Children's Education
Our religious education for children is “Godly Play,”
a program designed to help children enter into relationship with the mystery of God. Designed by Jerome Berryman and based on the work of Maria Montessori, “Godly Play” is an imaginative approach where children are invited to interact with the stories central to the Christian tradition. Some have called “Godly Play” spiritual direction for children, since they are supported, challenged, nourished and guided in the process of storytelling and response.
“Godly Play” sessions are held with two teachers guiding the lesson: a doorperson who meets the children and helps them slow down and take their place in the circle. Later, this door person will help the children find their creative response to the story. The storyteller presents the lesson, usually using simple props made beautifully of wood, stone and cloth. This teacher invites the children to answer wondering questions at the end of the story, and helps them learn the language of faith and mystery to express themselves. After the story is completed, children are invited to respond in the way they find most appropriate. Each session ends with a feast and prayer time together.
You can contact our religious education director at lindaccmp@redshift.com for more information, or to make arrangements to observe the Sunday School time.
At the current time we are offering Sunday School for children during the 9:30 a.m. service only. Children come to church for the first 20 minutes – during our singing, praying and Children’s Time – and then leave for Sunday School. The “Godly Play” lesson usually finishes about the same time as the end of the worship service.