• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host start on stage with two kids and two volunteers.

Co-Host On your mark, get set, go!

• Play:
  
  60 Sec Countdown

• Play optional Game Music

Host These adult volunteers are tossing “popcorn,” aka ping pong balls, into the popcorn tubs. The catch? The kids are only supposed to catch the colored ping pong balls. Any white ping pong ball cancels out a colored one.

• Play the game. Count the colored ping pong balls and subtract the white ping pong balls.

Co-Host Great job to our winners. It was hard to keep out the wrong ones when so many were getting tossed at once.

Host That’s true, and keeping out wrong things is really important. In fact, that’s what we’re going to discover today in the Bible.

Co-Host I have to go finish popping some popcorn. I heard that it’s movie night for Herman and the gang.

Host While we get ready to check in at the lab, stand to your feet and tell someone nearby which movie snack you prefer: Popcorn or candy.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 1

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host I think that movie might be bothering them more than they are willing to admit.

Host Do you think they’re scared? Have you ever watched something so terrifying that you dreamed about it later?

Co-Host Some of those things seem so interesting that you talk yourself into watching them.

Host Unfortunately, I’ve had those same conversations with myself. Let’s check out our Big Point and see what it says you should do when you find yourself in the middle of that conversation of, “Should I or shouldn’t I?” I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.

(Host and Co-Host choose a kid to volunteer.)

Co-Host You will help as we count down from three and then read the Big Point.

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host Let’s all say it together, Keep Out The Bad! That means that to guard your heart…

Co-Host ...Just to remind everyone, our heart is the invisible part of us where we make the choice to connect with God. It’s really important....

Host ...Right, and if you want to guard it and keep it healthy, it means saying, “No” to some things, even things that might look interesting.

Co-Host Or saying, “No” to things that you wanted to do because you don’t want to be the only one at school not doing them. Let’s take a look at some things and decide if they are okay or if we should block them.

Host If we should allow them, give us a thumbs up. If we should keep it out of our hearts, use your arms to make an “x.”

• Discuss the following slides with the kids. Some of these won’t be clear for the kids. That’s on purpose. We want the kids understand that not every category is bad in and of itself. Interview the kids and allow them to discuss when they would allow certain items in or keep them out. Discuss how sometimes it can be helpful to avoid certain categories even if they have some good things in them, but the majority is harmful.

• Play: Engage Slides

• Inappropriate Jokes

• Talking with our parents

• Movies

• Video Games

• Notes at School Sharing Gossip

• Sports

• Social Media Apps

• Violent Comic Books

• Music with Bad Words

• Inappropriate Websites

• Hanging Out with Friends

Co-Host Wow, you really have to think about what to let in and what to keep out.

Host That’s true. We don’t have to say, “No” to everything. There’s a lot of good stuff, but if anything we read or watch or listen to goes against what the Bible says is good, that can be a problem.

Co-Host If what you’re allowing into your heart steers you away from God instead of towards Him, then it’s probably not helping your heart. I wonder how Rusty, Ethel, and Sophia are doing.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 2

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Host I think that movie has really affected them.

Co-Host They thought it was just a harmless movie, but even things that seem harmless can affect your heart. It’s important to

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Co-Host Keep Out The Bad!

Host The Bible is a book that was written a long time ago, but the truth in it still helps us with problems we face today. Let’s find out what the Bible says about this in today’s Big Verse.

(Host and Co-Host choose a kid to volunteer.)

Co-Host Help as we count down from three, and then you’ll read the verse.

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Verse Slide

Co-Host Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV) says, “Above everything else, guard your heart. Everything you do comes from it.”

Host We have to guard our hearts because what we put in is what we will get out.

Co-Host Like gardening. You can’t plant tomato seeds and expect to grow bananas.

Host We have some balloons, and on each balloon is written something that we can put into our hearts. We’re going to pop them and see what comes out of each balloon.

Host What you put in your heart makes a big difference.

Co-Host If you want to have a good connection to God, then you have to keep out the bad stuff that tries to get in the way.

Host Yup, your actions, words, thoughts, and faith will all be changed by what goes in and comes out of your heart. Let’s put something good inside by standing and worshipping Jesus.

• Play:
  
  Big Story Video

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Play optional soft instrumental music

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. I want you to think about what you’re putting into your heart. Is it helpful? Is it making things worse? Guarding your heart means that sometimes you have to say, “No” to certain things or even certain people. That’s not always an easy choice, but it’s the right choice. Take a moment, right where you sit, to talk to God. Tell Him about the thing you’re having trouble keeping out, and ask God to help you say, “No” to what doesn’t belong in your heart. (Pause) I’ll take a moment to pray for all of us.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 3

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host I’m glad they were finally able to get some sleep.

Host Yeah, and I’m sure they will think hard about the kinds of stuff they let inside. The Big Point is true,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host Keep Out The Bad!

Co-Host That was a lesson that Lot didn’t learn. It cost him big time. When you see bad stuff, stay away.

Host You can share what you’ve learned today when you do this week’s Big Do.

• Play:
  
  H&R Big Do Slide

Host Play a game of trash can basketball. Technically you can use almost anything as the target. Wad up paper or use nerf balls and have one person shoot and the other block. See who can block the most shots.

Co-Host Let’s practice avoiding things. We’ve chosen two adult volunteers and a group of kids to play a little game of dodgeball. Our adult volunteers will stand on either side of the play area and toss these beach balls. If it touches you, then you’re out. Let’s see who can last the whole time.

• Play:
  
  60 Sec Countdown

• Play optional game music. Have two volunteers toss beach balls into a designated play area. You can use cones or tape to mark the area. If you have giant beach balls, you can roll them through the play area as a fun alternative.

Host Good job avoiding danger. Let’s turn and connect with our small groups and talk about what we’ve learned.

• Play:
  
  Small Group Slide

• Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following.

• Have you ever been tempted like Rusty and the gang to watch or look at something you knew wouldn’t be good for you? Why was it hard to resist the temptation? How did watching the movie affect Rusty and his friends? They were fearful and anxious and filled with negative thoughts and words

• Why was it a mistake for Lot to choose the land near the city? The people of the city made bad choices and it affected Lot’s family

• What should you do if your friends are trying to get you to look at something that you know isn’t good for your heart? Tell them, “No.” Avoid those friends. Suggest a good alternative. Talk to your teacher and parents and ask for advice.

• What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? Play a game of trash can basketball and see who can block the most shots.

• Play:
  
  H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

• Play optional Game Music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question.

• Play: Big Review Slides

• Our Big Point says, Keep Out the ______! Good Bad

• What kind of movie did Rusty and his friends watch? Horror Comedy

• What happened after Herman’s friends watched the movie? They had a peaceful night They couldn’t sleep

• What was the name of Abraham’s nephew? Little Lot

• Why did Abraham and Lot have to separate? Flocks were too large They wanted to play the same video game

• Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV), “Above everything else, guard your heart. ________ you do comes from it.” Everything Some things

• What was wrong with the city Lot chose to live beside? Pollution They disobeyed God

• Putting bad things in your heart won’t affect you much. True False

• What should you do if your friends suggest something that will hurt your heart?

• What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? Play a game of trash can basketball and see who can block the most shots.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

Hey guys, welcome to the Lab! How many of you have a fence around your yard? Fences can be very useful, especially if you have pets. You don’t want them to run off! But having a fence doesn’t just keep pets from getting out. It also keeps things from getting in, like raccoons, armadillos or other pesky varmints. Just like a fence helps guard our house, it’s important to guard our hearts as well. When we do, we can keep anything unwanted out of our hearts. We’ll dive deeper into this tonight, but first let’s stand and worship!

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters, dressed in a lab coat.

You guys did a great job worshipping God! It’s now time to break up into your small groups. Go ahead and turn to your small group leaders now.

• Split into groups

• Play: 2 Min Countdown

• Small Group Leader, Use these two minutes to introduce yourself to your kids and go over the rules you have for your group. This will set the expectation and show the kids clear boundaries, setting your group up for success. A ball can be used as a tool to signify whose turn it is to respond.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

It’s time for Lab Wars! In this week’s battle, everyone gets to play. When I say go, your small group leader will throw two beach balls toward other groups. For 30 seconds, you need to protect your small group by keeping all the beach balls out. There is just one rule, you can’t leave your small group. If a ball rolls or bounces out of play, a small group leader can grab it and throw it back in the mix. The group(s) that don’t have any beachballs in their area when the time runs out will win 5,000 points for their team! Does everyone understand? On your mark, get set, go!

• Play:
  
  30 Sec Countdown

• Play optional game music. Play the game

Congratulations to our winners! It was a lot of work keeping those beachballs from getting past your group, but you did it! For this game, you had to keep the beach balls out. Do you know there of things we want to keep out of our hearts as well? Keeping out wrong things is really important. That’s what we’re going to discover today in the Bible, but first, let’s check in with Herman and his friends. I heard they’re having movie night!

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 1

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

I think that movie might be bothering them more than they are willing to admit. Have you ever watched something so terrifying that you dreamed about it later? Some of those things may seem interesting, but before you talk yourself into watching them, let’s check out our Big Point and see what it says you should do when you find yourself in the middle of that conversation of, “Should I or shouldn’t I?” I need a small group to help us reveal it. (Choose a small group to count down.) Ready?

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Let’s all say it together, Keep Out The Bad! That means to guard your heart. Remember, your heart is the invisible part of you that connects with God. Let’s turn to our small groups and do something fun. Each group has a heart that has a bunch of stuff inside. Some things are good, and some are bad. It’s your job to tidy things up. Toss out the bad things and keep in the good. Let’s do that now!

• Play:
  
  8 Min Countdown

• Each small group has a heart box with pieces of paper in it. Written on the pieces of paper are things that may or may not be good for your heart. Have the kids take turns picking a piece of paper. They can read what it says, or you can read it for them. Then let them decide if it’s something they should keep in your heart or take out. Note: Some of the prompts don’t have a right or wrong answer. Allow the kids to discuss and think about these. If they all agree movies are bad, guide them in a discussion by asking the question, “Are all movies bad”?

  The pieces of paper say the following:

  • Inappropriate Jokes

  • Talking with our parents

  • Movies

  • Video Games

  • Notes at School Sharing Gossip

  • Sports

  • Social Media Apps

  • Violent Comic Books

  • Music with Bad Words

  • Inappropriate Websites

  • Hanging Out with Friends

You really have to think about what to let in and what to keep out. We don’t have to say, “No” to everything. There are lots of good things, but if anything we read, watch, or listen to goes against what the Bible says is good, that can be a problem. If what you’re allowing into your heart steers you away from God instead of towards Him, then it’s probably not helping your heart. I wonder how Rusty, Ethel, and Sophia are holding up. Let’s check in.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 2

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

That movie seems to be really bothering them! Sometimes it may seem that movies or songs are harmless, but it’s actually very important to guard ourselves from certain ones that are just no good. Let’s say our Big Point again,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Keep Out The Bad! Let’s find out what the Bible says about this in today’s Big Verse. Help me count it down from three,

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Verse Slide

Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV) says, “Above everything else, guard your heart. Everything you do comes from it.” God wants us to guard our hearts because what we put in is what will come out, in our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Let’s turn to our small groups to do an activity that will help us understand how this plays out.

• Play:
  
  8 Min Countdown

• Each small group has as sponge, several small jars, and a large canister (one that is large enough to dip a sponge into). The jars are labeled different things, such as “Scary Movies”, “Violent Video Games”, etc. Together as a small group, read the small jars. Then allow the kids to pour them into the large canister. Once all the small jars have been poured into the canister, use the sponge to soak up the water. As you do, say the following.

When we fill our hearts with bad things, things that are not good come out of us.

• If we fill our hearts with scary things, what is something that could come out? Worry, sadness, sickness

• If we fill our hearts with violent video games, what is something that could come out? Anger, hurting others, hurting yourself, disrespectful behavior

• If we fill our hearts with negative words, what is something that could come out? Bad thoughts, low self-esteem, loneliness

• If we fill our hearts with bad friendships (friends that do wrong things, say inappropriate things, etc.), what is something that could come out? Bad words, wrong behavior, disrespect

• If we fill our hearts with bad music, what is something that could come out? Wrong thoughts, bad words, bad behavior

What we put in our hearts is very important. When you put in bad things, negative things will show up in your life! Your actions, words, thoughts, and faith will all be changed by what goes in and comes out of your heart. That is why it is so important to follow our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Keep Out The Bad! Let’s listen to a Bible story about two guys. One chose to keep the bad out, while the other not so much. Check out their story.

• Play:
  
  Big Story Video

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

I want you to think about what you’re putting into your heart. Is it helpful? Does it make things worse? Guarding your heart means that sometimes you have to say, “No” to certain things or even certain people. That’s not always an easy choice, but it’s the right choice. Let’s turn to our small groups and talk more about this.

• Play:
  
  6min Countdown

• Have you ever had a splinter that got stuck in your hand? How did that feel? It hurt, right? That’s because it didn’t belong in your hand.

• How can putting bad things in your heart hurt you? It causes bad things to come out of you, you can be a poor influence on others, it can make you afraid or worried

• Think about the friends you hang out with. Do they help bring you closer to God, or do they do things that go against what God likes?

• Have you noticed bad things coming out of your heart before? What is something you may need to stop putting in your heart?

Take a moment and pray. Ask God to forgive you if you have put wrong things in your heart. Then ask him to help you to Keep Out The Bad.

When we fill our hearts with bad things, wrong things come out of us. God wants you to live an amazing life, filled with good things. He wants you to be blessed, have joy, peace, and so much more. It is our job to follow our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Keep Out The Bad! Let’s check back in at the lab to see if Rusty, Sophia, and Ethel learned this lesson.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 3

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

I’m glad they were finally able to get some sleep. I’m sure they will think hard about the kinds of stuff they let inside. The Big Point is true,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Keep Out The Bad! You can share what you’ve learned today when you do this week’s Big Do.

• Play:
  
  H&R Big Do Slide

Play a game of trash can basketball. Technically you can use almost anything as the target. Wad up paper or use Nerf balls and have one person shoot and the other block. See who can block the most shots. It will be a fun way to remember what we learned today. Now let’s turn to our small groups to finish up tonight’s service.

• Use this time to hand out any positive reinforcement tools (i.e. Candy, stickers, prize coupons, etc.) Tell your group how much you enjoyed spending time with them this week. Finally, end your time together with a prayer and maybe even a group cheer.

• Play:
  
  H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

• Play optional Game Music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question.

• Play: Big Review Slides

• Our Big Point says, Keep Out the ______! Good Bad

• What kind of movie did Rusty and his friends watch? Horror Comedy

• What happened after Herman’s friends watched the movie? They had a peaceful night They couldn’t sleep

• What was the name of Abraham’s nephew? Little Lot

• Why did Abraham and Lot have to separate? Flocks were too large They wanted to play the same video game

• Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV), “Above everything else, guard your heart. ________ you do comes from it.” Everything Some things

• What was wrong with the city Lot chose to live beside? Pollution They disobeyed God

• Putting bad things in your heart won’t affect you much. True False

• What should you do if your friends suggest something that will hurt your heart?

• What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? Play a game of trash can basketball and see who can block the most shots.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host Do you smell something stinky? I accidently burned some popcorn. But I didn't know it was burned until I dumped it into my favorite popcorn bucket with my not burned popcorn. And then I tried picking out all the black stuff, because I don't want to eat that, but it's really kind of hard to do. It would have been much better if I had been able to keep it out of my favorite popcorn bucket in the first place. I wish I had paid more attention to what I was dumping in there.

Host I guess the burnt popcorn smell must have cleared the building, thank goodness. But what you are saying is true, keeping out wrong things is really important. In fact, that’s what we’re going to discover today in the Bible.

Co-Host I have to go finish popping some more popcorn. I heard that it’s movie night for Herman and the gang.

Host While we get ready to check in at the lab, stand to your feet and tell someone nearby which movie snack you prefer: Popcorn or candy.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 1

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host I think that movie might be bothering them more than they are willing to admit.

Host Do you think they’re scared? Have you ever watched something so terrifying that you dreamed about it later?

Co-Host Some of those things seem so interesting that you talk yourself into watching them.

Host Unfortunately, I’ve had those same conversations with myself. Let’s check out our Big Point and see what it says you should do when you find yourself in the middle of that conversation of, “Should I or shouldn’t I?” I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.

(Host and Co-Host choose a kid to volunteer.)

Co-Host You will help as we count down from three and then read the Big Point.

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host Let’s all say it together, Keep Out The Bad! That means that to guard your heart…

Co-Host ...Just to remind everyone, our heart is the invisible part of us where we make the choice to connect with God. It’s really important....

Host ...Right, and if you want to guard it and keep it healthy, it means saying, “No” to some things, even things that might look interesting.

Co-Host Or saying, “No” to things that you wanted to do because you don’t want to be the only one at school not doing them.

Host We don’t have to say, “No” to everything. There’s a lot of good stuff, but if anything we read or watch or listen to goes against what the Bible says is good, that can be a problem.

Co-Host If what you’re allowing into your heart steers you away from God instead of towards Him, then it’s probably not helping your heart. I wonder how Rusty, Ethel, and Sophia are doing.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 2

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Host I think that movie has really affected them.

Co-Host They thought it was just a harmless movie, but even things that seem harmless can affect your heart. It’s important to

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Co-Host Keep Out The Bad!

Host The Bible is a book that was written a long time ago, but the truth in it still helps us with problems we face today. Let’s find out what the Bible says about this in today’s Big Verse.

(Host and Co-Host choose a kid to volunteer.)

Co-Host Help as we count down from three, and then you’ll read the verse.

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Verse Slide

Co-Host Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV) says, “Above everything else, guard your heart. Everything you do comes from it.”

Host We have to guard our hearts because what we put in is what we will get out.

Co-Host Like gardening. You can’t plant tomato seeds and expect to grow bananas.

Host That is true. What you put in your heart makes a big difference.

Co-Host If you want to have a good connection to God, then you have to keep out the bad stuff that tries to get in the way.

Host Yup, your actions, words, thoughts, and faith will all be changed by what goes in and comes out of your heart.

• Play:
  
  Big Story Video

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Play optional soft instrumental music

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. I want you to think about what you’re putting into your heart. Is it helpful? Is it making things worse? Guarding your heart means that sometimes you have to say, “No” to certain things or even certain people. That’s not always an easy choice, but it’s the right choice. Take a moment, right where you sit, to talk to God. Tell Him about the thing you’re having trouble keeping out, and ask God to help you say, “No” to what doesn’t belong in your heart. (Pause) I’ll take a moment to pray for all of us.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 3

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host I’m glad they were finally able to get some sleep.

Host Yeah, and I’m sure they will think hard about the kinds of stuff they let inside. The Big Point is true,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host Keep Out The Bad!

Co-Host That was a lesson that Lot didn’t learn. It cost him big time. When you see bad stuff, stay away.

Host You can share what you’ve learned today when you do this week’s Big Do.

• Play:
  
  H&R Big Do Slide

Host Play a game of trash can basketball. Technically you can use almost anything as the target. Wad up paper or use nerf balls and have one person shoot and the other block. See who can block the most shots.

Co-Host That will be fun to do with your family or friends!

Host Yes it will. Let’s turn and connect with our small groups and talk about what we’ve learned.

• Play:
  
  Small Group Slide

• Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following.

• Have you ever been tempted like Rusty and the gang to watch or look at something you knew wouldn’t be good for you? Why was it hard to resist the temptation? How did watching the movie affect Rusty and his friends? They were fearful and anxious and filled with negative thoughts and words

• Why was it a mistake for Lot to choose the land near the city? The people of the city made bad choices and it affected Lot’s family

• What should you do if your friends are trying to get you to look at something that you know isn’t good for your heart? Tell them, “No.” Avoid those friends. Suggest a good alternative. Talk to your teacher and parents and ask for advice.

• What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? Play a game of trash can basketball and see who can block the most shots.

• Play:
  
  H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

• Play optional Game Music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question.

• Play: Big Review Slides

• Our Big Point says, Keep Out the ______! Good Bad

• What kind of movie did Rusty and his friends watch? Horror Comedy

• What happened after Herman’s friends watched the movie? They had a peaceful night They couldn’t sleep

• What was the name of Abraham’s nephew? Little Lot

• Why did Abraham and Lot have to separate? Flocks were too large They wanted to play the same video game

• Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV), “Above everything else, guard your heart. ________ you do comes from it.” Everything Some things

• What was wrong with the city Lot chose to live beside? Pollution They disobeyed God

• Putting bad things in your heart won’t affect you much. True False

• What should you do if your friends suggest something that will hurt your heart?

• What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? Play a game of trash can basketball and see who can block the most shots.