RESPONSIBILITY | WEEK 5 | JANUARY 30-31, 2021
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th-5
thLesson
Say What You Need to Say
Life App:
Responsibility - Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you
Bible Passage:
Say What You Need to Say (Use Words Wisely) • Ephesians 4:29
Key Question:
Why do your words matter?
Bottom Line:
Use your words wisely.
Basic Truth:
I am made for a purpose so I can tell people about God
Memory Verse:
“Suppose you can be trusted with something very little. Then you can
also be trusted with something very large.” Luke 16:10a, NIrV
The psalmist wrote, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, (NIrV). God is the author of
creation, and God has entrusted us to care for and cultivate it. We do that by taking responsibility. From the work we need to accomplish to people we meet to the words we use; life is filled with moments where we can decide to reflect God’s character, take responsibility, and use what we have wisely. When we follow through and do what needs to be done, we can point others to Jesus, the One who took the ultimate responsibility for us and made it possible for us to be with God forever.
Key Question: Why do your words matter? Preteens are starting to be aware of the impact their actions have on their relationships, including the words they use. We hope that kids will start to think about the importance of words and how they can use them to help others.
We finish the month with something Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29. Paul writes, Don’t let any evil
talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Our words have power to help or hurt others. When it comes to our rules for life, what we say and how we speak matters.
Bottom Line: Use your words wisely. Words are important, but even as adults we tend to use them without thinking. We hope that as kids hear more about what Paul wrote in Ephesians, they’ll understand that how they use their words can show God’s love to others.
WELCOME TIME
(VIDEO: INTRO MUSIC)
Play intro music and greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to fill out attendance sheets,
and help new kids connect to your group.
OPENING ACTIVITY:
(No Supplies) What You Do:
• Stand together in a wide circle.
• Explain that kids will take turns tossing an imaginary object to someone in the circle. Only
the first kid tossing it knows what it is.
• That kid will name someone in the circle, then realistically “toss” the object to them. For
example, if they are “tossing” a bowling ball they need to act like it’s round and heavy.
• The kid who catches it tosses it back in the same way and says what they think it is.
• If the guess is wrong, the original kid tosses it to someone else who then takes a guess and
tosses it back.
• Continue until the object is guessed correctly or until all kids have had a turn.
• Play more rounds, changing the secret object each time.
• Use objects from the list below or let kids come up with their own ideas.
o a bowling ball
o feather
o baseball
o hot potato
o raw egg
o water balloon
o snake
o mud
o baton
o large, heavy box
COUNTDOWN AND WELCOME
(VIDEO: COUNTDOWN, SLIDE: KIDCITY EXPECTATIONS)
HOST: Welcome everyone! I’m so glad you are able to come hang out with us in KidCity today. My name is [INSERT NAME]. We are going to have a lot of fun today by playing a game, singing some incredible songs that worship God, and then we are going to hear an amazing true story from God’s Word, the Bible.
But first, let’s quickly go over our KidCity Expectations (rules) so we can make sure that we make
the most of our time today: (Don’t dwell on these too long, but make sure you review them briefly
so we can set everyone up for success.)
1. Be Kind – We need to be kind with our words and actions to our friends, leaders, and the
space that we are using
2. Be Safe – Make wise choices with your actions and words
3. Have Fun – Participate in what we are doing! It’s no fun just sitting there... Now that we know our expectations, let’s kick off our day with a game!
LARGE GROUP GAME
BATOO
(Taboo Game)
HOST: “Yo! What is up, everyone? Has anyone here ever heard of a game called Taboo? It’s fairly simple to play—one player has a card with a word on it that they need to try to get their
teammates to guess. However, on that card there is a list of words you’re NOT allowed to say. For example, if the word was CAT, the words you wouldn’t be able to say might include ‘pet,’ ‘meow,’ ‘dog,’ or ‘litter box.’ If your team guesses it within the time limit, you get a point! Today, in [Name of Environment], we want to play a similar game we like to call BATOO!
(SLIDE: BATOO)
“The rules for Batoo are exactly the same as Taboo. However, if your team can’t guess the correct
word OR you use one of the forbidden words, you get BUZZED.”
(AUDIO: BUZZER)
“To play the game, we’ll split the room in half. Each half of the room will serve as one of our teams. Each team will send up one representative to play the game. Whether that representative is a kid or a small group leader is up to you.”
Host directs room to split in half and brings up one volunteer from each team to the stage. “These representatives will try to get you, as a team, to guess the word on their cards within a short, 15-second time limit. However, if our volunteers run out of time OR use a forbidden word on their game cards, they will get buzzed and have to exit the stage.”
“If you get buzzed, your team will need to send up another representative. The team with the
most points after five rounds wins! Any questions? (Pause for response.) Great! Let’s get to it
then!”
BATOO is played for five rounds. “Fabulous work, everyone! I’ll go on a limb and say it’s plain to see some of you need to pick your words more wisely! Let’s give it up for all our volunteers! While you’re at it, go extra loud for our
BATOO WINNERS! (Pause for response.) Again, thanks for playing. Now without any further ado,
go crazy as we stand and get ready to worship our great God!
Host exits as Worship Leader enters.
WORSHIP
(VIDEO: JOY, O TASTE AND SEE)
SAY • Let’s worship God!INTRODUCE THE SESSION
(SLIDE: LIFE APP)
(No Supplies)
HOST: “Welcome back everyone! This is the last week that we will be talking about responsibility. Can anyone say our definition without looking?
(SLIDE: LIFE APP)
Responsibility is: Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you. We’ve been going through some Rules for Life that help us live responsibly...really, to live a life that is full of purpose! Can you guys remember the 4 that we’ve talked about so far?1. Love God. Love Others
2. Share What You Have
3. Work Hard
4. Make the Most of What You’ve Been Given
Every rule that we’ve talked about points back to a loving God who made us uniquely and for a purpose. Now, the last rule we are going to talk about today is maaaaaybe the hardest one for us to live by. I know it’s tough for me! It’s one of those that if we follow it well, it can do a whole lot of good...but if we are irresponsible, it can cause a whole lot of damage. Let’s watch the So&So Show and see what our last Rule for Life is...
BIBLE STORY
(VIDEO: SO&SO SHOW; SLIDES: KEY QUESTION, BASIC TRUTH)
Show the Bible story video [So&So Show]We can’t lose sight of Paul’s words. Let’s look at them one more time.
Open Bible to Ephesians 4:29 (NIrV) and read. “‘Don’t let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen.’”
“We must recognize our words are powerful. Words can build up others, break down walls of separation, and repair relationships. Everyone is at their best when we choose to honor God with the words we speak to others! This happens when we speak words that will build up and help the people around us!”
“It is NOT easy to avoid bad attitudes, mean words, or what Paul called ‘evil talk.’ However, it helps knowing that what Paul is talking about is trustworthy and true because his words were included in the Bible. So when Paul says to build others up, I listen. And if you need an example of this, look no further than Jesus. Throughout Jesus’ life, He used words of hope and truth. Never did He speak words of destruction or harm. His words pointed to what was true about God in a way that people could understand! He gave us a fantastic example of our Basic Truth:
(SLIDE: BASIC TRUTH)
I am made for a purpose
so I can tell people about God. It’s pretty
amazing that God loves us so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. The Bible literally calls this the “Good News”...because it is! This Good News tells people that there is a God who loves them and wants them to be a part of His family."When we use our words wisely, others will know they can trust us. Use words that build others up and help them. Choose words that point others to God. Don’t be afraid to say you’re sorry
because there may be days you will not choose building words. In addition, others may say words that hurt you and your loved ones. Be willing to forgive and still choose words that build others up even if you don’t feel like it.”
As you head to your Small Groups today, think about this: [SLIDE: Key Question] Why do your words matter?
So many of you want to make a big impact on the world around you, and I LOVE that. One of the biggest ways you can bring meaning to those around you is by choosing your words carefully.
MEMORY VERSE
(CG: MEMORY VERSE)
(Bible)
Let’s read our verse together one last time as a reminder of our responsibility and then pray. Read the Memory Verse Slide
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for this really important reminder that we should use our words wisely. Help us be people who build others up and repair things by using kind and encouraging words.
Sometimes that’s really hard to do, and we need Your help! When we feel like saying something mean or angry, please remind us to stop and choose helpful words instead. We love You, and we pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Life App:
Responsibility - Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you
Bible Passage:
Say What You Need to Say (Use Words Wisely) • Ephesians 4:29
Key Question:
Why do your words matter?
Bottom Line:
Use your words wisely.
Basic Truth:
I am made for a purpose so I can tell people about God
Memory Verse:
“Suppose you can be trusted with something very little. Then you can
also be trusted with something very large.” Luke 16:10a, NIrV
USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT
("Spell It” Activity Pages- 2 Per Group, Rope or Tape) What You Do:
• Use rope or tape to form the outline of two open mouths (basically just a half circle with a
line on the top) on the floor in separate parts of your meeting area.
• Form two teams then ask each group to sit around one of the mouths.
• Give each kid a pump of hand sanitizer to clean their hands.
• Distribute each team’s set of “Spell It” letters as evenly as possible among each team. It’s
okay if one or two kids have an extra letter.
• Let kids know that the blank squares can be used as any letter.
• Provide Bibles then invite one of the kids on each team to read aloud Ephesians 4:29 to the
others.
• Direct teams to discuss the meaning of the verse together then come up with one or two
words they feel best sums up the meaning of Ephesians 4:29. Tell them to share their letters to spell out the words they chose by placing them inside their team’s mouth.
• Let teams share the word summaries they came up with and why they chose those words.
• Challenge teams to a “Spell It” race.
• Explain that you will ask a question about today’s verse.
• Then teams will race to spell out an answer inside their team’s mouth.
• Answers can vary but must accurately relate to the question. Kids can look back at the
verse if needed.
• Ask a REVIEW question first then use the DISCUSS question next to prompt deeper
conversation.
o REVIEW: What is something good that words can do?
1. DISCUSS: Why do you think encouraging or positive words are so powerful?
o REVIEW: What is something bad that words are able to do?
2. DISCUSS: Why are hurtful or negative words so powerful?
o REVIEW: How does Ephesians 4:29 describe the words that should not come out of
our mouth?
3. DISCUSS: When do you find it most difficult to not say something you
shouldn’t? What can help you stop yourself before that happens? (Remind
kids that evil/unwholesome words are not just hateful or curse words. Lead them to consider how complaining, gossiping, and disrespect can be just as wrong.)
o REVIEW: Fill in themissing word: ___________ is showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you. (responsibility)
4. DISCUSS: In what ways does controlling what you say show responsibility?
o REVIEW: Finish this sentence. “Use your words ________.” (wisely)
5. DISCUSS: What are some ways you can use your words wisely this week?
DISCUSSION
Ask the following questions and lead the group to discuss:
• Our Basic Truth that we talked about today was I am made for a purpose so I can tell people about God. What words can we use to tell people about God?
• Why do words matter so much?
• Think about times at home, school, or other places when it’s hardest for you to watch your
words. What sets you off? What can you do to respond the right way?
• If you’re going to show God’s love to those around you, how do you need to speak
differently to those around you (family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches, etc.)?
• There’s an old saying that goes like this: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words
can never hurt me.” Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Why?
COMPLIMENT WHO
("Compliment Who” Activity Pages – 2-3 Per Group) What You Do:
• Instruct kids to get into groups of three or four.
o If you have a smaller group, consider working on this activity together.
• Give each group a deck of “Compliment Who” cards.
• One at a time, kids draw a card without looking at it, stick it on their head, and their
teammates give them clues about who the person on the card is.
• Instruct the kids to use words of encouragement and compliments of the person instead of
normal descriptions.
• For example, for a sanitation worker they can say, “You do an incredible job of getting rid
of smelly stuff. You are also a fabulous driver with that big ol’ truck!”
• Once the person on the card is guessed, the kid can put their card to the side. Then, the
next kid draws a card.
• Repeat at least until each kid has a chance to draw a card and guess who’s on their head.
• Once kids finish their game, encourage them to think of other people in their life they can
build up and encourage with their words. What You Say:
“We can forget how easy it is to see the good in people and use our words to inspire others. It can
even be fun! [Make it Personal] (Tell about a time someone used their words wisely toward you
and showed you Jesus’ love.) Here’s the thing, God put us on Earth to point everyone to Him.
When you [Bottom Line] use your words wisely, everyone around us has a better chance of
feeling His love and knowing Him! When we leave today, we can remember the awesome
PRAY AND DISMISS
(Preteen GodTime Card - 1 Per Kid) What You Say:
“Dear God, we all know the difference between wise and unwise words. We know what it feels like to be hurt by words as well as to be encouraged. Since the things we say can be powerful, we ask that you give us the courage and wisdom to watch what we say especially when we are upset, angry, or feel like getting even. Please give us the help we need to live, speak, and act in ways that show others we can be trusted with what is expected of us. Amen.”
Pass out the GodTime Cards to each kid. If there’s spare time, encourage kids to start looking over their GodTime card and point out how it relates to today’s lesson. Connect to their adult as they leave.
