I Am Comforted

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.

Pajama Sunday

Have the kids wear pajamas and provide a yummy breakfast treat.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Turn up the heat with an inside Hot Chocolate bar complete with marshmallows, sprinkles, and the works. Use the classic drink to comfort the kids.

Animal Show

Hire a local performer who works with animals such as dogs, birds, etc.

Host

Welcome to Summer to the Max! We’ve been hearing about how we can follow Jesus and how He can help us choose the right attitude.

Co-Host

Each week we’re going to learn a right choice we can make, even when sometimes we might feel like doing the opposite. Let’s practice doing the opposite. When it’s hot in the summer, what do you do? Fan yourself. Let’s do the opposite and say, “Brrr,” and shiver.

Host

Let’s learn the Big Point to find out what Jesus says He can do for us when we feel sad. He can help us feel the opposite. Put your hand to your ear,

Host

I Am Comforted!

Co-Host

Let’s think about some things that comfort us. Comforted means you feel better.

Host

I’m glad that we have things to comfort us when we’re going to sleep or after we fall and get a boo boo. But those things don’t last forever.

Co-Host

Some of them, like stuffed animals or blankets, can get lost or torn, and we may not have them anymore. Did you know that God’s comfort never goes away?

Host

That’s right. God never, ever leaves us. He’s always with us, which means we are never far from God. He can always comfort us when we need His help. Let’s stand and say the Big Point again.

Host

I Am Comforted!

Co-Host

Let’s practice our Big Point again,

Co-Host

I Am Comforted! I’m so glad God can help us feel better. In addition to God, who else helps you feel comforted when you feel upset? (Allow a few kids to answer)

Host

Let’s see what Jesus said in the Bible about our Big Point by reading our Big Verse.

Host

Matthew 5:4 (NIrV) says, “Blessed are those who are sad. They will be comforted.” What kinds of things make you feel sad?

Co-Host

It doesn’t feel good when you’re sad. What do you do when you feel like that? (Allow for answers) Often, we cry. Can you pretend to cry?

Host

It feels like those sad things that happen just poke us right in the heart and the tears flow out.

Co-Host

But that’s why we have Jesus’ help. With Jesus we can feel comforted even when something sad happens. God blesses us with good things, even during sad times. We can keep going.

Host

I’m thankful that we have God’s love with us wherever we go. It’s okay to feel sad sometimes, but we don’t have to stay sad forever because of Jesus’ comfort and help.

Co-Host

Let’s hear a true story about a man who came to Jesus and was comforted.

Host

I’m so glad that we aren’t alone and that Jesus wants to help us. Jesus has also given us lots of friends here at church to give us help and comfort. Let’s pray for our friends who are sitting nearby right now. Quietly pray for your neighbor by asking Jesus to help them. (Pause) Now I’ll pray for all of us. (Pray)

Host

Let’s all practice our Big Point again,

Host

I Am Comforted!

Co-Host

The man with the skin disease must have felt so sad when he couldn’t live with his family and near his friends. Jesus wasn’t afraid to touch him and heal him.

Host

You can tell your family about the Big Story and how Jesus comforted the man when you do the Big Do this week.

Host

Share some comfort with someone in your family. You could make that person a simple comfort snack, share a blanket, or give a hug. Talk about how we all have God’s comfort.

Co-Host

Have you ever watched shows about sharks on TV? They are so interesting. Can you show me what a shark looks like when it chomps down on some food? (Pause) Did you know that sharks have skin that feels different depending on the way you rub it?

Host

If you run your hand from the head towards the tail, it feels smooth, but if you rub your hand from the tail towards a shark’s head, it feels rough, like sandpaper.

Co-Host

That reminds me that when we feel bad, Jesus can help our hearts feel better.

Host

We have a fun show planned for you today. We’re going to have some special dogs visit and teach us. Doggies are one of the things that comfort me. Let’s watch!

• Did our Big Point say I Am Sad or I Am Comforted?

• Pinch the skin on your elbow. What happens to your skin if you stay out in the sun too long? (Allow for answers) It can get sunburned. What was wrong with the man in our story? He had a skin disease Did he live with his family or alone? Alone

• What are some fun things you like to do during the summer? (Allow for answers) What did the sick man ask Jesus to do? Heal him Did Jesus want to heal him? Yes Did Jesus stay far away from the man with the skin disease or touch him? Touched him

• What kinds of things make you feel happy? Angry? Silly? Sad? (Allow the kids to answer) Matthew 5:4 (NIrV), “Blessed are those who are (angry / sad). They will be comforted.”

• What is our Big Do? Share some comfort with someone in your family