I Was Made Special

Host

Welcome to the Lab! Have you ever tried taking something that seems fairly ordinary and using it to make something cool?

Co-host

What do you have in mind?

Host

We have two teams working to create a giant catapult from one piece of paper. They have the instructions. Let’s see who can build one the fastest and launch this penny the farthest.

Co-host

Wow, I had no idea that ordinary paper could launch something that far.

Host

Looks can be deceiving. Sometimes, people judge others based on how they look or where they come from, but thankfully, we serve a God who sees the real us on the inside.

Co-host

He made us to do great things in His big plan. He sees good things in us that we may not even realize are there. That’s because He put them there when He created us.

Host

Pay close attention because today’s lesson could change how you see yourself.

Host

Alex seems a little frustrated with his current job. Of course, I doubt that Skip’s advice will help him feel any better about life.

Co-host

Have you guys ever felt bad because you didn’t seem as good as other kids at things like school or sports? Sometimes, we think that we must not be very important to God.

Host

That idea couldn’t be any further from the truth. We all have value because God made us, and He made us all for a purpose. It’s just that what we were made for might look a little different from person to person.

Co-host

Look at this. (Show the hot dog) This can be a great treat, especially at a picnic with friends. Does anyone eat theirs without a bun? What’s your favorite toppings to load up on a hot dog? (Allow for answers) There are so many great choices. I think I’ll go simple this time and use a bit of mustard.

Host

That hog dog is good, but I love this next item. Anyone a big fan of ice cream sundaes? I am. What flavors of ice cream are your favorite to eat in a sundae? (Allow for answers) Let’s scoop some ice cream into the dish.

Co-host

What are your favorite toppings on a sundae? (Allow for answers) Let’s add some whipped cream, syrup, and, of course, a cherry on top. This looks really good.

Host

What about this? (Allow for answers) Is anyone a big fan of broccoli? It can be tasty.

Co-host

Some people might look at these three and say, “Ice cream is sweet and delicious, so it must be the best.”

Host

If you only ate ice cream, you wouldn’t be super healthy. So, you need things like hot dogs and broccoli. Neither of these three items is better; they are just different. Each one has a different purpose.

Co-host

They each help fill us up when we’re hungry in different ways. That’s like us. We were all created with different abilities and skills.

Host

But God created us all for His big plan. Let’s check out our Big Point.

Co-host

Help us count down from three and then read the Big Point.

Co-host

Let’s all say it together, I Was Made Special! You might feel unspecial like Alex at the lab, but that’s not true.

Host

We each have something important to use to serve God, so don’t let anyone tell you anything different. Let’s see if Alex can learn that lesson.

Host

Alex’s attempt to feel special has only gotten worse. Skip and Myers have not helped in the least.

Co-host

I wish he could believe the truth about God and His big plan for Alex.

Host

Repeating our Big Point is helpful

Host

I Was Made Special! Let’s choose an assistant to reveal the Big Verse to help us understand the Big Point.

Co-host

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

Co-host

The Big Verse comes from Ephesians 2:10 (NIrV), “We are God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good works.”

Host

The word “creation” can also mean God’s masterpiece. Have you ever drawn something for your parents? Did you feel proud of that creation?

Co-host

How would you have felt if someone had come by and ripped it up right in front of you? Probably pretty bad. That’s because your creation was special to you. Imagine what God thinks about you.

Host

Here’s a clue. You’re special to Him. He definitely doesn’t want anyone, even you, tearing down His good creation. Let’s see if we can complete our own masterpiece as a team.

Co-host

We’re going to call up different kids who are each going to add something to this drawing. You can only add one line at a time to the drawing. We’ll see what we can create when it’s finished.

Host

Wow, that is quite a masterpiece. Maybe you don’t quite feel that way about yourself, but you can be sure that God feels that way about you. That should encourage you to give your best to serve God in His big plan. Let’s stand and worship God

Today is a perfect day to say yes to following Jesus and taking part in God’s big plan. If you have never said, “Yes, I want Jesus to forgive me, be my best friend, and I will follow Him for the rest of my life,” then today is your day! I’d like everyone to close your eyes and bow your heads, so no one is distracted. If you have already said “Yes” to Jesus, you believe that He is alive, and you are His friend and follower, give me a thumbs up. That’s awesome. You can put your hands down. If you’ve never said “Yes” to Jesus before, and you want to say “Yes” to Him right now, ask Him to forgive you, and tell Him you want to live your life differently, raise your hand. We’re going to pray all together. Those of you who are already friends and followers of Jesus can join in, too. Repeat after me, and let’s pray... 

Dear God I know everyone needs a Savior,  and I know I can’t save myself. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and God raised You from the dead.

Right now, I say You are my Lord, my Savior, and the One who forgives me. Thank You, Jesus, that You are my best friend and leader of my life, because I’ve said “Yes” to You. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the very first time today, then I want you to share that good news with someone. When we break into Small Groups, you can join a special Small Group just for kids who said, “Yes” for the first time. Look for the special sign as we break later.

Co-host

Let’s say the Big Point again,

Co-host

I Was Made Special!

Host

I love that King David began his life serving God in very ordinary ways. It may have seemed like he wouldn’t be a part of God’s plan, but he was a big part of that plan.

Co-host

That would be a great story to share when you do this week’s Big Do.

Host

Gather your family and take turns sharing something unique about each person in your family.

Co-host

I have a fun idea. Why don’t we show off some unique skills right here in our own church? Let’s bring up some kids and adults who can share something fun they can do.

Host

Those are some very unique gifts! Let’s gather with our Small Groups and discuss what we’ve learned today.

• Why did Alex feel bad about himself? Do you ever feel that way? What is something you don’t like to do but know is the right thing to do? chores, homework, etc.

• What are some tasks that David did while he was learning to become a king? Shepherd, musician, leader, protector Do you think it was hard for David to do those jobs instead of more exciting ones? How did those jobs help David prepare for God’s big plan?

• What could you tell yourself the next time you feel like you have nothing to offer or you feel not very special? You can remind yourself that you are God’s creation. God has a plan for your life. Even small tasks can help you serve God and help others

• What is the Big Do? Gather your family and take turns sharing something unique about each person in your family