Children and Youth Ministry

Godly Play teaches children the art of using religious language (parable, sacred story, liturgical action, silence and gestures).

What happens in the classroom?

Children and adults gather to worship and share in the stories that have guided the people of God for thousands of years. Sessions begin with the children getting ready for worship. An adult, "the greeter," is at the door to help the children center their bodies before they enter the classroom slowly and quietly.

The Story is told by the storyteller. The lesson is usually a Bible story told with simple wooden figures set in sand, if the story happened in the desert, or on felt. Parables are 'gifts' given to us many generations ago, so they are stored in golden boxes. Sometimes the lesson teaches an aspect of our church's liturgy; for example, we have a lesson on Baptism and one on "How the Church Tells Time" (colors and seasons of the church year).

Wondering Together is how we reflect on the story. The storyteller wonders aloud about various aspects of the story. She may ask the children what they found to be the most important part and ask many "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how Peter is feeling?", "I wonder how Mary Magdalene feels when Jesus appears to her."

Response Time allows each child to delve into what they feel called to explore. They may choose art materials available on shelves, or they may choose to retell the story of the day or a story they have heard previously. The adults in the classroom help the children to focus but do not interrupt the children's response time. The children's work is a form of study and prayer for them.

The Feast occurs after work has been put away on the shelves as it was found and the children have returned to the circle. Prayers are said and a simple snack is offered. (The children at St. Aidan return to the church for the Feast part of the service (Holy Eucharist) with their families and the rest of the congregation. They stay in their Godly Play rooms two or three times a year to take part in the Godly Play Feast.)

The Dismissal closes our worship together as each child is blessed individually by the storyteller. (e.g. "I noticed how hard you were working to recreate the parable of The Good Shepherd. I am so glad you were here today. Go in peace.") The children will then join their families in the church for the Holy Eucharist.

For more about Godly Play check out these links.

• Church Publishing
• Godly Play
• Godly Play Video
• Godly Play by Catherine Stonehouse

"Claim the Life" is a 6-year plan (Grades 7 to 12) which builds on major themes of the Christian faith - Journey, Word, Faith, Promise, Story and Call. St. Aidan youth are in the first semester (Journey) of this curriculum and we will be looking at themes including Worship, Praying, Image of God, Follow, Temple, Kindness.....to name only a few. Visit Claim the Life.com to see the theme words.

The "Claim the Life" lesson begins with Tending. Students share with each other the highs and lows, and joys and worries of the previous week. Tending also involves introduction to the theme of the day through talk and/or activity.

The Teaching part of the lesson is divided into Option A and Option B. Option A requires the youth to move, plan and work together, then there is discussion and connection to the Scriptures. Option B involves questions and answers, then discussion, thinking and making connections to the Scriptures. A few of the lessons have 4-5 minute DVD segments for discussion starters.

The last part of the lesson is the Sending. This involves time for reflecting on the theme word of the lesson. Students pick a goal for the upcoming week, then they are sent with a blessing. The Sending is to remind the youth that they are called to go into the world as God's disciples with what they have learned from their lesson. St. Aidan youth then return to the church service for Holy Eucharist.

To find out more about the "Claim the Life" curriculum, visit Claim the Life.com.