Leader Guide

Small Group Game

Cross Card Sheet
Blank Card Sheet
Two bags to hold the cards
Two small to medium size boxes or containers
Two timers, such as stopwatches, watches, or timer apps
Whiteboard and markers or chalkboard and chalk to keep score
Two 5th or 6th grade volunteers or leaders to time and record each team's time on the board
Scissors
Eight Jumbo craft sticks (tongue depresser size), plus extras if breakage
Bible or the Superbook Bible app

Make four copies of the Cross Card Sheet.

Make four copies of the Blank Card Sheet.

Cut out the 32 individual cards with the scissors.

Crumple each Cross Card into a ball.

Place the 16 Cross Cards in one bag.

Crumple each Blank Card into a ball.

Place the 16 Blank Cards in the second bag.

In Large Group, you were asked to listen closely for what Jesus tells His disciples will happen to the temple in Jerusalem. What is the answer? The temple will be demolished, not one stone would be left on top of another.

Let’s say our SuperVerse together: Romans 8:32:

Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?

God first gave us the gift of Jesus; the best gift anyone can ever receive. But this verse tells us that God also gives us everything else—things like love, mercy, forgiveness, peace, joy, purpose, plus daily provisions like food, clothing, and shelter. These are just a few of the countless gifts He gives us.

In the video we saw in Lesson 1, Chris was trying to figure out what He should give back to God. Does anyone remember what symbols Chris used for God’s gifts to us? Crosses.

Yes! And that is what this game is based on. Two teams will play at one time to try to each collect eight good gifts with a cross symbol in each paper ball.

Open one of the crumpled balls to show the cross symbol and then put it back on the floor.

Divide the children into teams of two players. Try to mix older and younger players together on teams.

If uneven, one player may play twice or a leader may play.

Allow each team to name their team and the volunteer timers will write the team names on the board. Or to save time, assign a number to each team: Team1, Team 2, etc.

For the first round, scatter only the “cross balls” in the center of the room but don’t tell the players.

Have two teams stand across from and facing each other about 10–12 feet from the balls on the floor.

Place a box beside each team.

Two teams will play at one time. Each player will open the balls at the same time to identify which ones have crosses, then re-crumple the balls, placing them in the team box until they have eight balls per team.

The timekeeper assigned to each team will record the time taken to box eight balls.

If there is an odd number of teams, a team that previously played will play again but their time won’t be recorded.

Next, ask: Are you up for a bigger challenge?

Show the craft sticks to the teams. You will each have two of these sticks and you must use them to carry the balls to the boxes. Remember, it’s important to only put the balls with a cross into your box.

Demonstrate how to hold a ball between the sticks and carry it to a box.

Give two sticks to each of the first four players.

Say “Go” to begin the game and the volunteers start the time.

Round 2 instructions:

Play the same as Round 1 but add the “Blank balls” to the “Cross Balls” and mix them up before scattering them on the floor. The players will need to pick out the “cross balls” again and reject any “blank balls” by re-crumpling the balls and dropping them back to the floor. They may use their hands to unfold and crumple balls, but they must use the craft sticks to carry them. Only the “cross balls” can be placed in the boxes.

The scores are recorded next to the other scores and added together.

The team with the lowest (fastest) combined score wins.

Optional challenge: Give one craft stick to each player instead of two craft sticks. Play the game in the same way, except two players must carry each ball together between their sticks to the box.

Conclusion: Which round was easier and faster? Round 1.

Why? All the balls had crosses.

James 1:17 says:

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Round 1 represented the gifts that God gives. All were good and perfect. He is consistent and doesn’t change. God never gives duds or bad gifts that we must reject like the “blank balls” in the game. We can always trust God to give us what is best for us!

However, not all gifts and opportunities offered by the world are good and perfect. Round 2 represents what we must do to decide what is from God and what is not in our best interest. The Holy Spirit lives in all believers and will help us discern and decide what is good and from God!

In our Signpost Teaching today, we will learn more about how God has given to us from the very beginning of creation.