Children are deeply valued as significant members of the body of Christ and show us how to enter the Kingdom of God.
Each child comes to Godly Play as a beloved son or daughter of God.
God can be known as He draws near to us and we draw near to Him.
Wondering encourages children to engage with the REAL stories of Scripture.
We practice listening to one another, and learn how to listen to God.
We all bear the image of God, so we treat one another and ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Children uniquely encounter God. We recognize the sacred work of supporting and respecting each child’s journey of faith.
Children at Trinity Church
circle
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wonder
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play
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story
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feast
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circle 〰️ wonder 〰️ play 〰️ story 〰️ feast 〰️
What to Expect on Sundays:
Children are checked in before the second service begins.
At their classroom door, the children are greeted individually by a doorkeeper and asked, “Are you ready for Godly Play?” (Being “ready” for Godly Play means that they are calm and ready to listen and respect the community of children and teachers.)
Children return to their parents in the sanctuary before communion.
Nursery / Preschool
We believe that our youngest members reflect God’s image just as clearly as our older children and adults. In Nursery our 1 and 2 year olds are cared for, read to, and engaged by our loving volunteers and youth helpers. They get time to play and explore while parents are uninterrupted during part of the service. In our preschool classroom for 3-4 year olds, we begin to engage their wonder through a short bible story time and a liturgy of prayer and passing the peace. They are also given time to play, create, and explore together.
Godly Play I - III
We are committed to teaching Scripture to children in such a way that they can enter the stories deeply and personally. Our goal is not pat answers, but an encounter with Christ. We find that this best happens when the story is told quietly and compellingly, followed by a series of questions where the children get to ‘wonder’ together. Some examples are:
I wonder what was your favorite part of the story?
I wonder what was the most important part?
I wonder how you would feel if Jesus looked at you?
During this time, the children share and relate their own lives to the story.
Beatitude Kids
After graduating from Godly Play III, children work through the Beatitudes, and learn about life in various third world countries. They explore saints throughout history connecting them to Biblical stories and God’s work in their own lives. The kids grow in their relational connection in various extra activities throughout the year.
A typical Godly Play session
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As children enter the room, they are invited by the storyteller to sit in a circle.
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Once all the children are gathered, the storyteller leads the group in an opening prayer, and adjusting the church calendar on the wall.
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The children listen as the storyteller tells a story from scripture or a story that explains part of our Christian practice – like the church year, baptism or communion.
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The children are invited to respond to the story through wondering questions and their choice of art or play.
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The children line up to head downstairs and are given a blessing.
Our Team
Julia Barger
Children and Family Pastor
Kelsee Drain
Children’s Director
Amanda Millheisler
Nursery Coordinator
Leadership Team
Hannah Azevedo
Julia Barger
Amanda Brack
Abe Bray
Kelsee Drain
Amanda Millheisler
Special Needs Team
Beth Florea
Natalie Smith
Rebecca Bray
Abe Bray
Sarah Duffey
Kelsee Drain
