KIT 'n' Kaboodle_October 2020

The KIT ‘ n’ Kaboodle

MEET OUR ENSEMBLE

VIKKI J: MARATHON M’AM

KIT co-founder Vikki J. Myers is a distance runner. When 2020 began she had two goals: 1) Finish her third Chicago Marathon, 2) run 55 events to mark her 55th birthday, a quest she dubbed, “55 for 55: Defining New Limits.” Then came stay-at-home. Run -ning went virtual. October’ s Marathon was cancelled. Undaunted, Vikki adapted, defining newer limits. She’s extended “55 for 55” until the end of her 55th year in April 2021. So, she’s resumed running virtual events, nine since March, 16 for 2020. She’s happy to be medaled. Running don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that bling. It DOES, but...

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

ing plan an oddly-named project called, “Christmas in October.”

“Christmas in October” tradition began when mail and money were transmitted only by stamps and feet. The annual event allow the congregation time to sign cards and give to a special offering to be equally divided among the supported missionaries and sent, mostly overseas, in order to arrive by December 25.

The four years of serving created lasting friendships, a deeper understanding of words like “evangelize,” the dangers therein, and the joy that comes from unexpected communication and gifts. They served as foundation for Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries becoming theater missionaries.

The years also taught wisdom in collective vision, long-range planning, tending to details. The payoff was unexpected: joy watching plans unfold and gifts received. I imagine it’s much like when the LORD God completed a day of creation, looked at His handiwork, and “ saw that it was good.” Or whenever the Son given unto us is welcomed despite its unexpected packaging, as ‘twill be in the Second Christmas Yet, as December 25, 2020 approaches visions of sugarplums are replaced by COVID masks. The elan of preparing is overshadowed by uncertainty.

As summer ebbed into autumn, wariness began appearing in church Facebook groups: from perplexed (“What are people doing for Christmas?”) to apologetic (“Excuse me for asking so soon?”) to snarky (“Ugh!”). For those struggling to hold weekly worship, the idea of mounting a traditional Christmas program is daunting. How does one social distance a nativity scene?

Because the year has been what it’s been, there is a greater need to simply tell the story of Jesus this Christmas. Not just the birth. The meaning of His salvation, the promised hope. The Prince’s peace is sought as never before. But in our media-mad world, even simple storytelling takes detailed preparation. Easing planning anxiety is a purpose of this edition. We share production and marketing ideas gleaned during the years I worked on a show we called, “Broadway on a Train,” aka “The Polar Express.” Rehearsals always started in October. “The Polar Express” is about believing in the spirit of Christmas. Yet thousands of the people with whom I interacted have little understanding of whom Christmas is truly about. There’s no Polar Express this year. People will have to put their belief in the Spirit of Christmas elsewhere. Perhaps on Christ. Perhaps that’s been God’s 2020 vision all along. May it be ours.

THE SECOND 100 DAYS: THE DREAM CONTINUES

When 2020 began, our goal was to be a fully-funded ensemble of theater missionaries by December 31. This meant raising capital from presentations, donors and audiences to successfully underwrite the projects and pay actors and musicians.

We envisioned presenting at least one live performance a month to match our 2019 average while picking up additional opportunities to sub as leaders of musical worship on weekends and present training workshops during the week.

Then March came. We’ve stayed-at-home since, improvising life options.

What’s unchanged is our vision to completely fund our mission to serve churches, businesses, schools and community agencies through Scripture-based theater and leader training. That birthed #InvestInTheDream a quest that began with #100DaysOfSupportRaising.

The first 100 days ended mid-October. They yielded new one-time supporters, many from unexpected sources, and new monthly partners. Economically, we ended well short of our monthly goal of $7200. Ministerially, however, talks with pastors, friends and our Ministry Accountability Team, invigorated our mission.

Accordingly, we have begun the second #100DaysOfSupportRaising to continue, LORD willing, through January 21, 2021. At the same time, while we are preparing to resume live performances when the time comes, we’re spending the last quarter of 2020 making some of current material available in video:

1) to take advantage of emerging technology;

2)because the events of 2020 have made the message of Christ in our existing scripts and training more relevant and needed for wider audiences.

COVID-19 has changed the process of delivery of our content, but not the mission of our ministry. Thus, we still seek Road Buddies who share these visions and will give financially to help them come to fruition. The goals are outlined in the box to the left. Meanwhile, enjoy samples of our work on our new Video Highlights webpage.

“THE GOD ASK” Monthly, One-time, Periodic Special Project Investors for 2020-21

Phase 1

$7200 monthly startup commitment

1. Monthly artistic director salary for Michael ($5000/mo).

2. Video recording, editing; theater rentals, media equipment to record, edit, distribute history plays and Christmas scenes ($3650,oo0).

3. Intern stipends for two interns: one social media, marketing; one administrative (two $2500 gifts).

Phase 2 (concurrent)

Video, Audio, Live performance support

• “Carol Story” audio and video distribution.

• “Christmas through the Ages” CD remaster and distribution.

• Remixing video show samples for corporate worship.

• Editing workshop samples for leader, community training.

• Creating scripts and training for about racial unity through Christ.

We Ask For:

• 10 weekly partnership conversations through December 31. (Inquire)

• 70 monthly investors by start of 2021.

The original KIT Ministries ensemble vision remains. (Photo by REP III)

PREPARING FOR THE END OF THE YEAR

Dear Friends of KIT:

Giving Tuesday is a generosity movement begun in 2012 encouraging people to do good.

The need for doing good in 2020 is as never before.

Some “doing good” is taking action: deeds. Other “dogooding” is financial giving.

Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries would like you to consider doing good with us on Giving Tuesday, December 1

We know from experience you will soon receive many similar end-of-the-year requests.

We know from our accounts that funds for giving are more scarce than previous years.

We also know that despite budget cuts, many friends remain able to support ministries and other non-profits. It’ s a matter of prioritizing.

Your local church comes first. We also welcome your offering.

Because you’re reading this magazine you’re curious about KIT Ministries. Two acts you can take about that curiosity:

1. #InvestIntheDream with a financial gift (See Page 10)

2. Make an appointment to chat

You need not wait until December 1. And thank you for your support.

Michael Edgar Myers

630.632.7775

actintl.givingfuel.com/ kitdonations

THE SUPPORT KIT

KIT & A.C.T. INTL: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

The end of October marks the fourth anniversary since Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries became a staff department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, and entered the realm of ministry adulting.

A.C.T. Intl is our parent 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Founded in 1973, A.C.T. Intl is a collective of actors, musicians, artists, dancers, speakers who share the common belief that the arts are powerful tools in sharing the gospel of Christ. KIT Ministries is among 623 people in 428 Ministry Departments in 41 Countries & 40 States under the A.C.T. umbrella.

We are thankful for the invitation from Joe Wright, fellow Chicago actor and our audiobook producer, who introduced us to the pastoral staff, starting with A.C.T. founder Byron Spradlin and Larry Moshell, director of staff development. Since that A.C.T. Orientation, pastors Guy Whitlock and Rob Frazier have continued providing hands-on instruction, prayer and networking on tenets of supportraising and creative ministry.

Highlights of the KIT/A.C.T. Connection include the annual Nashville Gathering, when representatives of the worldwide departments share conversation, music and receive encouragement. As with most conferences in 2020, Nashville Gathering will be a virtual experience. The conference is November 6-7 with guest speakers set to address the importance of the arts in ministry given the global pandemic and domestic climate of the U.S.

A.C.T. Intl has helped KIT Ministries better understand our calling as theater missionaries while equipping us with tools. The tools include being transformed by the renewing of our minds to boldly pursue our dream: meeting people in glory whose commitment to Messiah was assisted or deepened because they saw a KIT program that came about become someone made a gift through A.C.T.

GATHERING THE SPEAKERS

Keynoter speakers for The Nashville Gathering of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl will address the importance of the arts in ministry given the global pandemic and domestic climate of the United States.

Founding director Byron Spradlin sets the stage for creatives with “In Troubling Times Press into YOUR Assignment From God.”

Guests include author David Taylor associate Professor of Theology & Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary Taylor, who will present on using Psalms and a model for artistry.

David Taylor David Bailey

David M. Bailey, executive director of Arrabon, a ministry designed to facilitate racial interaction, will speak on how Christ-followers can lead healing.

Register

LESSONS FROM STORES & CHARLIE BROWN

Cry or lament how holiday shopping and sounds get earlier, church leaders can learn many lessons from retail and media outlets about courting people.

An attractive courting tool is comfort of familiarity. There’s something to be said for reruns. Why don’t churches do the same? Especially for Christmas 2020 considering how so much of what’s expected and traditional is unpredictable. Because of 2020, Christmas outreach has untold potential because:

 There is a wider demographic of audiences open to exploring Scripture-infused Christmas stories;

 Technology offers more personal means of reaching and interacting on a longer, more permanent basis.

However, don’t feel obligated to compete with a large production. Think of simple ways to tell the greatest rerun ever told: the gospel. Linus Van Pelt has done so every year since 1965, reading Luke 2 to Charlie Brown. So, find your own Linus and repurpose your Christmas media:

PREPARE TO SHARE HEAVEN’S GIFT

Christ said, “Don’t store for your selves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…” or toys that children break before dawn. Especially this Christmas where earthly treasures are more fragile than ever, help people prepare for treasures in heaven...by getting your storehouse in order to welcome them.

1. Take inventory of your media outlets and online listings. Know deadlines, make sure your Yelp, Search Engine and webpages are up-to-date.

2. Stoke community interest by listing the times of your presentation, and uniqueness of your programs, on your home page AND in local media.

productions and remix in new

1. Recruit strong presenters readers, actors who understand camera presence to rehearse Scripture interpretation now, as if doing scene study rather than reading cold.

2. Mine your media files to find fresh ways to localize Christmas nostalgia from previous productions.

3. Take the pressure off Advent prep: repurpose “Best of…” Christmas sermons or teachings and post online (edit now for dated news analogies).

Don’t shy from repeating previous material. Reruns are Biblical, as noted by Psalm 78: “Teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.”

3. Tease live action with clips of rehearsals online.

4. Show how your Christmas décor has been infused with COVIDcompliant orders of sanitary upgrades, health logistics and physical plant safety guidelines by publicizing upgrades on your web homepage and social media posts.

5. Rehearse online technology often, including the media team and presenters so all know angles and possible distractions.

6. Be certain post-Christmas adult and student studies are place with specific themes. Don’t just say, “We have small group.” Let them know why.

Whether live or online, look now for engaging family activities to tell the story of Jesus.

Stuck for ideas? Solicit images and from previous Christmas

Make America United Again

Seeking The LORD God to intervene in our nation

Continual Prayer and fasting for a nation to change:

• How people communicate

• How leaders lead

• How Christ is embraced

• How Christ-followers serve (Follow us for details) For Our Partners

• For stage and film artists in Chicago and Great Lakes states. Visit The Christian Artists’ Network Facebook group for daily updates.

• For stage, film actors and behind-the-scenes personnel in Chicago: Entertainment and Media Prayer.

Request prayer, share praise

“Who Prays for the Pastor?”

Listen or Purchase

In addition to reading the entire book, Michael has created five segments as Soundcloud Devotionals

Listen to the devotionals free, then visit Amazon to purchase the paperback or the audiobook

Aside from daily physical and economic tolls reported daily, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a less visible, yet nearly as potent lingering effect: The emotional and mental health of the nation has been taking a beating.

Racial discord and personal identity struggles have increased emotional struggles. Stress and anxiety, growing over the last decade, among teens has mushroomed under a cloud of questions about school attendance. Ditto for college undergrads, and graduates entering an uncertain work force.

Moreover, corona contagion fears have caused spikes in duress within houses of faith, long seen as sanctuary safe havens. The tension is not restricted to congregants frustrated with not being able to congregate. Fear abounds among church-goers reluctant to return to limited corporate gatherings despite attention to social distancing and sanitization procedures.

Pastors fully human, after all are not immune to mental health struggles. Spouses and parents in the congregation should identify with the responsibilities of leading families. Ponder the weight of being a ministerial CEO interceding in church family issues, stewarding church business (regardless of congregation size), studying to prepare a weekly message applicable to eternal life, live viewing audience and the times we’re living. Perhaps you feel the pressure as well. Now add the COVID concerns above, plus behind-the-scenes responses since shelter-inplace: overseeing building and ministry reorganizations, Zoom fatigue, deaths without funeral closure and accompanying repetitive grief.

It’s little wonder clergy not only burn out, leave, stray or worse. Headlines in 2020 have reported suicides of three notable pastors or pastor’s children.

This news captures our attention because of mental health resources developed by our ensemble members and pastors who advise us. These resources are background for scenes we are developing to emphasize including faith mental health management girding professional aid with Biblical insight.

We’re updating our website to link many blogs and handouts for pastors and others. These ideas are timely because October includes Mental Health Awareness Week and such insight coincides with Pastor Appreciation Month Tips range from simple actions as “Smile” or “Call” to more detailed ideas on Page 7. Please review them, but more importantly, use them in good health:

“Biblical Guides for Mental Health” 7 actions with Scripture resources

“Coping on Bad Mental Health Days” 12 activities free to download

“College, Ministry & Stress” Managing life on campus

Mental Health First Aid 8-Course Training Program to provide help Suicide Prevention Awareness Warning signs, community impact

How to Combat Zoom Fatigue 6 refreshers from Harvard Business Review

THE ‘ART’ OF STRESS RELIEF

Speaking of mental health struggles is difficult for most people, and even moreso in Christian families bloodkin and church-kin.

There is ‘sin’ stigma attached to such conditions, similar to accusations made by Job’s friends, that illnesses stem from lack of faith or prayer.

To be sure, prayer IS a powerful element in the quest for recovering from stress. Such healing has been pointed out medically and Biblically.

In particular, the Old Testament notes the impact of journaling, music and design as artistic stress reliefs.

The LORD’s instructions to build the original temple were placed in the hands of gifted artisans. Saul requested David play his harp to soothe evil spirits that oppressed him. In Psalms, David merge music and literature writing emotional poetry with instructions for musicians to compose as the lyrics lead. Sample: “5 Psalms for People Struggling with Anxiety and Fear.”

These actions can be employed today to provide pandemic relief:

1. Read or listen to a psalm each day and journal of its application to daily events. Substitute your name, churches names, or names of loved ones to make the writing more personal. Sample: Daily Audio Psalms which combines creative reading with music.

2. Draw or color pictures that come to mind as you read Scripture and make your own image posts.

3. Listen to instrumental or reflective psalms, hymns and spiritual songs before going to bed, starting the day, or doing tasks at the computer or around the house. Samples: DonMoenTV, Our Daily Bread Playlist.

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

Unconventional Dancer Breaks Stereotypes

KIT Premieres new “Unshackled” Page

Heading Out for Gospel Run (video)

College Ministry and Stress

In Their Own Words How KIT Began

ARTIST & MINISTRY BLOG COLLECTIONS

Artists in Ministry & Mission by Byron Spradlin

Backstage Blog by Chuck Neighbors

Be Known for Something By Mark MacDonald

Devon Franklin Entertainment By Devon Franklin

First Impressions By Greg Atkinson

Inspiration with An Attitude

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, assembled

RECEIVE KIT UPDATES

A Harvard School of Public Health study on impact of prayer on mental health.

THE LEADERSHIP KIT:

BEST PRACTICES CONNECTING ONLINE & LIVE MINISTRY

Christmas presentations in 2020 will rely more than ever on coordinating technical proficiency and performance. Testing equipment early and posting operating procedures are important for each Service of Worship. Moreso with new audiences expected online.

1. Write the procedures in an operations manual so anyone can follow. Review often.

2. Define your purpose and disciple the tech team

From “Best Practices for Platform Preaching and Online Reaching”: Refine The Technical

In this time of social distancing for people at home and singers this season may be an opportune time to establish community caroling connections. Contact a hospital, library or community center and take the Christmas story to them in song.

Singing The Word

Don’t underestimate the impact of the Scripture-centered Christmas on the community or singers.

One of our Road Buddy supporters, Barbara Cube Morgan, recalls how a Christmas musical became Bible study.

Many years ago, I was in the choir at CGC. We sang a Cantata, called "Jesus is Coming." The whole cantata used King James Bible verses. (I learned SO many Bible verses, just by singing in this cantata - thank you to John W. Peterson, who wrote numerous cantatas using the KJV Bible verses.)

It seems to be SO much easier to learn a Bible verse when you are able to sing it!

#SDG #Shalom #Selah #AndAmen

THE PERFORMANCE KIT THE MASKED CAROLERS

Believe it or not, some people get tired of Christmas music. That’s why you hear the moan when “Joy to the World” sounds before Thanksgiving. Sometimes even from leaders of musical worship.

When it comes to picking songs for the Christmas worship, it’s easy to want the newest and latest arrangements because of the glut of recordings of the old and familiar.

There’s merit to keeping fresh, sure. There’s also comfort and joy singing old chestnuts...by an open fire or indoors. More than comfort, there’ s evangelical resurrection power.

In fact, taking songs on the road caroling may be a healing salve and answer to many questions of how to reach people at Christmas despite the pandemic. Examples:

Long before masks became a fashion statement, our church choir donned face covers to visit nearby senior rehab facilities, walking the halls singing from room to room. Some resi-

dents left their rooms and followed. At another assisted living facility, residents sat in the lobby after lunch, often, silently, waiting to be wheeled back to their rooms. They seldom interacted. One afternoon, a KIT ensemble member, visiting a relative, began quietly singing “Silent Night.” The relative made it a duet. Soon, others in the circle chimed in, including one woman who had not even spoken in months. Staff members watched in amazement.

Before Hallmark cards and flash mobs, door-to-door caroling was the primary method of telling the story of Christ. This is why many tradition carols have multiple verses with lyrics including the Easter story.

This season of social distancing for people at home and singers, caroling may be an opportune time to establish community connections. Contact a hospital, library or community center and take the Christmas story to them in song.

READ MORE: Carols from Beyond America

To learn more about Useminary video courses contact mprice@useminary.org

succumbed to violence with racial overtones since 1955.

We spent a couple of hours walking through the six-block site where violence occurred. The site where Mr. Floyd died is diagonally opposite a church.

We reflected on the role of churches have had in contributing to racial discord and pondered how Christ-following churches are the answer to healing.

Our challenge: to tell the stories.

Passing the Barnes

In June, Jay Barnes retired as Bethel University president after 12 years.

Jay’s retirement is bittersweet for Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries because his departure coincides with the end of Vikki’s tenure as a member of the Board of Trustees. Jay and Vikki began serving Bethel at the same time.

Our Bethel years, enhanced by friendship with Jay and his wife, Barb, provided personal and ministry growth. Through Bethel, we developed relationships, traveled and discovered gifts we didn’t know we had.

Because of COVID the university wasn’t

friends of Jay and Barb, who mentor by modeling couples partnership in ministry.

A brief moment with Bethel s Jay Barr, a standout, cut-up leader.

1) Entrance to the Memorial Mall; 2) “Say Their Names” Cemetery with 140 symbolic headstones; 3)The location where George Floyd died; 4) World Outreach for Christ Church, opposite the fatal site; 5) Sample of graffiti messages adorning buildings on the street.

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

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.

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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 actintl.givingfuel.com/kitdonations

KIT Ministries is supported by taxdeductible 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