duration of the time they are in the chair. Do something with that time. Plant those seeds. It is extremely possible that a parent is hearing what is being said too, so you could actually be planting two seeds or more in that single moment. If possible, tie whatever is painted in with some sort of simple and quick devotion thought. Resources: The web offers a few face-painting ideas but not much in the way of ministry training. Search for face-painting ministry from any search engine for approximately 22,000 results.

17 Page 17 Event Ministry Manual Creative Arts for Jesus Face Painting Purpose: What is your purpose in face painting? To share the good news of Jesus Christ with those you encounter in a creative manner. The Gospel Message: Face painting, is a method of catching the attention of an especially young audience. While you have a captive audience, you have a perfect opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ. Therefore, for each picture you draw, you will need a Bible idea to share. These ideas do not have to be deeply theological. For example, one of the most popular things to draw is the Cross or three crosses on a hill. For this drawing, share something of the story of Jesus. You can start as early as Jesus birth or you can start with something like this: Do you know God loves you? God in Heaven knows when we re bad and it makes Him very, very sad. So He sent Jesus His own Son, to cleanse our sins with His own blood. Sin is when we do bad things. Jesus, who did no sin, died on a cross to take the punishment for our sins. Because Jesus died for our sins, we can live in Heaven with God forever and ever. At this point, you can present the child with a tract which further explains the Gospel message. If there is a desire in the child to ask questions, make sure there is someone available to carry this conversation further uninterrupted, preferably with a family member present or at least aware of what is taking place. Never take the child off to a secluded place by yourself. Remember to stay in plain sight of family members or close to your group while sharing with the child. Similar stories lasting only a few minutes will allow you to share the Gospel with children which have never heard before. In turn, their brothers, sisters, and families will hear about Jesus. Spend time in prayer before you begin your task of face painting. Ask God to give you the right words for the right person and ask for His guidance as you paint and share. Supplies: A display sheet: This is a page of the drawings you are able to do (preferably laminated). Divide the page into sections with a single drawing in each section. It would be a good idea to write a brief explanation on the back of your page describing which Bible idea you will share with each drawing. This helps your communication with your client. Present this sheet to the client, and ask which they would like you to draw on their face, hand, or arm. Brushes: Small slim-tipped brushes of good quality. These must be taken care of. Always wash your brushes with dishwashing liquid when you have finished. If they become hardened, wash them in hair conditioner. Never squish the brushes as this will break them and ruin the brushes. It is better to dab them one way and then the other when cleaning or rinsing. When painting, continue this technique by drawing with the entire tip of the brush and dragging it away from you. Paints: These can be of varying types. The best type is actually called face paint and may be a slight bit expensive. Another type of paint readily available is Tempera Paint which is typically used for finger painting and art work. This comes in large and small containers and is available at art stores, WalMart, etc. The Tempera Paint in small tubs which some of you will be using is the most user friendly. It will not tip over and is p refillable. Remember to keep your paints closed when not in use, especially while face painting. This will prevent drying.

18 Page 18 Event Ministry Manual Toothpicks: these are used to stir up your Tempera Paint in their tubs if you use them, OR, these are used to make small precise lines in your drawings. Hair bands or ponytail holders: these are very useful with girls whose hair will get in the way of your painting. After the art is finished, the hair band or ponytail holder will keep their hair out of the way which will enable it to dry and allow others to see it. Mirror: This is a nice thing to have, as a client will always what to see what you have done if it is on their face. Baby wipes: Any type of wet wipes will work for this. Cleaning your hands, cleaning up spills, cleaning up the mistakes you may make on your clients, etc. Water and cups: Needed to clean your brushes when changing from one color to another. Paper towels and napkins: Needed to dry your brushes between uses and to help with clean up. Tracts or Christ-centered prizes: Optional, but can give the client something to take home, thus sending the Gospel home with them. Table and two chairs: Your supplies need to have a stable place to be arranged. Two chairs placed facing each other: allow one for you and one for your client. Be prepared for windy days by securing things on your table with tape or with articles which can weigh down anything which can be blown away. A tent or shady place: Not a must but especially needed if the climate is very hot. If your client is sweating, the paint will not stick on the face. Explain how the symbol of the fish began Explain about who was on the crosses and how one got saved Smile God loves you

19 Page 19 Event Ministry Manual We need the sun for light, heat, and vitamins for our body. Stars give us light at night Remember God s promises The star of Bethlehem Balloons are happy thoughts You are special God gave us laws The beautiful butterfly evolves from a caterpillar Let your light shine

20 Page 20 Event Ministry Manual Flowers make things beautiful Jesus is our anchor Jesus looks at our heart For God so loved the world Dove is the symbol of Peace Symbol of freedom, 50 stars represent states, 13 stripes for the original 13 states

21 Page 21 Event Ministry Manual Balloon Animals These long twisty pieces of rubber just seem to have an attention getting ability of their own, regardless of who is blowing them up and twisting them into shapes. Many people who felt as if they had no creative ability at all have realized the magic that can be experienced through balloon sculpting. Once the balloons and pumps come out (and people realize that it is all FREE), an immediate crowd will form and stay huddled around you until either you or your supply of balloons give out. Do Something Eternal With a Moment: A good thing to realize quickly is that there is a big responsibility that goes along with this type of crowd gathering tool. As a Christian, the goal should be to not only break down walls with this form of creative ministry, but to also plant a seed. There are people who are extremely good at incorporating parables, Bible stories, godly lessons, and so forth into their balloon making. But the vast majority of balloon users are still at the state where they are as worried about the balloon popping as they are planting a seed (practice until you get over that). So what can you do with the 15 to 30 seconds (sometimes more) that you will have a person s undivided attention as you make their balloon? Have someone ready planting seeds in the crowd. Have someone writing Jesus loves whatever the person s name is on the balloon with a sharpie marker. As skills improve, try to incorporate some lessons into the things you make. Use Christian stickers to put on the balloon or give to the person. What You Need and Where To Get It: Balloons: The best source for high quality balloons and pumps we have found is a place in Texas called T. Myers Magic, The types of balloons you want are Qualitex 260 Q. Get bags of assorted colors not one color They have other types of balloons (heart shape, 360, 160, etc.) if you want to experiment, feel free. But you will use the 260 size almost 100 percent of the time. Pumps: The type of pump you will want for this (and please trust us on this and don t go get the pump you ve seen at Wal-Mart or some party store) is called a Q-Blaster. It is bright orange with a yellow tip and green trimming a real eye catcher and extremely durable. Get this from T- Myers also. Stickers and/or Sharpie Markers: For decorating the balloons. Get them wherever you can. Balloon Handling Tips: Practice Practice Practice Practice Honestly, the majority of the tips and tricks to handling a balloon will be learned simply by trial and error. A good idea is to bring someone who knows a little bit about what they are doing and have them teach some of the basics to get you started. After that, it s just as easy as practicing. If you are looking for actual balloon handling books, again try T-Myers Magic, and any party store that sells balloons, and the Internet.

22 Page 22 Event Ministry Manual ~ NOTES ~