Large Group Instructions
Series Note
Each Winter 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 Winter to the Max Junior lessons, consider having the elementary and junior groups use the same venue. Either group can go first and then switch in the middle of service. 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 Winter to the Max!
Weekly Venue
Choose one of the following venue options or create your own.
Show and Tell
Have the kids bring in something of value and show it to the group. Allow them to display the item and explain why it’s valuable.
New Year’s Party
Have a New Year themed party complete with party hats, blowers, food, a countdown, and maybe even some confetti. Have lots of fun celebrating the new year. Remind the kids that this is the perfect time to choose to follow Jesus.
Polar Party
Rent winter themed inflatables for the kids to enjoy.
Prep: This Engage uses an old stuffed animal. A good option would be one from a thrift store. Make it look dirty and worn out.
Host and Co-Host enter.
Host
Welcome to Winter To The Max! We call it “to the max” because this winter is going to be so exciting – maybe the best winter ever! Let’s cheer like we’re really excited!
Everyone cheers.
Co-Host
I’m excited. too! Aren’t you excited, Georgie?! (Give the stuffed animal a name of your choosing) Look how far I can kick Georgie!
Kick the stuffed animal, then pick it up.
Co-Host
You are the most special stuffed animal in the whole world. Look at that over there.
Co-Host pretends to see something, drops the stuffed animal, steps on it as he/she walks towards the thing he/she noticed.
Host
Whoa, wait just a minute. Jr. Conductors, does it look like our friend thinks that his/her stuffed animal is special? (Pause) No, it doesn’t at all. Let’s show our friend how we treat a special stuffed animal.
Lead the kids in hugging, cleaning, fluffing, etc. a pretend stuffed animal.
Co-Host
Wait, are you sure we’re not supposed to throw our special things in the mud? That’s what I did on the way here.
Host
Definitely not. If it’s special, you treat it like it’s special.
Host
Did you know that there’s Someone special to us? Let’s listen to the Big Point to find out who it is.
Host
I Will Value Jesus!
Co-Host
Value? That means something or someone is very important to us. Hmm, so if I love someone very much, that means they are valuable. Should I treat someone like that well? (Pause) Oh boy, I’m sorry, Georgie. Let’s say that Big Point again,
Co-Host
I Will Value Jesus! It might help me to do it one more time.
Co-Host
I Will Value Jesus!
Host
Jesus is the King. He’s the most important person in the whole world, so we want to show Jesus how much we value Him. We do that by getting to know Jesus, talking to Jesus, and especially following Jesus.
Co-Host
A great way to value Jesus and show Him that He is special to us is to sing a song to Him like we do when we worship!
Host and Co-Host enter.
Co-Host
Today we’re discovering that Jesus is our King. Let’s pretend that we are kings. What should we wear on our heads? A crown! Let’s put on our crowns. Wave to the pretend crowd. (Wave)
Host
If someone is a king, is he an important leader? Yes. Do you think that Jesus is an important leader, since He is the highest King in the whole world? Let’s shake our heads, “Yes.”
Co-Host
That’s why it’s important that we follow the Big Point. Let’s practice it again with our motions,
Co-Host
I Will Value Jesus!
Host
Let’s see what the Bible says about our Big Point by reading our Big Verse.
Host
Matthew 6:33 (NIrV) says, “But put God’s kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do.” Let’s hold up one finger.
Co-Host
When we put God’s kingdom first, that means we show with our actions that we believe that God is the most important. We remember that Jesus is the most valuable person we know.
Host
Let’s look at some things we might like. Raise your hand if you really like these things.
Show the slides and have the kids respond with whether they like that item, such as toys, foods, etc.
Co-Host
I’m thankful for all of the wonderful things we have, but wouldn’t it be silly if we bowed down and worshipped a teddy bear? Let’s pretend to bow down.
Host
What if you bowed down and worshipped a donut with sprinkles because you love donuts? Would that be super silly? Yes.
Co-Host
If you love anything or anyone more than Jesus, then Jesus isn’t the only one you worship. Nothing besides Jesus should be number one. Hold up one finger.
Host
When we love Jesus the most and treat Jesus as King, we do what He wants us to do. One day someone had to decide if Jesus was more valuable than his stuff. Let’s listen to his story.
Let’s take a moment to pray and talk to Jesus. Let’s ask Jesus to help us make the wise choice to honor Him and follow Him. You can do that right now. Close your eyes and bow your heads. You can repeat this prayer after me. “Dear Jesus, You are my King. I want to value and follow You. Amen.”
Have the Host and Co-Host introduce your giving project for the month.
Host and Co-Host enter. Before the Engage, hide a cardboard or real treasure chest in the room.
Host
Let’s all practice our Big Point again,
Host
I Will Value Jesus!
Co-Host
That young man thought his stuff was more important than Jesus. Did he make a wise choice? (Pause) No, he sure didn’t. Jesus is the most valuable of all.
Host
You can tell your family about the Big Story when you do the Big Do this week.
Host
Have each person in your family pick their favorite snack. See if your favorite snack matches your mommy’s or daddy’s. Then enjoy a snack while you talk about why Jesus is number one.
Co-Host
Did you know that Jesus said that His Kingdom is like special treasure? Jesus wants us to value being part of His family like we would value finding a treasure chest of gold.
Optional Play Pirate Music
Host
Let’s pretend that we are pirates searching for treasure. Stay in your seat, and you’ll each get an eyepatch. (Pass them out to the kids) Say, “Arrgh!” like a pirate.
Co-Host
Let’s look for treasure. Say, “Aye, aye, Captain!”
Have the kids point out the treasure. Let them lead you to it. If time permits, you can have someone hide it again.
Host
We found the treasure. Shout, “Argh!” That was fun. We want to show others how much we value Jesus and let everyone know that He is number one in our lives. If your mommy or daddy asks why you have an eyepatch, tell them that you value Jesus, like a treasure. Let’s say our Big Point once more,
Host
I Will Value Jesus!
Did our Big Point say Jesus Isn’t Important or I Will Value Jesus?
Let’s pretend that we have lots of gold in our pockets. Take it out and toss the gold coins in the air. Was the young man who ran up to Jesus rich or poor? Rich Did He want to be part of God’s Kingdom? Yes
Let’s pretend to give something to someone nearby. Turn and say, “Here you go.” Now say, “Thank you.” What did Jesus ask the rich man to give away? His money What did the rich man do? He was sad and walked away
Use your fingers to show me the number that I call out. Show me 1. Show me 5. (Give a few more numbers) Matthew 6:33 (NIrV), “But put God’s kingdom (Second / First).”
What is our Big Do? Have each person in your family pick your favorite snack. See if your favorite snack matches your mommy’s or daddy’s. Then enjoy your snacks and talk about why Jesus is number one.
