WHO IS THE GREATEST?	Grades 5-6

A Great Project
Kids take on a service project such as painting a wall mural, updating/decorating a bench or pew, or planting a garden while keeping artistic juices a-flow. Working on the project will remind them that they can become great by serving.

Supplies:
Chart paper
Markers
Supplies required for service project

Set Up: 
1.	Research places in your church or local community that could use an artistic facelift. Prepare to offer kids more than one idea for a service project. 
2.	Become familiar with parishioners in the church who are willing to support, supervise, and even get their hands dirty! 
3.	Ask parishioners to donate paints, tools, and other materials needed. 
4.	Invite everyone to lend a hand on project day!

Instructions:
Today we’re going to pick a service project to take on in the near future. It will take hard work and artistry to make something in our church or community more beautiful and welcoming. Before we choose, let me ask you this: When you think about TV and movies and video games, what types of people are considered “great”? (rich, super-strong, good-looking, powerful, selfish, maybe even lawless) Now think about today’s Bible story and what Jesus taught his disciples about being a great person. What does Christ call us to do? (Serve all. Welcome others in the name of God.) As servants in Christ, we can become great by serving.

1.	Discuss options and choose a service project.
2.	Make a list of supplies you’ll need.
3.	Discuss and list steps for project success.
4.	Take time for creative input. Work together to plan a design. 
5.	Set the date and look forward to great service.

If you have less time …
Service projects don’t need to be big. Pull out construction paper and markers and invite kids to make cards for members who are shut-in or those who are serving our country. All acts of service are great!

If you have more time …
With a group willing to give of themselves more than once, pick an ongoing service project. For example: plant a prayer garden, then add bench that your class painted, then make and place garden tiles with words of faith. Keep the real message of greatness alive as service grows.