Large Group Full Program Instructions
Series Note
Each Summer to the Max lesson incorporates a special venue into the service. Adding a venue allows the summer schedule to change while keeping the focus on Biblical truth. Venues can be done during the first 30 minutes of service or final 30 minutes of service. If you are also utilizing Summer to the Max Junior lessons, consider keeping one venue at the beginning and one at the end. That will keep costs down by allowing both groups to enjoy the same venue. Each lesson offers multiple venue options at different price points to accommodate your budget. Promoting the venues ahead of time will build excitement for Summer to the Max!
Venue Ideas
Choose one of the following venue options or create your own.
Hugs and Chutes
Provide hug drinks to knock out their thirst while playing games either indoors or outdoors with playground parachutes.
Candy Bar
Purchase bulk candy and allow the kids to create their own goody bag of treats.
Snow Cones
Rent snow cone machines or hire a snow cone vendor to supply the kids with unlimited snow cones.
Host
Welcome to Summer To The Max! I’ve had so much fun learning how to be a follower of Jesus while enjoying some fun activities.
In this game, kids must use chopsticks to fill a container with pom-poms or another small object. You can also use a variety of objects. Consider attaching chopstick helpers to make the game easier for kids.
Co-Host
This summer of new attitude will set you up for a great new year at school. Thankfully that’s still a few weeks away. I think we should begin with a fun game.
Bring up the contestants and have them stand behind a table. Choose as many as you would like.
Host
In this game, the kids will use chopsticks to pick up these pom-poms and fill their container.
Co-Host
The first kid to fill up their container wins. On your mark, get set, go!
Optional, play game music. Have the kids fill the containers. Mark each container with a line to denote the “fill line.” Test ahead of time to see how many will be required to fill the container and adjust the line as necessary.
Host
Great job to our winners. Let’s check out today’s Big Point and see how that game demonstrates it.
Co-Host
We need everyone to help us count down from three, and then we’ll read the Big Point.
Host
Let’s all say it together, I Am Full! We could be full of lots of things, like candy, ice cream, air, and more.
Co-Host
What do you think this Big Point means?
Interview a few kids.
Host
Jesus means that if we choose the right attitude toward God, He will fill us with the good things that come from being part of God’s kingdom.
Co-Host
Things like love, joy, and peace will fill your heart. Instead of feeling empty and wanting more stuff, you will feel content with what you have.
Host
God loves to fill us with these things as we ask for His help, and God’s blessings are blessings that last. You could eat a whole tub of ice cream, but you’ll get hungry again. God’s help will keep you full.
This object lesson uses the liquid suspension magic trick. It can be purchased online at www.laflinmagicstore.com. Be sure to follow the included instructions when you receive the trick.
Co-Host
Let’s say our Big Point again,
Co-Host
I Am Full!
Host
Let’s see what Jesus said in the Big Verse.
Co-Host
Count down with me from three, and then we’ll read the verse.
Host
Matthew 5:6 (NIrV), “Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right. They will be filled.” When Jesus talked about being hungry for, “what is right,” He was talking about being hungry for God. That means we want more of God and desire to be near Him more than anything else in this world.
Co-Host
Jesus wasn’t talking about a list of things to do or not do. Instead, He said being blessed is all about being part of God’s family and wanting to follow Jesus as your leader.
Host
Our lives are a lot like this tube and cup. (Show the empty tube and cup) We’re empty, but we desperately want to be filled. (Pass the cup through the tube and set it on the table).
Co-Host
There are so many things people try to fill their hearts with, like money, friends, school, sports, and the list goes on.
As you list them, have the Host pour the liquid into the “empty” tube. Nothing comes out the bottom.
Host
Those things don’t fill you. You remain empty. (Pass a silk through the tube) We need something that lasts. What we need most is Jesus.
Co-Host
When you hunger and thirst to be part of God’s Kingdom and become a follower of Jesus, He fills you with something that never go away.
Pass the empty cup from the bottom through the tube and reveal the filled cup.
Host
God’s good blessings will keep you full so that you never need to fill up on that temporary stuff. Let’s check out a true story about a man who really wanted to meet Jesus.
Host
Bartimaeus wouldn’t give up when Jesus passed by that day in Jericho. He kept shouting for Jesus because He wanted God’s help more than anything else. When Jesus healed him, ol’ Blind Bart left everything to follow Jesus. Close your eyes for just a moment. Think about what’s most important to you. You might say the right thing, but really think about what your actions show. What do you think about the most? Where do you spend most of your time? What can you not live without? That might tell you what you value the most. If that is anything other than Jesus, then this is the perfect time to let God know that you want to make Him number one. Let’s do that now. (Pause) Great job, now I’ll pray for all of us.
Co-Host
I like Bartimaeus. People told him to be quiet, but he wouldn’t listen. Nothing, absolutely nothing could stop him from getting to Jesus. When we have that kind of attitude, that perseverance, we will experience the Big Point,
Co-Host
I Am Full!
Host
That brings us to this week’s Big Do.
Host
Have a family banana split night. Pick a few different kinds of ice cream, toppings, and of course bananas. Build a giant banana split, and dive in. As you eat, talk about why we should want to serve God more than anything else.
Co-Host
I love blowing bubbles in the summer sun. It’s fun. Why blow tiny bubbles when you can do giant ones? (Use the wand to make a giant bubble) When you don’t put God first, you trade out something great for something that just doesn’t hold up. (Blow a tiny bubble)
Host
Let’s connect in our Small Groups and discuss putting God first.
Gather the kids into Small Groups and discuss the following.
Why do you think people often choose other things instead of God? (Allow for answers) Do those other things last? Why do God’s blessings last? God’s kingdom will never end. His good blessings are for now and for the future. The other stuff will be gone one day, but not God and the good things you do for Him.
People tried to stop Bartimaeus from talking to Jesus. Do you ever have friends who try to convince you not to put God first? What should you say to someone who does that? That Jesus and His kingdom is the most important thing in your life because Jesus is God and He has saved us. Other stuff doesn’t last, but the good things from God do.
Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question.
Our Big Point says, I Am ______!
Full
Empty
What was wrong with Bartimaeus in the Big Story?
Couldn’t walk
Couldn’t see
Bartimaeus believed that Jesus was God’s ______.
- Son
What did Bartimaeus want Jesus to do?
Feed him
Heal him
What did the crowd around Jesus do?
Pointed out Bartimaeus
Told him to be quiet
Matthew 5:6 (NIrV), “Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is ____. They will be filled.”
Right
Okay
Why should we want to be part of God’s kingdom?
Bartimaeus left everything behind to follow Jesus.
True
False
Why do things like money and being famous not leave you full?
What is this week’s Big Do?
Make a banana split and talk about why we want to serve God more than anything else