Godly Play
During Lent, we will be presenting "Godly Play" during 9am and 11am Children's Church. We hope this will be a meaningful time for your children to nurture their relationship with God. If you haven't heard of Godly Play, below is some information.
What is Godly Play?
The approach to children's religious formation, created by Jerome Berryman is called Godly Play. Godly Play teaches children the art of using religious language – parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action – helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.
The stories are told very simply, with simple props, and without interpretation or moral instruction. After a story is presented, the children and the storyteller wonder together about aspects of the story that draw their interest. For instance, with the parable of the Good Shepherd, they might wonder together how the sheep felt as they followed the shepherd. Or whether the sheep have names, or how it might feel to be inside the sheepfold.
After a time of exploring the story with wondering – there is a time for reflection or work. The story is put away, the children choose the art supplies they would like to work with, and they spend some time creating whatever they choose, in response to what they feel is most important in the story, or most interesting. They may also choose to work with the story as part of their reflection. This is play. It is Godly. It is meeting God along with children. Our faith stories are very powerful and offer plenty to think about.
Why do Godly Play?
The question, "How do I hear God?" is undoubtedly the question I hear most from the children as they are seeking to know God. Godly play recognizes that children have an innate connection to God. Through Godly Play, the connection is nurtured, discovered, enjoyed and strengthened. Just as adults read scripture and listen to God speak to them through The Word, so will children hear these sacred stories and be encouraged to hear God speak to them through them and during the silence.
How can I be a part of Godly Play? Ask your children about their experience with Godly Play when you pick them up each week. Wonder with them about what they have learned. Find items or draw pictures together that resemble the ones from the story and have them tell the story to you. And each week we will send home Parent Pages to help you continue to discover and explore with your child. If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom during 9am or 11am Worship, please let me know.
How can I learn more?
If you have questions or want more information, please contact Angie Cosper, SUMC Director of Children's Ministries at a.cosper@southsidemethodist.org.
Godly Play Sunday Procedural Information for Parents
- For Contemporary Worshipers: During 9am Worship, children will be dismissed as usual and go to Godly Play. Following Godly Play they will be escorted to their age appropriate Sunday Schools at 10:00am following Godly Play.
- FOR COMMUNION SUNDAYS ONLY: Children will return to the Sanctuary for the Lord's Supper following Godly Play at approximately 9:45am. Please escort your children to Sunday School following Worship.
- Godly Play Rooms for Contemporary Worship: When children are dismissed from 9:00am Worship, they will be divided into 5 "Families" for Godly Play. Each "Family" will be led by 2 adult volunteers and meet in separate rooms on the 2nd Floor of the Children's Building.
- 9:00am Late Comers: There will be 2 Hall Persons to assist with restroom visits and to escort children who arrive late, to their "Family Room". Please see the Hall Person before entering any rooms during Godly Play so they can minimize the disruptions.
- If you arrive on the Church Campus at 10:00am for Sunday School: Please escort your children to their usual room. For K-5th Graders: The Hall Persons will greet you at the stairwells to escort your children to their room. For Preschoolers, continue to escort your children to their usual rooms.
- For Traditional Service Worshipers: During 11am Worship, children will be dismissed as usual and escorted to Godly Play. They will return to Worship on Communion Sundays and other Sundays will be in the Chapel, for pick-up, following Worship.