Have you been searching for a volunteer opportunity that will feed your own soul as well as make a profound difference in others? Are you interested in making a deeper connection with children? Look no further than this opportunity to learn about Godly Play.
The session will be led by Norma Thatcher and Jen Taylor.
Godly Play is a Montessori-based method of teaching the Old Testament (Sacred Stories) and New Testament (Parables) lessons to children by using simple props while telling an easy-to-comprehend story from your heart instead of reading it from a book. There is also the category of Liturgical Lessons. These lessons explain the rituals and traditions of our church such as communion and baptism, again using simple props and a story.
Saint James’ invested in the Godly Play curriculum about twenty years ago. Around the same time the church sent Norma to a three-day training class in Maryland to become a certified Godly Play teacher. Norma would love to pass along her knowledge, enthusiasm and love for Godly Play to people who want to deepen a child’s relationship with God the Father the Creator, Jesus the Son and our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, a gift from God who helps us act and talk and live like Jesus. (These are examples of Godly Play language.)
The training will consist primarily of a retelling of a Sacred Story, a Parable and a Liturgical Lesson. We’ll also discuss how Saint James’ has adapted the “ideal” Godly Play experience into the time constraints we face, how to manage interruptions, and the wonderful experience of asking “wondering” questions of the children. If time permits, Norma will demonstrate how she created her own Godly Play lessons for the Prodigal Son parable and the Palm Sunday lesson that takes the children from that day to Good Friday. You may want to create your own favorite Bible story into a Godly Play one!
No prior teaching experience is required. This is open to everyone, including older teenagers. If you don’t want to be the primary teacher (the storyteller), you can be what Godly Play calls “the door person,” who has the primary responsibility to manage the classroom so the storyteller can keep on with the lesson.
Some previous attendees have described the training day as a deeply spiritual experience. We are not looking for perfect speakers or teachers. Indeed, some of the most meaningful moments the class has experienced are when we’ve gotten off track a bit or added some new piece at the last moment.
You can see an example of Godly Play in action by watching a recording of Norma’s June 22 lesson at the 10:15 service.
RSVP by emailing Jen Taylor at jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org The church will provide a light lunch. Please make any dietary restrictions known at time of registration.