4MerryHearts

FCM Ventriloquism Line Up

2011-05-26T16:09:00.003-04:00

The Fellowship of Christian Magicians international convention is July 11-15th on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University about an hour North of Indianapolis. This year, the ventriloquism section has lots to offer for aspiring ventriloquists and more seasoned vents as well. Here is the line up:

Monday: Steve Parker, Basic Ventriloquism

Shari Ellingson, I Want to Vent- Now What?

Tuesday: Mary Porter, Let the Show Begin: puppet, costume, scripts

Ricky Henson, One Handed Magic & More for Vents

Joey & Alex Evans, Comedy Routines for Vents and their Partners

Shari Ellingson, Vent ministry Outside the Walls of the Church

Wednesday: Steve Parker, Advanced Ventriloquism

Terry & Barbi Franklin, How to Talk & Sing Without Moving Your Lips

Thursday: Mary Porter, A Quilt Full of Bible Stories

Bob Shimer, Technology for the Ventriloquist

Dave Mitchell, Out of the Box with Dave

Terry and Barbi Franklin, Traveling the World with Your Dummy

Friday: Curt Patty, Building Novelty Ventriloquist Figures

Tim and Amanda Cowles, Don't Let the Message Get Lost

Bill Anderson - Venting in Heaven

2011-05-15T08:03:00.003-04:00

William H. Andersen (1920-2011)

William H. Andersen, known to his friends as "Bill", died this past Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at his home in Racine, Wisconsin, with his wife of 65 years, Vena, at his side.

http://obits.racinepost.com/2011/05/william-henry-andersen.html

I remember Bill for his leadership of the ventriloquism section of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, for his wit and kind heart. He wrote many ventriloquism scripts filled with some of the best corny jokes around, and while it has been years since hearing it, I can still remember being fascinated by the material of "Wally Nutt," a young boy ventriloquist figure who joked about living in the Nutt house with his Nutt family. Wally went to great lengths to describe how "the whole family is Nutts!"

Bill will be missed but his body of work lives on.

FCM 2011

2011-04-30T18:25:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to the 53rd Annual International Convention of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, will be held Monday, July 11 to Friday, July 15, 2011, at Wesleyan University, in Marion, Indiana. It is an exciting week of activities. Participants can have a full week of training in magic, clowning, puppets, ventriloquism, drama/storytelling, balloon-twisting and more.

VBS Idea- juggler & escape artist

2010-05-05T10:54:00.005-04:00

Juggler and escape artist Brennan Scott makes a great addition to a VBS or summer event for children, youth, or adults. His programs are fun, family friendly, and affordable. Don't let this escape artist get away-- book him early!

Brennan has performed for crowds from 2500 youth to groups of 15 children. He is a member of the Christian Jugglers Association as well as the Fellowship of Christian Magicians.

Escape Artist and Juggler Brennan Scott

2010-01-11T20:46:00.013-05:00

Escape artist and juggler, Brennan Scott, has his own location on the worldwide web at www.BrennanScott.com. I caught his last two shows at two local churches recently and can tell you that his audiences love him.

His comedy escape routine is hilarious, his double straight jacket and chain jacket escape is amazing, and his program finale is something everyone will talk about... it might even expand your mind. What fun!

For those looking for a great program for their church or community group, contact Brennan Scott (bscott01@drury.edu). His rates are very affordable and he performs for churches, nursing homes, youth, and children.

As Brennan Scott's business card reads, "Book early--don't let this escape artist get away!"

[You can see him juggle on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5zWBdXIYo4 and watch a comedy escape here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4-i8PUiJJw&feature=channel and watch a straight jacket and chain jacket escape here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQkZbg-nfao&feature=channel]

2009 FCM Ventriloquism Lectures Schedule

2009-04-01T10:02:00.005-04:00

We have a wonderful line up of ventriloquism lectures scheduled for this summer's Fellowship of Christian Magicians conference in Marion, IN on July 13-17 on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University. You'll spend a week lectures and workshops aimed at improving your ventriloquism in nearly every aspect. You can count on returning home equipped and inspired with new ideas and techniques.

Here is our schedule:

Monday, July 13th

1:30pm Randall Munson "Ventriloquism for Dummies"

4pm David Turner "Character Building and Creativity in Ventriloquism"

Tuesday, July 14th

8:30am Mary Porter "Adventures of a Real Live Puppet & Her Ministry"

11am Rory Johnston "Writing Vent Routines that Work"

1:30pm Steve Taylor "Humoring Your Dummy"

4pm Steve Parker "The Little Things that Count for Client Satisfaction

Wednesday, July 15th

1:30pm Bob Shimer "Walk Around Vent"

4pm Joey Brummett "Sound Systems, Remotes, and More"

Thursday, July 16th

8:30pm Ken & Chris Lock "Improvisation & Theater Arts for Vents"

11am Bob Shimer "Using the Internet for Vents"

1:30pm Steve Parker "Advanced Ventriloquism"

4pm Dave Mitchell "Ventriloquism Dave's Way"

Friday, July 17th

8:30am Mary Porter "Bible Stories by Mary & Suzi Q"

11am Ken & Chris Lock "Ventriloquism Here and Now: Clips to Learn From"

FCM 2009

2008-08-01T11:19:00.002-04:00

I just got the word from Fellowship of Christian Magicians annual convention coordinator, Barbara Varro, that we can expect a full slate of ventriloquism lectures again in July of 2009. I look forward to serving again as lecture coordinator and putting together a wonderful team of teachers to help everyone, from novice to accomplished vents, improve and aspire to improve.

Ventriloquism is growing-- Terry Fator of America's Got Talent fame, has signed a $100 million dollar contract in Vegas. Ventriloquists in other talent competitions are placing high in the standings. It seems that the art of "belly talking" has once again captured the imagination of people longing for entertainment. It is a skill that anyone can learn. Pastors and church workers would do well to add this as yet another tool in their belt to enable them to inspire and entertain.

FCM Convention 2008 - Fun & Inspiring

2008-07-28T16:53:00.002-04:00

The Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM) annual international convention was a success again this year. It was the 50th meeting of the FCM and the facilities at Indiana Wesleyan University, about an hour North of Indianapolis couldn't have been better. Each year it seems that new buildings are popping up on that beautiful campus.

The ventriloquism section at FCM enjoyed 14 lectures during the week with an average attendance in the 20s. Dave Mitchell's lecture was packed with over 30.

In 2009, the puppets and ventriloquism section will likely be combined. There are many natural areas of overlapping and it promises to double the numbers for many of the lectures.

The most inspiring part of the ventriloquism lectures this year was watching new students discover that they could do ventriloquism. Some picked it up immediately, and nearly everyone was plugged in to the lectures, seeking to pick up and develop their skills. I look forward to encouraging them in the months to come and see them perform next year!

FCM 50th International Convention

2008-04-02T16:38:00.003-04:00

Christian ventriloquists will enjoy a fun filled week at the Fellowship of Christian Magicians annual international convention held near Indianapolis, IN. This year will be the 50th year of this grand convention that features week long tracks in ventriloquism, magic, balloons, clowning, storytelling, puppets, and so much more. Held on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN, the convention allows vents to sharpen their skills as well as pick up talents in other areas that will enhance their performances. Our family loves this convention because there is ventriloquism for me, chalk art for my wife, juggling for my son, and all kinds of top notch performances every night to entertain and inspire.
The convention runs from July 14-18.

For ventriloquist junkies, it is possible to score a triple play by attending IFEST in Illinois (July 7-12); FCM in Indiana from July 14-18, and VENTHAVEN (July 16-19).

For more information on FCM's year of jubilee 50th convention, visit fcm.org.

Country Figures & Church

2008-02-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

A few of my figures are decidely "country." Ida Claire is a soft spoken woman with Southern charm. Slim Chance, a cowboy, is also "country." The interesting thing, is, however, how well these two characters lend themselves to use in church. My church is in Virginia, but I suspect that these two characters would play well no matter where they would find themselves. It seems that there is a little bit of country in everyone.

Speaking of country, on a trip last Spring to Nashville, I came to understand and appreciate the country music genre. Prior to the visit, I thought country music was about dead dogs, cheating spouses, and runaway trains! Sitting in a session with a prominent Nashville song writer, the light finally went on inside my head and I saw country music in a whole new light. Country music is about telling the story. These country music writers are gifted at painting pictures in our minds in about 4 minutes using nothing more than music and words. Ventriloquists should learn from these folks. Their music is about real people and real situations people face. Good ventriloquist routines should be as well.

As Paul Kingsbury and Alanna Nash have pointed out in their 2006 book, Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Country Music in America, country music is "corny sometimes and the puns are encouraged and savored" (p.8). That too is something any ventriloquist can appreciate. Kingsbury and Nash continue, country music is concentrating on communicating common experiences and on storytelling.

What story are we telling with our ventriloqust figures? Beyond entertainment, ventriloquism has the power to inspire as well as inform as we tell our story. Christian vents understand their work as an opportunity to tell His story. We should be good stewards of the opportunities that we are given to bring a smile and to inspire thoughts and actions.

So, what's your story?

Do You Celebrate the Season or the Reason?

2007-12-19T14:56:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it is important to pause and examine how we spend out time, talents, and treasure. While very "into" Christmas, I have to suggest that we spend a lot more time celebrating the season of Christmas than we do celebrating the reason for Christmas. Which consumes you- the season or the reason? Which one should? It is worth thinking about. . .

Christmas Stocking Talks

2007-12-19T14:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Clinton Detweiler, ventriloquist figure maker extraordinaire (see his blog at www.newsyvents.blogspot.com), I have added a talking Christmas Stocking to my assortment of characters.
Leotardo (related to the Spanish word for stocking), has captured the imagination of the children in our church. While speaking with a bit of a Spanish accent, he talks about the origin of hanging stockings by the fireplace, and answers all kinds of questions about the North Pole.
Thanks Clinton for the constant creation of new and novel creations to entertain and inspire.

Ventriloquism is Back!

2007-08-22T06:51:00.000-04:00

It has been a good year for ventriloquism. David Letterman's "ventriloquist week" was a hit, not once but twice. Jay Johnson won a Tony award for his one man ventriloquist show on Broadway. Then last night, Terry Fader, a singing ventriloquist, won the $1 million dollar top prize in NBC's America's Got Talent competition.

It is great to see that even in today's high tech world, that this old fashioned, low tech art can still captivate and touch hearts.

Louie Wolf--another picture

2007-05-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

Louie has turned out to be a giant hit with our preschool children. They pass by my office door at church, wave, and shout "Hi Louie!"

You can have lots of fun with a puppet and just a little imagination.

New Puppet-- Brother of the Big Bad Wolf

2007-05-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

Here he is, just in from Pavlov's Puppets in Czechoslovakia, Louie Wolf, brother of the infamous but deceased Big Bad Wolf. Louie claims that his brother was framed by a band of disgruntled pigs. As a member of the Wolf Anti-Defamation League, Louie wants to set the record straight about all of those nursery rhymes and fairy tales that picture wolves as villains. "The huffing and puffing," says Louie, "was caused by my brother's asthma. He raced to their house to warn them of the on-coming tornado. In return for his kindness, he was boiled alive in the pot of those canibal pigs." When asked about the Little Red Riding Hood story, Louie replied, "Fiction, pure fiction, made up by the Grim Brothers who were bankrolled by the Pig lobby. It is high time someone speak up for the wolves."

Ventriloquist week at FCM-- Workshop Schedule

2007-02-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

Here is the tentative schedule for Vent Week at the Fellowship of Christian Magicians annual international convention this summer, July 16-20, 2007 in Marion, Indiana.

Monday
1:30pm Del Wilson, "Basic Ventriloquism"
2:45pm Tim Cowles, topic to be announced

Tuesday
8:30am Tim Cowles, topic to be announced
11am Liz VonSeggen, "Lip Control for Vents and Dummies"
1:30pm Steve Taylor, "Fooling Your Dummy"
2:45pm Liz VonSeggen, "Show and Tell for Vents"

Wednesday
1:30pm GloriaJean Hendrickson, "Developing Your Character"
2:45pm Steve Parker, "Vent Voice Aerobics"

Thursday
8:30am GloriaJean Hendrickson, "Basic Ventriloquism II"
11am Dave Mitchell, "My Favorite Bible Stories"
1:30pm Ken Lock, "Learning from the Masters"
2:45pm Del Wilson, "Novelty Ventriloquism"

Friday
8:30am Bob Shimer, "Walk around Vent"
9:45am Ken Lock, "Music, Monologues & Special Additions"

For registration information, visit http://fcm.org/convention_information.php

Ventriloquist week at FCM

2007-02-19T11:19:00.000-05:00

The Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM) will meet for their annual convention in Marion, Indiana (1 hour North of Indianapolis) from July 16-20th this summer. If you are involved in Christian entertainment or ministry there is something here for your whole family. You can learn magic, ventriloquism, puppets, storytelling, balloon twisting, face-painting, juggling, chalk art, clowning, drama, and so much more.

Our family has enjoyed going for several years now. The variety is wonderful and there is a spirit of joy and helpfulness at this convention. People are happy to help you, show you the tricks of the trade, and encourage you. There are no extra fees for a little personal attention or encouragment to help you master a skill, technique, or trick. There are no acts that contain "blue" or questionable material. It is family friendly fare all across the board.

This year, the ventriloquism section is quite strong. Beginners and seasoned veterans alike will learn a lot from folks like Liz VonSeggen, Steve Taylor, Tim Cowles, Dave Mitchell, Steve Parker, Del Wilson, GloriaJean Hendrickson, Bob Shimer, and Ken Lock. The classes are small, enabling you to have no trouble seeing and hearing, asking questions, and getting just the help you might need to advance your skill level. There is even a late night time of discussion, sharing, and coaching for those who just can't get enough ventriloquism!

I look forward to seeing many ventriloquists at FCM this year. Read more about the convention at www.fcm.org/convention_information.php. You will find that it may be the most economical week of vent workshops you could attend.

Ventriloquism is Fun

2007-01-04T16:06:00.000-05:00

With something as simple as a hand puppet, you can create great joy. Here, Cletus the Possum, is whispering sweet nothings in to the ear of a senior adult in a nursing home. When was the last time you let a possum nibble on your ear?

Talking Cane or Walking Stick

2006-12-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

How about this great talking cane or walking stick custom made for me by Pat Harris of Baltimore (www.hometown.aol.com/peebie3). Beyond his striking good looks (ha!) is his moving mouth so that I can use him as a voice of conscience. The kids seem to enjoy him and so do I. Yet another way to talk for two!

Revival of Ventriloquism?

2006-11-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

Several ventriloquists are reporting a renewed interest in their art following David Letterman's ventriloquist week earlier this fall. Bookings are up and many are re-discovering this unique creative art.

David Letterman-- ventriloquist week!

2006-09-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

You got to love it-- David Letterman is featuring ventriloquists all week long Sept. 18th - 23rd. It will be great to see Dunham's Walter and others. Get your TIVOs and VCRs ready.

Sunday School Teacher Fired Because of Gender

2006-09-02T08:50:00.000-04:00

Just a few weeks ago, a woman who had been teaching Sunday School in the First Baptist Church of Watertown, NY state was fired because she was a woman. (see http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/21/menonly.sundayschool.ap/index.html) The church's new pastor, Rev. Tim LeBouf, cited a passage in I Timothy saying that women should be quiet in church and should not be teaching men. As a result, the dear woman who was teaching Sunday School longer than the pastor was alive, was fired from this volunteer position.

It is always amazing to see how rigid and wooden we can become at interpreting the Bible. In the verse before the one quoted, it forbids the braiding of hair and wearing of gold or silver jewelry by women. If you want to be literal than be consistent. In the verse following the one cited by the pastor, it says that women are saved by bearing children. Again, if you want to be literal, than be consistent in your approach. Don't pick and choose.

It seems to me that the best approach to interpreting Scripture is to compare it with other Scripture. If so, you will discover that there are only two places in the New Testament suggesting that women should be quiet in the church. Both instances are riddled with textual problems. In the Timothy passage, the writer seems to be saying "I don't let women..." which may indicate his personal preference rather than a lasting doctrine. Beyond this, many suggest that this writing reflects a non-Pauline, non-first century vocabulary. The other place that quiet women are mentioned is in Corinthians. This passage also has problems as it is clearly an insertion. The discussion before and after the verses in question relate to speaking in tongues. And moreover, the same writer just a few chapters earlier specifically says that when women speak/prophesy/preach in church, they should do so with their heads covered. Clearly the same writer wouldn't give instructions on how women are to preach in church if he strictly forbade it.

The long and short of it is, before you disenfranchise half of humanity from doing the work of God, you better have firm Scriptural footing. Keeping women from teaching Sunday School that may include men is as silly as keeping women from proclaiming the good news.

talking cane or talking walking stick

2006-08-07T10:35:00.000-04:00

Here is a unique, hand-carved, item that ventriloquists can have a lot of fun with. It is a talking cane or talking walking stick. It was hand made by Gene Wolden of California and features a farmer figure on top with the lyrics to old McDonald written in a spiral fasion down the cane. The lever to move his mouth is counterbalanced to operate easily. It is as much a piece of art as it is a novelty ventriloquist figure.

Kinder, Gentler SBC?

2006-06-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

The Southern Baptists elected a new President who promises to move the 16 million member denomination to be a kinder, gentler body. He is the first President in years to be elected without the support of the "power-brokers." While we would not suspect that the SBC would move an inch toward the middle of the theological spectrum, it is of some comfort that the new President is mission-minded and has an interest in making appointments who share a kind and gentle spirit. Who knows, perhaps there is some hope for the SBC after all?

Tribute to Barnaby

2006-04-26T19:35:00.000-04:00

I read that Linn Sheldon died on Sunday, April 23rd at age 86. Sheldon was one of the most creative fellows around. He is remembered far an wide by people in northeast Ohio for his creation of the loveable children's character named Barnaby.

Sheldon was on TV in Ohio for 42 years. His loveable elf character lived in an enchanted forest and had an invisible parrot side kick named Longjohn. He depended upon his ventriloquist skills and the power of a child's imagination to create a wonderful experience for the boys and girls.

Barnaby was loved by all because he was gentle, wholesome, and children could feel his warmth and love. Even today, some 35-40 years later, I can remember the way he would welcome children, "Hi neighbor!" and the way he would sign off at the end of his show, saying something encouraging and endearing and then saying "If anyone asks, tell them Barnaby said hello."

While his real life was a bit more troubled, the enchanted forrest was a place of wonder and joy for the children of Northeastern Ohio. Children need more folks like Barnaby and Mr. Rogers. May they rest in peace and hear the words of their creator, "well done my good and faithful servant."

There's More to Easter than Dyeing!

2006-04-12T10:04:00.000-04:00

It is funny what you hear on the radio. Scanning across the radio stations to find something worth listening to the other day I stumbled across some talk show host ranting and raving because a mall wanted refer to it's seasonal character, a long eared rodent, as the Spring Bunny, instead of the Easter Bunny. The talk show host went on a tear about how this name change was all about political correctness and how we should not allow "them," whoever "them" was, to take away Easter.
People were calling in all worked up and agreeing with this notion saying, "It is an Easter bunny not a spring bunny. Don't let them take away Easter!"
I just shook my head and mumbled, "idiots," and kept on channel surfing. I couldn't believe that people would equate "the Easter bunny" with "Easter." Reducing Easter to little more than a mythological, long-eared, hopping rodent who delivers sugar and cholesterol to children is as bizzare as it is offensive to people of faith.
People get so caught up in the eggs and the candy and the baskets and the ham and the dinner and the jelly beans and the chocolate bunnies, and the plastic grass, and the peeps, and dyeing the eggs that they lose sight of Easter. So on our church marquee sign I wrote, "there is more to Easter than dyeing."
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians ( I Corinthians 15:3-8), Jesus died and was burried. He rose from the grave and made appearances to many. No eggs, no jelly beans, no rodent-- just Christ, crucified, dead, burried, and resurrected. He lives. He conquered the grave and so can we who believe in him and follow his way.

McLeod's Daughters

2006-04-01T10:29:00.001-05:00

We have really come to enjoy a wonderful television program from Australia called McLeod's Daughters. Some have described it as television the way it used to be in the US-- good story lines, clean, and inspiring. It has been showing on the WE Network until today, April 1st, which will be the last show.

In the U.S. we are at the end of the 3rd season of this fine show, but the Australians are ahead of us, watching season 6. With the program going off of the WE network, fans of the show are writing everyone and their brother to get another network to pick up seasons 4-6 so we can continue with our program and see what happens to the women of Drover's Run.

One solution for the really dedicated has been to order DVDs of the next season from Australia. Since Australian DVDs are set up to be played on Australian DVD players, they will not work with US DVD players unless you find out how to "hack" your dvd player so it will play DVDs from all regions. Fortunately, this information is readily available on the Internet and for most DVD players, it is a fairly easy process that involves little more than pressing a few different buttons on a remote control.

For some of us, today is not only the day when the WE network drops McLeod's Daughters but will also be the day when we drop WE network from our viewing and satellite menus. I for one cannot believe they would drop a show like this which is at the top of the Nielsen ratings in Australia and keep shows like Bridezilla, Daddy's Spoiled Little Girl, and other mindless drivel. Go figure!

If you hear when McLeod's Daughters gets picked up by another network, please drop me an email! Bowties@cox.net

Homiletics or Harm-a-letics?

2006-03-21T14:20:00.000-05:00

Today, one of my New Testament students was talking about how the Bible is interpreted. He kept mispronouncing homiletics (the study of the interpretation of the text) as "harm-a-letics." After a few mispronunciations I couldn't take it any more and said, "harm-a-letics" happens a lot, it is when people do violence to the text. What you mean is homiletics, which is the process of interpreting the text."

Which do you do-- homiletics or harm-a-letics?

The Power of Love

2006-03-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday was Youth Sunday at Colonial Ave. Baptist Church. It is always an inspiring service when our talented and creative youth take the lead. This service was particularly moving because of the actions of a boy who has a touch of autism. One of youth was giving the message and was struggling to get through a point related to her parent's divorce a few years ago. She was choked up and was trying as hard as she could to keep back the tears. Then all of a sudden, the grade school child stood up, stepped into the aisle, and walked right up to the pulpit where the young lady was speaking and looked lovingly into her eyes. He knew she was struggling and wanted to let her know that he loved her, even if the only way he knew how was to stand beside her in a difficult time. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as we understood the message.
How often have we seen others hurting and didn't know what to do, when all of the while, what they needed was someone to stand with them and let them know by our presence that we love them. It was a profound message from such a young child. But as they say, "a little child shall lead them."

Making Legs for a Puppet

2006-02-23T16:06:00.000-05:00

Does anyone have recommendations on the best way to create legs for a puppet. The puppet currently is a half-bodied rod arm puppet and I would like to make a pair of simple legs that will allow this puppet to be used as a ventriloquism figure.

The legs should allow the puppet to sit naturally and the legs should bend properly. It is trouble when the knee bends the wrong way or the feet are all twisted around. Any secrets to make the legs look right?

Thanks!

Where Everyone Knows Your Name. . .

2006-02-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, one of the popular sitcoms on television was Cheers. The song that played while the opening credits ran spoke of a place where everyone knew your name and was glad you came. The program involved a local pub, but how true the sentiment that people enjoy the places where folks know them by name and are glad they came.

As a pastor of a church, helping to encourage or create such an environment is an important task in ministry. This sentiment is true in other settings as well. Colleges for instance-- some are so huge that by necessity, an individual is reduced to a number. Others, however, are small enough to offer a quality educational experience where individuals are known by name. When students miss class, professors notice and are concerned.

I was very impressed with the personal touch of Carson-Newman College on our recent visit there. Students often eat with the college President, professors call their students when they are missing and know them by name. It is a caring community where people know your name and are glad you came!

It is hard for me to believe that schools with 10,000 applications can do much more than look at the numbers and make a decision. But the smaller school can give each application the personal attention that each person deserves. Discovering that "fit" between student and school is so important. The smaller school has a way of putting together the talents of the student with the areas in the college where those talents can be used. That personal touch takes time, effort, and concern.

After our family visit to Carson-Newman College, my wife and I (with 7 degrees between us) said to each other, "Wow, this is the kind of school I would like to attend." It is a place where everyone knows your name and is glad you came!

A Talking Cane or Walking Stick?

2006-02-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

I am interested in finding a cane or walking stick with a figure on the top that has a moving mouth. So I guess that makes it a talking stick or a talking cane. What a fun novelty ventriloquist item that could turn out to be.

Scott American Gothic

2006-01-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

Thanks to our good friend, Trevor Ruble, we now have Scott American Gothic! Thanks Trevor! No doubt this will be a great poster for our new study on this iconic picture by Grant Wood.

American Gothic Parodies

2006-01-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

Who can forget the Grant Wood picture of the stern faced old man holding a pitchfork with his daughter by his side? This famous 1930s picture is titled, "American Gothic" and has been the source of many parodies. Mickey & Minnie Mouse have posed in American Gothic style, as have Miss Piggy and Kermit. If you have images of American Gothic please contact me at my email address jeff@cabc.us

Where Are the Puppets?

2006-01-02T21:23:00.000-05:00

It has been my habit to use ventriloquism figures in the church during the 11am worship service. The children seem to enjoy them and the big kids really like them. This past Christmas season, we have allowed the children to do the children's sermon instead of me, the pastor, leading them. The first Sunday of the new year, I was back doing the children's sermon. Instead of using a puppet or vent figure, I used another prop to illustrate the point. One of the pre-teens in the pews turned to his buddy and said, "Hey, where are the puppets?" There was a tone in his voice as if he had been cheated. I guess even the middle schoolers have come to enjoy a visit with a dummy when they come to church!

Happy New Year!

Maher Studios

2005-12-29T13:36:00.000-05:00

As the year came to a close, ventriloquists around the world heard the news that after 39 years of wonderful service, the doors of Maher Studios would come to a close. Clinton Detweiler and family have given their lives to compassionate service and encouragement of ventriloquists all around the world. They will be sorely missed, not only for their products, their repair service, and most of all, the quality people that they are. All the best to the Detweilers in their well-deserved retirement years! God bless you folks!

Carson Newman it is!

2005-12-22T20:48:00.000-05:00

We began a search for a college for my daughter while she was a junior. She took her ACT test a few times. She toured many colleges. Some she liked, others she did not. At first there seemed like hundreds of possibilities, but the list was easily narrowed. We discarded some because they were way to big. Others were out of the running because they were way to small. Some were too far away. Others were too difficult to get in-- can students really earn a 4.6? Some were not the kind of school we would want to send our daughter to. Some did not have what she was looking for in a major. With all things considered, we finally decided on Carson-Newman College.

Carson-Newman is a wonderful small college about 35 miles east of Knoxville, TN. It has 2,000 students and is well regarded by the folks who rate colleges and universities. Princeton Review calls it one of the best in the Southeast. US News rates it in the top 35 masters degree granting colleges in the South.

So Carson-Newman it is!

A Visit with the Funeral Directors

2005-12-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

I was asked to speak to the employees of a local funeral home today on the subject of why their work is important. It was their employee Christmas appreciation meeting and they wanted me, a local pastor, to put their work in perspective. Since they knew I did ventriloquism, they welcomed me to bring one of my "little buddies" along. So I did.

Ida Clair, a sweet little old lady figure, helped me to tell them how they make a difference with their compassion and attention to detail. The employees really loved it when Ida talked about owner geting to the Metal Ages. Middle ages I asked. No, the Metal Ages she replied-- he has silver in his hair, gold in his teeth, and lead in his behind. The place howled with laughter-- something you don't often hear in funeral homes!

It was a privilege to bring a smile to a group of people who work hard in a difficult setting to help people during very difficult times.

Dummy the Last to Say Goodbye

2005-12-08T12:59:00.000-05:00

Although I have been a pastor for 25 years or so, this is the first time I have ever been asked to include one of my ventriloquist characters in a memorial service for one of our members. Chuck Brooks, a delightful 81 year old man went home to be with the Lord. He so loved the children's sermons that I do each Sunday using my puppets and ventriloquism figures that his family insisted that one of the figures offer the final words. How is that for unusual? But then again, these figures gave him great pleasure at a time in his life when there were many challenges and disappointments. So why not!

O Christmas Tree, O Holiday Tree

2005-12-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

Roanoke, VA began it's "Dickens of a Christmas" celebration last night with the lighting of the "Holiday Tree." The print and broadcast media have had a field day with this politically correct nomenclature. Television stations have been running polls about what area citizens feel about this. About 89% seem to be quite upset that the tree is not called a Christmas tree.

What's the fuss? Christmas trees are rooted more in folk lore than religion anyway. If you really push it, you have to admit that they were "borrowed" from the pagans long ago. They certainly are not mentioned in the Bible as being a part of the birth of Christ. In reality, there is little to commend the practice from a theological perspective.

National, state, and city Christmas trees are merely an exercise in civil religion. Civil religion, or state sponsored quasi-religious ceremonies and customs are always watered-down, least-common-denominator type of "spiritual" exercises that lack the vitality of the real thing. What civil religion brings is form without substance. It offers the outer form of religiousness without the life that true spirituality brings.

Christmas tree, holiday tree-- call it what you will. The reality of it is that you should not look to the government to promote religion. If you do, you will be sadly disappointed and will have to settle for some generic, please-all expression that falls far short of the life-changing reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Happy Holidays!

2005-11-30T10:13:00.000-05:00

I read that some of my fellow preachers are up in arms because Walmart instructed it's employees to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I guess I march to the beat of a different drummer but as I consider the Scripture, I find that the responsibility for going to all of the world with the gospel was given to the church, the body of believers. God didn't give the privilege of sharing the good news to Walmart, to public schools, or to government. Sharing the good news is the responsibility of believers. My celebration of Christmas is certainly not dependent upon the greetings of a Walmart sales clerk. I wish my fellow clergy would pay more attention to the weightier matters like alleviating poverty, working for peace, and seeing that justice is done.

All it Takes is a Sock!

2005-11-22T12:28:00.000-05:00

If you have a sock you have a puppet waiting to be born. Think of what a ventriloquist named Sherri Lewis did with a couple of socks. With a little yarn and a lot of creativity, they became beloved characters for children and adults alike. Lamb Chop and Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse will long be remembered for the joy and fun that they gave us.

It doesn't take much... just a sock!

Practice, Practice, Practice

2005-11-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Ventriloquism, like any performance art, requires practice. I find that the more I have practiced the less I have to be concerned about moving lips. If I pick up a figure I haven't used in ages and try to wing it off of the cuff, and it could be a disaster!

We are all busy but I have found that one of the most convenient times I have to practice is when I am alone, driving down the road in the car. One hand on the wheel and the other hand free to rest a finger on my lips and I can run through the host of character voices and personalities as I go from place to place. At other times, I might practice using my free hand to practice coordination of movement and syllables of spoken text. Other times, I might be using the spare hand to practice figure manipulation. You can get a lot of practice time in if you simply turn off the radio and talk with yourself.

In addition, this kind of practice can allow you to talk things out. Sometimes, things that come to you in these sessions might even become parts of a routine at a later time.

Another way to practice in the car is to allow your figure to have a running commentary on the news you might listen to on the car radio. Maybe turn to a talk show and allow your character to interact with the host or call in guests' points of view. Have fun!

The Ears of the Beholder

2005-11-13T22:25:00.000-05:00

As a pastor, I enjoy preaching and using ventriloquism in the children's sermon each week. What struck me today as I did both was what they had in common. The goodness of preaching and ventriloquism is often in the ears of the beholder. My own evaluation of my "performance" today was that I did not "connect" with my audience. They sat in the pews still and staring at me. It sometimes is difficult to tell if they are staring and plugged-in or staring and zoned out. Today was that kind of day. Much to my surprise, as the people left the church,several said it was the best sermon ever. Hmm. . . go figure, I thought to myself. One of the parents said later this evening that my children's sermon was the discussion topic in the car after church. "I got what Pastor Jeff was saying today," said the child to her parents.

Perhaps the lesson du jour is that on the best day and on the less than spectacular day, it is all in the ear of the beholder. If God can speak through a donkey in the Old Testament story of Baalam, then He certainly can use our meager efforts to do His work.

2005-11-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

That's the Pastor's Office-- It's where all of the Dummies Are!

Some of the great things about using ventriloquism as a pastor are that you have a place and an audience that are continuous. Many ventriloquists never have the same audience twice so the character they develop has one or two routines and it never develops much more than that. But the pastor who uses his or her figures on a regular basis will, over time, develop a wonderfully rich character who can be placed in all kinds of seasonal and interesting situations.
The other aspect of this is that the ventriloquist who is a pastor has the opportunity to keep the figures in his or her office. Children will find every opportunity they can to drop by the pastor's office for an impromptu visit with their favorite character. What an opportunity for practice and even more important, what a chance for education and inspiration. It is the bond between pastor and child that will later be important as teens face the difficult choices of adolescence.
On the door to my office is a banner that says "Merryheart: where life is a continual feast." It announces to all who pass by that the mythical town of Merryheart, where all of my figures live, is just beyond the door. New people in the church might ask, "Where does that door go?" They will probably hear, "Oh, that's the pastor's office. That is where all of the dummies live!"

Church Workers-- Full Time Work, Part Time Pay

2005-11-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

I have been in the ministry for 25 years and have been in a number of different church settings ranging from the big city to the country church. One thing that remains constant across church size and denominational lines is the personnel practices of churches related to part-time professionals.

You must understand that churches do not fall within the customary employment laws that larger, for-profit organizations must follow. Churches are free to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or of course, religion. But what troubles me more than this,is the general expectation that part-time professional employees of churches are given positions with a part-time salary with the implicit understanding on the part of the church boards that the church can get full-time work from these folks while providing part-time pay. It happens almost without exception.

From time to time, there are those people who rise up to suggest the inequity and unethical nature of this practice. These "complainers" are often painted as some sort of materialistic heathen who is "in it for the money." Frankly, it is quite bizarre. If these folks were "in it for the money" I dare say they would have not chosen ministry in the first place.

I am of the opinion that the church should be the best employer anyone could possibly have. It should be a place where those working near full-time loads should be compensated with near full-time pay for their efforts. After all, doesn't the Scripture say that the laborer is worthy of their hire? Perhaps I am out of step, but it seems to me that the church should have higher ethical standards, not lower ones, when it comes to the treatment of it's employees.

Live a Longer, Happier, Healthier Life

2005-10-31T19:41:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Debbie and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The research shows that married people live longer, happier, healthier lives than their divorced or unwed counterparts. I believe it. One crusty old deacon pulled me aside 25+ years ago and said, "that is the best decision you'll ever make." He was right! I hope young people will learn from folks like us that marriage is gift from God and when treated properly, is meant to last for life!

A Talking Deer

2005-10-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

A Talking Deer

We ran into this full size, life-like 10 point buck in the Walmart sporting goods section. He is also available at K Mart. His head moves up and down and from left to right. His ears also wiggle in a very realistic way. The best part is that he comes with a microphone so that you can talk through the deer and the deer moves his mouth as you talk. Imagine the possibilities!

I am going to use this guy as a partner in the children's sermon. I'll have someone planted nearby to talk for the buck and have discussions that we can learn from. It will not only be funny, but educational as well.

Of course, those with a more sinister side can have lots of fun playing practical jokes on unsuspecting guests. Maybe I'll mount it near the door to my house and welcome trick or treaters!

There is a lot of fun out there ready to happen if you just keep your eyes open and put your mind to it!

Medicine to the Troubled Soul

2005-10-19T09:37:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to perform at a sister church in our area this week. The church was mourning the loss of one of it's teenagers to an auto accident, and another teen remains in a coma.

While my visit to the church was arranged months in advance, it was clear to me that one of my purposes for being at this church at this time was to help minister to their troubled hearts through laughter and joy. Taking them out of their troubles for an evening was just what the doctor ordered. They had a ball. I am convinced that a merry heart is medicine to the soul and was glad I could deliver a full dose.

Are you bringing joy or sucking the life out of folks you encounter in your day?

Do You Have a Merry Heart?

2005-10-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

In Proverbs 15:15 we read that for the merry of heart, life is a continual feast. This wonderful bit of wisdom is not a promise that everything will be rosey in your life. Rather, it is a suggestion that no matter what comes, having a merry heart will help you to endure and thrive. Those with a heart filled with humor and joy will weather the storms of life. Do you have a merry heart?

Multi-Sensory Approach Enhances Learning

2005-10-12T13:48:00.000-04:00

We live in a visual world. Studies have shown the importance of visuals in the learning process. Is a picture worth 1,000 words? Well, research shows that when a teacher uses pictures as well as words, the students retain over 6 and a half times more information than when the teacher uses words alone. The more senses students use while learning, the faster and more efficiently they will learn.

Another important thing to note is that when information is communicated and is accompanied by emotion, such as joy or happiness, the information is more likely to be retained.

So what does this have to do with creative Christian ministry? Easy... pastors and church workers should avoid being "talking heads" for words alone will not last long. Be visual for maximum impact. That is why things like magic, or puppets, or ventriloquism, or chalk art make such a positive and lasting impression.

Don't just say it--- do it!

Talk With the Hand

2005-10-10T12:27:00.000-04:00

Interpretive movement is an art form that is becoming both useful and popular in ministry settings. Half of the path to success in using this ministry form is in the selection of music. The selection of a song with understandable and compelling lyrics set to music which enhances the message is vital. Several contemporary Christian groups consistently offer songs that fit the bill. Look at the work of Ray Boltz or Mercy Me and you are sure to find something that is suitable.

Ventriloquism: Novel and Entertaining

2005-10-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

Following a brief appearance of one of my ventriloquism characters, a senior adult approached me smiling ear to ear. "How do you make that puppet talk?" she asked. She was surprised to learn that anyone can learn to do ventriloquism. In fact, only a half of a dozen of the letters of the alphabet will be a little more difficult to master. But anyone can do it.

The great thing about doing ventriloquism these days is that there are so few who have developed this skill. You can find magicians all around, but a ventriloquist is much more rare. As a result, many people have never seen a ventriloquist. When they do, they are all smiles. Ventriloquism is as novel as it is entertaining.

Give it a try.

How Are Ya, Doll?

2005-10-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

"How are ya, doll?"

Meet Dolly, a wonderful puppet made by the folks at puppet-planet.com

Dolly has a voice that is a cross between Fran Drescher (of the Nanny) and Roz (of Monsters Inc.). She is outspoken and lively. Her first time out was today as she spoke for a few minutes to the senior adults of Salem Baptist Church. They loved her. Asked about the experience, Dolly said, "So what's not to love?"

Hooked for Life-- Fishing, Faith, and Family

2005-10-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

Creative ministry is about putting our passion to His purpose. God has given each believer a set of talents, interests, and passions that can be used to advance the cause of Christ. The apostle Paul used the body as a metaphor for the church. There are many parts, each different, but each vital in creating a living organism.

A friend of mine, Trevor Ruble, has created a wonderful ministry entitled Hooked for Life. You might visit his web page at www.hookedforlife.org His passion for fishing, faith and family comes together in a marvelous way. He has created a curriculum for use in churches to help people communicate faith and life lessons through fishing. The lessons that can be learned from fishing are amazing. For instance, learning about bait and lures are wonderful ways for us to come to understand temptation.

If your church is looking for a wonderful way to reach the sports enthusiast, build families, and create wholesome fun while learning about faith and the beautiful world God has created, drop Trevor Ruble an email at truble@hookedforlife.org

Puppets are Teaching Tools

2005-10-03T13:06:00.000-04:00

Puppets are wonderful tools in education. Therapists use puppets to help children express their feelings. Teachers use puppets to improve language and communication skills in children. Clergy, police officers, and fire safety personnel have used puppets to help raise awareness and promote safety and health. Puppets can be a great teaching tool to increase attention and retention of information. So get your hands busy!

The Hole in Seminary Curriculums

2005-09-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

Seminarys do a good job in teaching the many academic disciplines needed to help prepare the next generation of church leaders. Things like history, languages, Biblical studies, homiletics, counseling and Christian education courses help shape the minds of future pastors and church staffers.

There is a missing piece of the puzzle. After some 25 years of pastoral ministry, I would suggest that what is lacking in preparation is some attention to the practical, creative skills that can come in handy in ministry. It seems to me that in the ideal world, a course that exposes future church leaders to creative Christian ministries is needed. Students need hands-on exprience in disciplines such as gospel magic, clowning, storytelling, puppetry, ventriloquism, balloon twisting, pantomime, or other tools to communicate the gospel in a unique and interesting manner. When you combine solid academic preparation with experiential learning and creative ministries, you have ministry that is effective and interesting.

Old Time Radio-- When Comedy was Clean!

2005-09-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

Filth is not funny. Red Skelton insisted that humor was like medicine. When the comic uses filth, it pollutes the medicine and takes away its healing powers. He was right on track.

I have been listening to some old time radio programs and have been amazed at how funny these folks were without resorting to filthy material. Listen to folks like Abbott and Costello, Mel Blanc, Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy, and others and you will see what I am talking about. You can listen for hours on end, laughing all the way, and not hear an off color joke. The best didn't stoop to the cheap and vulgar to get a laugh. It is sad some feel they must today.

Old time radio is a great source for ideas for skits, jokes, and fun. See how the masters did it way back when and learn from them. You can get all kinds of old time radio programs for next to nothing as much of it is in public domain now. I got several programs from a Canadian fellow (rschwarz9@shaw.ca) who collects them. You can get the entire collection of some old time radio shows on a single CD for under $5. They come in MP3 format, which means that you can play them on your computer, or, if you have an IPod or similar device, you can load them and take them with you. The amazing thing about this format is that you can fit 70 or more hours of programs on a single CD! That is a lot of laughs! Old time radio-- listen, laugh, and learn.

A Good Name is Preferred Above Rubies

2005-09-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

The call me Flicker!

People who use puppets have got to be some of the most creative and clever people around. I just finished looking at the puppets offered for sale on ebay and laughed out loud as I read the names of some of those little guys. For instance, you can bid on a black light puppet shaped like a lightbulb. Her name is GLOWria and she has a boyfriend named Bernie Bright(she is a lucky gal, many a boyfriend is not too bright!). My favorite name, however, was a black light candle puppet named Flicker!

If you are doing ventriloquism, puppetry, or other creative Christian ministry, give thought to the name of the character. Make it memorable. Make it fitting. Make it fun. As the Bible says, a good name is to be preferred above rubies.

2005-09-25T19:07:00.000-04:00

Put your best hand forward!

Talking With Your Hands-- Using Puppets in Ministry

2005-09-25T18:28:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed how some people just can't seem to put a sentence together without using their hands? The faster some folks talk, the faster their hands seem to illustrate their ideas.

Let me suggest that some of the most effective ways to talk with your hands in minstry settings is by using puppets. There is something "dis-arming" (sorry non-pun lovers), about puppets. Seeing these creations of foam and felt, most people let down their guard a bit and allow new ideas to creep over the top of their defenses. Puppets can relieve anxiety, diffuse tension, and remind us all of a more gentle kind of life.

I visited the Smithsonian museum a few summers ago and saw a prominent display of a famous sweater with a zipper. That sweater belonged to a man who understood the power of puppets to encourage, inform, and uplift. In his own gentle way, Fred Rogers spoke volumes with his hands as he used puppets in ministry.

You might not be Mr. Rogers, but if you teach a Sunday School class, or lead children and youth, learing to talk with your hands will open all kinds of possibilities. Why not give it a try!

Puppet Resources: www.puppet-planet.com
www.maherstudios.com
www.onewaystreet.com

The Humorless Church

2005-09-23T16:51:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't you agree that the image most people have of church is like that classic painting, American Gothic, with the sober, straight-faced farmer with a pitchfork and his wife. Many view church as a smile-free zone. How different this idea is from the image of Jesus in the New Testament who was so joyful that children wanted to be near him. I love the words of Jesus as he reminds us that he came "that our joy may be full." As someone once wrote, "Life is too short for long-faced religion."

Let me encourage you to just say no to the humorless church. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!