Slides and Printables.zip

Slides and Printables

03 sec Countdown

2 Min Countdown

Herman and Rusty Act 2

H&R Big Do Slide

4 Minute Timer

60 sec Countdown

5 Min Countdown

Herman and Rusty Title

Big Story Video

Herman and Rusty Act 3

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules

Herman and Rusty Act 1

Herman is being sued and is counting on his friends to come through and testify in court. Will they?

Large Group Full Program

Question of the Day: What is the best promise someone has ever made and kept?





Engage 2 Prep: This segment uses a powerpoint game. Each time you move to a new kid, move to a new gameboard slide on the PowerPoint. This will cause the cards to change position each time and make it impossible for the kids to accurately follow which ones match. If this isn't an option use the old fashioned memory game on a tray and turn it differently each time moving around the audience.

Countdown / Rules

**Host** and **Co-Host** enter. The **Co-Host** is dressed as a dog.



**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! Why are you dressed like that?



**Co-Host**

Because I am the perfect example of what we’re learning about, the Fruit of the Spirit.



**Host**

How so?



**Co-Host**

What are dogs known for?



**Host**

Peeing on everything.





**Co-Host**

Yes, but they’re also known for being man’s, or woman’s, best friend. They will never leave you hanging. Dogs stick with you until the end.





Volunteer pops out on stage and announces that there are treats backstage.





**Co-Host**

Gotta go!



**Host**

Wait, hold on. You’re supposed to be the representation of dependability, the pet who sticks with his or her owner. Being dependable is what we’ll hear about today. To get started, let’s play a game called “Walking the Dog.” If you have a dog, you’ve gotta show up every day to take care of it.



**Co-Host**

Yes, and in this game, you’ll drag a hula hoop across the stage in an attempt to pull this wiffle ball across and back. You must always keep the wiffle ball inside the hula hoop, so don’t lift the hula hoop off the ground. The first team to get everyone down and back wins.









Optional, play game music. Play the game. Choose 3-4 kids for each team. Have the kids go across the stage and back to the starting line. Then tag the next kid, who repeats the process. The kids hold one end of the hula hoop in the air while dragging the other end on the ground. This will keep the wiffle ball loosely trapped in the hoop. If the ball rolls out of the hoop, they must retrieve it before they can keep going.







**Host**

Great job to our winners. It's time to check in at the lab. But first, tell someone which pet you prefer, dogs or cats.

Welcome

Worship

**Co-Host**

You really should have gotten one of those donuts before they disappeared. They were delish.



**Host**

I could have if you hadn’t run ahead of me and scarfed them all down.



**Co-Host**

Just being a faithful companion.



**Host**

I think we might need a better understanding of faithfulness. Let’s choose a Lab Assistant to come up and help us reveal the Big Point, so we can understand the Fruit of the Spirit better.





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





**Co-Host**

Get ready to read the Big Point after we count down from three, 





**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **Count On Me!** Alright, I have four paws, two ears, and one cute tail. Should we count my teeth?



**Host**

That’s not what it means. When we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He helps us choose faithfulness. That means when you say something, you keep your word.



**Co-Host**

That’s me. I am locked in to helping you with this lesson.





Bone flies across stage. The **Co-Host** chases after it.





**Host**

You know you’re not a real dog, right? I need a Lab Assistant to help me demonstrate faithfulness.





**Host**

I have this silk. What’s on it? A heart. When we talk about our heart in the Bible, we mean that invisible part of us that connects to God. If we follow God, He should be able to count on us to be there whenever He asks us to obey. Place that heart silk in this bag. 





Switch the interior of the bag so that the silk is hidden. The other side of the bag is empty.





**Host**

Let’s say God asks you to serve at church. Reach in and grab the heart.





**Co-Host**

It’s not there. Not a faithful piece of fabric.





Switch the bag and reach in a pull out the silk. Place it back in the bag and switch it again.





**Host**

If you are faithful, then you can be counted on to always be there. Here’s the problem; if you aren’t faithful to God, then you probably won’t be faithful to your friends and family either.



**Co-Host**

Try grabbing it again.







**Host**

As we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He helps us grow in faithfulness. We can become people who will always be counted on. Let’s see if our faithful fabric is here. (Kid pulls out the silk) Look at that! Let’s see if Ethel and Hannah are faithful to show up for Herman.

Engage 1



**Co-Host**

That was bad. I can’t believe they didn’t show up for the trial. Now Herman has to pay Skip. (Points to himself/herself) They definitely were not like man’s best friend.





**Host**

Where are you going?



**Co-Host**

To watch the show America’s Top Dog. Wait a second, that’s right; I told you I would stay, so I’m going to follow the Big Point, 

**Co-Host**

**Count On Me!**



**Host**

Thank you for keeping your word. I will choose a Lab Assistant to help us reveal the Big Verse. It will help us understand how we can follow the Big Point.





**Co-Host**

Could you scratch behind my ear? Never mind. Why don’t you just count down from three. Then you can read the verse.

**Host**

Hebrews 10:23 (NIrV), “The God who promised is faithful.” God is faithful. He makes promises, and He keeps them.



**Co-Host**

It would be hard to be faithful if we followed a God who didn’t keep His word.



						**Host**

Exactly, an unfaithful God would create big problems. Let’s play a game, boys versus girls. It’s pretty simple for a group of kids this old.



**Co-Host**

Are your sure it isn’t too easy? It’s a blast from your past. It’s a matching game. We have some matching cards on screen. We’ll come around and choose kids who will try to make a match. 



**Host**

Whichever group makes the most correct matches wins. 





Play the powerpoint game. Each time you move to a new kid, move to a new gameboard slide on the PowerPoint. This will cause the cards to change position each time and make it impossible for the kids to accurately follow which ones match. If this isn't an option use the old fashioned memory game on a tray and turn it differently each time moving around the audience.



**Co-Host**

It was hard to make matches when the cards kept changing. You couldn’t keep up.

**Host**

That’s what it would be like if we served a God who wasn’t faithful. We could never be sure if He would keep His promises. If He constantly changed His mind, you might be a nervous wreck. Thankfully our God is faithful, and He helps us to choose faithfulness, too. That’s a great reason to stand and worship God.

Engage 2

Faithfulness is easier to claim than to live out. The good news is that you don’t have to do it by yourself. We have God’s help, and if we listen to and obey Him, the Holy Spirit produces faithfulness in us. Let’s take a moment to pray and chat with God. Ask Him to show you times you haven’t kept your word. Then ask Him to help you be a faithful person. God can help you be the kind of person who keeps your word and someone who follows Jesus no matter what happens. Let’s pray. (Pause) I want to pray for you guys now and ask God to help us be faithful people.



Big Story

**Host**



Peter became someone Jesus could count on. It’s because he made the decision to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. God changed him completely.



**Co-Host**

Hannah and Ethel came through in a big way for Herman. Maybe this time justice will prevail. Let’s say the Big Point, 

**Co-Host**

**Count On Me!**



**Host**

That’s awesome. We can all live the Big Point when we do this week’s Big Do. 





**Co-Host**

The Big Do is to plan a family game night and give each person in your family a task. One person could be in charge of the game, another could make the snacks, and another could pick out the music. Whatever job you get, be sure to be faithful to do it.



**Host**

Let’s play a family game night game right now. One game I loved as a kid was Hungry, Hungry Hippos. This is a life-sized version. We have these scooter boards tied to rope. Your Connector and team will push you out into the middle. You guys on the scooter board will use the hamper to capture as many balls as you can. Whoever gets the most in 60 seconds wins.



**Co-Host**

On your mark, get set, go! 



Optional, play game music. Play the game.



**Host**

Great job to our winners. When you bring back your card, let us know which game you played.

**Co-Host**

Don’t forget our Big Point,

**Co-Host**

**Count On Me!** 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 is something we can count on God to do? **Love us, forgive us, guide us, help us love others, listen to us**

 - How does it make you feel when someone doesn’t keep their word?

 - What is the best promise someone has made to you and kept?

 - What is one thing you don’t always feel like doing that you could be faithful to do this week?

Small Group

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

 - Our Big Point says, Count On _____!

    - **Me**

    - No One



 - How were Hannah and Ethel not faithful?

    - **Didn’t show up in court**

    - Didn’t bring the video evidence



 - Which disciple promised to always stick by Jesus’ side?

    - **Peter**

    - Judas



 - Hebrews 10:23 (NIrV), “The God who promised is ______.”

    - Forgetful

    - **Faithful**



 - What did Peter do when he was questioned about Jesus?

    - Admitted he knew Jesus

    - **Denied knowing Jesus**



 - What happened after Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit?

    - **He preached about Jesus**

    - He hid from a large crowd



 - Why is it important to be faithful?



 - Peter never again turned his back on Jesus.

    - **True**

    - False



 - God will never change.

    - **True**

    - False



 - What is this week’s Big Do? **Family Game Night**

Big Review

Large Group Abbreviated

**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! 



**Co-Host**

Woof woof!



**Host**

Why are you barking?



**Co-Host**

I am a dog!



**Host**

What? Why are you a dog? We are supposed to be talking about the Fruit of the Spirit.

**Co-Host**

Exactly. I am the perfect example of the Fruit of the Spirit.

**Host**

How so?

**Co-Host**

What are dogs known for?

**Host**

Peeing on everything.

**Co-Host**

Yes, but they’re also known for being man’s, or woman’s, best friend. They will never leave you hanging. Dogs stick with you until the end.

**Host**

You may be right. We are going to talk more about that soon. Right now It's time to check in at the lab. But first, tell someone which pet you prefer, dogs or cats.

**Co-Host**

Did you see the yummy dog treats back stage?

**Host**

Uh no. You know you are not a real dog right?

**Co-Host**

Just being a faithful companion.

**Host**

I think we might need a better understanding of faithfulness. Let’s choose a Lab Assistant to come up and help us reveal the Big Point, so we can understand the Fruit of the Spirit better.

**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **Count On Me!** Alright, I have four paws, two ears, and one cute tail. Should we count my teeth?

**Host**

That’s not what it means. When we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He helps us choose faithfulness. That means when you say something, you keep your word.

**Co-Host**

Just like me. Your best friend. By your side to the end. Unless they restock those treats backstage, then I'm going to have to take myself for a walk and go check those out.

**Host**

As we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He helps us grow in faithfulness. We can become people who will always be counted on. Let’s see if Ethel and Hannah are faithful to show up for Herman.

**Co-Host**

Could you scratch behind my ear? Never mind. Why don’t you just help us count down from three. Then you can read the verse.

**Host**

Hebrews 10:23 (NIrV), “The God who promised is faithful.” God is faithful. He makes promises, and He keeps them.

**Co-Host**

It would be hard to be faithful if we followed a God who didn’t keep His word.

**Host**

Exactly, an unfaithful God would create big problems. 

**Co-Host**

That's right!

**Host**

We could never be sure if He would keep His promises. If He constantly changed His mind, you might be a nervous wreck. Thankfully our God is faithful, and He helps us to choose faithfulness, too. That’s a great reason to stand and worship God.

**Co-Host**

The Big Do is to plan a family game night and give each person in your family a task. One person could be in charge of the game, another could make the snacks, and another could pick out the music. Whatever job you get, be sure to be faithful to do it.





**Host**



Don’t forget our Big Point,

Midweek / Classroom

Question of the Day: If your parents said they would take you to any restaurant for dinner, where would you go? 



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, they raise their hand, and the Small Group Leader throws them the ball. When they are finished, they throw the ball back to the Small Group Leader who then chooses the next person to answer.





Okay, I’ve got a question for you. Which do you like better, dogs or cats? (Allow for answers) I love that dogs are dependable. They are loyal to their owners and love to do whatever their owner says. Being dependable is what we’re talking about today. To get started, let’s play Lab Wars! Send up a representative from each group.



You may have played this game before. It’s Pie Face! We have one line of girls and one line of boys. Whoever is at the front of the line will step up to the game and place their face through the frame. You have to give the knob 3 clicks, and if you get pied, you are out. If you are safe, you get to go to the end of the line. Play continues until we have one final winner! Ready, set, go!





Optional, play game music. Kids form 2 lines. One for girls, and one for boys. They each take a turn to come up to the game, and they have to turn the knob 3 clicks. If they get pied, they are out, so give them a wipe to clean off. If they do not get pied, they go to the end of the line to wait for their turn again. Play continues until only one person remains.





Great job to our winning team! This game was not dependable. You never knew if the machine was going to pie you in the face or not. Faithfulness is the Fruit of the Spirit we will hear more about today. Let’s check in with the Lab to see what’s happening over there.



Lab Wars

I wonder if Hannah and Ethel will be dependable. Dependable means that someone can trust you to do what you say you will do. That leads us right into our Big Point for the day. I need a Small Group to help me reveal what it is.



Let’s all say the Big Point together, **Count On Me!**



When we listen to and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, He helps us choose faithfulness. That means when you say something, you keep your word. Let’s turn to our Small Groups to do an activity. 



Small Group Leader

Lead your Small Group in playing a “Follow the Leader” type game. The Small Group Leader begins by doing a motion, and the kid next to the leader copies the motion, then the next kid copies the motion all the way around the circle. Then, the leader will switch the motion they are doing, and the next kid follows suit. The idea is that kids are not following the Small Group Leader. They are only watching what the person right before them is doing. This continues for a few rounds.  





**Small Group Leader**

That was kind of hard, wasn’t it? Now, did we have to depend on each other for this to work? (Allow for answers) What would have happened if the person who was right before you didn’t do their part?



That’s right! The rhythm wouldn’t have continued going. We all had to trust each other to be faithful and do our own parts. And we had to remember that people are relying on and counting on us to do our parts. 





**Leader**

You all had to remain faithful in keeping that beat going in order for the whole thing to work. You had to make sure your group could count on you to focus and participate. What a great way to show our Big Point, 





**Count On Me!** As we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He helps us grow in faithfulness. We can become people who others can always count on. Let’s see if Ethel and Hannah are faithful to show up for Herman.

That was bad. I can’t believe they didn’t show up for the trial. Now Herman has to pay Skip. They were not following our Big Point, 



**Count On Me!** Let’s see what the Bible says about this in our Big Verse. I’d like a Small Group to help me reveal what it is. 

Choose a Small Group to help you count down from three.  

Hebrews 10:23 (NIrV), “The God who promised is faithful.” God is faithful. When God makes promises, He keeps them. It would be hard to be faithful if we followed a God who didn’t keep His word. If He answered differently each time you talked to Him, it would be so hard to know how to please Him. Thankfully our God is faithful, and He helps us to choose faithfulness, too. Let’s turn to our Small Groups to do an activity together. 

Optional, play game music. 

Small Group Leader



For this Engage, you’ll use a stack of cards with verses on them. Each kid will have a turn to try to do a bottle flip. If the child succeeds, he/she gets to grab a card and read the verse. Play continues until all cards have been read. 

		







**Leader**

The Lord is always faithful to keep His promises! It’s truly a comfort to know that God will never let us down. Let’s check out a true story from the Bible about a guy who learned a lesson about faithfulness the hard way.

Faithfulness is easier to claim than to live out. The good news is that you don’t have to do it by yourself. We have God’s help, and if we listen to and obey Him, the Holy Spirit produces faithfulness in us. Let’s take a moment to pray and chat with God. Go ahead and turn to your Small Groups now. 



**Small Group Leader**

Just like God keeps His promises, we want to keep ours. And we have God’s help! I want everyone to think of something you know you should do, but you just haven’t done it yet. Maybe you’ve been putting it off or forgetting about it. Right now you have an opportunity to pray on your own and promise God that you will do it this week. Take a moment to pray now. 







Allow time for kids to pray on their own and then end it by praying for your group. One thing you could pray is that God would help them to be faithful to keep their promise.





**Leader**

We can be faithful to keep our promises because the Lord is helping us! Let’s check back in with the Lab to see what happens with Hannah and Ethel keeping their promise.

Peter became someone Jesus could count on. As he made the decision to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, God changed him completely. Hannah and Ethel came through in a big way for Herman, too. Let’s say the Big Point, 

**Count On Me!** We can all live the Big Point when we do this week’s Big Do. 





The Big Do is to plan a family game night and give each person in your family a task. One person could be in charge of the game, another could make the snacks, and another could pick out the music. Whatever job you get, be sure you can be counted on to do it. 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!

In Step Week 7

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Large Group Full Program Instructions

Large Group Full Program Instructions