Godly Play uses storytelling and play to educate and guide children ages 3-12 in the use of religious language—parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action—so that they become more aware of God’s presence in their lives. Developed  and tested for more than 20 years by Episcopal priest, author and teacher Jerome Berryman, this method of Christian education is being used in churches of many denominations in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

The premise is that children have a natural sense of God but need to learn the appropriate language to identify and express this sense, to develop it more fully.  The Godly Play room is a peaceful environment, where adults model reflective behavior. The children are introduced to religious stories using 3-dimensional materials; the idea is to invite them into the stories and allow them to connect the stories to their own experiences, to reflect on them, ask questions, and respond to them choosing from a range of options.  It is a process of joint exploration, rather than telling children what we think they need to know.

Each session follows the pattern of the Eucharis: a period of preparation (meeting and greeting), the Ministry of the Word (listening and responding to a story), Communion (sharing food and drink in the form of juice and a snack), a blessing and dismissal.  

Sunday Mornings

Nursery care for the very smallest is offered at both 9 and 10 am.

Godly Play is hands-on teaching for children up to age ten, based on Scripture and following the rhythm of the liturgical year. It is offered at 9:45 am.

Youth at St. Paul's are offered a chance to creatively explore how the Bible and faith can inform their lives through 13 Big Questions About God, also at 9:45 am.

Evenings and Other Days

Activities for young people include field trips, planning mission work, drop-in breakfast programs, mission trips to Chicago, and perhaps a trip abroad in the future.