Godly Play is the name of a religious education curriculum that was introduced to Christ the King Lutheran Church about a year ago by its founder Jerome Berryman. The curriculum is based on Montessori pedagogy and is a way of religious education in which children, youth and adults alike can learn (or re-learn) the art of how to use religious language to know God and find direction in their lives. Godly Play is currently taught on Sundays in the 2-3 year-old class and the kindergarten class, and on Wednesday nights to pre-school and Kindergarten children and to first and second graders.
The children and adults who have been involved in Godly Play in the last year have responded enthusiastically, to the extent that children complained to their parents when they were not able to attend Godly Play. That then raised the interest of more than one parent at Christ the King Church.
Jerome Berryman has provided monthly training for our teachers and will continue to do so in 2004. A group of teachers including the pastors attended a 3-day intensive training class in August last year from which they graduated as accredited Godly Play teachers.
As the children who are taught in Godly Play graduate to the next grade levels, the Sunday School needs to respond and "grow with the children" to be able to offer the curriculum alson in the higher grades. Therefore, plans are underway to further build and expand the program. The goal is to furnish and equip the first grade classroom on the second floor as a Godly Play room for the fall of 2004. There will be a variety of ways to become acquainted with and involved in this exciting new ministry throughout the year: