Archives for September 2013

CLOSED: GIVEAWAY: Win a pair of tickets to SURGE film: Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Lecrae & Acquire the Fire

Christian Rock Band filmComment below to enter to win one of several passes for two I am giving away to SURGE the movie, an high-energy Christian rock band compilation film featuring the following artists:  Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Lecrae and worship artists Acquire the Fire.

These evening tickets are for the Pottsgrove theater on the edge of Pottstown, PA. on October 9th.

Address: POTTSGROVE 12, 110 UPLAND SQUARE DRIVE, POTTSGROVE, Pennsylvania, 19464

In PA, you can also see the movie in Bala Cynwyd at: BALA THEATRE, 157 BALA AVE., BALA CYNWYD, Pennsylvania, 19004. (If you would rather have tickets for that location, let me know and I will see what I can do.)

This giveaway will close: Sunday, October 5th. Winners will be notified Monday, October 6th.

To buy tickets for a theater near you, check out the website Surge Experience. The movie will show in 450 theaters nationwide on October 9th and 16th.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

SURGE is presented by Teen Mania Ministries and Acquire The Fire, which has been developing innovative ways to empower and inspire teens for nearly three decades.

“SURGE is an experience like you’ve never seen before, that will address some of the top fears teens have expressed as they delve into their school year. Fears like bullying, school violence, drug use, peer pressure, acceptance and rejection, economic worries, and depression,” said Ron Luce, founder of Teen Mania. “It’s designed to empower teens to not only face their fears with courage and hope, but to impact the world around them for good.”

SURGE is the brainchild of Luce, who is a highly sought-after expert in youth culture and has appeared on CNN, The O’Reily Factor, The Today Show, Hannity, and in the New York Times. SURGE has been his vision for several years, as a way to bring encouragement to hundreds of thousands of teens who would otherwise never step foot into a church building.

Trailer:

The mission of Teen Mania Ministries is to provoke a young generation to passionately pursue Jesus Christ and to take his life-giving message to the ends of the Earth. Since its founding in 1986, TMM has reached more than 3.5 million teens in the U.S., and sent teenage missionaries to more than 50 nations to share the saving message of the gospel. To find out more about TMM and its various ministries, go to www.TeenMania.com.

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Movies About Finding Faith: Camp and Season of a Lifetime

Camp MovieThis week, I FINALLY got time to sit and watch some wonderful movies for families that were recently released by Word Films.

The first one I watched was CAMP because I was a camper and counselor for 10 years in my youth and loved every moment. Only this camp in this movie is a little different because the counselors work with abused and neglected children but just like my camp, it’s about helping kids and changing the lives of both kids and adults who are involved because camp in general just does that to a person. I liked that this movie dealt with both faith in God and building faith and trust in each other.

ABOUT CAMP

“CAMP” is the story of a deeply troubled boy, Eli (Miles Elliot, “The Mentalist”), and an apathetic investment advisor, Ken (Michael Mattera), who get paired together at a summer camp for foster kids and discover the meaning of unconditional love. “We are excited for the opportunity to share the story of CAMP,” said Director Jacob Roebuck. “We want to entertain audiences, but we also hope they are inspired to get involved in the lives of abused and neglected kids in their communities. We are thrilled to work with Word on the video distribution of the picture. Not only do they bring a first-class distribution team for mainstream and Christian markets, they also understand the heart behind the film.”

Roebuck received inspiration for the film when he joined a summer missions trip and had the opportunity to help abused and neglected children through a program called Royal Family Camp. Once there, he felt the call to help the children he met that so desperately needed contact with loving and caring adults. A portion of the proceeds from the film benefit Royal Family KIDS, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that serves as the nation’s leading network of camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children.

The film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 111 minutes. For more information about “CAMP,” Royal Family KIDS, Inc. and for a listing of upcoming engagements visit: www.campthemovie.com.

TRAILER:

 

The second movie I watched was Season of  a Lifetime which chronicles the terminal illness of Jeremy Williams, Head Coach of Greenville High. My husband nor my daughters are football players, nor do any of us barely watch the sport but you can’t help but be inspired by the life and determination of the coach in this documentary.

ABOUT SEASON OF A LIFETIME

On August 27, Word Films released the Endorphin Entertainment  / Fisheye Media Productions inspirational documentary “Season of a Lifetime” on DVD. The film follows Greenville High football coach Jeremy Williams as he perseveres and inspires his team throughout their winning 2010 season in the face of his progressing ALS disease. For his final season as coach, Williams’ beloved small-town Greenville Patriots battle to the playoffs and adopt his never-surrender attitude. “Season of a Lifetime” is produced by Cohen, Bob McAllister and Jason Haley and executive produced by Chris Pullaro. Cohen also served as director and editor of the film.

season of a lifetime

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAILER:

About Word Entertainment

A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Music Publications & Church Resources, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.

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5 Best Smartphone Apps for Today’s Christian Youth

apps for teensSocial media is “a ministry – not an add-on” for the church today, proclaimed Meredith Gould, sociologist, Christian thought leader and author of the book “The Social Media Gospel” in a recent interview on God Complex Radio. Another devout thought leader, Pastor Ed Young Jr., of Fellowship Church, heads up an annual C3 conference to train church leaders about information and social media technology. This technology has connected millions of smartphone users to some forward-thinking ministry apps that go beyond Facebook and Twitter. If you are looking for great free or low-cost Christian media, these five apps deserve consideration. They currently each hold a 4+ rating on a 5-star scale at the iTunes store, based mostly upon user survey responses.

Radio U

Availability: iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC or Android

Cost: Free

App purpose: A rock-oriented Christian radio station with great music featuring new trending artists, and not just the same batch of songs every hour. Wake up service is available with the alarm app.

Pros: The progressive sound appeals to people who dislike commercialized mainstream Christian “pop” music.

Cons: The ultra-progressive sound may not appeal to listeners favoring lighter, less melancholic music. Some of the featured artists’ music is raw and unvarnished, focusing on depressing human struggles and dark issues.

The House FM/Praise 88.7/Christian Radio

Availability: iPhone, iPod, iPad or Android

Cost: Free

App purpose: This HD-2 radio signal from Northern Oklahoma radio station “The House FM” features a contemporary hit format focused on the current leading Christian pop and rock artists.

Pros: Talk radio time is limited and relevant. The station format is positive and encouraging.

Cons: The program format has many repeat plays during the day, and may not appeal to listeners seeking a more progressive sound or more variety.

Cartoonatic

Availability: iPhones, iPod and iPad

Cost: $0.99

App purpose: Although not overtly Christian, this fun app is great for creating interesting videos in a cartoonized format similar to the insurance commercial with talking cartoon people. It is just the ticket for tech lovers interested in creating special effects for a video of their band or youth group skits.

Pros: Unique effects, real-time previews, and nine soundtracks are available, or you can add your own music and share via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or E-mail.

Cons: Filming is easier with a dedicated camera, and editing will be a challenge on a smartphone device. One user said the recorded audio track volume is too low.

OverDrive

Availability: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Android

Cost: Free

App purpose: Download books from your public or school library. Although public school libraries might not have Christian literature, most public libraries do.

Pros: It includes an audio book reader and 24 x 7 downloads. Automatic returns eliminate late fee concerns, and the page turning is now faster. Reading free downloaded eBooks is a great way to save money.

Cons: Requires iOS 6.0 or later and a valid public library account. Reading eBooks on a smartphone might be difficult, depending on your screen size and personal preferences.

Bible Shaker

Availability: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, Android

Cost: $0.99

App purpose: Choose a category, shake your iPhone and get a scripture verse relevant to what’s happening in your life.

Pros: Reading verses when life gets tough is a great way to soldier on. Many people do not read the Bible often enough. Facebook and Twitter integration enables online sharing.

Cons: Longer readings might be difficult on a smartphone. If used in Church, people might think you are distracted or multi-tasking. Verse selections may be somewhat random.

 

Guest Post by Caroline Piper

Caroline is a freelance writer based in Western Canada.

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CLOSED: iTunes Gift Card GIVEAWAY: New Kia Commercial Has New Improved #Hamsters and Soul

kiaUpdate: Congratulations, Gina

The Kia hamsters are back, bringing soul to the tiny screen as the Kia is transformed itself along with the Hamsters into mean, lean, soul machines.

Watch the video below and comment letting me know what you like about the commercial for a chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card.

Personally, I love the dual plot-build in the commercial when the car designer draws and builds his dream car as the Hamsters do what it takes to become lean (but quite nice and not at all mean). I am even more inspired now to work out and get in shape which I am working on very hard right now!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors

What is your favorite part of the new and improved @Kia #Hamsters?

{Disclosure: I was offered a gift card in exchange for posting this giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}

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