Children’s Faith Formatiom
Godly Play: Sundays from 9:45-10:20 a.m.
What is Godly Play?
Godly Play is a Montessori-based method that invites children to explore their faith through story, wonder, and play. Through classroom rituals, stories and play time, children discover the mystery of God’s presence in their lives, in a way that they won't have to unlearn and relearn stories of our faith as they mature.
Children are greeted by name before gathering in a circle to listen to one of four types of stories (Sacred, liturgical action, focal shelf, and Parables), told simply and fully, with beautifully crafted props that the storyteller unpacks from a box or basket, as if opening a gift. After, the storyteller asks “wondering” questions, pausing and affirming answers in between each. These questions often include:
I wonder which part of the story you like best?
I wonder which part is the most important?
I wonder which part of the story is about you?
I wonder if there is any part of this story we could leave out and still have all the story we need?
The children are then invited to work on something in response: to play with the props or create with the available art materials, before closing with a “feast.”
This experience allows children to see themselves in the stories we share as a faith community, immerses them in theological language, encourages them to listen for and discover God, and gives them a chance to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in their lives.
Learn more about Godly Play at goldyplayfoundation.org.
Join us for Godly Play on Sundays from 9:45 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. We gather at 11:15 a.m. in the following classrooms:
Godly Play (pre-K through 4th grade) will meet on the second floor of Walker Hall for a time to wonder together.
Middle/High School Youth (5th grade – 12th grade) All youth will gather together in the Youth Suite (across from the choir room) for conversations and activities, speakers and donuts!
Other Opportunities for Fun and Fellowship
Kids’ Night In is held once a month on the second Saturday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Drop your kids (2nd grade and younger) at church with the nursery staff for a fun evening of themed games, activities, and the occasional movie! As you might guess, this ministry is as much for the kids as it is for their parents in need of a night out!
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is a kid favorite! Children gather to hear the Easter Story as told through Godly Play before heading outside to the church lawn with baskets to hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy and small toys.