Reminder - What kind of DVD players to buy for classrooms - get full front panel control

I had decided to use a video clip from a DVD in my class at church a couple weeks ago.  I had prepared a lesson and had planned on using the clip to help illustrate my point.

That morning, I was about to show the clip when I realized that the DVD player in my classroom only had play/stop on the front of the DVD player and the remote was gone (that's what you get for $35). The problem was that the clip I needed was the fourth chapter on the DVD. If the player had a "skip" button, i would have been OK, but it didn't - just play/stop!  HOW USELESS!

This reminds me of a post from the past - about how when you buy DVD players for a classroom setting, be sure to get one with full navigational controls on the front - as the remote will inevitably be lost or the batteries will die.

Needless to say, I have since ordered some replacements for our classrooms. 

For what it is worth, Pioneer still sells one like this - model DV-420V-k - that is available on their website. They cost a little more, but they are well worth it...

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Hootsuite iPhone App (full version) is Now Free

I was quite pleased when I noticed this the other day. The full version of the Hootsuite iPhone app is now free.

Hootsuite is a web application for managing your social networks. You can use it online with just a browser or on your mobile with one of the mobile apps.

For "live" Twitter browsing I prefer the official Twitter iPhone app, but Hootsuite allows me to schedule updates to both Facebook and Twitter. So if I want an update to go out at a strategic time, I can use Hootsuite to schedule it.

Scheduling is a must have feature for anyone who manages social networks for an organization.

Jason
@cooperjason
Cooper-ation Resourcing

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Anyone Really Need a "Christian" Pocket Knife?

See the full gallery on posterous

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)

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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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The ESV iPhone app - Should you check it out?

A Great Mobile Bible

At my church, we believe in Biblical Authority. In fact, it is one of our core values. We would love nothing more than to see every attender faithfully digging into their Bible and reading and studying God's Word on their own!
So, I like to pass on information about Bible tools that can help you spend time in His Word.
Crossway just put out an ESV app for the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad. If you want to know more, visit mobile.esv.org.

Key Features

• "Highlight" or "Favorite" a verse - There are two ways to mark verses for quick reference later. You can "highlight" them or make them a "favorite". Highlighting does just what it sounds like. You see a yellow highlight on the verse as you are reading the text. You can also see a list of just your highlighted verses. Favorite-ing does not cause the verse to stand out in the text, but does put in in the list of your favorites. Highlighting is good for marking verses that stand out to you as you read, and favorite-ing is good for marking verses for later reference (perhaps something you want to memorize or study).
• Notes - You can create personalized notes for any passage of scripture. Great for taking notes during a sermon, for journaling during your personal quiet time, for for remember thoughts as you study a book or topic.
• History - keeps a history (like your browser) of the passages you have been reading. This is great for back tracking a verse or passages that you didn't get a chance to favorite, highlight, or create a note about.
• Search - This is expected in any digital Bible. Search for key words or phrases.
• Share - this mobile Bible app allows you to easily post a verse to Twitter or email it to someone.

Other thoughts...

I have installed and used the youversion Bible app on my iPod Touch, and enjoy many of its abilities.  How does the mobile ESV app compare?

• Single verses multiple translations - Youversion gives you access to multiple translations and ESV is simply the English Standard Version.
• Online community - Youversion offers an extensive online community (youversion.com) for sharing "contributions" and hosting "live" events.  The ESV does not include the online community.
• Offline access - Both offer offline access, but Youversion only allows you to download a few versions to your device for free.  Youversion was built with the online community in mind.  If you have the iPhone you have a constant internet connection, but if you have an iPod Touch (like me), then Youversion features are limited when not in a wifi area. ESV is built for offline viewing.
• Notes/Contributions - This is where I believe ESV surpasses the Youversion app.  The ESV allows you to attach notes to individual verses, to highlight them for later (highlighting stays on the verse when you navigate away), and to create a list of favorites (bookmarks, if you will).  Not only that, but tapping a verse also shows you a list of cross references.  Youversion does not allow permanent highlighting, personal notes (contributions) cannot be created on the iPhone/iPod Touch (only at youversion.com), and it does not have the crossreferences.

Conclusion...

Install both, they are FREE!

Youversion is superior for checking multiple translations and for interacting with an online community (much of which has to be done through a browser rather than the app).  It is great for seeing what other translations and other people are saying about a passage.

ESV is superior for taking personal notes (stuff you wouldn't necessarily care to share with the online community) & highlighting text inline for later reference.  I could see using the ESV app for a journaling during a personal quiet time, personal study in those moments you are otherwise idle (waiting in lines, or for appointments), and for note taking during sermons/lessons.

About the ESV
From the website: "The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible is an essentially literal Bible translation that combines word-for-word precision and accuracy with literary excellence, beauty, and depth of meaning. The Bible says every word is “breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). For this reason, the ESV seeks to translate the original Greek and Hebrew words with the greatest possible accuracy and precision."

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Here are some screen shots....showing highlighting, notes, and sharing capabilities.

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Picking a DVD Player for a Classroom - Get one with full front panel controls

Ok, so I know DVD players are now old school technology.  And I know there is nothing inherently "ministry" oriented about this post.  But as an adult ministry leader responsible for keeping several classrooms in order, DVD players have been one of the most annoying elements to keep in order.

Why?  BECAUSE REMOTES ALWAYS DISAPPEAR!

So what?  Why is losing a remote a big deal?  

Most DVD players to NOT have buttons for navigating DVD menus on the front panel.  If you lose the remote, you CAN'T navigate the menu.  For some DVD's this isn't a big deal, but for most DVD curriculum that is used in adult classrooms you often have to navigate through several menus to get the video clip you are looking for.

Solutions:

1.  Come up with some kind of "tether" to keep your remote physically attached to the DVD player.  You know, duct tape a cord to your remote and to your TV and call it good, right?  In addition to looking really tacky, it also defeats the purpose of having a "remote" control.  Not a good solution.

2.  Buy a DVD player with front panel menu navigation buttons.  You have to do some searching, but there are still a few models out there that have the four directional arrows and enter button right on the front panel.  No remote needed! You want something that looks like this:

But you have to be careful, as there are some DVD players out there that have a circular button layout for play/pause, forward, reverse, stop, etc., but DON'T have navigation arrows.  They look very similar, but they function very differently.  Need an example?  Look at this.

We just purchased a handful of DVD players (Pioneer DV-420V-K Multi-Format 1080p Upscaling DVD Player) for this very reason.  If we lose the remote, they can still be used in our classrooms!

There are undoubtedly other models out there, but this does a great job, has 1080 upscaling, and a USB port that supports playback of several common video formats.

If you are buying, buy with front panel controls!

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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Practically Unplugged (via CollideMagazine) - times of disconnect in a connected world

I try not to post too many things, but discovered this as a follow up to the article mentioned in my last post.

If you can't live in a tent, try some of these very practical ways of balancing a "connected" life.

Practically Unplugged

Posted by Scott McClellan on February 17th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

In our Jan/Feb issue, Sam Duregger wrote a great article about his time living unplugged — read it here. Today, Sam shares some practical steps toward unplugging:

Last month’s article, “Unplug,” was a glimpse into how I found time with God away from technology, but let’s be honest … living in a tent may not be a feasible option for you. So. I wanted to begin a conversation on how we can practically unplug from technology while still being a functioning member of society, below are some starter ideas:

• Set boundaries on smartphone use. When you’re at dinner with your significant other or friends — try to be present, forget about updating your foursquare status with pictures of your veal parmesan.
  
• Check mail only twice a day, at set times. Tim Ferris, the guy who wrote The 4-hour Work Week, encourages setting times during the day that you check and respond to emails. This allows you to tackle the messages all at once as opposed to being interrupted all day with various emails that may or may not be important. Set a schedule and abide by it — this creates efficiency and margin in your work day.
• Put the TV out of sight. Skye Jethani once told me his family philosophy on television is to, “have it outside the life-flow of the house.” This is a practical and useful strategy, as it’s no longer a peripheral distraction as you walk from your kitchen through the living room to the bedroom. Personally, my TV is in the basement “entertainment room,” and it’s true — out of sight is out of mind. This can be especially useful when kids come in the picture, as the TV can become a binky for the brain.
• Phone fast. Go outside once in a while without your phone, I know this seems unreasonable, but I believe it is important to find time free from the possibility of distraction, as I have found possibility always means inevitability when it comes to technology.
  
• Intentional time with God. My pastor was telling me about Eugene Peterson, the author and pastor, who every week takes a 3-hour walk with his wife in complete silence! Afterward, they sit and discuss their thoughts and what (if anything) they heard from God. This is an unconfirmed report on Eugene Peterson’s life, but true or not seems to be a great way to be intentional with your life partner and God.
  
• Begin your day social media-free. Don’t check your email, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media outlets until after breakfast. This one is difficult for me, but seems to be the most beneficial, as it gives me time to sit, eat, and read the Bible before jumping in the furious interaction found within the Internets.

The fact of the matter is, finding margin in your life is ultimately up to you and it is rooted in discipline and intentionality.

I want to hear from you — what other ways can we unplug and create margin?

Thanks for sharing, Sam! By the way, Sam Duregger is a talented writer from Iowa, and he’s getting married on Saturday. Keep up with him at www.duregger.net or on Twitter: @duregger.

via collidemagazine.com

Thank you Collide for some great content!

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Unplug (via CollideMagazine) - balancing a life of constant "availability"

Great article form Collide Magazine. Do you need to "Unplug"? Be sure to read the ENTIRE article.

Unplug

Sam Duregger - Originally posted Monday, February 15, 2010 - Comments (0)

There was a time when I was working as a Project Manager for a digital innovations team at a large church in the Bible Belt and living in a tent. It was a dichotomous lifestyle that changed the way I interact with people, the environment, and technology.

During the day I was plugged into the matrix, working on a team that prided itself on developing innovative web applications for the Church. It was a multi-layered environment, much like Grey’s Anatomy, except monogamous and straight edge. What I mean is it was a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple threads, all tied to an overarching meta-narrative related to creating new technology-driven tools for churches. It was sexy, it was cool, and it was exhausting.

After work, I would drive or bike to my campsite, settled among 15 acres of woodland in Metro Oklahoma City. I called it “TentLife.” It was a place to unplug and unwind, where everything took longer and nothing was easy. (Find out more about TentLife at www.tentlife.net.)

keep reading...

via collidemagazine.com

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A departure: The iPad - Love? Hate? A realistic review of the iPad.

OK, so I am going off my usual topics of conversation for this one, but get a little annoyed with some of the things I've read regarding Apple's new iPad.  As a Apple user, I am continually amazed by the technology they are putting out.

I have heard people praise Apple for their innovation, and others slam Apple for missing the boat on this one...

Let me make a few comments: 

1. iPad is not a well chosen name.  Others have pointed this out, I needn't explain why.  iSlate (as rumored) or iTablet would have been met with much better responses.

2. iPad is not a "tablet" like we know already.  Most tablet computers on the market previously were full fledged computers - often running a slightly altered version of Windows but capable of utilizing most of the software available for that OS.  The iPad is a new kind of tablet that is somewhere between the smartphone and the laptop.  You can't install your OS X software on it and replace your computer, but you can do more on it than a smartphone, especially given it's size.  In fact, some functions (at this point) are dependent on owning a fully capable computer (to sync with iTunes).

3. iPad will not have the broad appeal of the iPhone, the iPod, or any of the Apple computers available.  It will be a "niche" device that will only be enjoyed by the lucky few (though that could still be millions).  Let me explain.  It is too big to replace my iPod, too weak to replace my laptop, and too expensive to justify owning one without replacing an existing device.  That will be the lament of the "average joe".   So who will buy it??? (see point 4)

4.  iPad will have a market.  I don't know if it will be as big as Apple hopes, but anyone seriously considering a Kindle or other e-book reader will have to check out the iPad as it does so much more than those devices, at only a little more cost.  Again, this will be for those who can justify the expense of that "extra" device (beyond smartphone/laptop).  There also may be some out there who would like the larger format that this device brings to the "PDA" functionality available on smart phones and the iPod Touch.  Though I think that will be a small category of consumers.  I am curious how the "casual home user" will approach this device.  Personally I would love for my wife to have a simple device for her Facebook, email, browsing, etc., but for the same price we can get a fully capable Windows laptop (yes, I know that is a bit of a contradiction) that can run Microsoft Office and any other Windows program available.  Or we can get a netbook for even less, with less power, but still more options for software and functionality than the iPad...

5. iPad's "touch" based user experience is VERY desirable!  It is much more desirable than clicking a mousepad. I love my iPod Touch and how it is so easy and natural to use, but it is so small.  I would love to be able to have that same user experience on a larger scale!  Now, when it comes to typing long documents, the physical keyboard is still king, though most of us have not had the experience of a nearly full size virtual keyboard like that on the iPad. I look forward to playing with one in the Apple Retails Store when they become available!

6.  What would cause me to invest in one???  For me personally to move to an iPad would either require me to get a large raise so I could financially justify such a "niche" device.  OR, the capabilities would have to be on par with a netbook or discount laptop in the same price range (for home use).  If I could install OS X software (like iLife/iWork) on the iPad and hook up peripherals when needed, then I would really consider the move. 

So, in conclusion, Apple haters and Apple hypers both need to calm down and be realistic about this device.  Ultimately the market will determine how well it does...  First glance, however, suggests it won't have the mass market appeal of the iPods or iPhone, and it isn't the "tablets" that we are familiar with (which may be good since tablets haven't done well historically).  I look forward to future iterations of this product to see if/how it evolves. 

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

Cooper-ation Ministry Resourcing

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In case there is any doubt, I have no affiliations with any companies or products above.  Though I sure wouldn't mind if Apple wanted to give me an iPad to review...

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Books I read and found useful in 2009

This is an incomplete list of books I read and found useful in 2009.

Sticky Church by Larry Osborne 

It is about small group philosophy and how they used sermon based small groups to pastor and disciple their congregation.

Less Clutter, Less Noise by Kem Meyer 

Kem explores the issues of communications in the church and how to better simplify and streamline the messages we send.  

Just A Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels

We actually did a six week campaign based on this book (though we didn't use the "official" campaign material to accompany it).  It is a good reminder of the importance of evangelism on the individual, not just the church, level.

Axiom by Bill Hybels

A book of individual leadership axioms that is a great resource when you need a short leadership oriented piece for training or working with leaders.  

Organic Community by Stephen Meyer 

This one is about organizing church around organic principles.  I like the big idea of it, though I think Stephen may push the details a bit.  Some of the "organic" things we have tried have worked well, and some have flopped.  

Church is a Team Sport by Jim Putnam 

I am not finished with this one about organizing church around discipleship/coaching model.  I first met Jim at Group's LifeServe conference in Loveland, CO back in October.  The story of their church growing from a church plant to 8,000 in Idaho is amazing.  What is more amazing is their strong call to discipleship and their ability to resist the "bigger and better" mindset that plagues american churches.  Real Life Ministries

FOCUS - the third book in the REVEAL series by Willow Creek 

It is about catalyzing spiritual growth in individuals through the church.  Still working through this one, but the other two books are vital for anyone who thinks about how to grow people spiritually.

Jason Cooper (@cooperjason)

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