The KIT 'n' Kaboodle_December 2020

The KIT ‘n’ Kaboodle All the news that fits the sense and sensibilities of Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries

Images of Christmas Past....9

A Veterans’ Christmas………..5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Holiday Evenings with KIT ... 2 Christmas Gifts Received .... 3 From Puppets to Digital ....... 4 Gifts From A.C.T. ................. 6 Revisiting Christmas Blogs ... 7 Speaking with Tongues ....... 8 KIT Photo Safari: Wise Men...9 Invest in the Dream………....10

Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries A department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl

December 2020

THE PERSONAL KIT by Michael Edgar Myers THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMASES PAST MEET OUR ENSEMBLE AN EVE-NING WITH KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES Thursday, December 24, 2020 Thursday, December 31, 2020 7:17 PM — Via Zoom!

The best way to get to know us is to see us. Our 2020 conversations have let us know we have a wider possible audience. The LORD has provided technical tools. We also believe our existing material of scenes, music, Scripture, devotionals and humor are timely for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve like none we’ve had. Interested in viewing?

A

mong the hidden blessings of being sheltered-in-place are the hidden blessings unearthed that have been out of place in the shelter.

In this case, it’s finding files that have been boxed, crated, shoved into onceempty locations in our home. The basement, the garage … it’s all been stuffed into Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries storage space. Stuffed until focused prayer from our supporters, and specific suggestions from the KIT Ministry Accountability Team made us start to put things in place. Physically.

(Having a spouse who practices what’s called “The Life-Stealing Glance” speeds the process.)

Decluttering both provides and fills space. Finding and dispensing artifacts from the beginning years as KIT Ministries developed as the theater ministry of Elk Grove Baptist Church also filled memories and rekindled spirit.

W

e found scripts — ideas for scripts written in the margins of church bulletins; scripts in multiple drafts after revision; scripts purchased from the other drama ministry subscriptions.

We found scores from Cantatas — Cantatas purchased by the music committee, cantatas we crafted with original scenes written by myself or, for a few years, those created by our students.

We found photos. LOTS of photos — from Christmas programs featuring children who are now married, parents, teachers, worship leaders. We found yellowed files of stories and studies about the birth of Christ clipped from Christian and non-Christian magazines and newspapers. There were trivia games from youth groups and senior luncheons; audio and video discs of Ladies Teas, high school dinners, Sunday school programs.

KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES Michael Edgar Myers Founding Artistic Director

Vikki J. Myers Co-Founder, Worship Director

Garlan Garner Musical Director 1723 Roosa Lane Elk Grove Village, Il 60007 630-632-7775 www.kit-ministries.com

2

I

t ‘s been an emotional find, as you may imagine, considering that many people in the photos are now with The LORD God. It was also reassuring. The photos may be fuzzy, the papers faded, but knowing that there have been people who came to Christ as a result of attending one of the Christmas programs is motivation even in these uncertain group times of corporate gatherings.

These discoveries brought to mind when the Israelites discovered the Book of the Law during the reign of King Josiah and when Ezra read The Law when Nehemiah rebuilt the wall after the exile. Each discovery cause the people to realize how much they hade forgotten of God’s rules for life, fulfillment of His promises, and prophecies fulfilled and to come. When it comes to Christmas, what of His deeds, promises or prophecies have we forgotten? This photos and stories in this edition are gentle, tangible reminders for our celebrations.

Dear Friends of KIT: You are keeping the dream alive and active.

Ministry partners Garlan and Tracey Garner with Vikki and Michael Myers, counting the blessings of knowing the LORD God and His provision through 2020 — and other years.

WHAT WE’VE GOTTEN FOR CHRISTMAS

W

e know. Christmas Day has not arrived. That DAY when the gifts are opened symbolically representing the gift of Christ the Son.

We subscribe to the idea that each day is Christmas Day once we accept the gift of God’s Son. The presents under a tree or exchanged from hand to hand… that’s all nice, too. What’s even more fun are the unexpected gifts received — and given — at unexpected timed.

So it has been with our #InvestInTheDream season of support to KIT Ministries which last month concentrated on #GivingTuesday.

We have not reached our 2020 fundraising goal, but we creep closer each week. That’s exciting.

Because of gifts which have come more frequently recently, we have been able to pursue some of our goals to share the gospel. Notably, and slowly, we’re expanding our technical facilities to improve the ability to adapt our material and widen the reach of our audiences.

Please continue to underwrite us as you are able.

As a reminder, the addition of technical tools underscores the need for monthly commitments. We pray you’re able to plan add KIT Ministries to your new budget, or introduce us to friends or businesses who may benefit from being a partner.

However YOU are blessed, remember each good gift comes from above.

Invest: To present our shows on Scripture and African-American history live or video or church, community healing.

#InvestIntheDream with a financial gift. (See Page 10) Thank you for your support.

Michael Edgar Myers

W

hat’s more joyful is taking note of when, how gifts arrive and from whom gifts arrive. Our #GivingTuesday newsletter and video appeals reconnected us with friends in Colorado, Texas and Indiana, as well as close-to-home in Illinois. We’ve also gained viewers and readers in Ireland, India and the Philippines.

630.632.7775 actintl.givingfuel.com/ kitdonations

Invest: To provide upgrade technical

The messages of encouragement and equipment so that existing material can financial gifts are paying dividends. be adapted, new material to be created.

Recent offerings have allowed us to obtain technical equipment from our Christmas wish list so we can move ahead with plans to present some of our live scenes in video and develop a “An Evening with KIT Ministries” online series. Keep watch.

And, keep investing in Kingdom Impact Theater.

Invest: To guarantee monthly income to increase ministry productivity by removing distraction of seeking other jobs.

3

THE COMMUNITY KIT VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS, 24 YEARS AGO

T

hose who remember when church congregations actually went to the building to have corporate worship, may recall adjectives such as “traditional” or “contemporary” on a sign outside to let people have an option of which style of music was being played to support of the pastor’s message.

Angelic Wave (2009).

But would other styles of presentation attract people? What about “improvised” or “imagined?”

What of “prophetic” worship? Is that another name for Christian sci-fi? Heresy? Who would have imagined “online” worship?

T

Christmas rockin’ (2007).

hose ideas popped up when finding the program of a church Sunday School Christmas presentation from 23-years ago, December 14, 1997. The script was imagined by the church Sunday School teachers and students who enlisted talents of the church’s drama ministry — the precursor to Kingdom Impact Theater.

Faces of Christmas shows: puppets, technology, virtual.

The story was set in the future as an homage to classic science and fiction writers, juxtaposing Old Testament scripture with new millennium possibilities. The show’s title, “Virtual Christmas,” was novel. The ideas, unimagined.

Below are the original program notes. Given how Sunday School is conducted in 2020, how many of the ideas are relevant still — or have come to pass?

VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS It is Christmas time in the year 2010 A.D.

“Kailey & Cru” (2007-08).

The teenaged members of the local church gather to wrap presents and have a party remembering Christmases past. In this case, they dress up in turnof-the-century clothes — from 1997.

As they prepare for the party, they discover antiques from 1997 including a collection of videotapes of themselves participating in the Sunday School Christmas program of 1997. As they put the tape in the VCR, the audience is able to see a live presentation of what the partygoers see.

However, one teen, Ethan, begins to wonder, in this technologic era, if the real reason for Christmas has gotten lost.

Through the aid of VIRTUAL REALITY SOFTWARE the teens not only view the Christmas story in 3-D, but are transported to Bethlehem during the time of Jesus and experience the events as they occurred.

Angels & chorus (2004).

4

Thus, the stage is set for interactive presentation of contemporary responses to the Christmas story and the traditional rendering of the divine saga.

Through it all, the congregation should discover what the students do: That no matter how much our lives change, Jesus is the same, yesterday today and forever.

A SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS In November, we mentioned our history of saluting U.S. Military Veterans through continuing outreach and cited some of our previous performance history.

A few weeks later, our decluttering unearthed a Christmas poem someone gave us to perform. We have no idea where we got it or who authored the piece. We haven’t performed it, but it seems an apt sequel to our November edition.

T

was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give, And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

N

o stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and blades, awards of all kinds, A sober thought came through my mind, For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of some soldier, once I could see clearly.

T

he solider lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, Not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just red?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night, Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

S

oon round the world, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Because of the soldiers, like the one lying her.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

T

I

he soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, My life is my God, my Country, my Corps.”

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still And we both shivered from the cold, night’s chill.

THE PRAYER KIT Entertainment & Media Prayer For the past several years, actors, designers, technicians and other Christ-following individuals involved in the film and theater industries in Chicago have met to pray — about individuals and projects involving the film and theater industries in Chicago, and across the globe.

The prayer time is the Spirit-led brainchild of Tom McElroy, an actor based in Chicago, who employs his ordination as a pastor to be a shepherd throughout the industry.

McElroy (pronounced mcELroy, vs Mackel-roy) dubbed the outreach Entertainment & Media Prayer. Since stay-at-home, EMP meets Saturdays at 8:30 via Zoom. The 2 -hour gathering includes a brief personal and business networking then concentrates praying through specific requests from attendees and those in abstentia and concludes with communion. McElroy guides attendees through devotional readings from his extensive library which he also shares on the EMP Facebook page,.

EMP is not a closed group, nor restricted to Chicago. Learn more or ask to participate here.

didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark, night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christ day, all is secure.”

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.

“Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”

— Anonymous

5

THE SUPPORT KIT CREATIVE SURVIVING IN MIDST OF STORM

A Nativity tradition (1990+).

mong the many lessons of the global events of 2020 is the fact that pressure to redesign expands human creativity. This has been particularly evident in the artists realms in which we travel.

Or, haven’t travelled, as seen by the virtual disappearance of corporate gatherings, not to mention bookings.

Chos3n gains a fan (2010).

Cantata narrators (2012).

ON-GOING SUPPORT AMAZON SMILE Did you know you can contribute to Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries by shopping?

If you shop on Amazon, a portion of your purchase allows a contribution to be made to Artists in Christian Testimony Intl. A.C.T. Intl is KIT Ministries’ parent 501(c)3 non-forprofit organization. Amazon purchases support A.C.T.’s general fund and subsequently KIT operational costs.

To contribute, when making purchases rather than logging in directly to amazon.com, login to smile.amazon.com and designate your charity as Artists in Christian Testimony.

Nevertheless, we’ve drawn great inspiration and admiration from the perspiration exhibited by our professional and ministry artist colleagues.

Between emails and social media posts, almost daily we’re invited to view new pieces of material. Confessions: Sometimes we’re overwhelmed by the volume. Sometimes we’re convicted and intimidated. Sometimes we feel guilty — we can’t keep up viewing, we don’t have the energy or resources to produce.

A

t the same time, we are motivated and blessed by the content. It is reassuring to see how the variety of gifts are used by The LORD God to speak to select audience or viewers, listeners or readers. Being part of a tree He believes is producing fruit negates other emotions (No. 10 — not coveting) and creates more desire to concentrate on what we’re called to do...and learn from others.

Here are some creations from some compatriots of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl and elsewhere that have touched us we feel you may wish to engage with, by purchasing, viewing or gifting.

MUSIC AS WE GO by Matt and Joanna Black — A song for churches and individuals whose vision is to be missional featuring the Blacks’ unique sound of guitar and cello that creates Sweet Communion Music.

VIDEO FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: A COVID-19 SURVIVAL STORY — Drs. Gerald and Carol Ervin, media hosts and instructors in Detroit, dramatize documentary-style their medical and

6

Inspiration: Music by Matt & Joanna Black, docudrama by Gerald and Carol Ervin, true tale of surviving. spiritual ordeal when Gerald contracted Covid-19 in early 2020.

BOOKS I AM LUCY by Chuck Neighbors — Lucy has Kabuki syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. But Lucy is much more than her physical and emotional challenges. Lucy’s story, written by by her actor-grandfather, is a powerful and compelling voice for children with special needs, disabilities, and illnesses. www.allthingskabuki.org CATALYST by C.W. Dub Allen — Autobiography of rap artist who survived neighborhood dangers growing up in Cleveland to graduate from Moody Bible Institute, and become entrenched in ministry using rap as a gospel and mental health outreach in Chicago and across the globe.

“REVISITING CHRISTMAS” IN PRINT & VIDEO

"Carol Story" Blogs: Background anecdotes, histories and the cultural influence of songs we sing at Christmas.

Artists in Ministry & Mission

by Byron Spradlin Backstage Blog

by Chuck Neighbors Be Known for Something The Songs of “Carol Story”

By Mark MacDonald Devon Franklin Entertainment

By Devon Franklin

"Revisiting Christmas" Blogs: Michael's MEM-ories of Christmases past and Worship Wonderings of Christmases to come.

KIT YouTube Channel: Videos of the songs on the "Carol Story" playlist that inspired the script, plus favorite clips from other performers, interviews of KIT followers, and samples of KIT in performance.

ARTIST & MINISTRY BLOG COLLECTIONS

KIT’s publishing arm is slowly extending our ministry reach, especially overseas. With touring on hold, we are repurposing archival print and video content with wide success.

First Impressions

By Greg Atkinson

MEMos & Worship Wonderings

Inspiration with An Attitude

by Dawn Liz Jones Morning Reflections

by Glenn McDonald

Live show excerpt clips Chos3n Christmas Reunion

YouTube Christmas channel

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A GOSPEL TOOL Make Us Your Favorite!

KIT Ministries has 375 Facebook followers!

Vikki J. Myers, Worship Leader has 520!

But, for some reason, our posts are only seen by 5 percent of our followers. Please check your settings: 1.

Follow KIT Ministries FB Page

2.

Look for 3 dots on the right of Menu line. Click.

3.

Under “Follow Settings” click “Favorite.”

@KITMINISTRIES POSTS OF THE MONTH

Most Read Kaboodle Magazine

NEWSLETTERS YOU SHOULD KNOW Kraakervik’s ConvergeWW/ BGC Daily Nightly digest of the day’s thought-provoking news and commentary in topics from Christianity to sports, entertainment, leisure and more.

RECEIVE KIT UPDATES

Attitude of Gratitude Dining Quiz Kicking Off “Attitude of Gratitude Week” Let Us Bow Down and Worship Carols from Beyond America “Have You Heard About the Baby?”

7

THE LEADERSHIP KIT WHAT’S YOUR EXIT PLAN? Y’ALL COME BACK NOW! HERE! When meeting in person, Christmas and Easter are the largest crowd attractions in church outreach. Based on your online outlets, expect exponential interactions as 2020 ends and transitions int0 2021. Here are two Best Practices from our series, “From Platform Preaching to Online Reaching” to help you choose tools: 9. Integrate Communications Look ahead to your first-quarter schedule. Having small groups? Special event? It’s not just enough to invite. Be specific about group content posted on your website, social media and televised screens.

10. Lead Guests to Christ The growth of online church has created competition between churches. Co-mingling of Zoom, Goggle Meets and other communication options (including school) increases stress on time demands. Specifics help viewers prioritize what your church offers to see Christ as the answer.

Church choir, community brass & dinner theater (2006). Keep in touch (2020).

“As leaders (singing or speaking) it’s important to remember to clearly verbalize the gospel to not confuse others.”

THE PERFORMANCE KIT THE LIPS, THE TEETH, THE TIP OF THE HAIR You don’t think of these names often when it comes to church worship but what do the following people have in common?

1.

Mick Jagger

2.

Shakespeare

3.

Jimi Hendrix

There are numerous videos and written acting exercises to help with articulation. And even better (and free) exercises are Scriptures themselves.

4.

Rick Founds

Articulation Tip 1: When reading Scripture don’t rush or skip over names. Say them aloud and exaggerate mouth movements, paying special attention to Ts and Ds at the ends of words.

Jagger is the animated lead singer of the rock & roll group The Rolling Stones. Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright ever. Jagger and Shakespeare were born in England.

That’s not the connection.

MOUTHING THE GOSPEL

Articulation Tip 2: Read aloud the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 2: Start with King James, then your preferred version.

Do this daily for a week. Record Day 1 and Day 7. How do you feel? How do you sound?

8

You may know of each individually, but what is the connection, you ask?

Let’s break it down:

Hendrix was Jagger’s rock & roll contemporary. That’s not the connection.

There’s an oddly better link between Hendrix and Founds, a prolific songwriter whose music began the ‘contemporary” worship movement.

Hendrix and Founds have been victimized by frequently (and humorous-

ly) mispronounced lyrics. Hendrix’ mangling words of his own song “Purple Haze” evokes chuckles over the line that became a book title, “ ’Scuse me while I kissthisguy.”

Founds sang his words well, but choirs and band singers have confused many hearing his song, “LORD, I Lift Your Name on High,” notably: “You came from heaven to earth to show the way. From the earth to the cross my dead toupee.”

Sure you’ve heard errant gospel lyrics that have brought a smile. But, as leaders (singing or speaking) it’s important to remember to clearly verbalize the gospel to not confuse others.

Shakespeare insisted words be spoken clearly. The tongue is a muscle to be exercise. Jagger’s exaggerated faces (tongue, left) illustrate articulation exercises. Include vocal warmups in your regular rehearsals. Alone or as a group. Try this: The Lips, the Teeth, The Tip of The Tongue. Now… ‘scuse me while I wash my toupee!

THE KIT PHOTO SAFARI

1

1

A Menorah Gift (2014).

Christmas on the Road Christmas programs have provided special milestones in the life of Kingdom Impact Theater. Like: It was when his older sister invited a 30-something Michael to “the Christmas cantata” that 1) he first heard the word “cantata,” 2) discovered the concept of a Christmas musical.

2

It was when the church choir director shyly asked Mike and Vikki to be Cantata narrators that they realized this church musical thing was the same a large scale scene study using King James as Shakespeare.

A few occasions we have had the honor of presenting away from our home base outside of Chicago. Those outreach moments have introduced us to new people, but more importantly, reminded us of the universality of The Gospel. What’s been more helpful have been the lessons we’ve learned — such as our West Virginia trek in which an audience member presented us a Menorah and shared his Chanukah-meets-Christmas Messianic testimony.

We look forward to future encounters.

It was when an older couple at church invited Mike and Vikki to a carols concert at Moody Bible Institute that they saw the possibilities of multi-media in church theater and started using 35mm Kodachrome slides for backdrop.

3

It was when Garlan invited Mike and Vikki to his church’s musical that they discovered Garlan’s not just a pianist, but a lights and sound designer.

Such moments were the background for original scenes written, programs directed and, we pray, lives changed because of shows that were viewed or lines — Scripture — that had to be learned.

1) 2)

4

Sunday school show curtain call (2003);

“The Glory of Christmas” (2000); 3 & 4) Dueling Wise Men (2000; 2004)

9

Music makes friends (2016).

The KIT ‘n’ Kaboodle News, Thoughts & Prayers a publication of

KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES 1723 Roosa Lane Elk Grove Village, Il 60007 630-632-7775 www.kit-ministries.com

Creative Core Ensemble Michael Edgar Myers Founding Artistic Director Vikki J. Myers Co-Founder, Worship Director Garlan Garner Musical Director

Ministry Accountability Team Jules Burke S.M.A.R.T. Productions Westchester, IL Marva Chubb-Schulz Educator, Missionary Romeoville, IL. Darryl Jenkins Senior Pastor Faith Community Church Itasca, IL LaDawn Jenkins First Lady Faith Community Church Itasca, IL Rich Massey Re-tired Pastor Dallas, TX Vanetta Pinn Prayer Intercessor Elk Grove Village, IL Doris Reynolds Educator Schaumburg, IL Guy Whitlock Staff Development Coach Mountainhome, PA

Questions or Feedback?

Write Like What You See? Subscribe

10

ABOUT KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries is an ensemble of theater missionaries who use performing arts to entertain, engage and educate for community outreach and leadership training.

KIT Ministries is based in Elk Grove Village, IL, a northwest suburb of Chicago. KIT was founded by Michael Edgar Myers and Vikki J. Myers, professional actors in the Chicago theater community, as an educational tool and a bridge between church ministries and industry professionals who are Christ-followers.

How To Invest in the Dream Old School Check Contribution: Payable: KIT-Ministries/Myers Memo: (5640kitministries) Artists in Christian Testimony Intl P.O. Box 1649 Brentwood, TN | 37024 United States Electronic Contribution

KIT Ministries is supported by taxactintl.givingfuel.com/kitdonations deductible donations as a department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit organization since 1973. Please consider a one-time or on-going contribution to enable Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries to present the gospel without finances becoming a stumbling block.

Read About The Dream