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Using Photos

clingingtocross For our themed women’s events, we commonly surf the web for an appropriate graphic.  We sometimes forget that personal photos can be the themed graphic for a women’s retreat or event.

Sandy, from New York, recently shared this precious photo with me.  Their women’s ministry used it as the main graphic for their women’s retreat.  It was taken by one of their women during a visit to Scotland.  The quality was good for copying purposes, and because it was a personal photo given for their use, there was no copyright/license consideration.  And what a perfect image for their theme “Clinging to Jesus!”

In our experience, many photos online require either a membership or a fee.  At the very least, attribution (photo credit) is required.  Sometimes there are restrictions in the use of the photo.  Obviously, the perfect photo is worth the hassle.  But this is just another option for you to consider.  I would love to hear how you have found that perfect graphic for your event!

By the way, Retreat-in-a-Bag has been given permission to offer this photo as a free download to our readers.  Go to “Downloadable Graphics” in our “Resources” section (www.retreatinabag.net).

Posted in: News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning

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I’m a Minimalist – But Others are Not!

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As I shared last week, when it comes to scenery, props and costuming for skits, I am a minimalist.  Where we are lacking, we can let the imaginations take over.

However, I find that while I am a minimalist, others are not!  It seems like every year, God puts women on the skit team who have that artistic vision that I definitely lack.  When they read the skit, they not only can envision the scenery, props and costumes, they have the gift of bringing those visions into reality.  I have found that if someone is gifted in the area of decorating a set or coming up with appropriate props and costuming, they are willing to go to the extra mile.  They are willing to put in the time and effort, and they find great fulfillment in doing these behind-the-scenes tasks.  Our last retreat skit was set on a train.  As a minimalist, I would have just set up some chairs on stage and perhaps added a sign.  Instead, our skit team came up with the amazing scenery and costumes seen above.

God has gifted women in so many different ways, and He wants to use them.  I think He must be pleased when all of us work together to create a production that will bring Him glory.

 

 

Posted in: News & Information, Skits

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I am a Minimalist

Do you hesitate in doing a skit because you don’t have a budget for a “quality” production? Maybe you are lucky just to find women willing to take a role in the skit.  Or maybe you simply don’t have anyone with the gifts necessary to create the scenery, props and costumes.  No problem.  The show must go on–and you can go ahead with your skit without the scenery and elaborate props and costumes.

When it comes to scenery, props and costuming for skits, I am a minimalist.  I admit, my gifts lie in the writing and editing of the skit rather than the actual production.  But I have confidence that the script can carry the skit, with or without the extras.  God gave women wonderful imaginations that, with the help of a little narration and minimal additional visuals, enable ladies to “see” the setting, the props and the characters in their minds.

Or… maybe I’m just cheap and lazy.  For one thing, transporting elaborate sets, setting them up and then breaking them down can be a major headache, not to mention the difficulties involved in finding the materials and props if you are on a budget.  If I had my way, as director/writer, I would use signs in place of scenery (i.e. “Train Station”), hats in place of elaborate costumes, and allow the descriptive narration and the audience’s imagination do the rest.

That’s my side of the story…and I’m sticking to it!  But that’s not the end of the story.  Tune in next week to hear that while I am a minimalist in this area, others are not!

 

Posted in: News & Information, Skits

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Apology

Dear Readers,

I took a trip out of the country in February, and in the last week I realized that my weekly posts haven’t been sent every Wednesday as they are set up to do.  There was a disconnect between my website and “Mail Chimp” which sends out those posts.  My local “expert” (my son) was able to take care of the problem (Thanks, Josh!), so hopefully we’ll be back on schedule on Wednesday this week.

It would be worth your time to check back to the website this week and next week.  We have added links, skits and graphics in the past two weeks, and by April 1, we should have at least three more skits, and several more graphics on the website for free download.  Our vision for this website was that it would be a helpful resource for women’s ministries, so we are excited to see a significant number of resources being added!  Take a minute to look!  If something doesn’t work, let us know, or if you have ideas to contribute, of course we would love to hear them!  We are on Facebook, so take a moment to “like” us there.

Blessings,

Debby

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning

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Easy Remembrance

2186c359f5d0b75f885256b205bb6cd1This is an easy remembrance, made with jelly beans, a small ziploc bag, and printed cardstock.  Print your theme/theme verse on the cardstock, then fold and attach to the ziploc.  The ziploc could be filled with M&Ms or any small treat.  Of course, these could be fancied up with ribbons, lace, raffia or any number of things that your crafty ladies could come up with that would complement your theme.

Posted in: Retreat Remembrances

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