Godly Play

St. Paul's offers your children in Pre-school through the fifth grade, this world-renowned Episcopal program that we call "Godly Play". 

Godly Play teaches classic Christian ideas and stories. It will give your child "the basics" to enhance their natural experience of God's unqualified love, and how God works in our lives.

Children have a natural and innate sense of God. They instantly "get it" when you tell them the stories, explain the symbols, and share the language of God's love. It allows them to identify and express what they already know deep down inside.

Here's a short video introduction to the Godly Play program:

It's not your old-fashioned Sunday School! Godly Play uses established, tried-and-true methods, but in a new way.

We all love stories, and Bible stories have layers of deep meaning. They are an important part of our culture, our heritage, and our moral codes. These stories have been passed down for centuries because they show us how to live our lives. Shouldn't your kids know these things?

We help you teach your children the fundamentals of the Christian "language" and culture. Knowing the parables, sacred stories, prayers, and traditions helps children to be aware of God’s love and presence.

This program can literally set the stage for a full and rewarding life. It can show children how to live and to grow in faith.

Godly Play is different from a traditional class, where the teacher spends an hour telling the children what they need to know. And for the kids, it's not about rote learning, memorizing, or being constantly entertained. Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian teachings.

 

We tell the traditional bible stories in creative ways and we take the time to let children wonder how each story and biblical character connects with their experience and relationship with God.

We demonstrate the deep meaning in these stories using the traditional symbols and language of Christianity while encouraging and engaging your child's natural creativity and thoughtfulness.

Godly Play respects the innocent spirituality of children and we all cherish their curiosity and imagination. The program is a proven way to encourage kids to move into larger dimensions through wondering questions and loving answers.

 We support and  encourage your kids to make meaning for themselves by learning and living the classic stories and lessons of Christianity.

It's also a lot of fun!

 If you would like to learn more, call the church offices, (360) 733-2890, and ask for Lindsay Knight, St. Paul's education director. She'd love to tell you about this amazing program.

Lindsay Knight, our Education Director, was invited by the Godly Play national organization to become a Godly Play trainer. (One of only 60 in the country.) Lyndsay has completed her training and will be finalizing her certifications shortly. We're proud of you, Lindsay!

Lindsay and the kids

Should your children receive Communion?

 

 COMMENTS ON CHILDREN RECEIVING COMMUNION

You will notice that our congregation has children of all ages. We are blessed beyond measure to have them as part of our community.

Visitors also notice that, starting at a very young age, our children receive communion right along with everyone else.

Several principles inform our approach to children at communion:

• Receiving communion is an act we spend our entire lives learning to understand.
• Chronological age is neither a barrier nor an automatic gateway to this evolving understanding
• Children are full members of our faith community
• Children learn by experience
• The Episcopal Church teaches that baptism is complete initiation into Christian life
• In our experience, children often exhibit a profound understanding of receiving communion, and can be inspiring and helpful to adults
• Communion is included in some way in every year of our church school curriculum

Of course we recognize that parents have preferences in this area based on their own faith journey and their knowledge of their children. We respect those preferences and will follow your guidance at the communion rail.

Tracy Herzer, an Episcopal children’s educator, has given us a fine “Top Ten List of Reasons for Children to be welcomed in Church”.