This new children’s Sunday School program features an interactive and exploratory approach to learning the stories of the Bible. Based on the Montessori method of instruction that has been so popular in modern education, the program invites children not just to hear the Bible stories, but to act them out using simple props and to explore their inner meaning and relation to everyday life. As the title implies, Godly Play sessions are lighthearted, fast-paced, and fun. Each Godly Play session is modeled on the Liturgy, and includes a gathering time, a story time, a time for response to the story in artwork and a “feast.” This program has been widely acclaimed for its child-centeredness and creative approach to teaching the Scriptures and is used cross-denominationally in many of America’s best Christian education programs. To find out more about the philosophy of Godly Play and to view a very well-produced video, see http://www.godlyplay.org/ (video is in the “About Us” section).

We are excited to have a group of energetic storytellers. An ECW Committee has also been working hard to design the props necessary for the course. The course works best with children aged 3-12 and was chosen in part because it is so easily adaptable to different ages and class sizes. We hope that you will bring your own children to this program, and invite other children known to you. We believe that Godly Play will soon become one of the most exciting and vibrant parts of our life here at Saint Paul’s, teaching the faith in a fresh way to the newest generation of Christians.

Currently, we are sharing our Sunday School program with Christ Reformed Church of Sharpsburg.  Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:00, and each church hosts the class every other month.  In the winter and spring of 2009, Saint Paul’s will host Godly Play in January, March and May.