During this time of physical distancing, the Godly Play teachers wanted to offer families some additional tools to tell Bible stories at home, together, and to remind the children of their time together in Godly Play. Parents and guardians: please feel free to adapt these guidelines to whatever works for your child(ren) and family.
This material, part of a weekly series, is intended to supplement, not replace, worshiping together as a family on Sundays. As such, the Godly Play team thought that Saturdays might be a good time for Godly Play-like story time, but feel free to do what timing works for your family.
Light a candle.
Say: Long ago, God told us, “I am the Light of the World.” So, we light a candle together to remind us that God is always near to us.
Circle 1 (taught by Patsy Holtmeier and Matt Crosby) is scheduled to hear about The Road to Emmaus
Circle 2 (taught by Sue Browender, Larry Duncan, and Judy Hinck) is scheduled to hear the story Jesus and the 12 You can either watch the video of the story together, or talk to your child(ren) about the different apostles. You may refer to bibles verses Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, and Acts 1:2 and 13 for your discussion.
Circle 3 (taught by Tricia and Chandler Molbert, Mary Dodgson, and Amy Thompson) is scheduled to hear about the twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, and Acts 1:13). There isn’t a complete Godly Play video for this, but you could tell what you know about the twelve disciples (or read to the next bullet point!)
Everyone is welcome to simply read together or re-tell the Gospel lesson for this week, about The Road to Emmaus: Luke 24: 13-35. If you have a Sparks Story Bible, read the story, The Road to Emmaus (p. 388-341).
After whatever story you tell, in whatever way you tell it, try asking the children:
I wonder what there is in this room that can help us tell more of this part of the story. Look around and see if you see something you can bring to help show more of this story.
If they aren’t able to think of something to bring, consider inviting them into discussion with these questions, or make up your own:
I wonder where you see yourself in this story?
I wonder what your favorite part of the story is?
I wonder if there is any part of this story we could leave out and still have it be a complete story?
Close by saying the Lord’s prayer together (if the children are younger, perhaps the adults can say it and help the children to learn as they go on).
