Daily Assembly Scripts
Day 1: Opening Assembly
Welcome (2 minutes)
SUPPLIES FOR DAY 1 WELCOME: Train whistle (item 1220560)
Person 1: Come out pleasantly welcoming everyone to Wonder Junction. Howdy, partners! Welcome to Wonder Junction! We have a full week planned of learning about who Jesus is—our Creator and Savior—and how to live for his glory! Jump when Person 2 runs in shouting excitedly.
Person 2: Come out whooping it up and jumping around excitedly, saying, Yee-haw! Woo-whee! I declare! Pretend to chug around the stage, acting like a train and blowing your whistle loudly. 
Person 1: ___ (Person 2’s name), you sure are excited about VBS starting!
Person 2: I sure am, ___ (Person 1’s name)! Hot diggity, we’re ready to roll! You know how long I’ve been waiting for this moment?
Person 1: How long?
Person 2: I’ve been waiting for this until the cows come home. In fact, I’ve waited a whole year. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 525,600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds.
Person 1: Interrupt toward the end. I get the picture, and I agree. VBS is the best! And Wonder Junction’s gonna be, well, wonder-ful. Pause. See what I did there? Wonder Junction, Wonder-ful.
Person 2: I see, I see. Now don’t go . . . stealing my wonder. Pause. See what I did there? Wonder, thunder, get it?
Person 1: That’s very . . . punny.
Person 2: Well, anyway, today we are going to discover the wonder of Jesus coming to earth as a tiny baby. Now let’s get a wiggle on and get everyone up on their feet to start singin’ some toe-tappin’ tunes.
Song (3 minutes)
“Wonder Junction” 
Song (3 minutes)
Contemporary: “Immanuel” / Traditional: “A Great and Mighty Wonder”
Mission Moment (5 minutes)
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup” slide
This week, we’re learning about who Jesus is. When he was on earth, he taught that we need to provide food to those who need it (e.g., Matthew 25:31–40). So we are partnering with Children’s Hunger Fund to help children who are living in poor conditions and don’t have enough to eat. Along with sending food, you can help them hear about Jesus too!
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup—Aye Ko” slide
Are you ready to meet the first child? Pause for participation. Great! Today, we’re going to meet a very little boy named Aye Ko (pronounced Eye Co), who lives in the country of Myanmar.  
SHOW: Video 1—Aye Ko
Country: Myanmar
Problem: Extreme Hunger
With five growing boys at home, Aye Ko’s parents are used to making their limited income stretch as far as it can go. But what do you do when that income (the money you earn) isn’t enough anymore? Aye Ko and his brothers are little now, but they are growing. And what about his new baby sister? How will his parents afford to feed all of them? Thankfully, the local church can provide the family with food to help meet their needs.
There are other children around the world in need, just like Aye Ko. Do you want to learn how you can help them too? Pause for participation. Great! This week at VBS, we’ll be collecting coins to put in these Coin Paks. Show Coin Pak. Take this home today and tell your family and friends about Aye Ko. Ask them to help you collect coins for meals. Just 25 cents can provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child. 
SHOW: Daily Count Day 1 slide
With the coins you collect, nutritious food can be packed into a Children’s Hunger Fund Food Pak. These boxes can feed a family for several days.
Bring back the coins you’ve collected each day this week so we can count how many meals you can provide so far. You can help deliver hope to suffering families around the world.
Announcements (time varies)
Announce info pertinent to your situation. Explain how the contests work so the kids can participate. Check with your director if you aren’t sure. Explain the Wonder Nuggets Treasure Hunt. See p. 9 for details.
Prayer
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
Day 1 Memory Verse Song—John 1:14
Day 1: Closing Assembly
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Immanuel” / T: “A Great and Mighty Wonder”
Song (3 minutes)
“Wonder Junction” / Memory Verse Song: Theme Verse
Creature Feature: Tiny the Cougar Kitten (6 minutes)
Shorten the Creature Feature scripts each day (if needed) depending on the time you have. If doing them live, include the fun active participation sections. 
Use the Presentation Slides or show the Creature Feature video. 
SUPPLIES FOR DAY 1 CREATURE FEATURE (if doing it live): Pair of cushy slippers, measuring tape to measure 40 feet ahead of time in your assembly room (see below)
SHOW: Creature Feature title slide
Howdy, partners! I’m excited to learn about animals from the American West and how they can remind us of Jesus! 
First, let’s take a little survey. How many of you have a pet? Raise your hand if you have a rabbit . . . guinea pig . . . lizard . . . dog . . . cat . . .
SHOW: Cougar
Well, our animal pal is a type of cat called a cougar. Pause. Or maybe a puma? Pause. Or is it a mountain lion? Actually, all these names describe the same animal. Why does the cougar have so many names?
SHOW: Cougar range
The cougar lives from Canada all the way to Argentina. Because it’s found in so many countries, different cultures have given it different names.  
SHOW: Cougar habitats
Cougars live in forests, deserts, and even swamps! Even though cougars are the second largest cats in the Americas, they’re not one of the top three largest cats in the world. (The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas.) What do you think they are? Take answers.
SHOW: Tiger, lion, jaguar
Tigers, lions, and jaguars, oh my! These big cats have one very interesting thing in common. They can all roar! Give me your biggest roar. Do so, then play the LARGE CAT ROAR. 
SHOW: Cougar
Now give me your softest purr. Do so. The cougar can’t roar, but it can purr just like your pet cat. Play cat purr. Aw, doesn’t that sound sweet? I bet you won’t like this next sound! Cougars make a loud screeching noise when trying to find a mate. Play COUGAR SCREECH. Sounds scary, doesn’t it?
SHOW: Cat kind
The cougar is a member of the cat kind. This means the cougar, along with all the big cats—and even tiny house cats—came from the same two felines (cat kind) that God saved on the ark 4,400 years ago.   
SHOW: SabER-tooth, American lion, American cheetah
Did you know that many large cats lived in North America during the ice age following Noah’s flood? These include the famous saber-toothed cats, the American lion, and the American cheetah. They have since gone extinct, leaving the cougar as one of the largest predators in North America today! 
SHOW: Cougar with prey
The cougar’s size allows it to hunt large prey. While cats were vegetarian in the beginning before Adam sinned, they now eat mostly meat. 
SHOW: deer and elk
North American cougars primarily feed on white-tailed deer, but they are strong enough to take down prey that is much bigger—like an elk. It takes a lot of work to hunt fast and powerful prey, but the cougar is designed for this task. 
SHOW: Cougar eyes
Keen eyesight and hearing allow the cougar to locate its prey even in the dark!  
SHOW: Cougar stalking
Have you ever worn really cushy slippers? Put on a pair and model them. God gave cougars padded feet that allow them to sneak up on prey without a sound. 
SHOW: Cougar leaping
Have someone come up and jump as far as they can. Then say: Powerful legs allow cougars to run 50 mph or leap 40 feet forward in a single bound! Show 40 feet and compare the human leap to the cougar leap. Guess how high up they can jump? Show how high 18 feet is in your room. All these features help them catch food.  
SHOW: Cougar kitten
Baby cougars are called cubs or kittens, and when they’re first born, they weigh less than a pound. Their eyes and ears are closed, making them unable to see or hear for the first two weeks of their life. 
SHOW: Cougar fur
Their fur pattern also looks different from the adults. God gives them spotted fur to help them camouflage, or blend into, their surroundings. When the kittens get older, these spots disappear. 
SHOW: Cougar kitten with mom
They’re completely dependent on their mothers to feed and protect them. Because cougar kittens are so helpless, their mothers keep them safe in dens when they’re first born. As the cubs grow, the mother leads them out of the den and teaches them how to hunt.  
SHOW: Tiny
Our animal pal for today is Tiny the cougar kitten. She reminds us that God sent his Son, Jesus, to earth as a tiny baby about 2,000 years ago. Jesus took on flesh so he could do what his name means—save his people from their sins. The birth of Jesus is a wonder—the Creator of the universe chose to become a helpless human baby because of his great love for us. We should never get over Jesus! 
Drama (12 minutes)
See the Drama Production section starting on page 27 for details. 
Announcements (time varies)
Cool Contests (3 minutes)
Announce winners of today’s contests. Remind them to do their Go and Do on their student guides, learn their memory verses, and make up a sign or team cheer for tomorrow.
Prayer
Takeaway Time (2–3 minutes)
Each day, right before dismissal, share a thought to leave everyone with. 
All together, sing part or all of the first verse of “Joy to the World” acapella.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing
Then say: Another verse in that song talks about the wonders of his love. Let’s leave today thinking about the wonder of Jesus’ love. Jesus, the Creator, the one who made grass and knows how many blades are in your yard at this very moment, the one who made you and knows what you’re thinking . . . right this second, the one who keeps the planets spinning—that same Jesus loves you! In fact, he showed up in the world to let you know he loves you. Jesus loves you more than anyone else does. And children of God have this promise from Romans 8:38–39: Read it.
So remember—Jesus loves you more than anyone else does. If you’re having a bad day or a bad life, keep in mind that Jesus’ love has no measure. It’s a wonder. Keep marveling at the wonder of Jesus’ love as you head home today.
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
“Wonder Junction” 
Day 2: Opening Assembly
Welcome (2 minutes)
Person 1: Welcome back to Wonder Junction, partners! I wonder where [Person 2] is?
Person 2: From a good hiding place, say: I’m hiding!
Person 1: Right now? We’re ready to start!
Person 2: Well, hide-and-seek was my all-time favorite game when I was a kid. I just got in the mood. You gotta try to find me.
Person 1: Look around. Hmm . . . I don’t see you. Kids, can you help me find _____?
Person 2: Come out once they find you. That was fun. Now let’s play tag. Tag, you’re it. Tap Person 1 and run across the stage.
Person 1: Hey, ____, I wish we could play, but we’ve gotta start VBS. But you know, it does remind me of what we’re talking about today.
Person 2: What’s that?
Person 1: Did you know Jesus, who is God, was also a kid at one point? He probably played games too!
Person 2: Wait . . . do you think the Creator of the stars and lions and tulips and the ocean ever played . . . tag?
Person 1: He might have! The Bible doesn’t say, but we’re gonna have fun learning more about Jesus as a child today. First, though, let’s get to singin’!
Song (3 minutes)
C: “I Will Be” / T: “That’s A Miracle”
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Tis So Sweet” / T: “O How Sweet” 
Mission Moment (5 minutes)
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup” slide
Do you remember the rancher we met yesterday? Anyone remember his name? Pause for participation. That’s right! Mack. In addition to showing us around Hope Ranch, Mack is going to be introducing us to children around the world. Each one of these children lives in poverty and needs to hear about God’s love for them. Thankfully, you get to help!
Remember, just one quarter can provide a meal to a hungry child. And where are you collecting those coins? Pause for participation. You got it! In your Coin Pak!
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup—Jasper” slide
Today, Mack is going to introduce us to a little boy named Jasper who lives in the country of Zambia. Let’s hear his story. 
SHOW: Video 2—Jasper
Country: Zambia
Problem: Refugee
Can you imagine leaving everything and everyone you know and moving to another country? Pause for participation. In many countries around the world, people are doing just that. These people are often called refugees. For Jasper and his family, Zambia was a safer place for them, but it brought a different set of problems. Refugees are not always allowed to do the same things as citizens who were born in the country. Thankfully, the church was able to help with food and education for Jasper and his brother.
Did everyone take home their Coin Paks? Pause for participation. Did you tell anyone what we are collecting coins for? Pause for participation. Remember, every 25 cents you collect this week means one meal for a child like Jasper.
Now, do you want to hear how many meals we’ve raised so far? Pause for participation. Well, we’ve counted the coins you brought in, and we can provide ____ meals! Remember, one dollar can provide four meals. To calculate your VBS meal progress, multiply the dollars raised by four.
SHOW: Daily Count Day 2 slide with current meal count filled in. 
We’re off to a good start, but this is just the beginning. We’ve still got a few more days to go. Keep bringing in your coins! If you haven’t already shared with your families what we’re collecting coins for, be sure to do that today! Maybe ask your parents if there are any extra chores you can do around the house to earn coins for your Coin Pak.
Announcements (time varies)
Announce pertinent info and remind them to find the Wonder Nuggets.
Prayer
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
Day 2 Memory Verse Song—Luke 2:52
Day 2: Closing Assembly
Song (3 minutes)
“Wonder Junction” 
Song (2 minutes)
C: “I Will Be” / T: “That’s a Miracle”
Creature Feature: Junior the Wolf (6 minutes)
Use the PRESENTATION SLIDES or show the CREATURE FEATURE VIDEO.
No supplies needed for the live presentation.
SHOW: Creature Feature title slide
Howdy, partners! I’m thinking about a really cool animal, and I want you to guess what it is! Let me give you some hints. This animal has soft fur, a great sense of smell, and loves to chew on bones and wag its tail. What do you think it is? Take answers. Oh, wait! I forgot one more important clue. It can also do this. Play WOLF HOWL. 
SHOW: Wolf
If you guessed a wolf, then you’re correct! Now, you might have thought it was a dog at first. That would have been a great guess because wolves and dogs are from the same kind: the canine or dog kind. 
SHOW: Dog kind
This means that wolves and dogs and other canines, like African painted dogs, coyotes, and jackals are all descendants of the two dogs that were saved from the global flood on Noah’s ark. There are a few different species of wolf, but today we will be learning about the gray wolf. 
SHOW: Dog and wolf pack
Even though wolves and dogs are similar, there are some differences between them. One important difference is that dogs often live with people, but wolves are wild. Most wolves live with other wolves. Do you know what a group of wolves living together is called? Take answers. Yep! A pack! And the name of the game for a pack of wolves is teamwork! Wolves must work together to survive, especially when hunting. 
SHOW: Wolf pack hunting
Remember that the cougar hunts its prey all by itself by sneaking up on it? Wolves have a different hunting strategy. They use their excellent senses of sight, hearing, and smell to find weaker prey. Ask for volunteers to come up to act out this next sentence as you share it, some being the wolf pack and one being the prey. The pack works together to confuse and tire out their prey by circling it and taking turns running after it at bursts of up to 40 mph. 
SHOW: Elk, moose, bison
The wolves’ great endurance and teamwork help them to hunt large prey like elk, moose, and bison.
SHOW: Wolf howling
To work together, wolves need to communicate. How do people communicate? Take responses. We talk. On the count of 3, say, “Hi!” Do so. One way God gave wolves to communicate is by howling. Play WOLF HOWL. Howling helps wolves find each other, rally together for a hunt, or mark their territory. Sometimes, their howling can be heard 10 miles away! That means if you were here in this building, you might be able to hear a wolf howling all the way from ___ (somewhere 10 miles away they would recognize). They also make lots of other noises like yips, barks, and whines.  
SHOW: Wolf expressions
Now, sometimes we use body language to express ourselves. Without talking, show me what you would look like if you were wildly excited. Pause. Bored. Pause. Scared. Pause. Well, God gave wolves the ability to communicate using body language too. Wolves can tell each other if they’re playful, curious, nervous, or defensive with their facial expressions or how they hold their bodies. 
SHOW: Wolf pup
Wolves might seem frightening, but they prefer to avoid people. They are very caring parents to their pups. Wolves are usually born with several brothers and sisters all at once, and the whole pack works together to help take care of them! Newborn pups drink their mother’s milk, but when they get older, adult wolves feed the pups by throwing up meat they have swallowed. GROSS! Some animals, like lizards and snakes, are born already knowing what they need to do to survive, but wolf pups need to be taught by their pack. 
SHOW: Wolf with baby
The adults work together to teach the pups how to find food and water, where to sleep, what to avoid, and how to communicate.  
SHOW: Manger 
We also need to be taught by our families as we grow up. Remember that we learned Jesus came to earth as a human baby? Well, babies grow, and so did Jesus! Jesus was a kid just like you.
SHOW: Junior 
Today’s animal pal, Junior the wolf pup, reminds us that just like he had to learn things from his wolf family, Jesus had to learn things too. He was a child like you who learned how to feed himself and do math and read God’s Word. Jesus knows what it’s like to be human, but he’s very different from you, because he is also God! Unlike you, he lived a perfect life without sin so he could save you! 
All right, folks. Remember to marvel at Jesus and then live for his glory! 
Drama (12 minutes) 
Announcements (time varies)
Cool Contests (3 minutes)
Announce winners of today’s contests. Remind them to learn tomorrow’s verses, complete Go and Do activities, and dress up tomorrow for the Old West Dress-Up Day. No weapons, please.
Prayer
Takeaway Time (2–3 minutes)
Do you think Jesus, the one who designed knees, ever scraped his knee? Do you think Jesus, the one who made colors, had a favorite color? And how about this? Jesus designed our mouths to have baby teeth and then big teeth. How many of you have had baby teeth that have fallen out? Well, do you think the one who designed baby teeth ever wiggled his baby teeth when they were loose? Jesus is fully God, creating baby teeth. And yet he experienced baby teeth like us because he was also fully man. 
It’s a mystery we can never completely wrap our minds around, but talk about it on the way home today and think of more examples of Jesus as a child. Remember though, that because he is God, Jesus was a perfect child, unlike us. Let’s keep marveling at Jesus!
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
“Wonder Junction”
Day 3: Opening Assembly
Welcome (2 minutes)
SUPPLIES FOR DAY 3 WELCOME: Raincoat and umbrella (optional)
Person 1: Welcome to Wonder Junction!
Person 2: Come out pretending to be drenched/windblown. You might want to have a raincoat on with an umbrella inside out. Whew! That storm sure was a doozy!
Person 1: I didn’t see any storm.
Person 2: Well, where I was coming from, there was a whopper of a storm. It felt like I was gonna blow away! It was making me kind of nervous.
Person 1: Glad you made it here okay. You know, this reminds me of what we’re talking about today.
Person 2: Getting drenched?
Person 1: Not exactly. We’re talking about Jesus as a grown-up and how he showed his power over everyone and everything. He even stopped a raging storm.
Person 2: How’d he do that?
Person 1: Just by telling it to stop. Can you imagine having power like that to just talk to a storm and command it to stop, and it does?
Person 2: Incredible! I definitely couldn’t do that to the storm I just went through!
Person 1: Yeah, but you know, that just shows nothing’s too hard for Jesus. He could tell a rock to move or a tree to fly if there was a reason for it. All of creation listens to him.
Person 2: That puts me in awe of Jesus.
Person 1: Yeah, we need to marvel at Jesus today as we hear more about this, but before we do, let’s start by singing about Jesus’ power!
Song (3 minutes)
C: “He Is Jesus” / T: “Mighty Powerful God” 
Song (3 minutes)
“Wonder Junction”
Mission Moment (5 minutes)
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup” slide 
Who remembers what we are collecting coins for this week? Pause for participation. And how much does it cost to provide one meal? Pause for participation. That’s right! It only costs 25 cents to send a meal to a child in need. And is it all junk food and candy? Pause for participation. No! It’s nutritious food that can be made into healthy meals for the whole family. Isn’t that awesome?
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup—Luis” slide
Today, we’re going to meet a little boy named Luis [pronounced Loo-eece (emphasis on eece)] who lives in the Dominican Republic.
SHOW: Video 3—Luis
Country: Dominican Republic
Problem: Generational Poverty
Who remembers what the community where Luis lives is called? Pause for participation. It’s called a batey [pronounced bah-tay]. Did it look like a great place to live? Pause for participation. Not really, huh? It’s no wonder that Luis dreams of one day leaving that community and doing something different with his life. Thankfully, there are pastors like the one you heard about today who are making that long drive into bateys to give children a better future.
Don’t forget to share what you have learned this week and see if your parents want to help you provide meals for kids like Luis.
Now, do you want to hear how many meals we can provide so far? In only two days, you can provide ___ meals! Remember, one dollar provides four meals. To calculate your VBS meal progress, multiply the dollars raised by four. That’s pretty fantastic!
SHOW: Daily Count Day 3 slide with current meal count filled in.
I don’t know about you, but that number gets me excited. That’s a lot of meals. And that many meals means more opportunities for local pastors to share the love of Jesus Christ with children in need. I think more children around the world need to hear this good news, don’t you? I can’t wait to see how many more meals we can provide tomorrow.
Announcements (time varies)
Announce pertinent info and remind them to find the Wonder Nuggets.
Prayer
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
Day 3 Memory Verse Song—John 21:25
Day 3: Closing Assembly
Song (2 minutes)
C: “Immanuel” / T: “A Great and Mighty Wonder” 
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Jesus Is the One” / T: “Only Jesus”
Creature Feature: Mighty the Bison (5 minutes)
Use the PRESENTATION SLIDES or show the CREATURE FEATURE VIDEO.
No supplies needed for the live presentation.
SHOW: Creature Feature title slide
Shorten the Creature Feature if necessary.
Well, hey there, partners! I’ve got a mighty big question for you. What do you think the biggest land animal in the United States is? Take responses. 
SHOW: Elephant
It’s not an elephant. They’re big, but they don’t live in North America. 
SHOW: Mammoths
Mammoths were relatives of the elephants. They used to live in North America during the ice age after the global flood mentioned in Genesis. But they’re all extinct now. Today’s animal pal also lived during the ice age, and it’s still around today.  
SHOW: American bison
It’s the American bison! Pause. Or is it a buffalo? Raise your hand if you think it’s called a bison. Pause. Now raise your hand if you think it’s called a buffalo. Pause. If you raised your hand at all, you’re correct! It can be called either one.  
SHOW: African buffalo
However, it’s usually called a bison, so it doesn’t get confused with its cousins living in Africa and Asia. Those buffalo live in warm, tropical places.
SHOW: Bison in winter
The American bison, on the other hand, has a God-given, thick, woolly coat to keep it warm all winter, even when the temperature drops below freezing. 
SHOW: Comparison
The bison is a really big animal. You can tell the difference between a male bison and a female bison based on their size. The male bison, called a bull, can weigh over 2,000 pounds, about the size of a small car.  
SHOW: Male bison
God made the bison a powerful animal. It has a thick mane running from its head down to its front legs and a large hump on its shoulders. That hump is full of powerful muscles that help the bison push snow out of the way during the winter. Have you ever tried to walk through thick snow? Pause. It’s tiring, isn’t it? God gave bison strong heads and powerful humps to act like a snow plow!   
SHOW: Bovine kind
If you recognize the word “bull,” that is the same word we use for male cattle. Bison and cattle are related. They are part of the same animal kind—the cow kind. This means they came from the same ancestors on Noah’s ark.
SHOW: Bison tossing
Bison are so strong they can toss a refrigerator in the air or push around a small car with their horns. God gave bison strength so they can fight off predators in this sin-cursed world.
SHOW: Bison males
Also, males will sometimes fight each other with their horns. This is called sparring.
SHOW: Bison eating 
Just like cattle, bison get big by eating lots and lots of food. And what do you think they like to eat? Take responses. That’s right, grass! One bison eats about 24 pounds of grass every day.
SHOW: Loaves of bread
That’s about the same as 24 loaves of bread. Do you think you could eat that much food every day? Take responses. Probably not, but you’re also not as big as a bison.  
SHOW: Bison herd
Because they eat so much, bison have a big impact on the world around them. Bison move across the open prairies in herds, sometimes with over 2,000 animals. They mow down the grass but let other plants grow, keeping the prairies healthy.   
SHOW: Mighty the bison
Today’s animal pal, Mighty the bison, reminds us of the power Jesus demonstrated when he was on earth.  
SHOW: Jesus healing
Jesus healed people who were sick and those who couldn’t see or hear. He stopped storms. He even raised people from the dead.  
SHOW: Almighty God
Jesus is called Almighty God. Because he is God in human form, he has all power. Nothing is too difficult for him. 
God’s great power can be a huge comfort to God’s children. From the Bible, we know that God uses his power to protect us from things that could harm us. Watching a powerful bison show off its strength fills us with amazement. Even more, reading about Jesus’ great deeds in the Bible and knowing his power as he guides and protects us should fill us with wonder! Our God is an awesome God!
Drama (12 minutes) 
Announcements (time varies)
Cool Contests (3 minutes)
Announce winners of today’s contests. Remind everyone to learn tomorrow’s verses, complete their Go and Do activities, and complete the Names of Jesus Challenge, which will be sent home today and brought back tomorrow. 
Prayer
Takeaway Time (2–3 minutes)
Jesus’ power is immeasurable, which means it can’t even be measured. His power has NO END. He is Almighty God. Wow! 
He has power over nature. That means nature obeys Jesus! He has power over death. He raised dead people to life when he was on earth. And incredibly, he had the power to raise himself when he was dead! God the Father raised him (Acts 2:32), but the Bible also records that Jesus raised himself from the dead (John 2:19, 10:18). All the power Jesus displayed—calming storms, walking on water, feeding the 5,000—demonstrates that he was who he claimed to be: God. 
Jesus has the power and the victory over death. We’ll hear lots more about that tomorrow, but for now, keep marveling and thinking of examples of Jesus’ power that has no limit! Check out the Gospel of John when you get home for more examples!
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
“Wonder Junction” 
Day 4: Opening Assembly
Welcome (2 minutes)
SUPPLIES FOR DAY 4 WELCOME: Metal bucket with a handful of “gold rocks” (e.g., Rolos or rocks painted gold), and a magnifying glass
Person 1: Welcome back to Wonder Junction, partners! We’ve been having a marvelous time learning about the wonder of our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ, this week. 
Person 2: Come out with your bucket of “gold.”
Person 1: Wow, whadaya have there?
Person 2: I’m so excited! Point across stage. You know the Rock of Ages Gold Mine over yonder? Well, I decided to explore it last night, and look what I found! All this gold was just sitting around. Both look in the bucket, and Person 2 pulls a handful out, letting them fall back in, then dances around the stage. I’m rich! I’m rich! I’m rich!
Person 1: Now, hold on there a minute.
Person 2: Not listening. Let’s see . . . what will I buy first? There are so many treasures I want. List off some possibilities. Ask the kids for help if time.
Person 1: Get out a magnifying glass and start examining the “gold” while Person 2 is listing off stuff he wants to buy. You know what you have here, ___ [Person 2]?
Person 2: Gold! Real gold!
Person 1: Nope. You have a whole bunch of what’s called fool’s gold.
Person 2: Well, what’s fool’s gold worth?
Person 1: Nothin’. Absolutely nothin’.
Person 2: Act dejected. So I’m not rich after all?
Person 1: Well, that depends on how you look at it. Today, we’ll be sharing some nuggets of truth to discuss the true treasure each of us can have. This treasure is worth more than all the gold in the world, because this treasure makes a difference where you’ll spend eternity.
Person 2: Gulp. Eternity? That sounds mighty important!
Person 1: It is! I hope everyone listens up today, but before we do, let’s sing about this treasure.
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Jesus Is the One” / T: “Only Jesus”
Song (3 minutes)
Day 4 Memory Verse Song—John 20:31
Mission Moment (5 minutes)
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup” slide 
Well, today is our fourth day raising money for hungry kids! Remember, just 25 cents can provide a meal! Do you remember what else happens when a pastor or church volunteer delivers food to a family in need? Pause for participation. That’s right! They share with them about Jesus.
Well, it’s time to head on back to Hope Ranch and learn more about another child.
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup—Misha” slide
Misha is a girl from Belarus, a country in Eastern Europe.
SHOW: Video 4—Misha
Country: Belarus
Problem: Loss
Misha’s family didn’t always live in poverty. Before her father’s death, they never struggled to pay for needs like food or medicine. Misha never had to deal with things like hunger on a regular basis. But do you know what’s even better than knowing that Misha and her family will receive food? Pause for participation. That’s right! It’s knowing that Misha and her family are learning that Jesus died for them and wants them to have eternal life!
Well, we have had a few days to raise money to provide meals for kids just like Misha. Are you ready to be blown away by how many meals we can provide so far? Pause for participation. I don’t think you sound excited enough. Are you ready to find out how many meals we can provide? Pause for participation. That’s better! In just three days, you can provide ___ meals! Remember, one dollar can provide four meals. To calculate your VBS meal progress, multiply the dollars raised by four. That’s incredible!
SHOW: Daily Count Day 4 slide with current meal count filled in.
And remember, these coins are doing more than providing meals! The pastors and church volunteers delivering these meals will also share the hope of the gospel with children and families in need.
Tomorrow is the last day to turn in your coins, so see if there is anyone else you can ask to help donate coins or if there are any chores you can do to earn extra money.
Announcements (time varies)
Announce pertinent info and remind them to find the Wonder Nuggets.
Prayer
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
“Wonder Junction” / Memory Verse Song—John 20:31 
Day 4: Closing Assembly
Song (3 minutes)
“Wonder Junction” 
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Tis So Sweet” / T: “O How Sweet”
Creature Feature: Champ (5 minutes)
Use the PRESENTATION SLIDES or show the CREATURE FEATURE VIDEO.
SUPPLIES FOR DAY 4 CREATURE FEATURE (if doing it live): 20 egg cartons (12-count) and real or pretend 50 lb. bag of rice
SHOW: Creature Feature title slide
Well, howdy, folks! 
SHOW: Grizzly skull
Can you guess what this animal eats? Pause. You might look at those sharp teeth and guess this animal eats . . . hand to your ear, pause for answers . . . meat! But you would be wrong!
SHOW: Grizzly bear
This is the skull of a grizzly bear. And what do grizzly bears mostly eat? Drum roll, please . . . they eat plants!
SHOW: Grizzly eating plants
Now, grizzly bears do eat meat, but some eat more plants than meat. In fact, in certain seasons, around 80% of a grizzly bear’s diet is plants! We tend to think of sharp teeth as being used for eating meat, but they’re also great for tearing apart fruits and veggies! 
SHOW: Adam and Eve in the garden 
In the beginning, God’s creation was very good. He gave every creature with the breath of life plants for food. There was no death, so no animals were eating other animals.
SHOW: Adam and Eve with the tree
But Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Adam’s sin brought a curse on the creation, so it’s no longer very good.  
SHOW: Omnivore
Today in our sin-cursed world, some animals are omnivores—they eat both plants and meat. Humans are omnivores too. Do you think we eat the same foods as grizzlies? Let’s find out! 
SHOW: Foods 
Raise your hand if you eat these things: berries, elk, bison, fish, eggs, rodents, roots, grass, leaves, and . . . bugs. Ew! If you like to eat these things, you could be a grizzly bear. 
SHOW: Grizzly and human
Of course, you would also need to weigh around 300 to 700 pounds and eat a lot of food every day! 
Humans can eat three to five pounds of food a day. Guess how many pounds of food a grizzly bear can eat a day? Take guesses. 30 pounds! Let’s see how much that would be! Have 20 egg cartons hidden on stage. Pull out one and ask if it’s that many. Pull out a couple more and stack them up and ask again. Keep doing so until you have a couple stacks of egg cartons totaling 20 cartons, or 240 eggs. That would be like eating 240 eggs. Now let’s guess how many burgers that would be. Take guesses and tell them 120 burgers. Imagine ordering 120 burgers for one person!
SHOW (after the last paragraph): Eggs and burgers
SHOW: Grizzly nose 
Most of a grizzly’s day is spent looking for food, or foraging. God gave them a great sense of smell that’s seven times better than a bloodhound’s and 2,100 times better than a human’s. This helps them find their food from over a mile away! 
SHOW: Large grizzly
For some populations, the bears eat a lot so they can store it as fat for the harsh winter months. As winter approaches, they build a den and gain up to 400 extra pounds. That would be like them gaining this much! Show something that’s equivalent to 400 pounds, like a real or pretend 50 lb. bag of rice, and tell them it would be like 8 of those. Be dramatic in showing how heavy it is.  
SHOW: Grizzly in den
And speaking of dens, God gave them long claws that are great for digging dens. Once cold temperatures arrive, they crawl inside their den and fall asleep. Their body temperature drops by 12 degrees, and they only take a breath every 45 seconds. Can you hold your breath for 10 seconds? Count to 10. They don’t eat or drink, and they rarely go to the bathroom. It’s almost as if they’re dead. But they aren’t and can be woken up fairly easily if disturbed.
SHOW: Grizzly Coming out of den
They may even wake up and leave their dens from time to time during the winter. Then they wake up in the spring to go about their bear business.
SHOW: Jesus on cross
While grizzlies don’t actually die in the winter and come alive in the spring, Jesus really did die. He was completely dead. His death paid the penalty for sin. But .  .  .  he didn’t stay dead! 
SHOW: Empty tomb
It’s amazing that bears wake up after shutting down in the winter, but how much more amazing is it that Jesus rose from the dead? 
SHOW: Admit, believe, forever receive
When we repent of our sins (turn from them) and place our trust in Jesus, we can forever receive the gift of eternal life. We don’t need to be afraid to die and we can know that we will be with our Creator forever. 
SHOW: Champ
Today’s animal pal, Champ the grizzly bear, reminds us of the wonder of Jesus’ resurrection! Jesus became our champion when he conquered death by dying and rising on the third day so we can be saved. Okay, partners, let’s get out there and share this good news with others! 
Drama (8–15 minutes) 
Announcements (time varies)
Cool Contests (3 minutes)
Announce winners of today’s contests. Remind them to learn tomorrow’s verses, complete their Go and Do activities, and bring in their final mission money.
Prayer
Takeaway Time (2–3 minutes)
Before we leave, I want you to imagine something. What if you came upon a group of ants that needed rescuing or they would die? And what if the only way they could be rescued is if you became an ant and came to their ant hill? And what if you had to give your life so they were able to be saved? 
Of course, this reminds us a little of what Jesus did for us. It’s not a perfect picture, but it can remind us that Jesus, who is the Ruler and Creator of us, became one of us to save us. He is the Savior (SAVE-ior) of all who believe in him. Let’s marvel that he came to save us!
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
C: “He Is Jesus” / T: “Mighty Powerful God” 
Day 5: Opening Assembly
Welcome (2 minutes)
SUPPLIES FOR DAY 5 WELCOME: Stuff for trip to an amusement park (e.g., ticket, sunscreen, hat, and backpack)
Person 1: Welcome to our last day at Wonder Junction! It’s been an amazing week of learning about who Jesus is and what he’s done for us. After Jesus rose from the dead, he returned to heaven. 
Person 2: Come out with a bunch of stuff for a trip to an amusement park or other attraction. Hey, guess where I’m going?
Person 1: Guess an attraction the kids would know of and be excited about, such as a local amusement park.
Person 2: Yes! I’ve been looking forward to this for so long! I went about 10 years ago, and I’ve just been waiting for the day I’d get to return. My favorite ride was __. I hope it’s still there! What’s yours?
Person 1: Answer and ask the kids about their favorite. I’m hoping I get to go back one of these days too. It’s been a long time. But you know what?
Person 2: What?
Person 1: Looking forward to returning to ____ is nothing compared to looking forward to Jesus returning.
Person 2: Jesus is going to return?
Person 1: Yep, and we’re going to be hearing all about it today, but first, let’s sing a song about it!
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Jesus Is Returning” / T: “Look Up!”
Song (3 minutes)
“Wonder Junction” 
Mission Moment (5 minutes)
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup” slide 
All week long, Mack has introduced us to children around the world who are facing poverty. But that’s not all we learned. We learned how we can make a difference too!
SHOW: “The Great Hope Roundup—Maia” slide
Most of the children we’ve met this week live in a country far away. The child we’re going to meet today lives a little closer to home.
SHOW: Video 5—Maia
Country: United States 
Problem: Invisible Poor
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are children even in the United States who don’t have enough food to eat, who don’t have running water, or who don’t have electricity. They don’t have a lot of the things you and I use every day and don’t even think about. But if you passed Maia [pronounced Maya] on the street or sat next to her in class, you probably wouldn’t know this is her story.
You’ve been collecting coins to provide meals for children just like the ones you met this week. Children like Aye Ko [pronounced Eye Co] in Myanmar; Jasper in Zambia; Luis [pronounced Loo-eece] in the Dominican Republic; Misha in Belarus; Maia in the United States; and so many others.
Children’s Hunger Fund partners with churches around the world who connect with families in need of food and the hope of Jesus. Every box of food means a chance to share the gospel. Your quarters are making a huge difference! Isn’t that wonderful?
Are you ready to see how many meals we can provide this week? Pause for participation. 
The grand total number of meals we’ve provided this week during The Great Hope Roundup is ____ meals! Remember, one dollar can provide four meals. To calculate your VBS meal progress, multiply the dollars raised by four.
I’m blown away at how many coins you collected this week. This is going to feed so many children in need. But do you know what’s even better? Because of you, more children and their families will learn about the love of Jesus.
But it doesn’t have to end here! Did you know that you can keep sending meals to children in need even after this week is over? You can keep making a difference! Ask your parents how you can continue to share meals and the love of Christ with children in poverty.  
Announcements (time varies)
Announce pertinent info and remind them to find the Wonder Nuggets.
Prayer
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
Day 5 Memory Verse Song—Matthew 6:10
Day 5: Closing Assembly
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Jesus Is Returning” / T: “Look Up!”
Song (3 minutes)
C: “Jesus Is the One” / T: “Only Jesus”
Creature Feature: Mission the Horse (5 minutes)
Use the PRESENTATION SLIDES or show the CREATURE FEATURE VIDEO.
No supplies are needed for today’s live presentation.
SHOW: Creature Feature title slide
Play HORSE SOUND EFFECT. Well, howdy there, partner! Today we’re going to talk about one of the best-known animals of the Old West: the horse!  
SHOW: Cowboy
When we think about horses in the Old West, we usually think of them being ridden by cowboys to herd cattle. But they were also used for many other purposes.  
SHOW: Native American
Many Native American tribes relied on horses for hunting, fighting, and traveling. 
SHOW: Farmer
Farmers used horses for plowing, and preachers used horses to spread the gospel. 
SHOW: Circuit rider
When the American West was being settled, some towns didn’t have churches or preachers. So many settlers heard the good news of Jesus from traveling preachers. These preachers rode on horseback from town to town, often through rough weather and dangerous wilderness. 
Horses were very important for people living in the Old West and are still important to many people today! Let’s take a closer look at our hoofed companions. 
SHOW: Horses of Ice Age 
After the global flood, during the ice age, several horse species lived in the Americas. Sadly, these horse species became extinct by the end of the ice age. 
SHOW: Horse map
The horses found in the Americas today are descendants of horses brought over from Europe and Asia by European explorers, that were then released or escaped into the wild.  
SHOW: Mustang
These mustangs now roam the eastern parts of North America. Sometimes they are called “wild” horses, but they’re actually “feral” horses. When horses that have lived and worked with humans end up in the wild and start acting like wild animals, we say they’re feral. 
SHOW: Ungulate
Now, I have a fun word for you: “ungulate.” Can you say it? Do so. Ungulates are animals that have hooves, so horses are a type of ungulate. 
SHOW: Odd numbers
Horses are hoofed animals that have an odd number of toes on their front feet. Put up how many fingers to show how many toes you have. Do so—10. Now guess how many toes a horse has. Put up that many fingers. Do so.  
SHOW: Horse foot
God gave horses only one toe on each hoof. That’s right! A horse’s hoof is its toe. They run around on one toe per foot! Do so in a silly way. That hurts my foot just thinking about doing that! That would hurt us, but God designed horses with a single strong toe on each foot to  help them run at great speeds while preventing their legs from wearing down. With this design, horses can run at speeds over 40 mph! That’s fast! Let’s pretend we’re driving a car down the road, and we look out the window and see a horse! Do so.
SHOW: Horse kicking 
If a horse is cornered by a predator, it can swing a powerful kick with its back legs or swipe with its front legs. The strength and speed of horses is likely why they have been used by some cultures for battle.  
SHOW: Jesus on a donkey
We know Jesus is the King of the universe, but when Jesus entered Jerusalem before his death, he wasn’t riding a horse but a donkey. Why would the King of the universe ride on such a small, humble animal? Because Jesus came to earth as a humble servant to be our sacrifice for sin. His death paid the penalty, or punishment, for our disobedience to God. 
SHOW: Jesus’ ascension
After Jesus rose from the dead, he returned to heaven. One day he will come back to take his rightful place as King! And do you know what he’ll be riding when he comes back a second time? Yes—he’ll be riding a horse! A majestic white horse, to be exact. 
SHOW: Jesus’ return
When will Jesus come back? According to the Bible, no one knows when he will return. But we should always be ready. So if you have not yet decided to follow Jesus, then you should do it! And for those who are followers of Jesus, God has given us an important mission. We need to tell other people the good news that our Creator has come to be our Savior. 
SHOW: Mission
Today’s animal pal, Mission the horse, reminds us of the wonder of Jesus’ return and how we have been given the mission to tell everyone everywhere the good news about Jesus. Are you ready for that mission? Then let’s skedaddle and get it done! So long, partners!
Drama (12 minutes)
Announcements (time varies)
Cool Contests (3 minutes)
Announce winners of today’s challenges. Invite them to come back to the Closing Program to hear how much money was raised for the mission project.
Prayer
Takeaway Time (2–3 minutes)
As we go from here, remember to keep marveling at Jesus! Every day, look in the Bible for one thing that makes you say, “Wow!” about Jesus. Maybe you read the Bible when you first wake up. Or maybe at the end of each day. It doesn’t matter when—just get in the habit of thinking of Jesus and studying his wonderful Word to find out more about him. You have his whole WORLD and his whole WORD to marvel at! Here are just a couple examples to get you started.
Did you see a blue jay fly by? Marvel that Jesus made a bird that’s bright blue! Isn’t that cool?
And how about this verse from the Bible? Read Psalm 86:10 and mention that Jesus is great in who he is (loving, kind, caring, etc.) and in the wonders he does (his world). Never get over the wonder of Jesus! Keep marveling!  
Dismissal
Song (play as children leave)
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