Godly Play: Time and Space for Godly Presence - Kim Murry
 

Godly Play Sunday School

Our fledgling Godly Play program is gearing up for it’s second year. Our team of volunteers did an amazing job of teaching and learning last year. We hope to take those lessons forward toward a deeper development of this year’s program. The shelves of the classroom are filled with the new lessons for Fall.

Lesson Calendar:

September 10^th – Godly Play Opening Celebration
September 17^th – Circle of the Church Year

September 24^th – Creation

October 1^st – The Flood

October 8^th – The Great Family

October 15^th – Exodus

October 22^nd – The 10 best Ways

October 29^th – The Ark and the Tent

November 5^th – The Ark and the Temple

November 12^th – The Exile and Return

November 19^th – Jonah, the Backwards Prophet

November 26^th – Advent I

December 3^rd – Advent II

December 10^th – Advent III

December 17^th – Advent IV

How Godly Play Follows Adult Worship

Some people like to come to church because the order of worship provides a sense of stability in their lives; it is a routine they know they can count on. Grounded in the structure of worship in a beautiful space that feels safe, many adults experience God’s presence.  It is the same with children.  The pattern of Christian worship that has served the Church well for centuries is equally comfortable for children.  Following this pattern of worship during Godly Play makes classroom management less of an issue in Sunday school.  The children do less testing of boundaries because they know what to expect and what is expected.

Church                          Godly Play Classroom

Getting Ready                    Getting ready

Greeting by usher               Greeting by doorperson

Choose a seat in church       Circle built by storyteller

Individual prayer/centering   Quiet conversation, prayer or singing

The Lessons                       The lesson and wondering

The sermon                        Response time

                                        (chose artwork in response to story)

The Thanksgiving                Prayers for thanksgiving

The Communion                  The Feast

Blessing and dismissal         Saying goodbye and blessing from

                                         storyteller

Godly Play Teachers and Volunteers

We are looking forward to having last year’s teachers and doorpersons offer their time and service again this year but we look forward to having more volunteers to support this wonderful children’s program. If you think you might be interested in teaching or greeting, please let us know. Last year the teachers taught just once per month. We will provide a thorough training to new volunteers to ensure your success and enjoyment.