https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/P3oj2lZPCa_/Slides and Printables.zip?dt=1643723141424

Slides and Printables

https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/y8Uw29Sj7-F/Program Videos.zip?dt=1649024533151

Program Videos

Herman and Rusty Act 3

Herman and Rusty Act 2

Herman and Rusty Act 1

Big Story Video

Rusty is busy preparing for his big Thanksgiving party. So is everyone else. The only problem is that Rusty can't seem to remember two simple words, "Thank You"

Thanks & Giving Week 1

Don't Forget To Say Thanks!

Join Herman, Rusty, and their friends on an adventure of science and faith. Their hijinks will leave your kids (and volunteers) laughing as they deepen their understanding of God’s Word. Included are lessons for both large groups and small groups. Each week you will receive videos, graphics, coloring sheets, and more. The elementary lessons will correspond with the junior curriculum so that everyone in your children’s ministry will be on the same page.

Ark Kids Elementary

H&R Big Do Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/0JC9D3t5reI/hr-big-do-slide.mp4?dt=1641302813167

1080p

Lesson Plan

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/25kGUbFQiUK/tg-elem-l1-large-group.docx?dt=1641605941824

docx

2 Min Countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/Av2IzqqrZ0R/2-minute-countdown.mp4?dt=1650886416203

Big Verse Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/eVjlpLcdpvC/tg-elem-l1-big-verse-slide.jpg?dt=1643723034721

7min Countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/ha3Y3N0SLN1/7 Minute Countdown.mp4?dt=1641302327713

3 Second Countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/K8eJ1f3sH41/h&r-3-second-countdown.mp4?dt=1634844234150

Big Point Slide 

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/py6SvZXx0Yv/tg-elem-l1-big-point-slide.jpg?dt=1643722778988

6min Countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/qbvA0AQKvyQ/6 Minute Countdown.mp4?dt=1641302036043

H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/tHAaSrTO52I/H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules.mp4?dt=1641302559818

Herman and Rusty Title

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/vAigrHh2axn/herman-and-rusty-title.mp4?dt=1641303078513

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-0.jpg?dt=1643722892230

tg-elem-l1-big-review-0.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-1.jpg?dt=1643722892234

tg-elem-l1-big-review-1.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-1a.jpg?dt=1643722892237

tg-elem-l1-big-review-1a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-2.jpg?dt=1643722892231

tg-elem-l1-big-review-2.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-2a.jpg?dt=1643722892237

tg-elem-l1-big-review-2a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-3.jpg?dt=1643722892243

tg-elem-l1-big-review-3.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-3a.jpg?dt=1643722892247

tg-elem-l1-big-review-3a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-4.jpg?dt=1643722892247

tg-elem-l1-big-review-4.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-4a.jpg?dt=1643722892249

tg-elem-l1-big-review-4a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-5.jpg?dt=1643722892251

tg-elem-l1-big-review-5.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-5a.jpg?dt=1643722892252

tg-elem-l1-big-review-5a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-6.jpg?dt=1643722892253

tg-elem-l1-big-review-6.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-6a.jpg?dt=1643722892255

tg-elem-l1-big-review-6a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-7.jpg?dt=1643722892257

tg-elem-l1-big-review-7.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-7a.jpg?dt=1643722892257

tg-elem-l1-big-review-7a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-8.jpg?dt=1643722892259

tg-elem-l1-big-review-8.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-8a.jpg?dt=1643722892261

tg-elem-l1-big-review-8a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-9.jpg?dt=1643722892261

tg-elem-l1-big-review-9.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-9a.jpg?dt=1643722892265

tg-elem-l1-big-review-9a.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-10.jpg?dt=1643722892269

tg-elem-l1-big-review-10.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/tg-elem-l1-big-review-10a.jpg?dt=1643722892269

tg-elem-l1-big-review-10a.jpg

Big Review Slides

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/Z1upvSm2E1z/big review.zip?dt=1643722797039

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/ZQfpqDQUm6z/hr-big-review-bumper.mp4?dt=1641302865046

Small Group Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/CjQ0spl2kRy/ZrMc0LKXzzd/tg-elem-l1-small-group-slide.jpg?dt=1643723066999

This “THANKS + GIVING” series is much more than some good lessons around a holiday theme.  These are two principles that have the power to change lives.  Gratitude and generosity are not widely prevalent in our society, especially in the life of a child.  There is a natural tendency in all of us to get sucked into thinking that life is “all about me.” Helping kids to understand that all that they receive and benefit from in their lives is the result of someone else’s generosity is crucial.  Teaching them to take the time to acknowledge that and express gratitude to those people, and to God, is powerful.  Once that happens, we find that generosity prompts gratitude and gratitude inspires generosity and the cycle becomes intertwined and contagious.  Thankful, giving people stand out…we notice them and want to be like them.  So yes, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to teach kids about thanks and giving.  It’s a great reminder for us, as well. As we model these traits in our own lives, not only will we reap personal reward, but we also have the opportunity to start a trend and ignite a truth in the hearts and minds of kids that will literally change their lives. 

Thanks & Giving

The "THANKS + GIVING" series aims to instill the transformative principles of gratitude and generosity in children, dispelling the self-centered perspective often prevalent in society and promoting an acknowledgment of others' kindness; it posits that gra

Large Group Full 

Countdown / Rules

Engage 2 includes a scavenger hunt game that needs to be planned ahead.

Crowdcontrolgames.com offers a great Scavenger Hunt Game that can be purchased and played on any computer. If that isn’t a great option, then consider having the items listed on notecards. Basic items such as shoes, jacket, glasses, etc. For fun you specify the items such as yellow shoe, red coat, etc. 

Leader

Welcome

**Host**
Welcome to the Lab! This week begins a brand new series…

**Co-Host**
On how to wash and wax my car!

**Host**
No, it’s not.

**Co-Host**
I think it is. That’s right; in this exciting series you’re going to learn how to make my car shine like my neighbor’s bald head.

**Host**
This series is all about thanks and giving. We’re going to talk about ways to say thanks and then give.

**Co-Host**
It was worth a try. My car is dirty, but at least I was planning to say, “Thanks” after you gave me that awesome car wash. See how I tied it in? Why don’t you and these kids knock out a polish before the first worship song?

**Host**
No way, because we are getting ready to see what Herman and Rusty are up to today. But first stand up and tell someone as much as you can that you are thankful for in the next twenty seconds. See who can say the most. Go!



Hosts

Worship

Engage 1

**Co-Host**
I thought Rusty would get the hint, but he just asked for a pumpkin spice latte instead. That sounds really good. Can we send a kid to grab one for me?

**Host**
No, but we do need a lab assistant to come up here and help us reveal the Big Point.

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

**Co-Host**
How good are you at making pumpkin spice lattes?

**Host**
All you need to do is press that button after we count down from three. 



3…2…1!

(Kid volunteer presses the button. Lights flash and the Big Point is revealed.) 

**Co-Host**
Let’s all say it together, **“Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!”**

**Host**
Like you get busy with homework or your friend comes over or you move on to the next present. 

**Host**
Let’s play a game to see how well you guys remember. We’ve chosen several kids to come up on stage and stand in a line across the stage.

**Co-Host**
It’s simple. The game is Bop It! You will follow the pattern and pass it down the line. Let’s see if we can get it all the way from one end to the other.




**Host**
Great job! Sometimes it’s hard to remember when the game is playing the stressful sound effects. Just because distractions pop up, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to remember. Nope, we can remember to say, “Thank you” in any situation. Let’s see if Rusty can remember.


Engage 2

**Host**
Sophia and Slater seem hurt that Rusty has forgotten to thank them.

**Co-Host**
It does make it seem like Rusty is just using them. It’s almost like he doesn’t care about them.

**Host**
We’ve all been guilty of doing the same thing. It’s important to tell others, and God, that you are grateful. 



**Host**
**Don’t Forget to Say Thanks!** I need another assistant to help us reveal the Big Verse.

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

**Co-Host**
Your job is to hit the button as we count down from three.



Kid volunteer presses the button. Lights flash and the Big Verse is revealed.

**Co-Host**
Colossians 4:2 (NIrV), “Always be watchful and thankful.” Hmm, that verse made me think of something. I think we miss saying, “Thanks” a lot of times because we aren’t looking out for the good things God has done for us.

**Host**
It’s hard to be grateful when you aren’t looking for the good stuff that’s in your life, which brings me to a fun idea. Let’s play a thankfulness scavenger hunt.

**Co-Host**
We’re going to use stuff we find in this room. Our assistant will represent the boys/girls, and we’ll choose another team captain. Let’s play!


Crowdcontrolgames.com offers a great Scavenger Hunt Game that can be purchased and played on any computer. If that isn’t a great option, then consider having the items listed on notecards. Basic items such as shoes, jacket, glasses, etc. For fun you specify the items such as yellow shoe, red coat, etc. 

**Co-Host**
Look at how much we have to be grateful for just in this room. I’m going to use these binoculars to keep an eye out for grateful opportunities, like you washing my car.

**Host**
Still not falling for it.

**Co-Host**
Wow, that is a giant booger. These are binoculars are powerful.

**Host**
Let’s keep our eyes open and live out the Big Point, 


**Host**
**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** Let’s jump to our feet and worship our very good God!

Big Story

Today would be a great time to tell God, “Thank You.” He has done incredible things for us. Jesus died for us so that we could be saved. God provides for our needs. He’s healed us and protected us. God deserves our thanks. So take a moment and quietly thank Him right there at your seat. 

Engage 3

**Co-Host**
I’m glad that Rusty decided to say, “Thank you.” He really does love his friends, he just forgot to let them know.

**Host**
That’s why we all need to follow our Big Point, 



**Host**
**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** If you forget to tell God, “Thank You,” He’s not going to go in the corner and pout. God is still God, and He’s still amazing whether we admit it or not.


**Co-Host**
Then why is it so important to say, “Thank you?” I know the answer. I just wanted to lay it up for you so that you could bring it to the house.

**Host**
Thanks, but I thought it might be fun to get one of our assistants to ask this question. “Why is it important for you to say thank you to others?”

(Choose a volunteer to ask the question.)

**Co-Host**
I am ready to use that Big Point whenever you get that urge to wax my car.

**Host**
What if I just help you wash it? We’ll do it together. 

**Co-Host**
Done! Don’t worry, I’ll use the Big Point. Let’s say it together, 



**Co-Host**
**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** Let’s gather with our small groups and talk about thankfulness.

Small Group 

Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following. 

1.	What were some of the ways that Rusty’s friends helped him? How did it make them feel when he forgot to say, “Thank you?”

2.	How many of the guys that Jesus healed came back to say, “Thank you?” Does it surprise you that only one guy returned? How do you think giving thanks helped him more than the other nine guys?

3.	What are some things that might help you remember to say, “Thanks?”

4.	What did Herman tell us to do in the Big Do?



Small Group Leader

Big Review

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

1.	Our Big Point says **Don’t _____ To Say Thanks!** a.	**Forget** b.	Remember
2.	What was Rusty preparing for at the lab? a.	Birthday Party b.	**Thanksgiving Party**
3.	What was wrong with the guys who approached Jesus in our Big Story?
**They had leprosy**
4.	Why were Rusty’s friends upset with him? **He wasn’t saying, “Thank you.”**
5.	What is something you can be thankful for today?
6.	Complete the Big Verse: Colossians 4:2 (NIrV), “Always be _______ and thankful.”
a.	**Watchful** b.	Looking
7.	Why do you think that God wants us to say, “Thanks?”
8.	How many guys returned to give Jesus thanks for healing them? a.	10 b.	**1**
9.	What happened to the man who came back to thank Jesus? a.	He had dinner with Jesus b.	**Jesus forgave his sins**
10. What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? **Write a thank you note**

Large Group Abbreviated

**Co-Host**
I thought Rusty would get the hint, but he just asked for a pumpkin spice latte instead. That sounds really good. Can we send a kid to grab one for me?

**Host**
No, but we do need a lab assistant to come up here and help us reveal the Big Point.

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

**Co-Host**
How good are you at making pumpkin spice lattes?

**Host**
All you need to do is help us count down from three. 



**Co-Host**
Let’s all say it together, **“Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!”**

**Host**
Like you get busy with homework or your friend comes over or you move on to the next present. Just because distractions pop up, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to remember. Nope, we can remember to say, “Thank you” in any situation. Let’s see if Rusty can remember.


**Host**
**Don’t Forget to Say Thanks!** I need another assistant to help us reveal the Big Verse.

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

**Co-Host**
Your job is to help us count down from three.



**Co-Host**
Colossians 4:2 (NIrV), “Always be watchful and thankful.” Hmm, that verse made me think of something. I think we miss saying, “Thanks” a lot of times because we aren’t looking out for the good things God has done for us.

**Host**
It’s hard to be grateful when you aren’t looking for the good stuff that’s in your life. We really have to keep our eyes open!

**Co-Host**
Look at how much we have to be grateful for just in this room. I’m going to use these binoculars to keep an eye out for grateful opportunities, like you washing my car.

**Host**
Still not falling for it.

**Co-Host**
Wow, that is a giant booger. These are binoculars are powerful.

**Host**
Let’s keep our eyes open and live out the Big Point.


**Co-Host**
**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** 

And remember our Big Do.



**Host** **Write a thank you note.**

Let’s gather with our small groups and talk about thankfulness.

Midweek / Classroom

Optional Music for this lesson includes:

 - Soft instrumental music for Big Story

Hey, everyone, welcome to church! Tonight is all about the magic word. No, I am not talking about abracadabra. I am talking about, “Thank you!” It’s important to say, “Thanks” to everyone, but especially to God! A great way to do that is through worship! So, stand up, give your neighbor a high-five, and let’s thank God for all He has done for us. 


Lab Wars

You guys did a great job worshipping God! It’s time to break up into your small groups. Go ahead and turn to your small group leaders now. 

It’s time for Lab Wars! This is a time where each small group will battle it out to win 5,000 points! Tonight’s lab war will test your memory. On the screen you will see a matching game. When I call on your group, decide as a team which two slides you want revealed. The team that finds the most matches, wins! 



This activity is currently available as a powerpoint in the lesson downloads. It is a digital version of the classic card matching game. Call on a small group and have them choose two tiles. If the tiles match, they get a point for their team and get to go again. If they don’t match, go to the next group. Feel free to use the classic card game as a replacement.




It seems like Rusty may be forgetting something. Do you guys know what it is? What words is he forgetting to say? (Let them respond) Wow, it looks like you guys already know exactly what our Big Point is all about today. I need a small group to help me reveal what it is! (Select a small group) Let’s count it down from three! 

**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** It seems easy enough to remember to say, “Thank you” when someone, especially God, helps you. Unfortunately, life has a way of distracting us. This reminds me of a fun activity. Your small group leader is going to hand you a small “mirror”. Feel free to look at it and make all the funny faces that you want. In the meantime, your small group leader will read you a story. Go ahead and do this now. 

Pass out the sheets of mylar to each child in your small group. As they play with it and look at themselves in the reflection, read the story and ask the questions that follow. The goal is to show that it is harder to remember things when you are distracted with looking at yourself. 



Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Roberts have been best friends for 40 years. They live in Greensville, Washington. There are 7 children between their two families. Mrs. Jackson has 3 boys and 1 girl, and Mrs. Roberts has 2 girls and 1 boy.  Their favorite pastimes are going for walks and gardening. Mrs. Roberts has a large garden, and in it, they grow strawberries, carrots, peas, tomatoes, and melons. Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Roberts make jams and preserves with her harvest and give it to their children to eat.

Who has a garden? **Mrs. Roberts**

How long have they been best friends? **40 years**

How many children does Mrs. Jackson have? **4 children (3 boys and 1 girl)**

Which of the following was not a type of produce in Mrs. Roberts’ garden? Peas, squash, tomatoes, or strawberries? **Squash**

From which state are Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Roberts from? **Washington**



Did any of you have a hard time remembering those details from the story? The mirrors created a real distraction and made it more difficult to remember. The same can happen when God and others do kind things for us. Sometimes we get distracted and only focus on ourselves, making it so much harder to remember to say, “Thanks.” When we limit the distractions and focus on others, it’s a lot easier to follow our Big Point. Let’s say it together, 

Sophia and Slater seem hurt that Rusty has forgotten to thank them. It seems like Rusty is just using them and that he doesn’t care about them. We’ve all been guilty of doing the same thing. It’s important to tell others, and God, that you are grateful. Let’s take a look at our Big Verse. I need a small group to help me count down from three to reveal what it is. (Choose a small group) Ok, count it down from three! 

Colossians 4:2 (NIrV), “Always be watchful and thankful.” We miss saying, “Thanks” a lot of times because we aren’t looking out for the good things God has done for us. Let’s do something fun to practice doing just that. 


This activity will help the children practice acknowledging things that they usually forget to say, “Thank you” for. Pass out the activity sheets to each child. Give each child 5-10 paper leaves or pile them in the center of your group. The children will write something that they have never said, “Thank you” for on each leaf and then tape them to their tree on the Activity Sheet. 


When life gets crazy, or we get caught up with ourselves, we don’t catch all the things in our lives that are a blessing to us. It’s important to practice saying, “Thank you” for the big things and the little things. When we do that, we will be following our Big Point, 


**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** Let’s take a look at a Bible story about a man who remembered to say thanks.  


Today would be a great time to tell God, “Thank You.” He has done incredible things for us. Jesus died for us so that we could be saved. God provides for our needs. He has healed us and protected us. God deserves our thanks. Let’s take a moment and talk about this in our small group. Then we are going to take a moment to thank God. 


The goal in this segment is to create a place where kids can openly share and to bring accountability to becoming 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.

 - Have you ever done something kind for someone, and they didn’t say, “Thank you?”
 - How did that make you feel?
 - What is something God has done for you? Have you thanked Him?

Let’s take a moment and write a note to God. Tell Him all the things you are thankful for, even the small things that you may have never thought about. (Younger: Have the kids draw a picture for God of things that they are thankful for)



We love it when people remember to say, “Thank you” to us! It’s important that we do the same. If you forget to tell God, “Thank You,” He’s not going to go in the corner and pout. God is still God, and He’s still amazing whether we admit it or not. But when we do thank Him, it not only makes God happy, but it helps our hearts stay strong as well. That is why it’s important to remember our Big Point, 


Closing

I’m glad that Rusty decided to say, “Thank you.” He really does love his friends; he just forgot to let them know. That’s why we all need to follow our Big Point, 

**Don’t Forget To Say Thanks!** This week, you can practice the Big Point by doing the Big Do as a family! Think about someone who has done something kind for you. Then write that person a note and have the whole family sign it. I am sure they will appreciate hearing that what they did was a blessing to you. Now turn to your small groups to finish up today’s service.


Have a post-game huddle with your group. Pray for them, do a little cheer, whatever you decide is a good way to end your group. 



Thanks & Giving Week 1: Don't Forget To Say Thanks!

Large Group Full

Large Group Full Instructions

Countdown / Rules

Welcome

Engage 1

Engage 2

Big Story

Engage 3

Small Group

Big Review

Large Group Full Instructions

Countdown / Rules

Welcome

Engage 1

Engage 2

Big Story

Engage 3

Small Group

Big Review

About Ark Kids Elementary