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St. James

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Godly Play
St. James' Sunday School Program
Families are welcomed throughout the year.


Godly Play allows us to meet God along with children rather than teaching them what we as adults think they ought to know.

WHO? Godly Play is an experiential way of teaching children to worship. The program is based on work done by Dr. Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal Priest, using the child-centered teaching method applied to religious education.

WHY? This method, termed "Godly Play," creates a sacred space in which to present the stories of our tradition. This approach provides a worship context for sharing Biblical stories, instead of a traditional school environment.

"Children learn to find the quiet place within, which enables them to prepare for worship, all by themselves."

WHAT? The stories are told very simply and without interpretation or moral instruction. After a story is presented, the children and the storyteller wonder together about aspects of the story that draw their interest. After a time of exploring and wondering, the story is put away. The children then choose the art supplies they would like to work with. They spend some time creating whatever they choose, in response to what they feel is most important or interesting about the story. This method of spiritual formation invites personal involvement in the story, utilizing a child's natural sense of imagination and wonder; thereby helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.

HOW? This approach uses simple, yet beautiful, natural materials, sparse language and movement, and quiet centering response time that is useful for all ages. This tradition honors the child's natural sense of the sacred and enables children to experience God while learning about God. It is learned from the inside out.

"Godly play is also deeply satisfying for the adults who engage in the stories along with the children."

Click here to learn more about what we do each week, or visit the Godly Play Parents tab

      Contact us if your have any questions or needs.
    St. James Episcopal Church
    9 Williams Str
    eet • Clinton, New York 13323  • 315 853 5359
    C. Richer, website adminstrator