Large Group 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.
Mega Game Day
Fill the venue with board games, video games, and card games. Invite the kids to play together but keep a humble attitude.
Animal Masks Craft
Have the kids create their own animal masks using craft kits or DIY craft solutions.
Petting Zoo
Hire a petting zoo and let the kids spend some time playing with the animals.
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Host and Co-Host enter.
Host
Welcome to Summer to the Max! Do you know why we call it “to the max?” It’s because we are having a great time finding out how to live as Jesus’ friends and followers. One thing God loves to do is give us good things.
Co-Host
We all want to receive God’s gifts. That’s because God only gives good things. I’m so thankful that God loves us enough to help us become the best we can be.
Host
Let’s learn the Big Point to find out what Jesus says about an attitude that all His followers should have. Put your hand to your ear,
Host
I Am Humble!
Co-Host
That’s a fun word that reminds me of the word tumble. Humble and tumble rhyme because they have the same ending. Can you think of some words that rhyme?
Have the kids suggest words that rhyme, for example, bad, dad, rad, sad or dog, hog, bog, fog.
Host
If Jesus wants us to be humble, then I think it’s important for us to understand what that word means. We can’t be humble if we don’t know what humble is. I have an idea. Let’s have our friend (Co-Host) play pretend. We will try to guess if he/she is acting humble or not humble.
Have the Co-Host act out different actions, such as bragging about being the best at an activity, jumping ahead in line, complimenting another person, serving someone else, etc. Be creative and have the Co-Host use big actions and over the top expressions. Be overtly clear as to the attitude displayed with each action. He/She can even go into the audience and interact with some of the kids. The Host should help the kids process if it seems humble or not.
Host
You did a great job deciding if (Co-Host) was acting humble or not humble. Being humble isn’t thinking that you’re not important, but it’s also not thinking you’re the most important. A humble person, instead, remembers that we all are important to God. Let’s stand and say the Big Point again,
Host
I Am Humble!
Host and Co-Host enter. For this Engage, you could use any soft toy, stuffed or inflatable. Just make sure you choose something that won’t hurt if it bumps into a child.
Co-Host
Let’s practice our Big Point again,
Co-Host
I Am Humble! When you are humble, it means that you think about how to help others before you think about helping yourself.
Host
Let’s see what Jesus said in the Bible by reading our Big Verse.
Host
Matthew 5:5 (NIrV), “Blessed are those who are humble. They will be given the earth.” That’s a different attitude than some people choose.
Co-Host
Some kids think that if you want something, the best way to get it is to take it or even snatch it away for yourself.
Host
Let’s play a game. We need a few boys and girls to help us on stage. (Co-Host) and I have a toy, and your job is to try and snatch it from us. You’ll have to chase us to get it. If you do grab it, then we’ll cheer and try again.
Have the kids chase the Host and Co-Host in a confined space, such as a stage or even a taped area. Try to keep the item away from the kids but allow them to grab it a few times.
Co-Host
That game was the opposite of how Jesus wants us to act. Instead of snatching away things for themselves, humble people give and help.
Host
We trust God to give us good things, so we don’t have to take them for ourselves.
Co-Host
Let’s hear a true story about Jesus when He showed His friends what it looked like to be humble.
Host and Co-Host enter.
Host
Being humble means thinking about yourself the way God thinks about you. God thinks good things about you, and He loves you. Let’s pray and thank God for loving us so much. We can also ask God to help us think the good things that God says are true about each one of us. (Pray)
Host and Co-Host enter.
Host
Let’s all practice our Big Point again,
Host
I Am Humble!
Co-Host
Do you think that Jesus’ friends were surprised when He washed their feet? I think so. Jesus is a good example of how to be humble.
Host
You can tell your family about the Big Story and how Jesus washed stinky feet when you do the Big Do this week.
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Host
Be like Jesus and do a job for someone else that you don’t really want to do. Show humility by serving someone else.
Co-Host
I have an idea for a quick game. Let’s link our arms together with the friend beside us. While your arms are hooked together, we’ll try to do different movements without letting go.
Play the game, giving the kids movements like jumping, running in place, bending down, etc. Encourage them to stay locked together.
Host
In that game, we had to help each other. Humble people don’t mind helping a friend instead of just thinking about themselves.
Co-Host
We have something fun for you to do. We’re going to go out and spend some time with some fun, cuddly animals who need lots of help and a gentle touch.
Did our Big Point say I Am Proud or I Am Humble?
Let’s count our toes. (Count the toes) Wiggle your arms or legs. Why did Jesus’ friends have dirty feet? They walked everywhere on dirty roads Why did the feet need to be washed?** So that it wasn’t near the food for dinner**
Let’s pretend to wash our hair. You tell me how to do it. (Allow for answers) Who got up and started washing feet? Jesus Did this surprise His friends? Yes Why did Jesus do that? To teach us what it looks like to be humble
What is something fun that someone gave you? (Allow the kids to answer) Matthew 5:5 (NIrV), “Blessed are those who are humble. They will be given the (candy / earth).”
What is our Big Do? Do a job for someone else that neither one of you really want to do
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