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

Program Videos

https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/DrHz7y60tie/Slides and Printables.zip?dt=1680225940476

Slides and Printables

https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/mCoQQZdgMfj/Slides.zip?dt=1665755979823

Slides

Herman and Rusty Act 2

Big Story Video

Herman and Rusty Act 3

Herman and Rusty Act 1 

Some people think about quitting or hiding what they really think about Jesus because they’re afraid of how others might react. Are Sophia and Ethel one of them?

Upside Down Week 4

 I Won't Back Down

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

Small Group Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/-goedDl1oHB/peace-elem-l1-small-group-slide.jpg?dt=1664278485015

H&R Big Do Slide

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

1080p

Big Point Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6EBCelBkfRT/UD Elem L4 Big Point Slide.jpg?dt=1680220985508

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 1.jpg?dt=1680223858081

UD Elem L4 Big Review 1.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 1A.jpg?dt=1680223858081

UD Elem L4 Big Review 1A.jpg

UD Elem L4 Big Review 2.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 2A.jpg?dt=1680223858077

UD Elem L4 Big Review 2A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 3.jpg?dt=1680223858080

UD Elem L4 Big Review 3.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 3A.jpg?dt=1680223858071

UD Elem L4 Big Review 3A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 4.jpg?dt=1680223858077

UD Elem L4 Big Review 4.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 4A.jpg?dt=1680223858071

UD Elem L4 Big Review 4A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 5.jpg?dt=1680223858069

UD Elem L4 Big Review 5.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 5A.jpg?dt=1680223858068

UD Elem L4 Big Review 5A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 6.jpg?dt=1680223858066

UD Elem L4 Big Review 6.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 6A.jpg?dt=1680223858065

UD Elem L4 Big Review 6A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 7.jpg?dt=1680223858064

UD Elem L4 Big Review 7.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 7A.jpg?dt=1680223858062

UD Elem L4 Big Review 7A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 8.jpg?dt=1680223858061

UD Elem L4 Big Review 8.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 8A.jpg?dt=1680223858085

UD Elem L4 Big Review 8A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 9.jpg?dt=1680223858056

UD Elem L4 Big Review 9.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 9A.jpg?dt=1680223858084

UD Elem L4 Big Review 9A.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 10.jpg?dt=1680223858059

UD Elem L4 Big Review 10.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review 10A.jpg?dt=1680223858085

UD Elem L4 Big Review 10A.jpg

Big Review Slides

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/6WOqNFrRyst/UD Elem L4 Big Review Slides.zip?dt=1680223649701

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/iQf5WGiTNYO/CvstUFzfbYw/UD Elem L4 Big Verse Slide.jpg?dt=1680225253293

5 Minute Timer

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX0/e33mTkLLHqi/5 Minute Countdown.mp4?dt=1641301840019

7min Countdown

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

Lesson Plan

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/IMpwQTujZna/UD Elem L4 Small Groups.docx?dt=1680221112033

docx

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/IMpwQTujZna/UD Elem L4 Large Group.docx?dt=1680221093395

3 Second Countdown

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

Engage 1 Activity

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/iQf5WGiTNYO/nXn1uqR3QOI/UD Elem L4 Engage 1 Activity.pdf?dt=1680221966575

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

H&R BIG REVIEW Bumper

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

To say that we’re living in a crazy world is a huge understatement! The kids in our ministries are growing up in a world that seems to be getting harder and harder to navigate. Wrong is called right; right is up to the individual; having a differing opinion is intolerant and logic seems to have gone by the wayside. However, our kids aren’t the first to experience this kind of world. Daniel and his friends were violently taken from their homes and thrown into a foreign world where literally nothing was familiar. Yet God was with them and they knew it. Daniel’s life gives us some time-tested principles that can help our kids realize that it is possible to live right-side-up in an upside-down world!!

Upside Down

Through the narrative of Daniel, this teaching aims to provide children with enduring principles that can guide them to live with integrity and faith in a world that often appears upside down, illustrating that with God's presence and guidance, they can n

Large Group Full Program

Countdown / Rules

Question of the Day: Have you ever thought about quitting a team, but you didn’t?





Leader

Welcome

Before the lesson starts, place two or three plates with one mini donut on each plate spaced across the stage. You can add safety cones to make the course harder by having them go around the cones or simply make it a straight race from start to finish.







The **Host** and **Co-Host** are wearing lab coats. 

**Host**

Welcome to the Lab! 



**Co-Host**

This month as been so cool. We’ve discovered how to live right side up in an upside down world.



**Host**

We’ve agreed that although we may not be able to control things around us, we have the power to choose our actions every day.



**Co-Host**

Let’s play a little game that will test your ability to race while being a little upside down. 



**Host**

This is a classic wheelbarrow race. In this race, one teammate will have to walk on their hands while the other teammate holds his or her legs.



**Co-Host**

Here’s the twist. Along the course you will find plates with mini donuts on them. You have to stop at each plate and eat the donut without your hands, with your legs still held up high in the air.



**Host**

We’ve chosen two teams to race. Let’s see who wins!



Play optional game music. Have the kids race.

**Co-Host**

Great job to our winners! Wow, that was not as easy as just walking up and taking a bite off the table.



**Host**

Living in an upside down world can be hard, but we can keep going because God is always ready to help us. Let’s see what's going on in the lab.





Hosts

Worship

Engage 1

This Engage uses Sumo Bopper Balls that can purchased online. If you don’t have those, you can substitute with any item that will help you simulate a sumo-style game. The object of the game is for one kid to push the other kid out of the boundaries.



**Co-Host**

What do you think of Rusty’s plan to use disguises? Do you think we should have to hide when we go to church?



**Host**

Even if Sophia and Ethel’s friends don’t like it, I know God wouldn’t want them to quit going to church.



**Co-Host**

Some people think about quitting or hiding what they know to be true about Jesus because they’re afraid of how others might react.



**Host**

You might have even seen some people get made fun of for living the way the Bible says to live. The Big Point has something to say about what we should do. I need a volunteer to help us reveal it.



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

**Co-Host**

You will count down from three and then read the Big Point.

**Host**

Let’s all say it together, **I Won’t Back Down!**



**Co-Host**

Not everyone will pat you on the back or applaud your efforts to live as a follower of Jesus.



**Host**

In fact, some people will be very vocal about how much they don’t like what you do.



**Co-Host**

Others might even claim that your belief in God’s truth hurts them. It’s not our goal to aggravate people, but we can’t back down from the truth.



**Host**

Let’s play a game about not backing down. We have chosen two contestants to wear these sumo boppers. When I say, “Go,” you must try to push each other out of the circle. Best 2 out of 3 wins.





Play optional game music. Play the game. To create a safer game, don’t allow the kids to run and bump into each other. Keep the boundaries small, so they have to push against each other with the soft inflatables.



**Co-Host**

Great job at not backing down.



**Host**

We never have to apologize for being a follower of Jesus. Let’s see if Ethel and Sophia will do that.





Engage 2

**Host**

Do you think that dressing like a leprechaun, viking, and pirate will fool their friends?



**Co-Host**

It might, but they’re missing the point. They shouldn’t have to fool their friends or hide their faith. Living right side up when other people are upside down means that you won’t hide what you believe. Let’s say our Big Point, 



**Host**

Let’s turn to the Bible and learn how to do that by checking out the Big Verse.





**Co-Host**

After we count down from three, we need you to read the verse. 

**Co-Host**

James 1:12 (NIrV) says, “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard.”



**Host**

The Bible doesn’t kid us or fake us out. The Bible is honest. Sometimes you will face hard things.



**Co-Host**

Everyone will. What you face might look different than what I do, but no matter what comes our way, we have to keep going.



**Host**

I’m going to choose a kid to come up and help us. Here’s the challenge. If you can keep jumping rope for two minutes, then everyone in the class wins candy. If you trip up, that’s fine. You just have to immediately start jumping again. You can’t stop or quit.



**Co-Host**

This could get tough, so it might be a good idea for you in the audience to cheer him/her on.



Use a long jump rope. The **Host** and **Co-Host** stand on each end and swing the rope. Encourage the audience to cheer.



**Host**

You did it! You kept jumping. It was hard. You tripped up a few times, but you didn’t quit.



**Co-Host**

Because of that everyone gets a prize. We don’t follow Jesus alone. We have lots of friends who follow Him, too. Whenever we feel like giving up, we should encourage each other to keep going. You could be just the right person to help a friend not back down. Let’s take a moment to stand and worship God.



Big Story

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes. You might be facing some difficult choices, like Daniel. You probably don’t have to worry about a lions’ den, but you might face some unfriendly faces. Here’s the good news. Daniel wasn’t alone in the lions’ den, and neither are you. You have God’s help to make the right choice, even when it’s the tough choice. Let’s take a moment to close our eyes and pray. Talk to God. Thank Him for always being with you. Ask God to help you make the right choice so you, too, can never back down and show God honor. (Pause) Now I’ll pray for all of us. (Pray)





Engage 3

**Co-Host**

I’m glad that Ethel and Sophia invited their friends to church. That took some courage.





**Host**

Daniel showed a lot of courage, too, when he opened his windows and prayed. He knew the law, but he wasn’t afraid to do the right thing. His story is a great example of our Big Point, 



**Host**

I Won’t Back Down!



**Co-Host**

That’s a story you can share with your family when you do this week’s Big Do. 





**Host**

Play a game of tug of war. You can use a blanket, a sheet, or even a towel. Do your best to not back down.



**Co-Host**

Let’s play a game of tug of war right now. We’ve chosen two teams to come up and play. There’s a flag in the middle of the rope. Your job is to pull the flag across to your side. Let’s play.





Play optional game music. Place a flag in the middle of the rope and use tape or safety cones to create lines on the floor on either side of the middle of the stage. The goal is to get the flag over their line.



**Host**

Great job! Let’s turn and connect with our small groups and talk about today’s lesson.







Small Group

Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following. 



 - Why was Sophia and Ethel’s plan not helpful? **Using the disguises hid what they really believed. It kept them from telling others what they really believed**

 - Was it wrong for Daniel to break the law? Why not? **To break the law would have required Daniel to pray to the king and disobey God. It would have forced him to do the wrong thing. Breaking the law allowed Daniel to honor God**

 - Is it hurtful to other people to believe God’s truth? Why not? **Believing the truth doesn’t harm someone else. We can’t celebrate or encourage the wrong things. We have to stand up, in a kind way, for God’s truth**

 - What did Herman tell us to do with our families in the Big Do? **Play a game of Tug of War and don’t back down**





Small Group Leader

Big Review

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

 - Our Big Point says I Won’t Back _____!

    - **Down**

    - God



 - What did Ethel and Sophia do to hide that they went to church?

    - Changed hair color

    - **Wore costumes**



 - The king was tricked into making a law that no one could ____ to anyone but him.

    - Sing

    - **Pray**



 - Daniel disobeyed the king’s order.

    - **True**

    - False



 - When Daniel heard about the law, he decided to close his windows before he prayed.

    - True

    - **False**



 - James 1:12 (NIrV), “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are _____.”

    - Easy

    - **Hard**



 - What happened to Daniel in the lions’ den?

    - He was eaten

    - **God protected him**



 - Why should we refuse to back down from following Jesus?



 - If you saw a fellow Christian thinking about quitting, what could you do to help them?



  - What challenge did Herman give us as this week’s Big Do? **Play a game of Tug of War and don’t back down**





Large Group Abbreviated

**Host**

Welcome to the Lab!

**Co-Host**

This month as been so cool. We’ve discovered how to live right side up in an upside down world.

**Host**

We’ve agreed that although we may not be able to control things around us, we have the power to choose our actions every day.





**Co-Host**

Living in an upside down world can be hard, but we can keep going because God is always ready to help us. Let’s see what's going on in the lab.

**Co-Host**

Not everyone will pat you on the back or applaud your efforts to live as a follower of Jesus.

**Host**

In fact, some people will be very vocal about how much they don’t like what you do.

**Co-Host**

Others might even claim that your belief in God’s truth hurts them. It’s not our goal to aggravate people, but we can’t back down from the truth.





**Host**

We never have to apologize for being a follower of Jesus. Let’s see if Ethel and Sophia will do that.

**Co-Host**

James 1:12 (NIrV) says, “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard.”

**Host**

The Bible doesn’t kid us or fake us out. The Bible is honest. Sometimes you will face hard things.

**Co-Host**

Everyone will. What you face might look different than what I do, but no matter what comes our way, we have to keep going.



**Host**

We don’t follow Jesus alone. We have lots of friends who follow Him, too. Whenever we feel like giving up, we should encourage each other to keep going. You could be just the right person to help a friend not back down.

**Host**

Play a game of tug of war. You can use a blanket, a sheet, or even a towel. Do your best to not back down.

**Co-Host**

I love tug of war!

**Host**

Me too! Let’s turn and connect with our small groups and talk about today’s lesson.

Midweek / Classroom

Lab Wars segment calls for a jousting game. You can find an inflatable jousting game at Walmart. If this is not an option, opt for a DIY version by having them joust with pool noodles while standing on a steady block.

Hey guys, welcome to the Lab! All month long we have been talking about living right side up in a really messed up and upside down world. Living God’s way when many around us are doing the opposite can be tough, but we can keep going because God helps us. Let’s stand up and worship Him because He always offers us the strength to live right side up.





Lab Wars

You guys did a great job worshiping 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) 

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. The key to winning any battle is not giving up! For tonight’s battle, I need one person from each small group who can fight until the end to bring home the victory. This is a jousting competition! Small Group Leaders, send up your representative! 







Play optional game music. Have the kids take turns jousting. A suggestion would be to start with the same age groups fighting against the other. (Example: 5th grade boys against 5th grade girls) Then have the winners face each other to declare an ultimate champion. 



Congratulations to the winning team! The battle was fierce, but they fought hard for the victory. Following God, when many around you are not, can be a battle. The important thing is that we don’t give up. Let’s check in with our friends at the Lab to see what they’re up to this week.





Even if Sophia and Ethel’s friends don’t like it, I don’t think they should quit going to church. Some people think about quitting or hiding what they really think about Jesus because they’re afraid of how others might react. The Big Point has something to say about what we should do. I need a small group to help me count down and reveal our Big Point! 

Pick a small group to help count down from three.



**I Won’t Back Down!** Not everyone will pat you on the back or applaud your efforts to live as a follower of Jesus. If anyone understands this, it’s a lady named Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie lived during the Holocaust, when people were punished for following Jesus and for helping the Jewish people. Let’s turn to our small groups and hear more about her story. 

Read the true story of Corrie Ten Boom and then ask the following questions:







 - Imagine you lived during this same time; would it be hard to continue to follow Jesus?

 - What would you do?

There are thousands of people throughout history who faced danger and even death for following Jesus. Hopefully we never have to face something like Corrie did, but people may, at times, let you know how much they don’t like that you follow Jesus. Others might even claim that your belief in God’s truth is wrong or hurtful. We’re not trying to aggravate people, but we can’t back down from the truth. No matter what life brings, it’s important to choose to follow our Big Point,





**I Won’t Back Down!** Let’s see if Ethel and Sophia will do that.



Do you think that dressing like a leprechaun, viking, and pirate will fool their friends? They shouldn’t have to fool their friends or hide their faith. Living right side up when other people are upside down means that you won’t hide what you believe. Let’s say our Big Point, 

**I Won’t Back Down!** Let’s turn to the Bible and learn how to do that by checking out the Big Verse. I need a small group to help me count down to reveal our Big Verse. 

James 1:12 (NIrV) says, “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard.” Let’s turn to our small groups and do an activity that will encourage us to not give up! 

Have your group complete the following challenge. Then have them sit down and ask them the question.



The Challenge: Do 100 Jumping Jacks! (For older groups, see if they can do 150 or 200)







What is something you could tell yourself when you feel like giving up?









The Bible doesn’t kid us or fake us out. The Bible is honest. Sometimes you will face hard things. Everyone will. What pops up in your life will probably look different than mine. No matter what comes our way, we can keep going. Let’s say our Big Point all together, 



**I Won’t Back Down!** There’s a man in the Bible named Daniel who had to decide if he was going to back down from following God. Let’s listen to his story.



Leader enters. Play optional soft instrumental music. 

 You might have some difficult choices before you, like Daniel. You probably aren’t being threatened with a lions’ den, but you might face some unfriendly faces. It’s important to remember you don’t follow Jesus alone. We have lots of friends who follow Him, too. Many of them are in this room! Whenever we feel like giving up, we can encourage each other to keep going. You could be just the right person to help a friend not back down. Let’s turn to our small groups and talk about how we can live out our Big Point. 

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 been in a situation where someone didn’t like you because you follow God? Tell me about it.

 - Could knowing the truth ever hurt people? Why not? **Knowing the truth will help them and protect them. The truth won’t hurt them because the truth comes from God and God loves them**

 - What can you do when you feel like giving in to the people who don’t follow Jesus? **You can pray and ask God for strength. You can read the Bible and remind yourself of what is true. You can go to a leader at church or someone in your family who loves God and ask them to give you some advice, etc.**



Let’s pray and ask God to help us stay strong and to never back down. (Pray over your group)







There will always be people who don’t want us to follow God. The good news is Daniel wasn’t alone in the lions’ den, and neither are you. You have God’s help to make the right choice, even when it’s the tough choice. 

**I Won’t Back Down!** Let’s see if Ethel and Sophia continue to hide the fact that they follow Jesus. 



Closing

I’m glad that Ethel and Sophia invited their friends to church. That took some courage. Daniel showed a lot of courage when he opened his windows and prayed. He knew the law, but he wasn’t afraid to do the right thing. His story is a great example of our Big Point, 

**I Won’t Back Down!** You can talk about this story with your family when you do this week’s Big Do. 

Play a game of tug of war. You can use a rope, a blanket, a sheet, or even a towel. Do your best to not back down. Let’s turn to our small groups and finish up tonight’s lesson. 

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.







Upside Down Week 4: I Won't Back Down

Large Group Full Program

Large Group Full Program Instructions

Countdown / Rules

Welcome

Engage 1

Engage 2

Big Story

Engage 3

Small Group

Big Review

Large Group Full Program Instructions

Countdown / Rules

Welcome

Engage 1

Engage 2

Big Story

Engage 3

Small Group

Big Review

About Ark Kids Elementary