A Grownup's Guide to Godly Play
All Saints' Beverly Hills is excited to offer Godly Play on Sunday mornings. We offer this unique ministry of Christian formation pre-schoolers through 3rd grade. Since it is important for all adults in the church to understand what happens in a Godly Play classroom, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Godly Play. On September 11th during the 9 and the 10:15 all parents (and other parishioners if we have room!) are welcome to experience a full Sunday morning Godly Play session with Caryl Menkhus, certified Godly Play Trainer.

Let us know ahead of time when you would like to visit. Contact Christal Ellis at cellis@allsaintsbh.org

What is Godly Play? Godly Play is a method of Christian education and spiritual direction for children ages three to twelve. The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence and direction in their lives.

What makes Godly Play distinctive? In Godly Play, we tell Bible stories to children to encourage them to enter in to the stories and relate them to their personal experience. Godly Play is concerned with the spiritual development of each child as an individual and with modeling the appropriate moral behaviors expected of people living within a Christian community.

Why do children’s ministry classes start 15 minutes before the worship service? In Godly Play, each Sunday school class follows the pattern of the four fold order of worship: gathering in God's name, proclaiming the Word, giving thanks, and going out to serve. Children will also learn the etiquette of being in church, understand liturgy and religious language, and what we do together as we worship together in the sanctuary. Each week the Godly Play and The NEST children will be brought down to process with the Offertory and then join their parents and the rest of the congregation for Eucharist.

Why are children asked to "get ready" before entering a Godly Play classroom? The Godly Play classroom is sacred space for children. It is a place where children are encouraged to engage in "deep play" with scriptural materials. It is a place of silence, mystery and wonder. Children are always helped to "get ready" before entering. A greeter or door person waits at the door to help each child become ready to enter the room. This helps them participate fully with the community of children in the classroom. A child who arrives late will be admitted as soon as this can be accomplished without disturbing the circle of children.

Who are the two teachers in each classroom? Each of the two co-teachers has a different role, and both are vital to the smooth functioning of the classroom. The greeter acts as a host or hostess for the classroom, ensures children are ready to enter and supports them in their work. The storyteller presents the lesson, supports the circle of children in their wondering and choosing their work, and blesses each child before he or she leaves.

If you have any questions about the All Saints' Godly Play program - or the new Tween program - or would like to learn about becoming a storyteller or greeter please contact Christal Ellis at (310) 275-0123 x123 or cellis@allsaintsbh.org.

For more information about Godly Play visit www.godlyplay.org