I Am Helped

Host

Welcome to Summer To The Max!

Host

This summer is a summer of new attitudes as we learn to live like followers of Jesus.

Co-Host

Not like actors pretending, but as genuine followers who listen to Jesus and take what He says seriously.

Host

Let’s check out today’s Big Point, so we can learn more about what Jesus said.

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 Helped! Sometimes when you find yourself facing difficult problems, you may wonder if you have to deal with them on your own.

Co-Host

Jesus tells us that when we need help, we can be sure that God has help for us. Let’s demonstrate what this means with a game. We have two teams who will compete in this game.

Host

These kids will face off as a team against this adult. Here’s the game. The teams have to move the beach ball from the starting line to the finish line.

Co-Host

Once the game begins, you can’t move your feet. Let’s see who can get the most beach balls into the basket.

Host

Wow, the kids creamed the competition. Why? (Allow for answers) Yeah, they won because they were able to help each other.

Co-Host

The other team had no help and, let’s be honest, no chance of winning. We have God’s help. Even when things aren’t going our way, we can be sure that God can and will help us.

Host

That’s why we can consider ourselves blessed, happy, or taken care of, because God loves us enough to help us. Let’s stand and worship God.

Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host

Let’s say our Big Point again,

Co-Host

I Am Helped!

Host

How many of you love it when someone gives you money for your birthday? (Show the money) It’s so awesome to get a nice, crisp $5 or even $20 bill. If you had a $100 bill right now, what would you buy? (Allow for answers)

Co-Host

Kids understand what’s it’s like to depend on other people for money. You don’t have jobs, so if you want food, toys, or clothes, you probably have to ask someone for help. Would you like to have a printer that could print real money?

Host

Let’s bring up a kid to help us try it. (Choose a volunteer) We have a money printer right here! Look at this blank piece of paper. Does it look like a regular piece of paper? Let’s see if we can turn this paper into real money.

Co-Host

It would be fun to have a printer like that, but this is just a magic trick. The point is, we aren’t without help. Let’s see what Jesus said in the Bible by looking at the Big Verse.

Host

Everyone, count down from three, and then we’ll read the verse.

Host

Matthew 5:3 (NIrV), “Blessed are those who are spiritually needy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Blessed, in this verse, means “happy” “loved by God,” and “receiving good things from God.” Does that seem strange, that we would be happy if we are needy?

Co-Host

That’s because we can be certain that God gives His good blessings and His great help to every one of His followers, those who are aware that they need Him.

Host

God’s kingdom is full of good things, and when you follow Jesus, you admit that Jesus is King. That makes you part of His Kingdom.

Co-Host

Which makes you someone who is helped. Let’s check out some people who were needy and how God helped them.

Now would be a great time to choose to follow Jesus. 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.

Co-Host

Simeon and Anna may have seemed needy on the outside, but they rejoiced at seeing Jesus because they knew God’s help had arrived. Let’s say the Big Point,

Co-Host

I Am Helped!

Host

That brings us to this week’s Big Do.

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Find someone who needs help this week and help them. It could be around the house, while visiting your grandparents, or helping a neighbor. When you help, remind them that we have God’s help, too.

Co-Host

Many people hike during the summer because it’s fun to be in the outdoors. On long hikes, a solid walking stick can be a big help. It’s keeps you moving when you feel like your legs are about to give out.

Host

I’m glad that this summer, we have God’s help. Let’s connect in our Small Groups and discuss this summer of new attitude.

• Why do you think that Simeon and Anna were so joyful when they saw Jesus? They had been waiting and looking for God’s Savior for a long time. They knew that Jesus’ arrival showed that God’s helped had arrived. God had kept His promise.

• Does it surprise you to learn that Jesus’ followers are blessed, even if they aren’t rich? Why? Name some ways that God helps us. He provides for us, He shows us love, He is kind, He heals us, He saves us, etc.

• Our Big Point says, I Am ______!

  • Helped

  • Ignored

• What was the name of the man in the Big Story who found Jesus?

  • Peter

  • Simeon

• What had God promised Simeon?

  • Money

  • He would see the Savior

• Where did Anna spend most of her days?

  • Beach

  • Temple

• You must be rich to be blessed.

  • True

  • False

• Matthew 5:3 (NIrV), “______ are those who are spiritually needy. The kingdom of Heaven belongs to them.”

  • Sad

  • Blessed

• How does God help us?

• We cannot save ourselves.

  • True

  • False

• Why is it wise to realize that you need God’s help?

• What is this week’s Big Do?

Find someone who needs help this week and help them