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St. James Sunday School

 

I wonder what Godly Play is all about…………………………

 

What is Godly Play?

Godly Play is a method of Christian education and spiritual direction for children ages 2-12. The word “play” is used deliberately, not for general play, but as an invitation to play with the language of God and God’s people through the use of our sacred stories, parables, liturgical actions and even silence.  The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action - to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.  To know God, not just to know about God!

Godly Play is intended to help children develop the ability to know God, it is not intended to  teach (a transfer of information) children about God!

 


 

Word and Response

Hearing the Word (the story)

Bringing the Story into the Circle (from the shelves)

Presenting the Story

Wondering about the Story

Returning the Story

 

Responding to the Word

Individual Work

Getting ready for the Prayers and the Feast

Thanksgiving

Preparing & Sharing for the Feast

Preparing the tables (serving napkins, food, cup)

Prayers (Individual and communal thanks for the feast)

Enjoying the Feast

Putting Tables / Trash Away

Sending Forth

Dismissal & Going Forth

Getting Ready

Individual Blessing

Leaving the Sacred Circle

Saying Goodbyes at the door


 

Godly Play Story Genres (plus silence) used in Godly Play Sessions

 

Sacred Stories

  • Creation

  • The Flood and the Ark

  • The Great Family

  • Joseph and the Dreams

  • Moses and the Burning Bush

  • Exodus

  • The Ten Best Ways

  • The Ark and the Tent

  • The Promised Land (Samuel, the Prophet)

  • Jerusalem (David, the King)

  • Solomon and the Temple

  • Exile and Return

  • Jonah the Backwards Prophet

  • The Annunciation

  • The Glorious Impossible

  • The Jesus Box

  • The Transfiguration

  • Faces of the Journey (also listed under Liturgical Action)

  • The Resurrection

  • Pentecost

  • The Twelve

  • The Journeys of Paul

  • The Trinity Synthesis

 

Liturgical Action

  • Circle of the Church Year

  • The Holy Family

  • Advent

  • Epiphany

  • The Mystery of Easter (also listed as a Sacred Story)

  • Easter Egg

  • Crosses

  • Holy Baptism

  • The Good Shepherd and World Communion

  • The Circle of the Holy Eucharist

  • Symbols for the Holy Eucharist

  • The Synagogue and the Upper Room

  • All Saints and the Communion of Saints

Parables

  • The Good Shepherd

  • The Good Samaritan

  • The Sower

  • The Mustard Seed

  • The Great Pearl

  • The Leaven

  • The Parable of Parables

  • The Parable of the Deep Well

  • The Parable Cards

  • The Parable Games

  • The Parable Synthesis