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Series Note
Each Summer to the Max lesson incorporates a special venue into the service. Adding a venue allows the summer schedule to change while keeping the focus on Biblical truth. Venues can be done during the first 30 minutes of service or final 30 minutes of service. If you are also utilizing Summer to the Max Junior lessons, consider keeping one venue at the beginning and one at the end. That will keep costs down by allowing both groups to enjoy the same venue. Each lesson offers multiple venue options at different price points to accommodate your budget. Promoting the venues ahead of time will build excitement for Summer to the Max!
Venue Ideas:
Lesson 2 (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles): Choose one of the following venue options or create your own.
Nerf Battles: Have the kids bring Nerf guns or provide them for kids to use. Distribute safety goggles and Nerf darts to each kid. Set up target practice areas and create a capture the flag game for teams to compete and play. Inflatable Nerf obstacles can be purchased online to enhance your play area.
Ninja Training Stations: Set up simple ninja challenges like balance beams, crawling tunnels, and teamwork games.
Pizza Party: Order pizza for the kids to enjoy while playing outside or watching a movie.
Prior to service, create a TMNT relay race by setting up two stacks of pizza boxes, purple balloons (either hung from the ceiling or inflated with helium), cones, two skateboards, gray frisbees, and a target.
Host
Welcome to Summer To The Max at the Movies! Who’s ready for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle week?
Optional, play movie soundtrack music.
Co-host
(Singing) Heroes in a clamshell, Myrtle power! Which turtle was Myrtle again?
Host
You have the song all wrong. It’s “Heroes in a half-shell, turtle power.” There’s no Myrtle. Does anyone know the four turtle names? (Pause) Yes, that’s right. Do you know which color each one wears?
Co-host
Yep, red, orange, purple, and blue. You guys know your turtles. What kinds of things do the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles like?
Host
You know them well. What we’ve done is create a relay race that’s based on these four turtles and what they enjoy. We have four kids on each team, each dressed like a different turtle.
Co-host
When we say, “Go,” the first member of your team will run the race. Once that “turtle” has reached the finish, the next team member can go.
Host
You’ll start by carrying five pizza boxes with one hand from the start to the first cone. From there, you’ll use your weapon to hit each balloon/foot soldier, then skate from that cone to the next cone, where you’ll find a manhole cover that you must toss and hit the target once.
Optional, play movie soundtrack music. Play the game
Host
That was a fun game. It was all about being the turtles and doing what they love to do. That’s exactly what we’re discovering in our Big Point. We need everyone to help us count down from three, and then we’ll read the Big Point.
Co-host
Let’s all say it together, I Can Be More Like Jesus! We’re learning how to add things to our lives that help us grow and become useful and fruitful Christians. Today is all about goodness. That word means that we are a good example of Jesus.
Host
Our goal is to act and speak more like Jesus. We want to show the world who Jesus is by how we choose to act. That means doing the kinds of things Jesus did and loving others as He did.
Co-host
That will help you make a big difference in our world.
Movie Moment
There is a scene in the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles where Splinter starts telling a long, dramatic story about having no friends—until he finds the baby turtles. The story shifts into a funny and heartfelt moment as he explains how they transformed and became a family. If your church has the proper licensing you may choose to show this clip. If you cannot show the clip, simply summarize the moment or describe it to the kids.
Host
Let’s say the Big Point again together,
Host
I Can Be More Like Jesus! The turtles transformed from ordinary reptiles into walking, talking teen ninjas. That’s a big change.
Co-host
Of course, they learned ninjitsu by watching and following their leader, Splinter. Would you like to learn how to make your own mutant ooze at home? Let’s choose an assistant to help us create our own mutagen.
Choose a child to help.
Host
The first thing you need to do is mix some borax with water. Let’s have our assistant mix two cups of water with one teaspoon of borax.
Have the child stir the borax and water.
Co-host
Next, our assistant will empty two tubes of clear glue into a bowl. (Have the child mix the color) The clear glue will make our ooze semi-transparent. Next, add a few drops of green and yellow food coloring.
Add the food coloring and stir.
Host
Now it’s time to combine the borax mixture with the glue, but we won’t combine it all at once. We may not need it all.
Have the child put on gloves and add a portion of the borax mixture. The child can use his/her hands to mix it. Add more if the slime is too sticky.
Host
Now for the fun part. Let’s put a couple of glowsticks in the slime to make it look like real ooze. (Dismiss the volunteer) We don’t need mutant ooze to make us more like Jesus, though. We have something better.
Co-host
Let’s see what the Bible says about becoming like Jesus. We need everyone to count down from three, and then we’ll read the verse.
Host
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIrV), “So we are being changed to become more like Him so that we have more and more glory.” The more we spend time with Jesus, obey Him, and learn from Him, the more we become like Jesus.
Co-host
You become like whatever it is you worship. So, if Jesus is number one, and you worship Jesus, then you will act, think, and talk more like Jesus.
Host
The change isn’t all up to us. When we want to be like Jesus, the Holy Spirit works inside us to transform us. He acts on us, kind of like the ooze for the turtles. The Holy Spirit makes us into someone better than we could have hoped to be on our own.
Co-host
Let’s go back to the life of Peter and see how the Holy Spirit helped him to show others what Jesus is like.
Host
Peter and John treated the man who couldn’t walk like Jesus would have treated him. They were kind to him and treated him well. Peter and John prayed for the man, and he was healed. Acting like Jesus helped Peter share the truth about Jesus with others.
Let’s use part of our Big Verse to pray God’s Word. Repeat after me: “I am being changed to become more like Him.” (Repeat 3x) Keep believing that God is working inside of you to make you more like Jesus, and choose to treat others the way He would.
Share info about the giving project you have chosen to support. Consider donating all summer offerings to a local ministry or global missionary.
Co-host
Being more like Jesus is a good sign that you’re growing as a Christian. Acting like Jesus will definitely make you more useful and fruitful.
Host
That brings us to this week’s Big Do.
Host
Have a teenage turtle pizza night at home. You can order pizza or even make your own. As you eat, talk to your family about how we can act and speak more like Jesus.
Co-host
Check out our Big Point again,
Co-host
I Can Be More Like Jesus!
Host
Let’s connect in our Small Groups and discuss today’s lesson.
Gather the kids into Small Groups and discuss the following.
How did Peter and John show others they were becoming more like Jesus? They were kind and helpful to the man who couldn’t walk. Peter and John prayed for the man and believed God could heal him. Peter was quick to tell everyone about Jesus and how to be saved. They pointed everyone to God.
How does acting like Jesus help when we share about our faith in Jesus? It shows that our faith is genuine and real. It ensures that we are doing the kinds of things that God wants us to do. It invites God to help us do good works. It shows others God’s love and kindness.
Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question.
The Big Point says, I Can Be ______ Like Jesus!
More
Less
What was wrong with the man sitting by the gate?
Couldn’t walk
Couldn’t see
What help did the man ask from Peter?
To be healed
Money
What happened when Peter lifted the man off the ground?
He fell down
His body was healed
What does it mean to be more like Jesus?
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIrV), “So we are being ______ to become more like Him so that we have more and more glory.”
Changed
Left the same
What did Peter do after the man was healed?
Preached to the crowd
Went home
Goodness means being a good example of who Jesus is.
True
False
What is one way that you could act or speak like Jesus this week?
What is this week’s Big Do?
Series Note
Each Summer to the Max lesson incorporates a special venue into the service. Adding a venue allows the summer schedule to change while keeping the focus on Biblical truth. Venues can be done during the first 30 minutes of service or final 30 minutes of service. If you are also utilizing Summer to the Max Junior lessons, consider keeping one venue at the beginning and one at the end. That will keep costs down by allowing both groups to enjoy the same venue. Each lesson offers multiple venue options at different price points to accommodate your budget. Promoting the venues ahead of time will build excitement for Summer to the Max!
Venue Ideas:
Lesson 2 (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles): Choose one of the following venue options or create your own.
Nerf Battles: Have the kids bring Nerf guns or provide them for kids to use. Distribute safety goggles and Nerf darts to each kid. Set up target practice areas and create a capture the flag game for teams to compete and play. Inflatable Nerf obstacles can be purchased online to enhance your play area.
Ninja Training Stations: Set up simple ninja challenges like balance beams, crawling tunnels, and teamwork games.
Pizza Party: Order pizza for the kids to enjoy while playing outside or watching a movie.
Prior to service, create a TMNT relay race by setting up two stacks of pizza boxes, purple balloons (either hung from the ceiling or inflated with helium), cones, two skateboards, gray frisbees, and a target.
Host
Welcome to Summer To The Max at the Movies! Who’s ready for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle week?
Optional, play movie soundtrack music.
Co-host
(Singing) Heroes in a clamshell, Myrtle power! Which turtle was Myrtle again?
Host
You have the song all wrong. It’s “Heroes in a half-shell, turtle power.” There’s no Myrtle. Does anyone know the four turtle names? (Pause) Yes, that’s right. Do you know which color each one wears?
Co-host
Yep, red, orange, purple, and blue. You guys know your turtles. What kinds of things do the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles like?
Host
You know them well. What we’ve done is create a relay race that’s based on these four turtles and what they enjoy. We have four kids on each team, each dressed like a different turtle.
Co-host
When we say, “Go,” the first member of your team will run the race. Once that “turtle” has reached the finish, the next team member can go.
Host
You’ll start by carrying five pizza boxes with one hand from the start to the first cone. From there, you’ll use your weapon to hit each balloon/foot soldier, then skate from that cone to the next cone, where you’ll find a manhole cover that you must toss and hit the target once.
Optional, play movie soundtrack music. Play the game
Host
That was a fun game. It was all about being the turtles and doing what they love to do. That’s exactly what we’re discovering in our Big Point. We need everyone to help us count down from three, and then we’ll read the Big Point.
Co-host
Let’s all say it together, I Can Be More Like Jesus! We’re learning how to add things to our lives that help us grow and become useful and fruitful Christians. Today is all about goodness. That word means that we are a good example of Jesus.
Host
Our goal is to act and speak more like Jesus. We want to show the world who Jesus is by how we choose to act. That means doing the kinds of things Jesus did and loving others as He did.
Co-host
That will help you make a big difference in our world.
Movie Moment
There is a scene in the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles where Splinter starts telling a long, dramatic story about having no friends—until he finds the baby turtles. The story shifts into a funny and heartfelt moment as he explains how they transformed and became a family. If your church has the proper licensing you may choose to show this clip. If you cannot show the clip, simply summarize the moment or describe it to the kids.
Host
Let’s say the Big Point again together,
Host
I Can Be More Like Jesus! The turtles transformed from ordinary reptiles into walking, talking teen ninjas. That’s a big change.
Co-host
Of course, they learned ninjitsu by watching and following their leader, Splinter. Would you like to learn how to make your own mutant ooze at home? Let’s choose an assistant to help us create our own mutagen.
Choose a child to help.
Host
The first thing you need to do is mix some borax with water. Let’s have our assistant mix two cups of water with one teaspoon of borax.
Have the child stir the borax and water.
Co-host
Next, our assistant will empty two tubes of clear glue into a bowl. (Have the child mix the color) The clear glue will make our ooze semi-transparent. Next, add a few drops of green and yellow food coloring.
Add the food coloring and stir.
Host
Now it’s time to combine the borax mixture with the glue, but we won’t combine it all at once. We may not need it all.
Have the child put on gloves and add a portion of the borax mixture. The child can use his/her hands to mix it. Add more if the slime is too sticky.
Host
Now for the fun part. Let’s put a couple of glowsticks in the slime to make it look like real ooze. (Dismiss the volunteer) We don’t need mutant ooze to make us more like Jesus, though. We have something better.
Co-host
Let’s see what the Bible says about becoming like Jesus. We need everyone to count down from three, and then we’ll read the verse.
Host
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIrV), “So we are being changed to become more like Him so that we have more and more glory.” The more we spend time with Jesus, obey Him, and learn from Him, the more we become like Jesus.
Co-host
You become like whatever it is you worship. So, if Jesus is number one, and you worship Jesus, then you will act, think, and talk more like Jesus.
Host
The change isn’t all up to us. When we want to be like Jesus, the Holy Spirit works inside us to transform us. He acts on us, kind of like the ooze for the turtles. The Holy Spirit makes us into someone better than we could have hoped to be on our own.
Co-host
Let’s go back to the life of Peter and see how the Holy Spirit helped him to show others what Jesus is like.
Host
Peter and John treated the man who couldn’t walk like Jesus would have treated him. They were kind to him and treated him well. Peter and John prayed for the man, and he was healed. Acting like Jesus helped Peter share the truth about Jesus with others.
Let’s use part of our Big Verse to pray God’s Word. Repeat after me: “I am being changed to become more like Him.” (Repeat 3x) Keep believing that God is working inside of you to make you more like Jesus, and choose to treat others the way He would.
Share info about the giving project you have chosen to support. Consider donating all summer offerings to a local ministry or global missionary.
Co-host
Being more like Jesus is a good sign that you’re growing as a Christian. Acting like Jesus will definitely make you more useful and fruitful.
Host
That brings us to this week’s Big Do.
Host
Have a teenage turtle pizza night at home. You can order pizza or even make your own. As you eat, talk to your family about how we can act and speak more like Jesus.
Co-host
Check out our Big Point again,
Co-host
I Can Be More Like Jesus!
Host
Let’s connect in our Small Groups and discuss today’s lesson.
Gather the kids into Small Groups and discuss the following.
How did Peter and John show others they were becoming more like Jesus? They were kind and helpful to the man who couldn’t walk. Peter and John prayed for the man and believed God could heal him. Peter was quick to tell everyone about Jesus and how to be saved. They pointed everyone to God.
How does acting like Jesus help when we share about our faith in Jesus? It shows that our faith is genuine and real. It ensures that we are doing the kinds of things that God wants us to do. It invites God to help us do good works. It shows others God’s love and kindness.
Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question.
The Big Point says, I Can Be ______ Like Jesus!
More
Less
What was wrong with the man sitting by the gate?
Couldn’t walk
Couldn’t see
What help did the man ask from Peter?
To be healed
Money
What happened when Peter lifted the man off the ground?
He fell down
His body was healed
What does it mean to be more like Jesus?
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIrV), “So we are being ______ to become more like Him so that we have more and more glory.”
Changed
Left the same
What did Peter do after the man was healed?
Preached to the crowd
Went home
Goodness means being a good example of who Jesus is.
True
False
What is one way that you could act or speak like Jesus this week?
What is this week’s Big Do?
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