Venue
Downloads
- Slides and Printables
- Program Videos
- 7 Min Countdown
- 03 sec Countdown
- 2 Min Countdown
- H&R Big Do Slide
- 6 Min Countdown
- Herman and Rusty Act 3
- 60 sec Countdown
- 5 Min Countdown
- Big Story Video
- Herman and Rusty Title
- Herman and Rusty Act 1
- Herman and Rusty Act 2
- H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper
- H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules
About
This content is provided free of charge by The Ark Church.
Large Group Full Program Instructions
Question of the Day: What foods do you always keep separate on your plate at dinner?
This lesson presents God’s gift of salvation. Every church presents the Gospel with slight variations and nuances. Read through the steps before teaching. Present the Gospel in a way that is consistent with the scripture and God’s leading.
The Host and Co-Host enter, wearing lab coats. This Welcome creates a live action version of “Whack-A-Mole.” Cut holes in a plastic or canvas tarp, spaced evenly apart. A contestant will pop up randomly from different holes wearing a helmet/hat with a small plastic bowl attached to it. In the bowl sits a balloon. The other contestant uses a pool noodle to try to pop the balloon. The goal is to pop as many balloons as possible in 60 seconds.
Host
Welcome to the Lab!
Co-Host
We are so glad that you came to discover more about following Jesus. Today we’re going to hear something that will help you know Jesus better.
Host
The first clue is found in this game. It’s a real-life version of “Whack-A-Mole!” We call it “Holey-Whack-A-Moley!” We have two teams with two contestants each. They will take turns to see who can score the most points.
Co-Host
When we say, “Go,” one teammate will pop up randomly out of different holes. On his/her helmet is a balloon. The other teammate will try to pop the balloon with a pool noodle. The team that pops the most balloons wins.
Optional, play game music. Play the game, allowing the teams to take turns. If you’d like to add more fun to the game, consider purchasing “Holey-Wack-A-Moley” from www.crowdcontrolgames.com. This game randomizes the score for each hole, allowing for more variety in scoring the game.
Co-Host
Great job to our winners!
Host
Today we will discover what being holy has to do with serving God. Of course, we’re not talking about this kind of holey. It’s something different and much better. Let’s get ready to check in at the lab. As we do, tell someone nearby if you own a pair of socks with holes in them.
Host and Co-Host enter. This Engage uses a hydrophobic t-shirt. It’s a shirt (or you can sub any hydrophobic fabric) that has been treated to withstand both stains and water. Search for hydrophobic online when looking for this kind of treated fabric. You will also want something to cover the kids’ pants, like painter’s coveralls or plastic.
Co-Host
Ethel and Sophia seem worried about God’s holiness.
Host
That’s because they don’t really understand why God’s holiness is a good thing for all of us. The more you get to know Jesus, the more you feel comfortable with following Him.
Co-Host
To be honest, I’m not sure if most of us, including me, really understand what holiness means.
Host
Let’s talk about it, but first let’s learn our Big Point. I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.
Host and Co-Host choose a kid to volunteer.
Co-Host
First we will count down from three, and then you can read the Big Point.
Host
Let’s all say it together, Jesus Is Holy!
Co-Host
We know that doesn’t mean that Jesus looks like Swiss cheese, so what does it mean?
Host
First, it means that God is so powerful and awesome that He can exist outside of our universe.
Host
As the Creator of our world, God doesn’t need oxygen or the sun or food to survive. He creates life, so He has the power to exist without anyone’s help.
Co-Host
So, if Jesus doesn’t need anyone or anything else, that means He’ll always be the Leader. I’m glad He still likes being around us, though. There’s a lot of evil in the world. Jesus is separate from that, too.
Bring out the volunteers. One wears the regular shirt and the other wears the hydrophobic shirt. Each has painter’s coveralls underneath the shirt, covering their clothes. Have them stand on a plastic tarp or in a kiddie pool.
Host
That’s right. Since God is holy, He won’t ever doing anything sinful or evil. It just can’t stick to Him. I’ll show you what I mean. I have two volunteers wearing white t-shirts. What do you think will happen if I pour soda on these white t-shirts?
Co-Host
Based on my experience, they will both get stained.
Pour cola on the regular t-shirt. It will stain. Pour cola on the hydrophobic t-shirt. The cola won’t stick to the fabric and falls off.
Host
God is like this t-shirt. He is so holy that nothing bad or evil can ever stick to Him. Holiness is actually good news because it assures us that we can trust that Jesus is all powerful and yet completely good. Maybe we can share that with Ethel and Sophia.
Host and Co-Host enter.
Host
Do you think that God is out to get Sophia and Ethel because they lost a dog?
Co-Host
I agree. Jesus’ holiness isn’t about hurting us. It’s actually proof that we can trust that we serve a good and wonderful God. Let’s say our Big Point,
Co-Host
Jesus Is Holy!
Host
Herman shared a Big Verse that shows what the Bible says about our Big Point. Let’s choose an assistant to help us reveal it.
Host and Co-Host choose a kid to volunteer.
Co-Host
After we count down from three, we need you to read the verse.
Co-Host
1 Peter 1:15 (NIrV) says, “The God who chose you is holy. So you should be holy in all that you do.” Jesus’ holiness is an example for us. We want to become more like Jesus, and that means wanting to become more holy.
Host
The good news is that Jesus helps us. Ethel and Sophia are afraid that God will zap them. That’s not what’s happening. However, it did make me think of something. Let’s do a little electricity experiment.
Bring out the Van de Graff generator.
Co-Host
This is called a Van de Graff generator. It actually produces electricity, and we’re going to do a little experiment to show you electricity at work. (Turn it on) If you look closely, you can see the electric charge. (Place the grounding wand near the dome) See the sparks? (Turn it off and touch the dome with the wand)
Host
Let’s watch the electricity at work. (Co-Host) is putting on a long wig and will stand on this stool. Now place your hands on the dome. (The generator must be off) Let’s see what happens to the hair on the wig when I turn it on.
Turn on the generator. The long strands of hair will stand up. Touch the wand to the dome and allow the Co-Host to remove his/her hands.
Co-Host
That was fun, but I was a little nervous about getting shocked, and that was just a small device. Electricity is cool, but dangerous. We need it to power our homes, keep life-saving equipment running in hospitals, and so much more.
Host
That’s right. Electricity is good, but you have to respect it, or you could get hurt. It wouldn’t be wise to play with electrical equipment or touch an outlet without a parent around. Jesus is holy. That’s good, but we must also respect God’s power and respect God as our King. God’s holiness reminds us of His power and that we should always honor God. Thankfully Jesus is also a powerful God who loves us. Let’s stand and worship Him now.
Optional, play soft instrumental music.
If you have never said, “Yes, I want Jesus to forgive me, be my best friend, and I will follow Him for the rest of my life,” then today is your day! I’d like everyone to close your eyes and bow your heads, so no one is distracted. If you have already said, “Yes” to Jesus, you believe that He is alive, and you are His friend and follower, give me a thumbs up. That’s awesome. You can put your hands down. If you’ve never said, “Yes” to Jesus before, and you want to say, “Yes” to Him right now, ask Him to forgive you, and tell Him you want to live your life differently, raise your hand. We’re going to pray all together. Those of you who are already friends and followers of Jesus can join in, too. Repeat after me, and let’s pray...
Dear God, I know everyone needs a Savior, and I know I can’t save myself. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and God raised You from the dead.
Right now, I say You are my Lord, my Savior, and the One who forgives me. Thank You, Jesus, that You are my best friend and leader of my life, because I’ve said, “Yes” to You. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer for the very first time today, then I want you to share that good news with someone. When we break into Small Groups, you can join a special Small Group just for kids who said, “Yes” for the first time. Look for the special sign as we break later.
Host and Co-Host enter.
Co-Host
I’m glad that Ethel and Sophia discovered that our Big Point is a good thing.
Host
Me, too. It really is. That’s what Peter, James, and John discovered on the top of the mountain. They saw Jesus in all of His power, and yet that same Jesus touched them on the shoulder and said, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus is loving, and as our Big Point says,
Host
Jesus Is Holy!
Co-Host
That’s a story you can share with your family when you do this week’s Big Do.
Host
Take some time as a family to worship Jesus because He is holy, powerful, and completely good. You can use some music to help as you worship Him.
Co-Host
Let’s take a moment to think of some ways that Jesus’ holiness helps us.
Interview some of the kids and allow them to suggest answers.
Host
There are a lot of reasons to be thankful for Jesus’ holiness, and talking about them reminds us to all want to become more like Jesus. Let’s turn and connect with our Small Groups and talk about loving God.
Gather the kids into Small Groups and discuss the following.
Have you ever been worried about God, like Ethel and Sophia did? What did they learn today? That God is loving and holy. His holiness shows that He will always be good.
What happened when Jesus reached the top of the mountain? He was changed, and the disciples saw Jesus in His glory and power. What did Jesus do when the disciples dropped in fear? He touched them and told them not to be afraid.
Name one reason why Jesus’ holiness is a good thing.
What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? Worship God as a family
Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question. Optional, play game music.
Our Big Point says Jesus Is _____!
Holy
Mean
Why were Ethel and Sophia worried that God was mad?
They forgot to pray
They lost a dog
What happened to Jesus on top of the mountain?
He was changed
He went to sleep
The Bible says that Jesus’ face was a bright as what?
Sun
Moon
Who appeared and spoke with Jesus?
Moses
Angel
1 Peter 1:15 (NIrV), “The God who chose you is holy. So you should be _____ in all that you do.”
Scared
Holy
Name one thing we learned about Jesus’ holiness.
What is one good thing that comes from Jesus being holy?
Jesus is worth our respect.
True
False
What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do?
Worship God together as a family