Godly Play at Saint James

Helping children explore their faith

Godly Play at Saint James

The Godly Play method is an innovative approach to religious education developed by theologian, author and educator, The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman. Dr. Berryman based his method of Christian education on the Montessori educational approach as he understood how it encourages intuitive learning in children.

The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using the language of the Christian tradition to encounter God and find direction for their lives. The stories of faith are presented playfully and mindfully by the Storyteller using simply carved wooden figures and other props. The children are encouraged to connect, to wonder, and to explore the meanings of the stories. A time of further wondering follows the story when the children use art supplies such as pencils, crayons, and paper to further “play out” meaning from the story. We help the children achieve more than just "knowing" the stories. We hope that they can build a spiritual practice that helps them find meaning, identity and God in the stories of the Bible and in the liturgical practices of the Church.

Saint James has a rich collection of the Godly Play stories in the Chapel, ready for each Sunday morning's story during Children's Chapel at the 10:30 AM Mass. Diane Raymond, a member of Saint James, is a Certified Godly Play Storyteller and our lead storyteller. For more information about Godly Play at Saint James or if you would like to help with Godly Play, click here to email Diane.

Visit the Godly Play Foundation to learn more about this unique approachto Christian Education.

Harriet Tubman

The Whole Christmas Story

Jesus Feeds The 5000

The Good Shepherd and World Communion

Parable Of The Good Samaritan

Parable Of The Great Pearl

Parable Of The Sower

Paul's Travels and Letters

The Mystery of Easter

The Prophets

The Life of David

A Godly Play Story about the life of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.