Godly Play Foundation

"Everything is about to change. We are about to begin the season of Advent, the season of getting ready." #MysteryofChristmas #GodlyPlay #IWonder #Advent

May the comfort of God's presence fill you, encompassing the ebb and flow of life's grief and sorrows and bringing moments of respite and ease for your days ahead. #IWonder #GodlyPlay #Breathe

We invite you to enter into the Mystery of the Advent season by reflecting on this excerpt from Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman's sermon given on the first Sunday of Advent in 1991. "Look up, raise your heads. Your redemption is drawing near. All the summer and winter of our days is circled about by its possibility. And where is this greatness to be found? It is to be found in smallness. It is to be found in the child..." Want to share this video in worship with your congregation? This link, https://lnkd.in/gHFvceeP gives access to a customizable video, allowing you to add your own Advent or Christmas information, logos, or other text to the video for use at your own site. May we "draw near with honest fear and yet with hope" to the child that is coming, to our loved ones, and to all getting ready to journey with the holy family to Bethlehem. #Advent #GodlyPlay #IWonder

“Children are not always silent about God, but when they begin to talk, we sometimes think they are talking nonsense. This is because they stretch the bits of language they have to approximate what is beyond language. When adults stretch language thin to do this, we call it poetry.” –Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, Becoming Like a Child: Maturity Beyond the Norm May we create environments for children to express their poetry of knowing God. May we be fully present to witness, nurture, and embrace children and the evident richness of their spirituality.

How do you mark the days until Christmas? Check out our Christmas Calendar as a special way to anticipate the wonder and mystery of the Advent season! Whether for your family or as a memorable gift to loved ones, the calendar creates moments of curiosity and awe as children are able to roll the star each day, making the journey with the holy family toward Bethlehem. To get it in time for December 1, order TODAY at https://lnkd.in/g-kymSp3. #iwonder?#everydaygodlyplay?#christmascalendar?#advent

This month on Mess Makes Meaning, we’re joined by Jill Gidlund - a speaker, writer, and licensed Godly Play trainer. With over 20 years of experience working with children as a preschool teacher, children’s pastor, and parent educator, Jill brings deep insight into the spirituality of children. With Jill, we explore how creating sacred space such as a home altar benefits the whole family. Have a listen and let us know your key takeaways! This episode is full of wisdom on supporting children’s spiritual growth. You don't want to miss it.??? Tune in at?https://lnkd.in/gTr2vTHP! #godlyplay #sacredspace #childhoodspirituality #homealtar

Inspired by Godly Play stories and practices, we offer a special blessing for our beloved communities here and across the globe. The Unspoken Lesson?by Raenelle Tauro May you cross thresholds, ushered in with the warmth of kind smiles, gentle hugs, and cheerful greetings by name, all saying “I’m so glad you are here” May you sit in circles where your silence, your creativity, your doubts, your joys–the whole of your story is embraced and held precious May you sit in circles where connection and bonds are tenderly cared for, repaired, and nourished May you sit in circles where you come so close to God, and God comes so close to you, the mystery of a love so full and deep is revealed May each of your circles be filled with the tremendous courage to wonder, to imagine, to play And when you journey from these circles into the world, witnessing its fragility, its strength, and everything in between, may you encounter reminders of God’s presence and know God is in this place too We are in awe of and grateful for each of you doing the big work to center children and nurture children's spirituality!?? #GodlyPlay #IWonder #UnspokenLesson?

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to get a closer behind-the-scenes look at the revisions made to Volume 8! In this 90-minute workshop, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Minor will discuss the process of revision and share one of the newly revised stories. In addition, participants will learn more about brand new stories in this Volume, including how to add these stories to their Godly Play rooms. Dr. Minor was one of the consulting editors for this volume, which was the last project she worked on with Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, founder of Godly Play. Registration fee is $35 (FREE for Members) To register TODAY, go tobit.ly/godlyplayworkshop

A Godly Play Blessing by Christine Hides: As you make your journey may God come so close to you and you come so close to God that you know all of God is in every place in all of Creation. Carry with you the gifts given to you before you were born, by the one who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people still know him. In every season, in every mystery, in the bread and the wine. Remember that you are always part of this sacred circle where the Spirit moves among us like a dove bringing comfort and strength. You are storytellers and peacemakers, light bearers and people of God, creating the part that hasn’t been written yet. May we all continue to find time and space to share stories, make peace, and bear light into the world.???

Join Rev. Dr. Cheryl Minor, the Director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood for the Godly Play Foundation, for a 90-minute workshop on the best practices and norms needed to create stories that will serve your circles! Where: Online Date:? Saturday, November 16, 2024 Time:? 11:00 am–12:30 pm EST Fee:? $35 ($30 for members) Secure your spot today! Register today at bit.ly/godlyplayworkshop Rev. Dr. Minor has been one of the consulting editors on the revisions of The Complete Guide to Godly Play, and has most recently been involved in the creation of a series of stories called, "People of Color who Inspire," together with Jerome Berryman.