Slides and Printables.zip

Slides and Printables

Program Videos.zip

Program Videos

7 Min Countdown

03 sec Countdown

2 Min Countdown

Big Story Video

H&R Big Do Slide

Herman and Rusty Act 3

8 Min Countdown

5 Min Countdown

Herman and Rusty Title

Herman and Rusty Act 1

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

H&R 5 Min Countdown with Rules

Herman and Rusty Act 2

Herman and Rusty compete in doubles badminton; however, the match doesn't go according to plan when Rusty decides he doesn't need a teammate.

Large Group Full Program

Question of the Day: Who is the person who helps you the most at school? How does that person help you?



Countdown / Rules

Suggested music “Help” by The Beatles

The **Host** enters, carrying several large boxes. He/She acts as if the boxes weigh a lot and struggles to hold them. The audio cues are for extra fun, but not essential.





**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! I’ve got to take these boxes to Rusty. He’s playing in a big tournament today and asked me to bring him all the cases of haggis energy drink I could find. Whoa!





**Host** slips and nearly falls. 



(Play “Help”) 



The **Co-Host** enters boldly.





The **Co-Host** stands beside the **Host** and watches him/her.







**Host**

What are you doing?



**Co-Host**

Being your helper. Did you forget what we were teaching again?







**Host**

Ow! No, I didn’t forget. How are you my helper? You did nothing.



**Co-Host**

Technically I watched you fall, so that was something.



**Host**

Thankfully the Helper we’re talking about today does a lot more than watch. In a moment we will stand to our feet and get ready to worship. As we do, reach out a hand and help someone up. First though, we are going to check in at the lab.

Welcome

Worship

**Host**

Do you think that Rusty’s game plan for the badminton match will work?



**Co-Host**

How’s he supposed to win a doubles match all by himself? 



**Host**

That’s like trying to live your Christian life without the Helper.



**Co-Host**

We have a helper? Ha, I knew that. I was just setting up the Big Point. Let’s bring up an assistant to help us reveal it.





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







**Host**

After we count down from three, help us read the Big Point. 





**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper**! I have to admit, I feel like I understand God the Father and Jesus, but not so much about the Holy Spirit.



**Host**

You’re not alone, so let’s play a game that will help us. We have set up some buckets with cards inside, and each one teaches us a truth about the Holy Spirit. We have kids who will try to land a ball into a bucket. When you do, we’ll read what the card says. You can only hit each bucket one time. Let’s see who can get the most buckets. 

As each Scripture is read, show the corresponding slide.



 - 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIrV), “Salvation comes through the Holy Spirit's work. He makes people holy.”

 - 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIrV), “Don't you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves.”

 - Romans 8:15 (NIrV), “The Holy Spirit you received made you God's adopted child.”

 - Ephesians 1:17 (NIrV), “I pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the glorious Father. I keep asking him to give you the wisdom and understanding that come from the Holy Spirit.”

 - Romans 8:27 (NIrV), “And the Spirit prays for God’s people just as God wants Him to pray.”



**Co-Host**

It sounds like the Holy Spirit is God and that He does a lot for us.



**Host**

That’s true. We serve one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sometimes referred to as the Trinity, which means, “Three.” That’s why the Holy Spirit coming to help us is such good news. It means God is with us, helping us. Let’s see if Rusty accepts a little help, too.



Engage 1



**Host**

How’s Rusty doing in his badminton match?



**Co-Host**

If he just accepted Herman’s help, he might win.



**Host**

If we follow the Big Point, it will help us take our lives to the next level. Let’s say it again, 

**Host**

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!**





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







**Co-Host**

Let’s have an assistant help us look at our Big Verse. After we count down from three, we need you to read the verse.

**Co-Host**

John 14:26 (NIrV) says, “The Father will send the Friend in My name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit.”



**Host**

The Holy Spirit is a gift to us. 



**Co-Host**

Sometimes there are gifts you don’t want, like the pajamas my aunt got me for Christmas.



**Host**

Some people wonder if they want to receive the Holy Spirit. It’s like these two mystery boxes. Inside of one of these is something you’ll want. I promise.





**Co-Host**

But it’s a mystery. What if you choose wrong and get stuck with something gross?



**Host**

(To the kid) I will tell you which one is the good gift.



**Co-Host**

What if you lie? What if you get your kicks out of seeing kids get terrible presents?



**Host**

That’s when you have to trust the character of the person giving the gift. I love to give good gifts. So does God. 

**Host**

James 1:17 (NIrV) says, “Every good and perfect gift is from God.” If God gives us something, we know the gift is good. If you choose this box, you will like it.





Kid opens the box to reveal whether they listened to the **Host** or not.





**Co-Host**

It sounds like the Holy Spirit is a gift everyone should want. Let’s take a moment to worship God for being so kind to us.

Engage 2

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. I can imagine that some of you guys are facing difficult things. They may range from bullies at school, to pressure about passing a test, to parents who argue, even to having a family member in jail. It’s not easy being a kid, and that’s why God never intended for you to do it on your own. God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to help us so that we don’t have to live our lives feeling powerless. He sent the Holy Spirit to help us live powerfully. If you’ve said, “Yes” to following Jesus, you have a Helper. Let’s take a moment to tell God, “Thank You” for sending the Holy Spirit and to think of one thing you’d like the Holy Spirit to help you with. Then just ask the Holy Spirit to help you. It’s that simple. Let’s do that now. (Pause) I’m thankful that we weren’t left by ourselves when Jesus went back to Heaven. We have a powerful Helper on our side. Don’t forget that He’s there.





Big Story

The **Host** and **Co-Host** enter. This Engage uses the Chain Link Box illusion that can be purchased online. If that is not available to you, then use a chain as the object lesson. Remove a couple of individual links and show how those links form a strong chain. Then show the full chain.



**Co-Host**

I think Rusty finally learned the value of a teammate.



**Host**

The early church did, too. They learned quickly that the Holy Spirit makes a huge difference, and what’s great is He is a gift for all of us. Let’s say The Big Point again, 

**Host**

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!**



**Co-Host**

The Holy Spirit brought the first Christians together on the Day of Pentecost and made them a strong group. Look at how many people said, “Yes” to Jesus that first day. That’s a great story to share as you do the Big Do. 



**Host**

Find someone that you can help this week. It could be someone in your family or a neighbor or friend that your family can help.



**Co-Host**

The Holy Spirit can help us, just like He helped the first Christians.



**Host**

That’s true. One of the ways that the Holy Spirit works in us is by bringing Christians together like a team. The Church is a group of individuals (Drop some of the individual chain links in the Church box illusion) who come to Jesus from different backgrounds, just like Peter and the other Christians. 





**Co-Host**

Ephesians 2:22 (NIrV) says, “You are being made into a house where God lives through His Spirit.” That “you” means you (Point to someone), and you, and you, and you, and you, and everyone who follows Jesus.



**Host**

The cool part about being part of the Church is that the Holy Spirit puts all the different parts, meaning us, together to create a strong team. (Dump out the box, revealing a unified chain)



**Co-Host**

As a team, built by the Holy Spirit, we can do some great things for God.



**Host**

It’s all because we have the Holy Spirit’s help. 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 Rusty react when Herman tried to play in the match? Did Rusty’s actions help or hurt him? 



 - How did the Holy Spirit help the new Christians on the Day of Pentecost? Why do we still need the Holy Spirit’s help? **He helped them to talk in languages so that everyone would understand the truth. The Holy Spirit helps us know the right things to do, He helps us understand the Bible, He helps us live powerfully**



 - Do you think that anyone, even kids, can have the Holy Spirit’s help? How is the Holy Spirit a good gift to kids? **Yes, any follower of Jesus can have the Holy Spirit’s help.**



 - What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? **Find someone that you can help this week.**





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 ______!

    - **Helper**

    - Problem



 - How did Rusty react to having a teammate?

    - **He ignored Herman**

    - He let Herman hit most of the shots



 - What were the Christians doing when the Holy Spirit was given to them?

    - **Praying**

    - Sleeping



 - What happened when the Christians received the Holy Spirit?

    - They got really angry

    - **They spoke in new languages**



 - What is one way the Holy Spirit helps us?



 - Complete the Big Verse: John 14:26 (NIrV), “The Father will send the Friend in My name to help you. The Friend is the ________.”

    - Superhero

    - **Holy Spirit**



 - What happened when Peter preached to the crowd?

    - They killed him

    - **Thousands of people believed**



 - True/False: The Holy Spirit is a different God.

    - True

    - **False**



 - Why do you think that the Holy Spirit is a good gift?



  - What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do?

**Pick someone in your family and figure out a way to help them**



Big Review

Large Group Abbreviated

**Co-Host**

Let’s all say it together, **The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper**! I have to admit, I feel like I understand God the Father and Jesus, but not so much about the Holy Spirit.

**Host**

You’re not alone, but there are a lot of scriptures that  teach us truth about the Holy Spirit.

- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIrV), “Salvation comes through the Holy Spirit's work. He makes people holy.”

- 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIrV), “Don't you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves.”

- Romans 8:15 (NIrV), “The Holy Spirit you received made you God's adopted child.”

- Ephesians 1:17 (NIrV), “I pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the glorious Father. I keep asking him to give you the wisdom and understanding that come from the Holy Spirit.”

- Romans 8:27 (NIrV), “And the Spirit prays for God’s people just as God wants Him to pray.”

**Co-Host**

John 14:26 (NIrV) says, “The Father will send the Friend in My name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit.”

**Host**

The Holy Spirit is a gift to us.

**Co-Host**

Sometimes there are gifts you don’t want, like the pajamas my aunt got me for Christmas.

**Host**

Some people wonder if they want to receive the Holy Spirit. But you have to trust the character of the person giving the gift. God gives good gifts. 



**Co-Host**

It sounds like the Holy Spirit is a gift everyone should want!

**Host**

Find someone that you can help this week. It could be someone in your family or a neighbor or friend that your family can help.

**Co-Host**

The Holy Spirit can help us, just like He helped the first Christians.

**Host**

That’s true. One of the ways that the Holy Spirit works in us is by bringing Christians together like a team. The Church is a group of individuals who come to Jesus from different backgrounds, just like Peter and the other Christians.

Midweek / Classroom

Question of the Day: What job do you always want to help with?

Lab Wars Prep: Prior to this segment, tape off a starting line and mark a point where the kids will have to tag and return to the start. 



Hey guys, welcome to the Lab! Have you ever tried to do something on your own that was just too hard? Maybe it was lifting a heavy bag, finishing your math homework, or trying to reach something from the top cabinet. I am sure you were very relieved when someone offered their help. When someone is willing to help you, it makes all the difference! Let’s stand up and worship, thanking God for always helping us. 





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, you will team up with another small group and compete in a four-legged race. The winners of the race will bring home the victory for their teams. Small group leaders, send up one contestant from your small group. 

Allow them to send up a child. Then partner them up and have them tie their legs together with another child. It may help to have a stagehand assist you with this.

Ok, racers, on your marks, get set, go!  





Play optional game music. Play the game. 







That game was a lot easier when they figured out how to work as a team and help each other out. Tonight we get to talk about a Helper who is always with us, but thankfully, He isn’t tied to our leg. Jesus sent Him to us to live inside of us! Before we go any further, let’s check in with our friends in the Lab to see if they find having a helper helpful!



Lab Wars

Rusty’s game plan for this badminton tournament is crazy! How’s he supposed to win a doubles match all by himself? That’s like trying to live your Christian life without the Helper. This is what our Big Point is all about. I need a small group to help me count down to reveal what it is. 

Choose a small group to count it down.





**The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!**

 Some people find they know some about God and Jesus, but when it comes to the Holy Spirit, they’re a little confused. Let’s turn to our small groups to play a fun game. Each group has several cups with cards inside and each one teaches us a truth about the Holy Spirit. Your goal is to toss a ping pong ball inside the cup. If you make it, read that truth about the Holy Spirit!  

Each small group has several cups with a card inside explaining a truth about the Holy Spirit. Allow the kids to take turns tossing a ball into a cup. If they make it, they can grab that card and read what it says! When the card is read, remove that cup from the center and repeat this process. If you still have time, ask the following question: 



The cards will read as follows:

 - The Holy Spirit helps us do good things for God. We call this “bearing good fruit” - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIrV)

 - The Holy Spirit gives us power - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,” Acts 1:8 (NIrV)

 - The Holy Spirit helps us become a part of God’s family - “The Holy Spirit you received made you God's adopted child,” Romans 8:15 (NIrV)

 - The Holy Spirit prays for us - “And the Spirit prays for God’s people just as God wants Him to pray,” Romans 8:27 (NIrV)

 - The Holy Spirit helps us to know the right choices to make. We call this wisdom - “I pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the glorious Father. I keep asking Him to give you the wisdom and understanding that come from the Holy Spirit,” Ephesians 1:17 (NIrV)

 - The Holy Spirit lives in you - “Don't you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves,” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIrV)



What is one thing you learned about the Holy Spirit?





I hope this game helped you understand more about who the Holy Spirit is! The Bible tells us there is only one God. Kind of like water can be ice, water you drink, or steam, God exists in three persons: our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. That means the Holy Spirit is God, and He does a lot for us. That’s why God sending the Holy Spirit to help us is such good news. It means God is with us, helping us. Let’s say our Big Point together, 

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!** I hope Rusty accepts a little help, too.









How’s Rusty doing in his badminton match? If he just accepts Herman’s help, he might win. If we follow the Big Point, it will help us take our lives to the next level. Let’s say it again, 

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!** It seems like Rusty doesn’t think having help is a good thing! Let’s see what our Big Verse has to say about this. I need a small group to help me count down to reveal what it is. 

John 14:26 (NIrV), “The Father will send the Friend in My name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is a gift to us. Since we know that God is good, we know that the gifts He gives are good. Let’s turn to our small groups and play a fun game where we will see that help is a good thing. 







Each group has a stack of cards with objects on it from the game Heads Up. Pick a card and allow the kids to ask “Yes” or “No” questions and try to guess what the card says. After about 2 minutes, give a clue. Play as many rounds as the time allows. If you still have time, ask the following question:



Was it helpful to receive a clue? 











That game was a lot easier when you had a clue from your small group leader! Life will throw all sorts of challenges your way. God knew this and sent us a gift, the Holy Spirit, to help us. This Helper isn’t like our teacher or our parents, who can’t be with us all the time. Instead, the Holy Spirit is always with us and can help us with any problem we face. I am so thankful our Big Point is true, 





I can imagine that some of you guys are facing difficult things. They may range from bullies at school, to pressure about passing a test, to parents who argue, even to having a family member in jail. It’s not easy being a kid, and that’s why God never intended for you to do it on your own. God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to help us so that we don’t have to live our lives feeling powerless. He sent the Holy Spirit to help us live powerfully. If you’ve said, “Yes” to following Jesus, you have a Helper. Let’s turn to our small groups and talk more about the good news that 



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 something that felt too hard for you to handle on your own? Tell me about it.



 - Why do you think God calls the Holy Spirit a “gift” to us? **Because His help gives us the power to love others, obey God, speak the truth, and do great things for God. The Holy Spirit gives us strength and peace and helps us face whatever comes our way with a good attitude and hope in our hearts.**



 - What is something you are facing right now that is really difficult? 



Let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit for His help. Then we’ll thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.







Sometimes in life, hard things are thrown our way, things that are too big for a 1st grader or a 5th grader to handle on their own. God knew life wouldn’t be easy. He knew we would need help. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and He walks with us through every challenge we face. God is so good to give us a gift like the Holy Spirit. The next time something difficult comes your way, remember,



 **The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!** Let’s see if Rusty can see the value of having a teammate.  











I’m glad Rusty realized that having help is a really good thing. The early church did, too. They learned quickly that the Holy Spirit makes a huge difference, and the great news is He is a gift for all of us. Let’s say The Big Point again, 

**The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper!** You can share the story of how the Holy Spirit helped the first Christians when you do this week’s Big Do. 

Allow the Holy Spirit to help you as you help someone else! Pick someone in your family and figure out a way to help them this week. You can help your mom wash the dishes, help your brother clean his room, or anything else you can think of. As you help others, remember how the Holy Spirit helps you. 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 1

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Large Group Full Program Instructions

Large Group Full Program Instructions