Anyone Really Need a "Christian" Pocket Knife?

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So I was visiting the Christian book store the other day picking up some resources for the groups I teach (exploring NT Wright). I saw this display by the register.

Now I have been there dozens of times and not really paid attention, but there was a display case with pocket knives that had scriptures engraved on the handles. Does anyone else think that is utterly ridiculous? Who really needs a "Christian" picket knife?

Don't get me wrong. I am not against knives. I carry a small pocket knife virtually every day. But the thought of carrying a knife with scripture engraved on it seems absolutely silly.

Though you could have some fun with it. The close up shows one that says "fix your eyes on Jesus" and you could add the word "punk!" on the end for fun, and for witnessing...

Is anyone else annoyed with some Christian marketing?

Don't get me started in the Christian silly bands that were there too...

Jason
Cooperation Blog
@Cooperjason on Twitter

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Buying TV's for Your Org - Say No to Combos!

Last week I had a bit of a set back. Despite my instincts, and despite most recommendations, I purchased an LCD TV/DVD combo for my church to use in a classroom. The simplicity of having one unit instead of two (and all the necessary cords) has significant appeal. But I was quickly reminded why most "experts" in the tech world don't recommend combo units...

It was a piece of junk. It had that lightweight, cheap plastic, happy meal feel to it. The picture wasn't bad - until I hooked up my laptop to it, then it was horrible.  Unfortunately, that is one of the primary uses intended for the unit. Needless to say, I took it back the next day.

So, instead I purchased a nicer LCD TV and an upscaling DVD player.  It cost a little more, and there will be more wires and remotes, but better than a combo. (I realize there might be some quality combos out there, but I couldn't find any that I could buy locally)

BTW, if you buy equipment for your organization, read my recommendation on DVD players.

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Hootsuite.com - A Great Tool for Organizations

As someone who manages multiple Twitter accounts and a couple Facebook pages, I have tried out several tools that are supposed to help make it easier.  Most have been pretty good - in that they let you post to multiple locations with one click.  Nice!

I was recently introduced to Hootsuite.com.  Hootsuite allows you to manage multiple social networks through one, online application.  Here is a list of the built in networks.  

In addition, you can setup columns to monitor searches, twitter hashtags, mentions, etc.  Pretty handy.

Here is what I LOVE about Hootsuite - you can schedule your updates!  I can plan out a whole weeks worth of posts and sit down at the first of the week and schedule them all in hootsuite.  How sweet is that!  Can't do that with any desktop app I know...

THE DOWN SIDE - It appears that you cannot post an image to a Facebook page without also posting it to a Twitter account.  And when you do, the image doesn't show on the FB page, just the link...  This is bad since our audience is primarily made of FB fans, not Twitter followers.  We often use graphics to add a little "attention" to our FB page updates - just can't to it in hootsuite.  Oh well.  

I will continue to use hootsuite.com though to schedule what I can.

What FB/Twitter applications do you use that allow scheduling?  How do they compare?

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Catalyst Leader app for iPhone/iPod Touch - Well Worth Downloading

There are really only a few apps on my iPod Touch that I use regularly.  Sure, there are a ton out there, and I have a bunch on my iPod Touch, but many of them are games or novelties or so task specific that I only use them sparingly.  In fact, I have gotten to the point where I have removed several apps that I don't really use - not because of lack of space, but to simplify a bit.

One app worth having is Catalyst Leader.  If you are involved in Christian leadership, then this app gives you quick access to some great resources - podcasts, videos, and articles on Christian leadership based on the well known Catalyst conferences.  I like it for redeeming some of those small moments of time by reading or listening or watching some of the content.  Check it out!

Here are a couple screen shots...

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Need a Source for great graphics? Powerpointsermons.com and CreativeMYK.com

When it comes to the graphics we use here at our church, there are two primary sources we rely on.  Since we don't have a paid graphic artist, or even a volunteer with experience, we usually don't have the time to create graphics from scratch.  We rely heavily on pre-made graphics that we can use as is, or with a few small tweaks (like changing text).

PowerPointSermons.com  

This is a great site with a wide selection of pre-made graphics that will work for sermon series graphics, worship backgrounds, and even announcement graphics.  Each set typically comes with 3-4 variations, all with and without the title text, and they are available in several different formats (jpg, ppt, etc.).  At around $200 for a year, and unlimited downloads, it is a bargain.  They also started offering video loop subscriptions as well, that costs the same (unless you get both, then you get a discount).  You can also offer additional customized features at an additional cost.  Definitely worth checking out.  

CreativeMYK.com

CreativeMYK has received quite a bit of attention.  It is a free resource that is community based.  Artists upload their artwork for you to see and use if you like (be sure to read and follow the terms).  Offerings vary from basic photographs to bulletin layouts to vector art, and often you are able to download the layered original files rather than a flattened image.  While we don't use this as much at PPTsermons, it is a great second stop on my list when looking for a basic graphic.  It is also a great place for inspiration...

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Need a Source for great graphics? Powerpointsermons.com and CreativeMYK.com

When it comes to the graphics we use here at our church, there are two primary sources we rely on.  Since we don't have a paid graphic artist, or even a volunteer with experience, we usually don't have the time to create graphics from scratch.  We rely heavily on pre-made graphics that we can use as is, or with a few small tweaks (like changing text).

PowerPointSermons.com  

This is a great site with a wide selection of pre-made graphics that will work for sermon series graphics, worship backgrounds, and even announcement graphics.  Each set typically comes with 3-4 variations, all with and without the title text, and they are available in several different formats (jpg, ppt, etc.).  At around $200 for a year, and unlimited downloads, it is a bargain.  They also started offering video loop subscriptions as well, that costs the same (unless you get both, then you get a discount).  You can also offer additional customized features at an additional cost.  Definitely worth checking out.  

CreativeMYK.com

CreativeMYK has received quite a bit of attention.  It is a free resource that is community based.  Artists upload their artwork for you to see and use if you like (be sure to read and follow the terms).  Offerings vary from basic photographs to bulletin layouts to vector art, and often you are able to download the layered original files rather than a flattened image.  While we don't use this as much at PPTsermons, it is a great second stop on my list when looking for a basic graphic.  It is also a great place for inspiration...

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Posted via email from Cooper-ation | resourcing for ministry