Children Christian Education

Children Christian Education -- 9 — 9:45 am each Sunday (September - May)

Children are warmly welcomed and find an extended family in their New Song home as we celebrate their presence among us. In our Godly Play story-telling curriculum, we enter into the parables, sacred stories, silence, and liturgy in order to discover God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us.

Godly Play was developed and classroom tested for more than 20 years by Episcopal priest, author, and teacher Jerome Berryman. Godly Play is based on the Montessori method of experiential learning. It "makes the player graceful so that God, the player, other players, and God's earth can all join in the game." This imaginative approach to working with children supports, challenges, nourishes, and helps guide the children's spiritual quest.

The Godly Play curriculum follows this activity outline:
— Entering the space and building the Circle
— Getting ready and entering the story
— Wondering
— Response time
— Thanksgiving/feast
— Blessing and leaving the space

We welcome you to experience the wonder of a Godly Play session!

The Fall lessons include: Creation, The Flood and the Ark, The Great Family, The Exodus, The Ten Best Ways, The Ark and the Tent, The Ark and the Temple, The Exile and Return, The Prophets, Jonah the Backward Prophet, and The Books of the Bible.

Winter lessons include: The Weeks of Advent; The Mystery of Christmas; Epiphany; Holy Baptism; Parable of the Good Shepherd; Parable of the Good Samaritan; Parable of the Great Pearl; Parable of the Sower; Parable of the Leaven; Parable of the Mustard Seed; and Parable of Parables.

The Wondering Following a Godly Play Lesson

After the story, we always "wonder." Here are the "wondering questions" we ask for this story:
1. Now, I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
2. I wonder what part of the story is most important?
3. I wonder where you are in the story? I wonder what part of the story is about you?
4. I wonder if there is any part of the story we could leave out and still have the story?

Related links

• The Ten Best Ways for Parents
• Adult Christian Education
• Worship times
• Contact info