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Searching for Graphics

Posted by Debby on April 12, 2011

Okay, so you don’t have a resident graphic artist to do all of your artwork. Where do you go? You cannot just copy any graphic that you find, because there are copyright laws prohibiting that sort of thing.

One option to consider is searching a royalty-free internet site like “Bigstock.com“. We recently had a “women in ministry” conference, which we called “Side by Side.” We found an adorable picture of three girls walking on a beach, hand in hand. It perfectly depicted the message of the conference, namely that women’s ministry is not a one-woman show. We need each other as we serve side by side together. Since the girls were walking on a beach, the event decorations revolved around a beach theme.

Bigstock.com and other similar sites usually have a fee to download the graphic, and a few rules that come with usage. These differ from site to site. The prices can range from free to $9 or higher. Some sites are ones where you join and for one fee you can download a certain number of graphics. You can “lightbox” or “download” the images. When you go this route, you do not need to worry about copyright info and giving credit. When we purchased the photo of the girls, we paid once and used it multiple times. One restriction limited the size of reproduction–we were not allowed to make a poster-sized copy of the image. Of course, we were not allowed to send it to someone else electronically to be used for a different event. None of the images are sold or used to make a profit. They are strictly used to enhance our theme.

If you go this route, please make sure you carefully read the rules of the site you choose.

Posted in: Money-Saving Tips, Resources, Retreat and Event Planning

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Finding that Perfect Graphic

Posted by Debby on April 8, 2011

Probably we’re all agreed that the perfect artwork or graphic can be the perfect complement to your event’s theme. But finding it…that can be the tricky part. We had several years where our women’s ministry was blessed with gifted artists who were gifted not only artistically, but also had a spiritual gift where they could translate our biblical event theme to artwork in a beautiful way. We know that is not always available. That is why we have made some of that artwork available through our Retreat-in-a-Bag series.

If you do have an artist in your midst, take opportunities beforehand to look at samples of her work. Pray before asking her to design your artwork–it is most difficult to ask someone to do your artwork, and then turn around and reject it. Give your artist as much information about your vision for the theme as you can. You can even ask for a couple different versions. A final note: it is possible that you will want to use that artwork again in the future. It may be a good idea to have your artist sign some kind of permission or release so that you are totally free to use her artwork at a later date.

And, where do you turn if you don’t have an artist in your midst? We’ll address some of your options in our next post, “Searching for Graphics.”

Posted in: Lessons Learned, Retreat and Event Planning

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“A Picture is Worth…”

Posted by Debby on April 5, 2011

Our next few posts will be dedicated to the task of finding the perfect artwork or graphic for your event…not the easiest task, but important, none the less. The artwork or graphics used for your event or retreat can be the thread that ties everything to your theme. The image you select will not only be used on booklets, name tags, and other handouts at the retreat. It can also used on flyers, signage and other promotional material. Often, your graphic will be the inspiration of your decorations. The image speaks volumes on its own and helps to develop the theme of the event.

Choosing a graphic is usually something that happens after prayerful consideration of the event theme. Sometimes the Lord will put a picture on your heart, or the theme itself suggests a picture. For instance, the theme for our retreat based on James 1:17 was “Every Good and Perfect Gift” and we found a graphic picturing a single box wrapped with a bow. The graphic was used on our name tags, booklets, the registration form and other promotional material. Decorations for the retreat were large wrapped presents all around the room. No one left that retreat without the visual memory of a beautifully wrapped present symbolizing that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights.

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning

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Discipling Opportunities in Retreat Planning

Posted by Debby on April 1, 2011

The act of discipling in ministry could be defined as raising up someone to take your place. Every place of ministry should be one where others are being trained to lead and run it in a godly way. As we give women the opportunity to help in various areas of retreat preparation, we should have a mindset that is open to teaching those women everything there is to know about accomplishing that task. When we see someone stepping up to take some responsibility in an area, we should be keeping her close, sharing problems with her, leading by example as issues and conflicts arise. We should also allow them to give their input, and profit from their fresh perspective.

Retreat planning, with it many and varied tasks, gives ample opportunity for discipling women in ministry. We never know when God may call us to another area of ministry; by being faithful to disciple those God brings to you, the strength of your ministry remains intact.

Posted in: Ministry at the Retreat, Realities of Ministry, Retreat and Event Planning

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You CAN Do a Skit!

Posted by Debby on March 18, 2011

Do these comments sound familiar?

We don’t have an appropriate script.
Even if we had a skit, what would we do about copyright laws?
None of our ladies have an acting background.
We don’t have time for numerous rehearsals–we all have small children at home and busy lives.
We don’t have money to put into a production.
What would we do about sound and lighting?

These are just excuses! While it would be nice to have those with professional background or acting experience, that is not required for a skit to be produced and have value for your retreat. And while you want to do your best in serving the Lord in whatever your hand finds to do, producing a skit at a retreat need not be a time-consuming or expensive project. However, it is admittedly difficult to find an appropriate skit, particularly if you want one which has spiritual application related to your theme. If you do find one, you may be limited by copyright restrictions.

In fact, one reason our Retreat-in-a-Bag series was created was to make skits available and workable for the small church. In each themed book of the series, we provide a skit which can legally be copied for use in your women’s ministry. The skits are written specifically for novice skit producers, with simple instructions for props and production. If your actresses follow the script, you can improvise in all other areas. Women have good imaginations, and the barest of props (and costumes) can do the trick.

Tags: retreat, skit, skit script, women's ministry

Posted in: Skits

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