Leader Guide
Additional Activities
- 10 small plastic or foam cups
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks or other fast drying glue
- One square or foam board or cardboard cut to approximately 2x2 feet
- Twelve ping pong balls
- Small plastic bowl or container
- Table
- Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
On the cardboard or foam board, arrange the cups in a cross pattern.
Place 6 cups in a vertical line. Place two cups on either side of the 3rd vertical cup.
Lift each cup and put glue on the bottom of it and place back on the board in the same position.
Place the carboard base with cups near one end of the table.
Place the ping pong balls in the bowl and put the container at the opposite end of the table from the cups.
The cross is a reminder of our hope in Jesus. He is the focus of our faith, and we need to be ready to defend it!
1 Peter 2:24 says:
The cross is at the center of our hope as Christians. And, that’s what the focus of this game is. You are going to bounce balls into each cup that forms the cross.
Start the time.
The first player steps up to the end of the table and bounces a ball toward the cups.
Each ball must bounce at least one and can bounce multiple times.
When a ball lands in a cup, it remains there. If the ball misses, it is retrieved by the player and brought back to the box.
After players take a turn, they will retrieve their missed balls (if any) and take them back to the container and stand in line again.
Only one ball can be in a cup. If a second ball lands in a cup it is removed.
Continue play until a ball is in each cup of the cross.
Stop the time and record it.
Play additional rounds as time permits to beat that time.
Optional: Play as teams. Add another cross with additional balls on a second table. Divide the class into two teams and play as before. The first team to complete the cross wins.
Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 1:18 says:
Not everyone believed Paul’s defense of his faith. Many scoffed and laughed at the idea of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yet, Paul knew that the cross represents our hope and the very power of God! Let’s never lose sight of what the cross represents. Our faith depends on what Jesus did for us on the cross!