Slides.zip

Slides

Slides and Printables.zip

Slides and Printables

7 Min Countdown

03 sec Countdown

Herman and Rusty Act 1

2 Min Countdown

H&R Big Do Slide

Herman and Rusty Act 3

Herman and Rusty Act 2

6 Min Countdown

5 Min Countdown

Big Story Video

Herman and Rusty Title

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules

Rusty threatens to move away over an argument about borrowed tools.

Large Group Full Program

Question of the day: Do you have a friend near your house who you like to play with? What is that friend’s name?





Countdown / Rules

The **Host** and **Co-Host** enter wearing lab coats. 

**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! For the past couple of weeks, we’ve learned what it looks like to love God.



**Co-Host**

But loving God is not all that the Bible talks about when it teaches us to love. We also learn how to love others. Sometimes that can be challenging, but it’s always the right choice.



**Host**

That’s because loving others means that sometimes you don’t get your way, or you give up something to help someone else. Let’s play a game where we create two teams of kids who will work together to win.





**Co-Host**

Each team will form a circle and hold hands with their neighbors. Once the game begins, you have to keep this balloon floating in the air. You can hit it with any part of your body, as long as you don’t let go of your neighbor’s hand.



Optional, play game music. Play the game. After 30 seconds, introduce a second balloon into each group and continue adding balloons until one team drops a balloon.





**Co-Host**

Great job to our winners. Wow, that game would have been tough if you didn’t want to touch or be near other kids.



**Host**

Today we’re going to find out what Jesus said about neighbors and how we should treat them. First, tell someone nearby the most annoying thing someone has done who sits near you at school.



Welcome

Worship

**Co-Host**

Can you believe Rusty wants to move? He has lived next door to Herman for years.



**Host**

It’s like he thinks that moving will stop him from being Herman’s neighbor. I guess it’s true that he won’t be his next-door neighbor, but it really doesn’t affect how the Bible says Rusty should treat him.



**Co-Host**

In the Big Story we’re going to hear in a few minutes, Jesus actually taught us that any person you meet is your neighbor. It doesn’t matter whether they live nearby or even speak the same language.



**Host**

Basically, a follower of Jesus can’t ignore someone just because they aren’t part of your friend group. Let’s check out the Big Point and learn how we should treat our neighbors. I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.





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



**Co-Host**

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





**Co-Host**

Jesus says we should love our neighbors, and since we know that neighbors can be anyone, the Big Point teaches us to love everyone.



**Host**

Let’s do a little poll of the audience. We’re going to show you a scenario, and you give us a thumbs up if it matches our Big Point, or a thumbs down if it’s not a loving thing to do. We’ll ask someone to explain why.





Poll the audience and ask a child to explain his or her answer.



 - Telling a new kid at school to play with someone else at recess

 - Ignoring kids because they dress differently

 - Sharing food with a family you don’t know who is hungry

 - Encouraging your family with kind words

 - Hiding all your toys so your cousins can’t play with them

 - Allowing a kid at school to be first in line

 - Giving a kid you don’t know at school the first choice

 - Talking negatively about kids outside of your friend group at school





**Host**

It doesn’t matter who it is, any person can be your neighbor. It’s up to us to choose to show that person love.





**Co-Host**

Loving someone is more than just what you say. Love is something you show by what you say and do.



**Host**

God wants us to show love to all of our neighbors. Let’s see if Rusty will patch things up with Herman.



Engage 1

**Host**

Rusty and Herman are not acting like their normal selves. Can Rusty really escape being nice to Herman just by moving?



**Co-Host**

He can’t. We have a responsibility to show love, no matter where we are. Let’s say our Big Point again, 

**Co-Host**

**Love God With Everything!**



**Host**

Hannah shared a verse that confirms what we learned in the Big Point. Let’s choose an assistant to help us reveal it.





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





**Co-Host**

After we count down from three, we need you to read the Big Verse. 





**Co-Host**

Mark 12:31 (NIrV) says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”





**Host**

Some people don’t want to show love to others because they’re afraid that sharing love will hurt them. It is true that showing love requires us to sometimes give up what we want so that we can help someone else.



**Co-Host**

Let’s take a look at a visual. We have a team of kids who are attached with a four-legged rope. Have you ever done a three-legged race at school where you tie up your legs and race together?



**Host**

These kids have a choice. They can each look out for themselves or work together as a team. Let’s see what happens when they each go in a different direction.



Place the kids at the starting line and have each go in a different direction.





**Co-Host**

That didn’t work. Let’s say that three of them work together, but one chooses to do his or her own thing and go when he or she feels like it.





Have three kids move but choose the largest child to stay put.





**Host**

The team still won’t win. That’s not good. Let’s see the difference when all of them go in the same direction at the same time.





Have the kids walk from the start to the finish line.





**Co-Host**

That was much better. When each person chooses to show others love, we all win. But when someone thinks only of themselves, not only do they hurt others, but that person keeps himself from a great life.



**Host**

Loving others is a blessing to you just as much as it’s good for other people. If we all make the choice to do what Jesus says, then life works out better for everyone. Let’s stand and take a moment to worship Jesus.



Engage 2

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. Think about the last few weeks and ask yourself if you’ve been a good neighbor. Is there someone that you’ve ignored or even been mean to because they’re different or you just don’t like them? Maybe you think they deserve it because of how they’ve acted. Instead of going that direction, I want to challenge you to be like the Good Samaritan. This week let’s work on being kind to not just your friends, but to everyone, even your siblings. It may seem hard, and sometimes it really is, but God will help us. You’ll be surprised at how God shows up in your life when you take the time to connect with others and show His love by being thoughtful, kind, and neighborly. I want to start by giving you the chance to do that today. Place your hand on the shoulder of the kid beside you and pray for them. Ask God to help them and pray that God will bless them this week. (Pause) Now I want to pray for all of you, my neighbors. (Pray)







Big Story

**Co-Host**

I’m glad that Rusty and Herman patched things up. They make much better friends than enemies.



**Host**

Jesus showed us all who our true neighbors are in that story. The crowd around Jesus was so surprised to learn anyone can be our neighbor. Our Big Point is true, 

**Host**

**Love Your Neighbor!**





**Co-Host**

That’s a story you can share with your family when you do this week’s Big Do. 





**Host**

As a family, choose a kind act to do for someone at random. It could be paying for someone’s meal or coffee, writing a note, or even baking a treat. 



**Co-Host**

I have an idea. Let’s spend some extra time in our small groups working on a card to show someone that you love them.



Engage 3

Gather the kids into small groups and have them work on a card for a neighbor (which could be anyone) to give away. While they are working, ask a couple of questions.









 - Have you ever met someone at school to who it was hard for you to show kindness? How did you handle the situation?

 - Why was it surprising that the Samaritan was kind in Jesus’ story? **Jewish people and Samaritans didn’t like each other** 

 - Who did Jesus say was the neighbor in the story? **The Samaritan** Why do you think that Jesus wants us to show love to all people? 

 - What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? **Do a random act of kindness**



Small Groups

Optional, play game music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question. 

 - Our Big Point says Love Your _____!

    - **Neighbor**

    - Friends



 - What did Rusty threaten to do?

    - Move into Herman’s garage

    - **Move to a new house**



 - What happened to the man in Jesus’ story?

    - **He was robbed**

    - He attacked a friend



 - The Jewish men stopped to help the man who was hurt, but the Samaritan didn’t stop.

    - True

    - **False**



 - Jesus’ story was surprising because the Samaritans and Jewish people didn’t get along.

    - **True**

    - False



 - Mark 12:31 (NIrV), “Love your neighbor as you love _______.”

    - **Yourself**

    - Money



 - What did the Samaritan man do for the one who had been hurt?

    - **Bandaged his wounds**

    - Took the rest of the money



 - Why is it important to love everyone, not just our friends and family?





 - It’s okay to ignore people who think differently than you do.

    - True

    - **False**



  - What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? **Do a random act of kindness for someone**

Big Review

Large Group Abbreviated

Optional Activity in Small Group can be skipped if it doesn't work for your group: Gather the kids into small groups and have them work on a card for a neighbor (which could be anyone) to give away. While they are working, ask small group questions.

**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! For the past couple of weeks, we’ve learned what it looks like to love God.

**Co-Host**

But loving God is not all that the Bible talks about when it teaches us to love. We also learn how to love others. Sometimes that can be challenging, but it’s always the right choice.

**Host**

That’s because loving others means that sometimes you don’t get your way, or you give up something to help someone else.

**Co- Host**

Today we’re going to find out what Jesus said about neighbors and how we should treat them. First, tell someone nearby the most annoying thing someone has done who sits near you at school.

**Co-Host**

Jesus says we should love our neighbors, and since we know that neighbors can be anyone, the Big Point teaches us to love everyone.





**Host**

It doesn’t matter who it is, any person can be your neighbor. It’s up to us to choose to show that person love.





**Co-Host**

Loving someone is more than just what you say. Love is something you show by what you say and do.



**Host**

God wants us to show love to all of our neighbors. Let’s see if Rusty will patch things up with Herman.



**Co-Host**

Mark 12:31 (NIrV) says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

**Host**

Some people don’t want to show love to others because they’re afraid that sharing love will hurt them. It is true that showing love requires us to sometimes give up what we want so that we can help someone else.



**Co-Host**

When each person chooses to show others love, we all win. But when someone thinks only of themselves, not only do they hurt others, but that person keeps himself from a great life.

**Host**

Loving others is a blessing to you just as much as it’s good for other people. If we all make the choice to do what Jesus says, then life works out better for everyone. Let’s stand and take a moment to worship Jesus.

Optional Activity: Gather the kids into small groups and have them work on a card for a neighbor (which could be anyone) to give away. While they are working, ask a couple of questions.

Midweek / Classroom

 It’s time to break up into your Small Groups. Go ahead and turn to your Small Group Leaders now.

Split into groups. Optional, play game music.

Small Group Leader,

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

Rule #1 – Sit in a circle and on your pockets,

Rule #2 – Only one person talks at a time. If you want to talk, raise your hand and I will toss you the ball!

Rule #3 – If you need to use the restroom, raise your hand and I will let you know if you can go.

It’s time for Lab Wars! During Lab Wars we battle it out, team against team, until one group stands victorious. Tonight we’re competing boys vs. girls! Each team will have to work together to complete this maze and get the ball through the center. Whichever team gets the ball through the center hole first wins! Small Group Leaders, send me one person from your group who can really work well with a team! 





Optional, play game music. Play the game.





That game would have been impossible to do on your own! Everyone had a neighbor next to them, and they worked together to win the victory. Today we’re going to find out what Jesus says about neighbors. First let’s check in with our friends to see what’s new at the lab. 



Lab Wars

Prior to service, cut colored paper into circles that fit on the Bingo squares. 



Can you believe Rusty wants to move? He has lived next door to Herman for years. It’s like he thinks moving will stop him from being Herman’s neighbor. In a little bit, we will see from our Bible Story that everyone is our neighbor. It doesn’t matter whether someone lives nearby or even speaks the same language as you. 







Let’s check out the Big Point and discover how we should treat our neighbors. I need a Small Group to help me reveal it. 

Let’s all say it together, **Love Your Neighbor!** And since we know that neighbors can be anyone, the Big Point  teaches us to love everyone. Let’s turn to our groups and learn more about our “neighbors” right here in your Small Group! 



Small Group Leader,

Place the giant grid activity in the center of your group. Read each description in the box and cover it with a marker if it describes someone in your group. The object of the game is to get a Bingo!

 



**Leader**



We are all so different! God loves each of us so much, and He wants us to show that same love to others. Whether it’s people in your Small Group or school, those who live on your street or on the other side of the world, Jesus tells us to show everyone love. Let’s say our Big Point together, 



**Love Your Neighbor!** Let’s see if Rusty will follow our Big Point and patch things up with Herman.

Rusty and Herman are not acting like their normal selves. Rusty can’t escape being nice to Herman just by moving! We have a responsibility to show love, no matter where we are. Let’s say our Big Point again, 

**Love Your Neighbor!** Our Big Point comes straight from the Bible and is found in this week’s Big Verse. Let’s choose a Small Group to help reveal it. 

Mark 12:31 (NIrV) says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”  Some people don’t want to show love to others because they’re afraid that sharing love will hurt them. It is true that showing love requires us at times to give up what we want so that we can help someone else. Let’s play a game in our Small Groups and practice working together. 





Small Group Leader,

Each Small Group has a hula hoop. Have your kids hold hands to form a circle, with one pair of kids holding hands in the middle of the hula hoop. Without letting go of each other’s hands, work to get the hula hoop around the entire circle by having each person step through the hoop. Play several times until the time runs out!







**Leader**

That game took every person working together. You couldn’t succeed if you were just looking out for yourself. When each person chooses to show others love, we all win. But when someone thinks only of themselves, not only do they hurt others, but that person keeps himself or herself from a great life. Jesus told a great story about what it looks like to love your neighbor. Let’s check it out.   





Think about the last few weeks and ask yourself if you’ve been a good neighbor. Is there someone you’ve ignored or even been mean to because they’re different or you just don’t like them? Maybe you think they deserve it because of how they’ve acted. Instead of going that direction, I want to challenge you to be like the Good Samaritan. Let’s turn to our Small Groups and talk more about this. 





Small Group Leader,

The goal in this segment is to create a place where kids can openly share and to bring accountability as they become more like Jesus. Do this by truly listening, responding with love, and showing them what it looks like to be a friend and follower of Jesus.





 - Is there a person in your life to whom it is really hard to show kindness? How could you show that person love this week?



 - One way to follow our Big Point is to pray for each other. I am going to partner you up with someone else from our group. I want you to take a moment to pray for one another. 

 





**Leader**

This week let’s work on being kind to not just your friends, but to everyone. It may seem hard, and sometimes it really is, but God will help us. You’ll be surprised at how God shows up in your life when you take the time to connect with others and show His love by being thoughtful, kind, and neighborly. Let’s see if Rusty and Herman are able to work things out. 



I’m glad that Rusty and Herman patched things up. They make much better friends than enemies. Jesus showed us who to consider our true neighbors in that story. The crowd around Jesus was so surprised to learn anyone can be our neighbor. Our Big Point is true, 

**Love Your Neighbor!** That’s a story you can share with your family when you do this week’s Big Do. 

As a family, choose a kind act to do for someone at random. It could be paying for someone’s meal or coffee, writing a note, or even baking a treat.  Let’s turn to our Small Groups to finish up today’s service. 





Small Group Leader,

Use this time to hand out any positive reinforcement tool (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 a group cheer.



Love God, Love Others Week 3

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Large Group Full Program Instructions

Large Group Full Program Instructions