Godly Play at St. Paul’s
Sunday Mornings, 9:00 to 9:50 AM | Third Floor
Contact: Mtr. Brittany Sparrow Savage (bsavage@stpaulskcmo.org)
What is Godly Play?
Godly Play is a Montessori-inspired approach to Christian formation used widely in Episcopal churches. Through storytelling, wondering questions, and hands-on materials, children engage the stories of our faith with imagination and curiosity, discovering their own place in God's story.
Who can go to Godly Play?
Toddlers through 2nd grade are welcome to join the Godly Play circle, as long as they are potty trained and can engage appropriately with the content.
Can I accompany my child?
Younger children who are new to Godly Play may feel safer with a trusted adult nearby at first. After the first class, Mtr. Brittany will follow up to create a plan for your child to join independently. If you plan to accompany your child, please contact Mtr. Brittany beforehand.
How can I prepare my child?
Please arrive on time. Godly Play begins promptly at 9:00 AM, and a prompt start honors the work of the children and volunteers. Late arrivals happen, and children are always welcome, but we ask that they be the exception rather than the norm.
Before entering the room, children hang up jackets and place toys from home in a box for safekeeping. If your child may have a hard time putting a toy away, we encourage leaving it at home.
What does a typical morning look like?
Threshold. Each child is greeted by a Door Keeper and welcomed into the sacred space. Items from home are left in safekeeping at the door.
Building the Circle. The Storyteller invites each child to sit in a circle as everyone gets ready to enter the morning's story.
Story. The Storyteller presents a Sacred story from the Bible, a Liturgical story about the church, or a Parable from the teachings of Jesus.
Wondering. The Storyteller invites children to wonder together about the story's meaning.
Work Time. Children respond to the story through their own chosen work, using art materials or the stories in the room.
Leaving. Children say goodbye and cross the threshold to volunteers, who take them to the Walnut Room to be picked up or to stay for Children's Worship. During the Peace, children rejoin their adults in the nave.
Can I join the Godly Play Team?
The Godly Play Team is made up of volunteers passionate about Christian formation. We believe children are not blank slates, but that they've already had encounters with God. By sharing the stories of our faith, we help them give language and meaning to how God is working in their lives.
Volunteering commitment is flexible. Contact Mtr. Brittany to learn more about training as a Door Keeper or Storyteller.
