Slides and Printables.zip

Slides and Printables

Slides.zip

Slides

03 sec Countdown

2 Min Countdown

Big Story Video

H&R Big Do Slide

4 Minute Timer

Herman and Rusty Act 3 

3 Min Countdown

60 sec Countdown

Herman and Rusty Title

Herman and Rusty Act 2

Herman and Rusty Act 1

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules

Rusty invents a remote to fast-forward through his day, but his skipping scheme could land him in a haggis-free future.

Large Group Full Program

Question of the Day: What is harder to wait for: Christmas or Birthday?

Engage 2 prep: This engage uses the Bed of Nails science experiment. You can create your own using instructions online, or you can purchase a kit at different online retailers. Be sure to follow the included instructions.

Countdown / Rules

**Host** and **Co-Host** enter. The **Co-Host** wears a birthday hat.



**Co-Host**

Do you know why I’m wearing this hat?



**Host**

Why?



**Co-Host**

Because this is the hardest day to wait for, your birthday. It feels like it takes forever for your big day to get here.



**Host**

I agree. It’s the same with Christmas. But today we’ll learn how the Holy Spirit can actually help us when we have to wait.





**Co-Host**

I assume it has something to do with the Fruit of the Spirit. Speaking of fruit, and not jumping ahead too fast, let’s play a game. We have some contestants who will compete to see who can stack the tallest tower of apples in 60 seconds. Whoever has the most standing at the end of the timer wins.





Optional, play game music.  Play the game. Choose as many kids as you would like to play. Have at least five apples available for each kid to use.









**Co-Host**

It paid to slow down during that game. I guess waiting isn’t all bad.



**Host**

It can be a good thing. Today’s Big Point will help us learn more about patience. Let’s see how patient our friends in the lab are today, but first, tell someone if you’ve ever peeked at a present early.

Welcome

Worship

**Host**

Does anyone else think that Rusty’s remote invention is a bad idea?



**Co-Host**

It would be a lot better for everyone if he’d walk in step with the Holy Spirit and grow some good fruit in his heart.



**Host**

Let’s choose a Lab Assistant to come up and help us reveal the Big Point, so we can learn what happens when the Holy Spirit works inside of us.





**Host** and **Co-Host** choose a kid to volunteer.





**Co-Host**

After we count down from three, you will read the Big Point. 





**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **Be Willing To Wait!** Is that a hard one for anyone in here? I think it’s really hard whenever you take a cake out of the oven, and you have to wait for it to cool before you can dump icing on it and eat it. 



**Host**

What would happen if you didn’t wait for the cake to cool down?



**Co-Host**

The icing would melt off, and that would be tragic. You might burn your tongue trying to eat it. 



**Host**

When you walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He grows the fruit of patience in your life. Patience is important because jumping ahead can cause problems.



**Co-Host**

Just like when I tried to eat my birthday cake while it was still baking.



**Host**

Let’s put up some different situations most kids face. I’m going to ask you guys to explain why not waiting in that situation could cause problems.





Show the scenarios and ask some of the kids why not having patience can cause problems.





**Co-Host**

It may not be easy, but it’s definitely the wise thing to do.



**Host**

Let’s see if Rusty wises up and ditches that remote.





Engage 1

**Host** and **Co-Host** enter. This Engage uses the Bed of Nails science experiment. You can create your own using instructions online, or you can purchase a kit at different online retailers. Be sure to follow the included instructions.





**Co-Host**

Does anyone else think Rusty might have just messed things up in the Lab in a huge way?



**Host**

How long did he fast forward his life? Yikes.



**Co-Host**

He should have listened to the Big Point, 

**Co-Host**

**Be Willing To Wait!**



**Host**

Why don’t we bring up a Lab Assistant to help us reveal the Big Verse. God’s Word helps us understand how to live out the Big Point.





**Co-Host**

Shout it out as we count down from three, and then read the verse. 





**Host**

Psalm 27:14 (NIrV), “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope.” Patience requires faith. We can wait because we trust God to come through in the end. 



**Co-Host**

That’s true. If you trust that God is faithful to keep His word, then you can be willing to wait for the perfect time for God to act.



**Host**

The more pressure we feel, the more we must rely on the Lord. It’s like this balloon. Let’s have an assistant come and help us. Take this needle and pop the balloon.





**Co-Host**

That’s like us when we give in and get impatient. 



**Host**

Watch what happens when we follow the verse and stay strong in our faith. I want you to press the wooden board down on this balloon so that it pushes into the bed of nails.







Have the kid press the balloon into the bed of nails. The balloon doesn’t pop.





**Co-Host**

When you wait for the Lord and trust Him to keep His Word, you don’t give in to the pressure to jump ahead. Sounds like trusting God is the key to being patient.



**Host**

The next time you feel like you can’t wait, be strong and trust God. Let’s stand and worship.



Engage 2

Is there something you really need, but it seems like it’s never going to happen? It’s tempting in those moments to give up and quit. You might feel like taking control and just grabbing what you need right now. I want to challenge you to walk in step with the Holy Spirit and wait. It’s not always the easiest choice, but it’s the choice that gives God the chance to help you in great ways. Take a moment to share with God something that you feel impatient, worried, or nervous about. Then ask Him to help you be willing to wait. Let’s do that now. (Pause) I want to take a moment to pray for you guys and ask God to help us all **Be Willing To Wait!** (Pray)



Big Story

**Host**

Jesus’ followers waited patiently, and it paid off big time.



**Co-Host**

They received an awesome gift from God, the Holy Spirit. He continues to help us practice the Big Point, 

**Co-Host**

**Be Willing To Wait!**



**Host**

Let’s check out this week’s Big Do, so we can learn how to apply the Big Point this week. 





**Co-Host**

The Big Do is to plant some wildflowers as a family and wait for them to grow. Water them, give them sunlight, and be patient. 





**Host**

James 5:7-8 (NIrV) says, “See how the farmer waits for the land to produce its rich crop…You too must be patient.” Be patient, because if you pick the flowers too early, they won’t look great. 



**Co-Host**

That introduces today’s game. We have some green bags that represent a field. Inside each of them is dirt. Technically, it’s brown balloons. When we say, “Go,” you’ll have sixty seconds to dig through the “dirt” balloons and find the flower balloons. Whichever team finds the most flower balloons wins. 



**Host**

On your mark, get set, go!







Optional, play game music. Play the game.







**Host**

Great job to our winners. Don’t forget our Big Point, 

**Host**

**Be Willing To Wait!** Let’s gather in our Small Groups and discuss what we’ve learned.

Engage 3

Gather the kids into Small Groups and discuss the following. 









 - What did Rusty do to avoid waiting? **Create a remote control** Why was it a mistake? **He wasn’t waiting patiently, he tried to fix it all on his own**



 - Why is it hard to wait for something you want?

 - Why is it important to wait until the right time?

 - What are some ways you can practice patience this week at school? At home?

Small Group

Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question. 

 - Our Big Point says, Be Willing To _____!

    - Go

    - **Wait**



 - What did Rusty create to help him avoid waiting?

    - **Remote Control**

    - Time Machine



 - Jesus asked who to wait in Jerusalem?

    - **Disciples**

    - Angels



 - Psalm 27:14 (NIrV), “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose _____.”

    - **Hope**

    - Your cool



 - Which gift were the disciples waiting for in Jerusalem?

    - Gold

    - **Holy Spirit**



 - The disciples waited patiently.

    - **True**

    - False



 - Why is it important to wait patiently?



 - What is NOT part of the Fruit of the Spirit?

    - Love

    - Patience

    - **Anger**



 - How did being impatient hurt Rusty? 



 - What is this week’s Big Do?

**Plant wildflowers and wait for them to grow**

Big Review

Large Group Abbreviated

**Co-Host**

Do you know why I’m wearing this hat?

**Host**

Why?

**Co-Host**

Because this is the hardest day to wait for, your birthday. It feels like it takes forever for your big day to get here.

**Host**

I agree. It’s the same with Christmas. But today we’ll learn how the Holy Spirit can actually help us when we have to wait.

**Co-Host**

I assume it has something to do with the Fruit of the Spirit. 

**Host**

Waiting can be a good thing. Today’s Big Point will help us learn more about patience. Let’s see how patient our friends in the lab are today, but first, tell someone if you’ve ever peeked at a present early.

**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **Be Willing To Wait!** Is that a hard one for anyone in here? I think it’s really hard whenever you take a cake out of the oven, and you have to wait for it to cool before you can dump icing on it and eat it.

**Host**

What would happen if you didn’t wait for the cake to cool down?

**Co-Host**

The icing would melt off, and that would be tragic. You might burn your tongue trying to eat it.

**Host**

When you walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He grows the fruit of patience in your life. Patience is important because jumping ahead can cause problems.

**Co-Host**

Just like when I tried to eat my birthday cake while it was still baking.

**Host**

Just like that.

**Co-Host**

It may not be easy to wait, but it’s definitely the wise thing to do.

**Host**

Let’s see if Rusty wises up and ditches that remote.

**Host**

Psalm 27:14 (NIrV), “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope.” Patience requires faith. We can wait because we trust God to come through in the end.

**Co-Host**

That’s true. If you trust that God is faithful to keep His word, then you can be willing to wait for the perfect time for God to act.

**Host**

The more pressure we feel, the more we must rely on the Lord. 

**Host**

James 5:7-8 (NIrV) says, “See how the farmer waits for the land to produce its rich crop…You too must be patient.” 



**Co-Host**

Be patient, because if you pick the flowers too early, they won’t look great.



Midweek / Classroom

Question of the Day: Is it harder to wait to eat birthday cake or to open presents?

Welcome to the Lab! We are so glad you are here! Go ahead and turn to your Small Group Leaders now to talk about the Big Question of the Day. 

Optional, play game music.



Small Group Leader

Use this time to introduce yourself to your kids, talk about the Big Question, and go over the rules. Use the ball to signify whose turn it is to talk. If someone wants to answer the question, he/she raises his/her hand, and the Small Group Leader throws that kid the ball. When the child finishes speaking, he/she throws the ball back to the Small Group Leader, who then chooses the next person to answer.









We are continuing our series called “In Step,” talking about what it means to listen to and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He’s the helper God has sent to be with each of us who have said, “Yes” to following Jesus. I am so thankful we have the Holy Spirit’s help in our life when hard things happen. I don’t know about you, but I think waiting is one of the hardest things to do. Let’s play a game practicing waiting. That’s right! It’s time for Lab Wars.



Today we’ll play a simple fun game you may have seen before. All of you can be a part by doing the wave. You may have seen this at a sports event. One side of the room begins the wave, and you have to wait until it gets to your section to join in. But we have a little twist. I’m going to assign each group a number. On the screen, a random number will come up. You’ll do the wave according to the order that’s shown on the screen. So, pay attention to catch on when your group’s number shows up. Make sure you wait until it’s your turn. Are you ready?







number order slides in random order or call out numbers in mixed order.

Optional play game music. Assign each group a number. Then show the slides on the screen, in a random order. Repeat as much as time allows. 





Great job to our winning group! Waiting can be hard, but patience is such a help to us in our lives. Let’s check in with our friends in the Lab to see what’s happening over there.







Lab Wars

Let’s check out our Big Point to see which Fruit of the Spirit we are hearing about today. I need a Small Group to help me reveal what it is. 

Let’s all say it together, **Be Willing to Wait!** When you listen to and follow the Holy Spirit, He grows the fruit of patience in your life. Let’s turn to our Small Groups to do an activity. 





Small Group Leader

Give each kid a sucker. Tell them they have two options. They can either eat it now, or if they just hold it and wait until the end of the service, they can trade their sucker for a Blow Pop. 





**Small Group Leader**

Which choice is easier and more fun? **Having the first sucker now.**

Why is it hard to wait for the better sucker? **You want to eat it now; you may see other people having one**

But what happens when we wait? **We get good things, sometime even better things.**



**Leader**

Waiting is not always easy, but it is definitely the wise thing to do. Let’s say our Big Point, 



**Be Willing to Wait!** Let’s see if Rusty wises up and ditches that remote.









Does anyone else think that Rusty might have just messed things up in the Lab in a huge way? He should have listened to the Big Point, 



**Be Willing to Wait!** Let’s check out our Big Verse to find out what the Bible says. I’d like a Small Group to help me reveal what it is. 

Choose a Small Group to help you count down from three 

Psalm 27:14 (NIrV), “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope.” Patience requires faith. We can wait because we trust God to come through in the end. Let’s turn to our Small Groups and do an activity to illustrate what this Big Verse means.

Small Group Leader, Have your group do different exercises/movements and use the sand timer to time how long they have to hold the movement. (For example- stand on one foot, do squats, hold your breath, staring contest, etc.) As kids do the movements, give them reminders to “be strong and not give up.” After each movement, take a break and discuss. 





**Small Group Leader**

Was it hard to stay strong during that whole time?

Were some exercises easier to do than others?

What motivates you to stay strong?

		



**Leader**

When you wait for the Lord and trust Him to keep His Word, you don’t give in to the pressure to jump ahead. Sounds like trusting God is the key to being patient. The next time you feel like you can’t wait, be strong and trust God, and watch what He’ll help you do.





Is there something you really need, but it seems like it’s never going to happen? It’s tempting in those moments to give up and quit. You might feel like taking control and just grabbing what you need right now. I want to challenge you to stop, ask for help, and then listen to and follow the Holy Spirit. It’s not always the easiest choice, but it’s a chance for God to help you in great ways. Take a moment to share with God something that you feel impatient about. Then ask Him to help you be willing to wait. Let’s do that now. (Pause) Now I’ll pray for you guys and ask God to help us all **Be Willing To Wait!** (Pray) Let’s turn to our Small Groups now.





**Small Group Leader**

What are some areas in your life you could use some patience in? (Allow kids to share.)



Let’s pray and ask God to help us be willing to wait in these areas. You can quietly whisper out loud or pray in your head. Let’s take a minute to pray. 

Allow some time for the kids to pray on their own.





**Small Group Leader**

Did anybody have a thought while we were praying about how you can have patience? (Allow kids to share.)



Did you know that is the Lord speaking to you? When you pray and ask God for help, and then you have a thought about the thing you asked Him about, that’s how God speaks to us! So then whatever your idea was, put it into practice this week knowing the Lord will help you.



**Leader**

I’m so thankful that the Lord helps us to have patience and be strong! Let’s check back in with the Lab to see what happened with Rusty.



**Be Willing to Wait!** You can live this out at home when you do this week’s Big Do. 



The Big Do is to plant some wildflowers as a family and wait for them to grow. Water them, give them sunlight, and be patient. Don’t forget to bring your Big Do card back next week to get a prize! Let’s turn to our Small Groups to finish up tonight’s service. 





Small Group Leader,

Wrap up your Small Group by passing out positive reinforcement, praying for your group, and doing a team cheer!



Anybody who waited to eat their sucker can give their sucker back to you and exchange it for a Blow Pop.

In Step Week 4

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Large Group Full Program Instructions

Large Group Full Program Instructions