Special Treasure

Materials
* 7 brown paper lunch bags per every group of 7 (or less) children
(Note: If you have 20 children you would need 21 bags etc.) You can vary the number of bags if you want larger or smaller groups.
* twine or string (20cm piece for each bag)
* 1 large marble for every child (alternatively use another treat for each child)
* Memory Verse
* Bible for each group

Preparation
1. On the outside of each of the 7 lunch bags write one/seventh of the words from the memory verse.
2. Put 1 of the large marbles in each of the bags and fill them the rest of the way up with paper to give them a filled out look.
3. Tie all the bags at the neck using the twine. To make it easier to identify each group, use a different colored twine/ yarn for each set.

Do this same procedure for every 7 bags that you are using. Lay all groups of 7 bags at the front of the room on the floor in separate piles.

Activity
1. Divide into small groups with 7 children to a group. If there are less than 7 in a group, children may have additional turns to get all seven bags.
2. Line the children up in vertical rows, relay style.
3. Demonstrate how to find the Memory verse in your Bible.
4. Provide the first child in each row with a Bible. When you give the signal, the first child in each row is to look up the text of the memory verse and read it.
5. After finished reading it, they then CLOSE THE BIBLE and pass it to the child behind them and proceed to run to the front and grab a bag. It does not matter which bag they grab.
6. The second child may not go get a bag until they have read the text of the memory verse and the first child has returned with a bag. They then close the Bible, pass it down the line and go for their bag.
7. When all bags have been brought back to the team, they must set them up in the correct order WITHOUT USING THE BIBLE so the verse can be read.
8. When everyone on the team can repeat the verse, they may open the bags with the treasure.

Application
God's Word is a treasure that we can hide in our hearts. Have each child takes a marble home to help them remember that everyone in the early church studied God's word together.