Leader Guide
Optional Opening Game
- Beach ball, soft play ball, or round balloon
In this game you will give AND receive.
Let’s pretend that this ball is something good God gives you. You will take the ball and generously give it to someone.
Have the children line up single file, with about three feet between them (adjust as necessary).
Stand in front of the first player in line and pass them the ball.
The player then chooses to shout “OVER” or “SIDEWAYS” and passes the ball to the next player in line. If the player shouts “OVER”, the ball is passed overhead to the next player.
If the player shouts “SIDEWAYS,” the ball is passed around either side of the player to the next player.
When the ball is passed to the last player in line, Shout “TURN AROUND.”
All players will turn around and play resumes facing the other direction.
Optional: once the player in the front of the line passes the ball, they immediately quickly walk to the back of the line and stand behind the last player in line.
Players will need to take a few steps forward for a small room.
Continue playing until the original first player returns to the front of the line.
Conclusion: Did you like to give or receive the ball the most? Children respond.
Did you like to pass the ball over or sideways more? Children respond.
In this game, you gave the ball to others and it came back to you. This is like giving. When we give, we receive a blessing in return.
That is like the Bible verse we learned in a different lesson: “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)
You never knew if the ball would be passed over or sideways to you. When you give, you never know what, when or how you will receive a blessing in return! It’s like a fun, good surprise God will bless us in so many different ways with His good gifts!