Slides and Printables.zip

Slides and Printables

Program Videos.zip

Program Videos

7 Min Countdown

03 sec Countdown

2 Min Countdown

Herman and Rusty Act 1

Engage 3D Video

H&R Big Do Slide

Herman and Rusty Act 3

Big Story Video

8 Min Countdown

Herman and Rusty Act 2

Herman and Rusty Title

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules

Hans Von Striker tries to convince Ethel of a lie so he can benefit

Large Group Full Program

Question of the Day: Have you ever gotten lost? What happened?

Countdown / Rules

The **Host** and **Co-Host** enter. The **Co-Host** is wearing a trick blindfold to seem like he/she is blind. The **Co-Host** bumps into different things on stage. If you don’t have the trick blindfold, you could use thin fabric or leave room so that you can see out of the bottom of the blindfold.





**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! Will you watch where you’re going?



**Co-Host**

I can try.





The **Co-Host** turns and walks into a wall or some object on stage.





**Co-Host**

How did I do?



**Host**

It might help if you took off the blindfold.





**Co-Host**

I can’t. This blindfold is my teaching tool. 





The **Co-Host** bumps into the **Host**. He/She touches the **Host**’s face.





**Co-Host**

Oh, that’s you. (Squeezes his/her nose) You look stunning today, by the way.



**Host**

I appreciate your dedication to teaching. He/She is a good example of what happens when you don’t have the Holy Spirit’s help. Thankfully we’re going to discover a great way that He does help. Everybody close your eyes, and guess how many fingers I’m holding up.



**Co-Host**

Eighteen!



Welcome

Worship

**Host** and **Co-Host** enter. This Engage uses the classic Red/Cyan paper 3D glasses. This can make for a great give away for the kids to take home. Using a 3D video that can be found on YouTube and the VLC Player program (It’s free as well), you can display a 3D video on any projector or TV. If this isn’t an option, then consider substituting with an object lesson. An alternative would be showing the difference between a black and white image and a color image. 





**Host**

Do you guys believe Hans Von Striker is telling the truth?



**Co-Host**

Me neither, but how can you know for sure?





**Host**

Thankfully we have a Helper. Let’s bring up a lab assistant to help us reveal today’s Big Point.



**Co-Host**

That’s a great idea because the Big Point will teach us another way that the Holy Spirit helps us.





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





**Host**

After we count down from three, you can help us by reading the Big Point. 



**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!** That’s helpful because our world seems pretty confusing.



**Host**

It does. The hard part is that you can’t always tell the difference between what is and isn’t the truth. The Holy Spirit guides us so we can know what is true, and He helps guide us away from things that are false.



**Co-Host**

What about those times when it’s not clear?



**Host**

The Holy Spirit gives us discernment. That’s a big word that means He cuts through the fuzziness to reveal truth. It’s like this video. Check it out.





If using the VLC Player, be sure to select “Video Effects” and click the checkbox for “Anaglyph.” That will turn the 3D video that is displayed side by side into a combined 3D video. You should see that the video is fuzzy and has red and green haloes. That will allow the 3D glasses to work. The VLC Player is a free program that works on both Mac and PC computers. 





**Co-Host**

That’s a terrible video. It’s fuzzy. It’s got weird coloring. I would not want to watch that.



**Host**

Everyone, put on your 3D glasses, and let’s watch it again. 



**Co-Host**

Wow! That makes the video come alive. Instead of being fuzzy, it’s in 3D!



**Host**

Having the Holy Spirit’s help is like putting on glasses that clear things up. What was confusing before becomes clear when the Holy Spirit guides you.



**Co-Host**

You know, Ethel could definitely use the Holy Spirit’s help.



Engage 1

Prior to service choose two to three adult volunteers to be in a version of “To Tell the Truth.” Find out one interesting fact about one of the volunteers. Each volunteer will try to convince the audience that the fact is true about him/her. The audience will ask questions to try to determine who is telling the truth.





**Host**

I can’t believe that Hans Von Striker is getting away with such a big lie.



**Co-Host**

Do you think it’s right that he’s taking advantage of Ethel like that? She really needs to understand our Big Point. Let’s say it again, 

**Co-Host**

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!**



**Host**

Why don’t we take a look at the Big Verse that Herman shared?





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







**Co-Host**

That’s a good idea because that’s where we learn the Big Point. After we count down from three, we need you to read the verse. 



**Host**

The Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth. 



**Co-Host**

I have an idea for a game. It’s based on an old game show. We have three adult volunteers who will each share an interesting fact about his or her life. Only one of them is telling the truth.



**Host**

You’ll have to ask questions of each one to help you determine who’s lying and who’s telling the truth. We’ll decide as a group at the end.



 

For fun, consider playing game show music to set the stage. Play the game, allowing kids to ask questions. Then poll the audience. Have one of the volunteers who did not tell the truth pretend to step forward as a misdirection, and then have the volunteer who is telling the truth step forward.





**Co-Host**

It was tough to decide.



**Host**

It is tough if we’re on our own, but the good news is that we have a Helper. **The Holy Spirit is our guide**. If you’re unsure of something, go to God.



**Co-Host**

The Holy Spirit can help us remember what God’s Word says so we know if what we’re hearing or seeing matches what’s in the Bible.



**Host**

It’s comforting to know that we have God as our guide. Let’s stand and worship God today.





Engage 2

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. Do you guys ever have big questions? Are there things that you don’t understand, or do you wonder whether you should do this or that? It’s tough to figure those things out on your own, and the good news is you don’t have to. God has already given you the Holy Spirit as your guide to truth. He wants to help you make the right choices and to know whether things are from God. Let’s take a moment now to talk to God. Think about the biggest question you have or the biggest problem you’re facing and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Then pause and let the Holy Spirit speak back. It could be a thought, a feeling inside of you, some scripture, or even just a word that comes to mind. Let’s pray. (Pray) You can hear and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit every day. The Holy Spirit is our Guide. 

Big Story

**Co-Host**

I just knew that Hans Von Striker was lying. I’m glad Ethel found the proof.



**Host**

Just like the Holy Spirit helped her, He wants to help us, too. Let’s say The Big Point again, 

**Host**

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!**



**Co-Host**

The Holy Spirit guided Peter, too, when he needed to know the truth. That’s a great story to share when you do this week’s Big Do. 





**Host**

Pick a place around town, maybe somewhere you’ve never visited, and use a GPS to guide you there. Most phones have a map feature, powered by GPS. Where do you guys plan to visit using your map app?





Engage 3 Slides - TH Elem L2 Engage 3 Slide A.jpg

**Co-Host**

Before map apps existed, we used paper maps. 

Engage 3 Slides - TH Elem L2 Engage 3 Slide B.jpg

**Co-Host**

We even kept them in our cars in case we were lost.

Engage 3 Slides - TH Elem L2 Engage 3 Slide C.jpg

**Co-Host**

Before GPS, people needed compasses to find the right direction. Before compasses, they used the sun.



**Host**

All these items have helped people find their way when they were lost. I have a question for you guys. How does the Holy Spirit help us find our way when we’re lost?





**Co-Host**

I’m glad I have a map app instead of having to figure out where I am on a paper map…and I’m glad I have the Holy Spirit instead of just me.



**Host**

Me, too. Let’s gather in our small groups and discuss what we have discovered.



Engage 3

Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following.

- How did Ethel discover that Hans Von Striker was lying? Has anyone ever lied to you, and you found out?



 - How did the Holy Spirit help Peter in the Big Story? **He helped Peter know that Ananias was lying**



 - What are some ways that the Holy Spirit guides us? **He answers our questions, He helps us know the right way to go or choice to make** Why is it so important to have His help? **So we don’t have to live life alone, be lost or wonder what to do**



 - What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? **Use a map app to help you get somewhere**





Small Group

Play optional game music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question. 

 - Our Big Point says The Holy Spirit Is Our ______!

    - Follower

    - **Guide**



 - Who lied to Ethel about not having money for the trip?

    - Slater

    - **Hans Von Striker**



 - In the days and weeks following the gift of the Holy Spirit, the church _____.

    - **Grew larger**

    - Shrank



 - What did the Christians in the Big Story do when they saw other Christians in need?

    - **Shared what they had**

    - Ignored them



 - What is one way the Holy Spirit guides us?



 - Complete the Big Verse: John 16:13 (NIrV), “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the ______.”

    - Lies

    - **Truth**



 - Who told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira had lied?

    - A fellow disciple

    - **The Holy Spirit**



 - True/False: The Holy Spirit can help us remember what is in the Bible so that we can know the truth.

    - **True**

    - False



 - How did Ethel discover that Hans Von Striker was lying?



  - What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? **Use a map app to help you get somewhere**

Big Review

Large Group Abbreviated

**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!** That’s helpful because our world seems pretty confusing.

**Host**

It does. The hard part is that you can’t always tell the difference between what is and isn’t the truth. The Holy Spirit guides us so we can know what is true, and He helps guide us away from things that are false.

**Co-Host**

What about those times when it’s not clear?

**Host**

The Holy Spirit gives us discernment. That’s a big word that means He cuts through the fuzziness to reveal truth. 

**Co-Host**

I remember one time I went to see a movie in 3D and when I took the 3D glasses off the screen looked really fuzzy. I think the Holy Spirit is like the special glasses for life! 

**Host**

Having the Holy Spirit’s help is like putting on glasses that clear things up. What was confusing before becomes clear when the Holy Spirit guides you.

**Co-Host**

You know, Ethel could definitely use the Holy Spirit’s help.

**Host**

The Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth.



**Co-Host**

It is tough if we’re on our own

**Host**

That is true, but the good news is that we have a Helper. **The Holy Spirit is our guide**. If you’re unsure of something, go to God.

**Co-Host**

The Holy Spirit can help us remember what God’s Word says so we know if what we’re hearing or seeing matches what’s in the Bible.

**Host**

It’s comforting to know that we have God as our guide. 

Midweek / Classroom

Question of the Day: Tell me about a time you got lost. 



Hey guys, welcome to the Lab! Have you ever gotten lost? Maybe you were with your parents, driving around trying to find your way, or maybe you started at a new school and didn’t know how to get back to class. In moments like this, having help is such a relief. Thankfully, God sent us a Helper who will always point us in the right direction. Let’s stand up and worship Him.





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. 

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. 

It’s time for Lab Wars! During Lab Wars we battle it out, team against team, until one group stands victorious. For tonight’s battle, each player will work to find their way to the poster to pin Herman’s tie on his neck, all while wearing a blindfold. The team that gets the closest wins! Small Group Leaders, send up one player to play the game. 

Allow them to send up a player, optional play game music. Play the game. 







It’s hard to find your way when you can’t see! It definitely didn’t make it any easier being spun around. This game is a great example of what it looks like when we don’t have the Holy Spirit’s help. Thankfully we’re going to discover a great way that the Holy Spirit does help us. But first let’s check in with our friends at the Lab to see what kind of trouble they’re getting into this week.  









Lab Wars

Do you guys believe Hans Von Striker is telling the truth? Me neither, but how can you know for sure? Thankfully we have a Helper. Let’s check out our Big Point to learn about another way that the Holy Spirit helps us. I need a small group to help me count down to reveal what it is! 

 Let’s all say it together, **The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!** This is good news because our world is pretty confusing. You can’t always tell the difference between what is and isn’t the truth. The Holy Spirit guides us to what is true and right. Let’s turn to our small groups and do an activity that shows just how helpful it is to have a guide. 

Pass out an activity sheet to each child. Then place the “Guide” in the center of the group. Allow them to break the code using the “Guide”. Then ask the following question.





Would you have been able to break the code without the guide to help you? 









Those puzzles would have been impossible unless you had the clue to help guide you! The Holy Spirit is like that. When we face problems in life or situations that are confusing, the Holy Spirit helps us know what is right and true. I am thankful our Big Point is true, 

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!** I think Ethel could use the Holy Spirit’s help to know the truth. Let’s check back in.







I can’t believe that Hans Von Striker is getting away with such a big lie. Ethel doesn’t seem to have any idea that he is tricking her! She really needs to understand our Big Point. Let’s say it again, 

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!** Let’s take a look at the verse Herman shared. I need a small group to help me count down to reveal what it is.

John 16:13 (NIrV), “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” The Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth. Maybe you have seen one of these before. (Hold up a compass). People have used compasses to find their way for centuries. A compass always shows which way North is. In the same way, the Holy Spirit always points you to the Truth. Let’s turn to our small groups and make a compass together! 

Each group has the supplies needed to make a compass as a group. Follow the instructions below to make the compass. Make sure you involve the kids in the steps as much as possible! 





 - Fill your cup about halfway with water.

 - Take your needle and rub it against the magnet about 30-40 times (Rubbing it in the same direction).

 - When you are finished, poke the needle through the cork. 

 - Then place the cork with the needle on the surface of the water. 

 - The needle will point North and South!

 - Place your other compass next to the one you created to show the kids that the needle points north. 





If you lead a younger group and feel this activity would be difficult for them to stay involved, build the compass yourself for them to watch. Then use the remainder of the time to answer the following question:





Why is it important to know what is true?







You guys made a compass that really works! It’s tough to know which direction you are facing without a compass. In the same way, it’s tough to know the truth if we’re on our own. The good news is that we have a Guide. How does the Holy Spirit guide us? He can help us remember what God’s Word says so we know if what we’re hearing or seeing matches what’s in the Bible. He can also give us discernment. That’s a big word that means He cuts through the fuzziness and confusion to reveal truth. In our Big Story today, we will see how the Holy Spirit helped a man named Peter know the truth when he faced a confusing situation. Let’s check it out. 





Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. Do you guys ever have big questions? Are there things that you don’t understand, or do you wonder whether you should do this or that? It’s tough to figure those things out on your own, and the good news is you don’t have to. God has already given you the Holy Spirit as your guide to truth. He wants to help you make the right choices and to know whether things are from God. Let’s turn to our small groups and talk more about this. Then your small group leader will give you a moment to pray at your seat, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you through any problem you face. 

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. The ball can be used as a tool to signify whose turn it is to respond. 





 - Have you ever faced a problem or a situation, and you didn’t know what to do? Tell me about it.

 - What are some ways the Holy Spirit guides us? **He can show us how we should treat someone; He can show us what to think about something; He can help us make a decision; He can give us wisdom.** 

 - Tell me about a time that you prayed, and the Holy Spirit helped guide you. If the kids don’t have a story to share, share your own!

 - What is a problem you are facing right now? 



Let’s take our questions to God. The Holy Spirit is our Guide, and He will help you. Take a moment to pray, and then pause and listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you.







Life can be filled with unknowns. We will, at some point, face a situation that is confusing, and we may not know what to do. God knew this would happen. That is why He sent us a Helper. 

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide**. When you feel lost and don’t know what to do, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He will, every time. Let’s see if Ethel decides to do this, too.  



I just knew that Hans Von Striker was lying. I’m glad Ethel found the proof. Just like the Holy Spirit helped her, He wants to help us. Let’s say The Big Point again, 



**The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide!** Herman had a great idea for the Big Do. 

As a family, use the map app on your parent’s phone to take you to a fun destination! It can be out to ice cream, to your grandma’s house, or even church! As you do, take a moment and talk about how helpful it is to have the Holy Spirit as your guide.  Let’s turn to our small groups to 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 a group cheer.

The Helper Week 2

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Large Group Full Program Instructions

Large Group Full Program Instructions