• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

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

Host Welcome to the Lab. Okay, we have a question for you that we want you to answer honestly. Have you ever cried while watching a movie?

Co-Host Guilty. Elf.

Host Elf?

Co-Host If you don’t cry when they’re singing, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” then your heart is made of stone. Ugh! I just remembered the scene. I may need a minute.

Host We have a little movie trivia. We’re going to describe a sad scene from a movie and see if you can guess the movie.

• Play the game with the following slides. Bring kids up to answer the questions or travel around the room with a microphone and ask kids from alternating teams (such as boy/girls or grades) the questions.

  • Dad is betrayed by his brother and trampled by wildebeests. (Lion King)
  • Mom is shot by a hunter. (Bambi)
  • An imaginary elephant sacrifices himself so Joy can save a girl. (Inside Out)
  • Listen to the soundtrack from this movie’s saddest scene. (Up) “Married Life” by Michael Giacchino
  • Dog gets rabies, goes nuts, and has to be shot. (Old Yeller)
  • A boy gives his prized toys away. (Toy Story 3)
  • A spider and pig become friends, but the spider dies. (Charlotte’s Web)
  • A mother elephant is separated from her baby. (Dumbo)
  • Two unlikely animal friends grow up, grow apart, and leave each other. (The Fox and the Hound)
  • A monster says goodbye to a little girl he befriended. (Monsters Inc.)
  • A cowgirl remembers the girl who left her in the trash. (Toy Story 2)
  • Hero snaps his fingers, saves the world, but dies in the end. (The Avengers: Endgame)

• Play: Welcome Slides

(Co-Host is crying.)

Host Why are you crying?

Co-Host I just remembered the scene where Bing Bong sacrificed himself for Joy. Take her to the moon for me. Take her to the moon!

(Co-Host breaks down in tears again.)

Host Today we’ll discover how to have peace when we feel sad. Stand to your feet and tell someone nearby which of these movies is the saddest, in your opinion. Let’s see what's happening at the lab.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 1

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

Co-Host I’m worried how Ethel might react if she doesn’t pass her driver’s test. Have you ever failed at something?

Host How did it make you feel?

• Interview a couple of kids.

Co-Host I have, and it made me feel sad. If I’m honest, I felt like quitting.

Host Sadness is one of those emotions that we will all experience.

Co-Host It doesn’t matter who you are, either. Everyone fails at some point. Everyone loses someone special at some point. Everyone feels pain.

Host The question isn’t how to avoid sadness, but rather, how to react when you feel sad?

Co-Host We’ll discover a great response in our Big Point. I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.

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

Host You can help us count down from three. Then read the Big Point.

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host Let’s all say it together, I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad!

Co-Host Remember, we can’t permanently avoid sad situations.

Host Having peace comes from what’s on the inside. It’s like these two bouncy balls. Let’s choose a couple of assistants to help us out.

• Bring up two kids.

Co-Host Inspect these bouncy balls. Do they look the same? Do they feel the same? Show them to the audience. Let’s try bouncing them.

• One ball bounces and the other lands with a thud.

Co-Host Let’s switch and have you try it again.

• Same result.

Host They look the same, but they aren’t. This ball that bounces is made of a rubber, where the molecules have space in between. That space makes them bounce when dropped. The other ball is made of a rubber with no space. When it hits the ground, it stays there.

Co-Host What makes the difference is what is on the inside.

Host If you want to bounce back when you feel sad, it’s important to have the right things on the inside. We need God’s presence and help to choose peace when we feel sad. Let’s see how Ethel’s driving test went.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 2

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter. For this object lesson, you will perform the “Torn and Restored Heart Trick.” To prepare, cut two identically sized hearts out of red paper. One is folded and taped to the back of the other, so that after you tear the first one, you can unfold it to make it seem as if the heart has been put back together. You can find a great tutorial video by Christian illusionist David Laflin by clicking here.

Host Ethel is really upset.

Co-Host She’s acting like she’ll never try to get back on the road again. The Big Point could really help her. Let’s say our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Co-Host I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad!

Host The Bible has something to say about what God can do when we’re sad. Let’s check out the Big Verse.

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

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

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Verse Slide

Co-Host Psalm 34:18 (NIrV) says, “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken.”

• The Host pulls out the heart that has been prepared according to the illusion’s instructions.

Host There are a lot of things that can break your heart. Let’s think of some of those things.

• Co-Host interviews kids in the audience to suggest situations or problems that cause sadness. With each suggestion, the Host tears part of the heart, until it is torn apart.

Co-Host That’s when you might feel like giving up, but we’re not alone. God is close to us. He gives us His love and His help. Let’s think of some of the ways that God helps us when our hearts have been broken.

• Co-Host interviews the kids. As the kids suggest ways God can help us, the Host unfolds the heart that had been taped to the back of the torn heart to reveal the restored heart.

Host You are never alone, even when your emotions make you feel that way.

Co-Host God’s love helps you choose peace when you’re sad because you know that the pain isn’t forever. God can heal your broken heart.

Host That’s why it’s important to remind yourself of what is true. That’s something a guy in the Bible had to learn. Before we hear his story, let’s take a moment to stand and worship God.

• Play:
  
  Big Story Video

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Play optional soft instrumental music.

I have no idea what’s making you sad today, but I do know that we serve a God who cares about you, who has a plan for your life, and who is with you right now. God has given you lots of people in this church who care about you and will stand with you through whatever you face. Today I want to invite you guys to come down and pray with an adult volunteer. Together you can talk about what is making you sad. Then pray and ask God for His peace and receive His healing in your heart. Let’s stand and come forward.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 3

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host I’m glad to see that Ethel passed her test.

Host She didn’t let sadness take over. It’s like Elijah in our story. He was reminded that God never left him as he followed the Big Point

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad!

Co-Host Elijah thought he was alone, but he wasn’t. I guess that shows you that your feelings aren’t always telling you the truth.

Host That’s why you need God’s truth. That’s something you can discuss when you do this week’s Big Do.

• Play:
  
  H&R Big Do Slide

Host Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life. Put that list on the fridge, and the next time anyone in your family feels sad, read the list and remember that God is close to you.

Co-Host Let’s play a game where the contestants have to stay close. It’s a three-legged race with a twist. We’re going to tie your legs together, but you also have to keep this heart balloon between you the whole time you race. If you drop it, you have to go back to the start line.

Host Race from the starting cones to the other cones and back to the start. Ready? Go!

• Play optional game music

• Play the game. If time permits, play the game multiple times.

Host Great job. I’m glad that God stays close to us and helps our broken hearts. Let’s turn and connect with our small groups and talk about what we’ve learned from the Bible.

• Play:
  
  Small Group Slide

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

• Why was Ethel sad? Have you ever failed and wanted to give up? What happened?
• Why did Elijah want to quit? He was threatened by the evil queen. Elijah felt all alone. How did God show up to Elijah? God was in the whisper What did God tell Elijah? He wasn’t alone. God had 7,000 people who still served Him.
• What are some ways that God can help you when you feel sad?
• What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life

• 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 I Can Have Peace When I’m _______!

  • Sad
  • Winning

• What was the name of the prophet who ran away?

  • Ahab
  • Elijah

• What did Ethel fail?

  • Driving Test
  • Science Test

• Why was the queen mad at Elijah?

  • He taught God’s Word
  • He worshipped idols

• Elijah felt all alone.

  • True
  • False

• Psalm 34:18 (NIrV), “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been ______.”

  • Broken
  • Restored

• Where did Elijah hear God’s voice?

  • Earthquake
  • Whisper

• Why is not always a good idea to listen to our feelings?

• Elijah was not the only one in Israel who worshipped God.

  • True
  • False

• What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

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

Host Welcome to the Lab. Okay, we have a question for you that we want you to answer honestly. Have you ever cried while watching a movie?

Co-Host Guilty. Elf.

Host Elf?

Co-Host If you don’t cry when they’re singing, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” then your heart is made of stone. Ugh! I just remembered the scene. I may need a minute.

(Co-Host is crying.)

Host Why are you crying?

Co-Host Inside Out! I just remembered the scene where Bing Bong sacrificed himself for Joy. Take her to the moon for me. Take her to the moon!

(Co-Host breaks down in tears again.)

Host Today we’ll discover how to have peace when we feel sad. Stand to your feet and tell someone nearby what movie you think is the saddest. Let’s see what's happening at the lab.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 1

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

Co-Host I’m worried how Ethel might react if she doesn’t pass her driver’s test. Have you ever failed at something?

Host How did it make you feel?

• Interview a couple of kids.

Co-Host I have, and it made me feel sad. If I’m honest, I felt like quitting.

Host Sadness is one of those emotions that we will all experience.

Co-Host It doesn’t matter who you are, either. Everyone fails at some point. Everyone loses someone special at some point. Everyone feels pain.

Host The question isn’t how to avoid sadness, but rather, how to react when you feel sad?

Co-Host We’ll discover a great response in our Big Point. I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.

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

Host You can help us count down from three. Then read the Big Point.

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host Let’s all say it together, I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad!

Co-Host Remember, we can’t permanently avoid sad situations.

Host Having peace comes from what’s on the inside.

Co-Host Right! We need God’s presence and help to choose peace when we feel sad. Let’s see how Ethel’s driving test went.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 2

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

Host Ethel is really upset.

Co-Host She’s acting like she’ll never try to get back on the road again. The Big Point could really help her. Let’s say our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Co-Host I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad!

Host The Bible has something to say about what God can do when we’re sad. Let’s check out the Big Verse.

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

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

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Verse Slide

Co-Host Psalm 34:18 (NIrV) says, “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken.”

Host You are never alone, even when your emotions make you feel that way.

Co-Host God’s love helps you choose peace when you’re sad because you know that the pain isn’t forever. God can heal your broken heart.

Host That’s why it’s important to remind yourself of what is true. That’s something a guy in the Bible had to learn.

• Play:
  
  Big Story Video

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Play optional soft instrumental music.

I have no idea what’s making you sad today, but I do know that we serve a God who cares about you, who has a plan for your life, and who is with you right now. God has given you lots of people in this church who care about you and will stand with you through whatever you face. Today I want to invite you guys to come down and pray with an adult volunteer. Together you can talk about what is making you sad. Then pray and ask God for His peace and receive His healing in your heart. Let’s stand and come forward.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 3

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Host and Co-Host enter.

Co-Host I’m glad to see that Ethel passed her test.

Host She didn’t let sadness take over. It’s like Elijah in our story. He was reminded that God never left him as he followed the Big Point

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

Host I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad!

Co-Host Elijah thought he was alone, but he wasn’t. I guess that shows you that your feelings aren’t always telling you the truth.

Host That’s why you need God’s truth. That’s something you can discuss when you do this week’s Big Do.

• Play:
  
  H&R Big Do Slide

Host Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life. Put that list on the fridge, and the next time anyone in your family feels sad, read the list and remember that God is close to you.

• Play:
  
  Small Group Slide

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

• Why was Ethel sad? Have you ever failed and wanted to give up? What happened?
• Why did Elijah want to quit? He was threatened by the evil queen. Elijah felt all alone. How did God show up to Elijah? God was in the whisper What did God tell Elijah? He wasn’t alone. God had 7,000 people who still served Him.
• What are some ways that God can help you when you feel sad?
• What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life

• 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 I Can Have Peace When I’m _______!

  • Sad
  • Winning

• What was the name of the prophet who ran away?

  • Ahab
  • Elijah

• What did Ethel fail?

  • Driving Test
  • Science Test

• Why was the queen mad at Elijah?

  • He taught God’s Word
  • He worshipped idols

• Elijah felt all alone.

  • True
  • False

• Psalm 34:18 (NIrV), “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been ______.”

  • Broken
  • Restored

• Where did Elijah hear God’s voice?

  • Earthquake
  • Whisper

• Why is not always a good idea to listen to our feelings?

• Elijah was not the only one in Israel who worshipped God.

  • True
  • False

• What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters, wearing a lab coat.

Hey guys, welcome to the Lab! Let’s play a quick game. I want you to show me your best sad face. I mean, really work it. (Allow the kids to pretend they are sad). Wow, that was impressive! I see some really talented actors; I think this girl even shed a real tear! I think we can all recall a time we were sad. Maybe you felt left out, or maybe your mom or dad went away on a trip and you missed them. It’s ok to feel sad; everyone does at times! The problem comes when we get stuck in sadness. Tonight we will discover how God can help us when we feel sad. But first I want you to stand up, turn to your neighbor and tell them, “That was some good acting!”

• 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. The 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! This is the part of our service when teams have a chance to win points! Since we are talking about sadness, I figured we may need a lot of tissues. So, for tonight’s battle we will see who can empty their box the fastest! You can only grab one tissue at a time. The first team to empty their box wins. Small group leaders, send up a kid to represent your team!

• Play optional game music. Play the game.

Congratulations to the winning team! Hopefully no one will need that many tissues tonight. Even if you don’t feel sad tonight, I am sure we’ve all had moments when the tears just keep coming, when we felt lonely, hurt, or sad, maybe even for no reason at all! When you feel that way, remember that God is with you, and He wants to help you. Let’s check in with our friends at the Lab to see if they’ve ever felt down in the dumps.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 1

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

I’m worried how Ethel might react if she doesn’t pass her driver’s test. Raise your hand if you have ever failed at something. I have, and it made me feel sad. Sadness is one of those emotions that we will all experience. Everyone fails at some point. Everyone loses someone special. Everyone feels pain. The question isn’t how to avoid sadness, but how to do react when we feel sad. I think our Big Point can help with this. I need a small group to help me reveal our Big Point.

• Pick a small group.

Count it down with me,

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad! How is that even possible? Let’s turn to our small groups and do a fun activity that will help us understand our Big Point even more.

• Play:
  
  7min Countdown

• This is a fun experiment to illustrate how God can make sour things turn sweet. Start by having each kid eat a Warhead. If they don’t want to participate, don’t force them. When the Warhead is gone, choose 10 contestants to try another Warhead. Before they do, give them a Miracle Berry! After eating the Miracle Berry, the Warhead will taste sweet! After the experiment, ask this question:

How did the Warhead taste after the Miracle Berry? It was sweet!

• Give the kids a moment to settle down from the activity. You may want to say something like, “Ok, everyone, sit back on your pockets and face the front.” Then pause until you have their attention.

Wow, how did the warhead change to tasting sweet?! That was a pretty cool experiment. Sometimes in life, things feel really sour. Maybe your best friend moves away, or maybe you lose your championship game, or maybe a family member gets sick and ends up passing away.

In life, sad things will come, but the good news is that God gives us the power to have peace. When we choose peace, God can help any sour situation turn sweet. Let’s say our Big Point altogether,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad! Let’s see if Ethel can grab hold of this truth

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 2

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

Ethel is really upset. She’s acting like she’ll never try to get back on the road again. The Big Point could really help her. Let’s say our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad! The Bible has something to say about what God can do when we’re sad. Let’s check out the Big Verse. I need a small group to help me reveal what it is.

• Pick a small group to help you count it down.

Ok, ready?

• Play: 3 Second Countdown

• Play:
  
  Big Verse Slide

Psalm 34:18 (NIrV) says, “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken.” When we are sad, we can know that God is close. Let’s turn to our small group and talk about some ways God helps us when we feel sad.

• Play:
  
  8 Min Countdown

• Each group has a heart shaped puzzle that is broken apart. On the back of each puzzle piece is a sticker with a question on it. Allow the kids to take turns picking a piece, answering the question, and placing it in the correct spot.

  Questions on the back of the puzzle:

  • How could God help you when you feel alone?
  • How could God help you when you feel left out?
  • How could God help you when your parents are away?
  • How could God help you when you lose a loved one?
  • How could God help you when you lose or fail at something?
  • How could God help you when something doesn’t go your way?
  • How could God help you if your parents aren’t getting along?
  • How could God help you if your best friend moves away?

• Give the kids a moment to settle down from the activity. You may want to say something like, “Ok everyone, sit back on your pockets, face the front.” Then pause until you have their attention.

Sad things will come in life. God never promised us that bad things wouldn’t happen. He did promise that He would be with us and that He would help us. He also gave us a priceless gift that can keep us strong when faced with any emotion. That gift is His peace! When you feel sad, it’s important to remember our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad! Let’s listen to a story in the Bible about a man who found himself in a really sad situation and how God helped him.

• Play:
  
  Big Story Video

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Play optional soft instrumental music.

I have no idea what’s making you sad today, but I do know that we serve a God who cares about you, who has a plan for your life, and who is with you right now. God has given you lots of people in this church who care about you and will stand with you through whatever you face. Some of those people are right there in your small group. So, let’s turn to our small groups and talk more about how God can give us peace when we feel sad.

• Play:
  
  6min Countdown

• Tell me about a time when you were sad.
• How can remembering our Big Verse help you when you feel sad? Our Big Verse is Psalm 34:18 (NIrV), “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken.”
• Why do you think God wants us to have peace when we feel sad? Being sad isn’t God’s best for us, if we stay sad it’s harder to help others, etc.

God has given us this small group filled with people who follow Jesus. He wants us to help and encourage one another when we feel sad. I want you guys to choose a partner. Share with each other something that you are sad about right now. Then take a moment and pray with one another.

• Give the groups a moment to finish up. You can say something like, “If you aren’t finished yet, take the next couple seconds to finish up.” Then give them a moment, until you have their attention.

Aren’t you thankful for friends and for your small group leaders? When we are sad, God promises we won’t be alone. He promises to be near to us, and He gives us people in our lives who love us and will remind us of the truth. Next time you feel sad, remember our Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad! Let’s see if Ethel was able to choose peace, even though she failed her test.

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Part 3

• Play:
  
  Herman and Rusty Title

• Leader enters.

I’m glad to see that Ethel passed her test. She didn’t let sadness take over. It’s like Elijah in our story. He was reminded that God never left him, and he followed the Big Point,

• Play:
  
  Big Point Slide

I Can Have Peace When I’m Sad! He thought he was alone, but he wasn’t. I guess that shows you that your feelings don’t always tell you the truth. That’s why you need God’s truth.

You can discuss that when you do this week’s Big Do.

• Play:
  
  H&R Big Do Slide

Make a list of some good things that God has given you. Put that list on the fridge, and the next time anyone in your family feels sad, read the list and remember that God is good to you. Let’s turn to our small groups and 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 I Can Have Peace When I’m _______!

  • Sad
  • Winning

• What was the name of the prophet who ran away?

  • Ahab
  • Elijah

• What did Ethel fail?

  • Driving Test
  • Science Test

• Why was the queen mad at Elijah?

  • He taught God’s Word
  • He worshipped idols

• Elijah felt all alone.

  • True
  • False

• Psalm 34:18 (NIrV), “The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been ______.”

  • Broken
  • Restored

• Where did Elijah hear God’s voice?

  • Earthquake
  • Whisper

• Why is not always a good idea to listen to our feelings?

• Elijah was not the only one in Israel who worshipped God.

  • True
  • False

• What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? Make a list of good things that God has placed in your life