“Godly Play Spoken Here....”
Sunday School Program Here at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
What is Godly Play?
Godly Play teaches children the art of
using religious language - parable,
sacred story, silence and liturgical
action - helping them become more
fully aware of the mystery and reality
of God’s presence in their lives.  
Using careful telling of scripture
stories, engaging story figures, and a
variety of creative activities, Godly
Play encourages children to seek and
find their own answers to their faith
questions.

Godly Play offers a contemporary and
child-accessible version of the ancient
spiritual practice of lectio divina: holy
reading, wondering and responding to
the Bible’s sacred stories.  Instead of
analyzing God’s word, the children
meditate in an artistic and kinesthetic
way.  Godly Play helps children know
God and the Bible instead of simply
knowing about God or about the Bible.
Welcoming…
Each child is personally welcomed
by the door keeper to enter the
Children’s Sanctuary and join the
circle.

Sacred Story…
The group begins with prayer and
then listens to the story teller re-
enact story of the day using figures
and props.
 
Art/Work Time…
Children are encouraged to
participate in the art for the session,
or may make a choice of their own
for this “work time.”

Feast...
The children gather again for prayer
and the feast, and snack is shared
around the table.  

Blessings and Goodbyes…
At the end of the session, children
are thanked for their presence that
day.  Good byes are said to each
other, the story teller, and the door
keeper.  Children are excused to
directly their parents or other adult.
Wondering…
Together, the children “wonder” about
the story, contemplating questions such
as:

“I wonder what part of this story is
about you, or where are you in this
story?”  

“I wonder what part of this story is the
most important?”

“I wonder is there any part of the story
we could leave out and still have all the
story we need?”
Godly Play…
an environment where children
feel and experience God’s love
and light in their lives!
Please visit:     
www.godlyplay.org
For additional information
Text adapted from: The Complete Guide to Godly Play: Volume I, J. Berryman. ©2005
How is a Godly Play Session Structured?
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Reno, Nevada
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and
I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn
from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls. ~Matthew 11:28-29