What is Godly Play?

Godly Play is a Montessori approach to Christian Formation.  It was developed by Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal priest and director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood.

A Godly Play class is conducted by a storyteller and doorperson.  They teach both by their words and by their behavior.  Their common goal is to establish the classroom as a sacred space reserved for children.

Each lesson is patterned after the worship service.  The children are helped to still themselves and enter the sacred space by a gentle greeting from the doorperson.  The children listen to an absorbing story from our faith tradition, told with the help of simple materials.  We want the children to be drawn into the many aspects, possibly mysterious or ambiguous, of each story rather than just learn it.  The storyteller encourages the process by asking “I wonder” questions.  (Incidentally, although simplified from their Biblical sources, the stories retain their subtlety and power.  We have also presented them to adults with great success!)  Then the children are given time to respond to the story in some way:  the classroom is stocked with art supplies and all the storytelling materials are available to the children.  The lesson concludes with a simple “feast” prepared by all and shared in the story circle.  The children are released to their parents with a heartfelt goodbye from both storyteller and doorperson.

Over time the classroom becomes a real community and a place where children can absorb ideas and language they need to develop their spiritual lives.

“In Godly Play, the invitation is given not for play in general but for play with the language of God and God’s people; our sacred stories, parables, liturgical actions and silences.  Through this powerful language, through our wondering, through the community of players gathered together, we hear the deepest invitation of all:  an invitation to come play with God.” Jerome Berryman Godly Play: How To Lead Godly Play Lessons (The Complete Guide to Godly Play Series), vol 1. P. 12)

The History of Godly Play at St. Michael's

We introduced Godly Play to our children ages 3-8 in the fall of 2003.  In 2005 we expanded to two Godly Play rooms:&nbps; one for children ages 3-7 (Godly Play I) and one for children ages 8-11 (Godly Play II).  Our parish completely supports our Godly Play program.  We have funded and built both rooms with beautiful materials, thanks to the donation of time, talent and money from many members of the congregation.  Since so many people in our parish have worked so hard getting our program started, we want everyone to know more about Godly Play.

Godly Play Storytellers & Doorpersons at St. Michael's

A dedicated group of parishioners from many backgrounds and ages make up our team of Godly Play leaders.  We have a team of Storytellers and Doorpersons that work on a rotating schedule in each of the Godly Play rooms.  The children receive the consistency of the same storyteller through each major season (e.g. Advent, Epiphany, Lent, etc.) while the leaders receive the benefit of breaks throughout the year.  Three of our Storytellers/Doorpersons have received certification as teachers from the Center for the Theology of Childhood.  Certification involves an intense, three day training conducted by teacher/trainers trained by Jerome Berryman.  The parishioners of St. Michael's supported a fundraiser to send these leaders in the spring of 2004.  We plan on sending more leaders to train in the future.

How do I enroll my child(ren)?

Please bring your children to join us in the Godly Play classrooms!  We don't have a formal enrollment process.  Children are welcome to begin any time during the year.  The program allows for easy entry without the children feeling as though they are behind the rest of the group.

When and where are the classes?

This year Godly Play classes started on September 9, 2007 and continue through May 2008.  The classes are held during the 9:15 a.m. to10:15 a.m. Sunday School hour between the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.  Godly Play meets in the Godly Play I classroom and Godly Play II classrooms in the new undercroft (under the sanctuary).  At St. Michael's we occasionally have combined worship services at 10:00 a.m., in which case there is no Godly Play.