Circle of the Church Year (Sept. 8th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Genesis 1:1- 2:3  

Each Sunday, the Godly Play teachers review the season that we are in. They reflect with the children about the season, what God may be trying to teach us during this time, and they encourage the children to look forward to the seasons to come. Through a directed lesson, the children will learn today about the importance of acknowledging and considering these seasons as we worship, learn, and pray each week. The concept of God’s timing and His provision of seasons for preparation and growth will be discussed. They will talk about the “Great Growing Season,” Advent, Christmas, Resurrection and the Easter Season, and the day of Pentecost. Your child will probably bring home a beaded cord with a colored bead to represent each of the 52 Sundays in the year. I recommend that you put this cord in a place where daily Bible reading takes place so that you can consider the seasons throughout the year. Remember, the natural seasons of the year help us to look back with gratitude and look forward with anticipation... God has provided us with seasons in our faith to do the same.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder which of these colors/ seasons you like best?

I wonder which of the colors/ seasons is the most important?

I wonder if you’ve ever seen these colors in church, at home, or at school?

I wonder why the Church tells time with colors?

Prayer:

“Dear Father, thank you for the seasons. Thank you for the changing weather, the growing trees, and the cooling winds. Thank you for the sun and the moon, which help us mark our days. Thank you also for the seasons of the Church Year, so that we can remember to prepare our hearts for what is to come and can remember back to the beautiful things that have taken place. Amen.”

Listening to God (Aug. 31st)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: John 8:12

This week, we revisited the concepts from our lesson about the Classroom Sanctuary again. These behaviors are so important and they require quite a bit of repetition for the little ones, especially those who have just transitioned from the younger classrooms. We moved in to a discussion of Prayer and the ways that we interact with and talk to God. As a group, the children learned together about Jesus’s explanation that he is “the Light.” They will discuss what it is to be in darkness and how listening to and seeking after Jesus brings light into our lives. Through a beautiful ritual of lighting a candle for each child present, the teacher will help to illustrate the ways that the love and compassion of God radiate out of us through our acts of service, caring for others, and glorifying God. One of the most beautiful realizations that often comes from this lesson is that the light does not grow dimmer as it spreads from the Christ candle to the other candles (one to represent each child). It grows stronger, more brilliant, and more beautiful. Finally, a good deal of time was devoted at the end of today’s lesson for children to write, draw, paint, or sculpt a prayer to God. The children will be encouraged to spend their response time thinking about and creating something that reminds them of Jesus’ light and the light that they can share through following Jesus and loving others. They will also be encouraged to spend quiet time listening to God and being quiet with him.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder what you think of when you think of God?

I wonder why Jesus said that he is “the Light”?  

I wonder what dark things Jesus might be able to bring light to?

I wonder how you can show the light of Jesus to others, so that they will want to know him?  

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for listening to me when I share my thoughts and prayers with you. I know that you care for me and I am so glad that we can talk every single day- in the morning, in the daytime, and even late late at night. Thank you for speaking to us and reminding us of your light. Be with us as we spread your light to others, that they may come closer to you. Amen.” 

Talking to God (Aug. 18th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Psalm 5: 7

This week, we revisited the concepts from our lesson about the Classroom Sanctuary. These behaviors are so important and they require quite a bit of repetition for the little ones, especially those who have just transitioned from the Toddler classroom. We moved in to a discussion of Prayer and the ways that we interact with and talk to God. As a group, children will enjoy the picture book In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. This book explores the various ways that we draw near to God- through his strength, through his peace, through his provision. The children discussed the various ways they have seen God in their own lives. The children also practiced a few simple prayers together and shared prayer requests after a short conversation about them. Finally, a good deal of time was devoted at the end of today’s lesson for children to write, draw, paint, or sculpt a prayer to God.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder what you think of when you think of God?

I wonder what you see in your thoughts when you say his name?

I wonder what sorts of things you might want to talk to God about?

I wonder if there is anything that you think you should tell God about right now?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for listening to me when I share my thoughts and prayers with you. I know that you care for me and I am so glad that we can talk every single day- in the morning, in the daytime, and even late late at night. Amen.”

Orientation to the Sanctuary & Worship Space (Aug. 11th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Psalm 5: 7

This Sunday’s lesson centered around the experience of being in a Sanctuary. Children discussed the importance of entering reverently and peacefully into the classroom (sometimes called the Worship Space). Their teacher helped them to visualize and give words to the various expectations we have for their behavior in the classroom. The primary directives that they will return to throughout this conversation are that, in the Sanctuary, we (1) Walk peacefully, (2) Talk softly, (3) Move slowly (there’s no reason to hurry!), and (4) Give our friends time and space to be with God. Their teacher will also discuss with them the use of reminders, should they need them. The overall purpose of this lesson is to prepare the children to engage in worship corporately and independently on Sundays. Teachers will revisit these concepts frequently throughout the year.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder how we can show God that we are ready to worship?

I wonder how God knows that we are listening to him?

Many people choose to worship God through story-telling, singing, making art work, and reading. What are your favorite ways to worship God? Why? 

Prayer:

“Father, help me to enter into a time of worship with you peacefully. I want to spend time with you, but it’s hard to slow down when things are so busy. Please meet me every day to share our love together and to teach me about your story. Amen.” 

CPR + First Aid Training!

Volunteers & Trinity Families~ 

I am offering a *FREE* First Aid & CPR training 

on Saturday, August 31st. 

(9:00 am-12:00 pm for CPR only, 9:00 am- 3:00 pm for CPR + First Aid)

Space is limited, so let me know if you're interested!

julia@trinityanglicanmission.org