Meeting the New Kid: Welcoming Others the Way Jesus Welcomes You
A summer episode about welcoming the new kid. Pastor Justin uses Hebrews 13:2 to show kids that noticing and including someone new is a way of welcoming Jesus himself, with three simple ways to do it.
For Parents
Summer reshuffles everyone. New kids show up at the pool, at camp, on the next bike over, and yours is deciding in about two seconds whether to say hi or look away. This episode gives them a simple way in: notice the new kid, walk over, and say four words, 'Hey, wanna hang out?' It ties that small move to Hebrews 13:2 and the idea that welcoming someone is a real thing Jesus cares about. Tonight, ask your kid about a time they were the new one, then pick one new face you could welcome together this week.
The One Thing for the Ride
“Welcoming a new kid is doing something Jesus does for you every day.”
Scripture
Hebrews 13:2
CSB
Key Takeaways
- Welcoming a new kid is a simple, real way to live out what Jesus values (Hebrews 13:2).
- Noticing matters. Be the one who looks up instead of walking past someone new.
- Three easy moves: smile and wave, say 'Hey, wanna hang out?', and tell a parent before you go meet them.
- Summer is full of new faces at the pool, at camp, and in the neighborhood, so there are real chances to practice.
- Always loop in mom or dad before introducing yourself to a new kid or their family.
Try This Week
- When you see a new kid at the pool or riding their bike on the street, smile and wave. That alone tells them, 'I see you. You're not invisible.'
- Say the four words: 'Hey, wanna hang out?' No big speech required.
- Tell mom or dad first. Let them know about the new kid, then go say hi and meet their family together.
Talk It Over
When you notice a new kid, what are a couple things you could do to welcome them?