We continue our Godly Play circles of faith at home, and gather around the stories of God. Children of God (of all ages) are invited to listen, wonder, and grow in faith.
Below you can find the first few Godly Play stories (and some in the style of Godly Play) that we told online in March 2020. The earliest stories are at the bottom of the page, and progress by week. Later in 2020 and 2021, we transitioned to sharing a variety of children’s messages during worship and made them available afterwards for families here. These included more Godly Play stories, as well as how to use our Faith at Home Kits. You can find these later videos and resources on the Faith at Home page and the Lent Faith at Home page.
May 17 – Elijah and the Widow
We wondered together about this story in our online Godly Play lesson. Parents, after viewing the story above, use these questions to wonder at home:
- I wonder what part of this story you like the best?
- I wonder what part of this story is most important?
- I wonder how the widow felt when Elijah first asked her to give him bread?
- I wonder why she trusted what Elijah said about God?
- I wonder what the son thought when the grain and oil did not run out?
- I wonder what this story has to tell us today?
- I wonder if you have ever felt like one of the people in this story?
- I wonder if there is something you have in your house that belongs in this story?
May 10 – The Lord’s Prayer
We did not have a Godly Play story this week. Instead, some of the children helped lead the congregation in worship with The Lord’s Prayer. We are grateful for their worship leadership!
May 3 – The Early Church
Parents, after viewing this story, wonder with your child together:
- I wonder what you like best about this story?
- I wonder where you are in this story?
- I wonder how it felt to be part of that early church?
- I wonder why they shared everything?
- I wonder if you have ever been part of a group like that?
- I wonder if there is anything in your house that you can add to this story? Something that just seems like it needs to be there? Look around and see…..
April 26 – The Road to Emmaus
Parents, after viewing this story, wonder with your child together:
- I wonder how Jesus’ friends felt when he died?
- I wonder how they knew he was alive? Or how they knew the person was Jesus?
- I wonder what it felt like to recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread?
- I wonder if you have ever been close to bread like this?
- I wonder what it is like to tell others that Jesus is alive?
- I wonder if there is anything in your house that you can add to this story? Something that just seems like it needs to be there? Look around and see…..
April 19 – The Faces of Easter
- I wonder what part of this story you like best?
- I wonder what part of the story is the most important part?
- I wonder where you are in this story? What part of the story is about you?
- I wonder if there is any part of the story we can leave out and still have all the story we need?
- I wonder if there is something in your house that can help tell more about this story? Look around and see if you see something you can add to the story.
April 12 – Easter Sunday
- I wonder what part of this story you like best?
- I wonder where you are in this story?
- I wonder what Easter means to you?
Godly Play for Maundy Thursday
Parents, after viewing this story, wonder with your child together:
- I wonder how it felt to be around this table and to hear Jesus say, “Take, eat, this is my body broken for you”?
- I wonder what Jesus could really mean?
- I wonder if you have ever been close to a table like this?
- I wonder how it would feel to have Jesus wash your feet?
- I wonder how we can love each other like that?
April 5 – Palm Sunday
March 29
Here’s the story for Sunday, March 29. The stories build on each other during Lent, so you are welcome to jump in at any point with the current week’s video. Gather together to hear the story, then pause during the wondering afterwards, as children find something in your home to help tell more of the story. Thanks to the Godly Play Foundation for allowing use of the stories online during this time.
Download and print your own copies of the Faces of Easter cards – the images we use in our stories for Lent.
Download Parent Pages, which include the story for each card so you and your child can retell it at home.
March 22
Here’s the story for Sunday, March 22. Find a good time to watch together as a family. Take a few minutes to watch the earlier video about setting up a Godly Play space in your home, and encourage your child to help find a few items like a candle. If your child had been part of Godly Play before, ask him or her about how we get ready to hear the story. We invite you to gather around and come close to the stories of Jesus, and the mystery of Lent with us.
Setting up a Godly Play space in your home.
Caitlin Johnson, with help from Claire and Isla, explains how to create a simple space in your own home to join us in Godly Play.
Growing Faith at Home 