Exploring Godly Play

Wednesday October 26

A creative approach to helping children explore Christianity, which is growing in Scotland, was explored at a conference earlier this month.

Godly Play uses symbols, objects and stories to help children (and now other age groups) explore questions of faith and belief.

Godly Play Scotland was set up in 2010 as a sister organisation to Godly Play UK, and is led by a team of volunteers from several denominations.

Twenty-eight people took part in the first Godly Play Scotland national conference, which was held on the Isle of Cumbrae from October 7-9. The keynote speaker was Dr Gemma Simmonds, a teacher of theology and spirituality, spiritual director, retreat leader and a volunteer chaplain, who gave several addresses.

Michelle Brown, a Godly Play Advocate and Family Worker at Portobello and Joppa Parish Church in Edinburgh, said: “We were reminded of the importance of community, humility, encounter, vulnerability, mystery and so much more. We were also encouraged to know that all things great have small beginnings.”

Workshops looked at the spirituality of children and Godly Play among different age groups, in various settings and different liturgical contexts.

The group also joined the Cathedral of the Isles congregation for worship on Sunday morning, which included the telling of a new Godly Play story – the Story of St Mungo as written by Godly Play Scotland Trainer, Alex MacKenzie.

Mrs Brown added: “The weekend was packed with content and connections while we gathered in a beautiful and peaceful retreat centre. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the planning team for Godly Play Scotland is certain this will not be the only conference.

“We encourage you to find out more about Godly Play, as a way of spiritual direction for children, teenagers and adults and we wonder if you might join us for the next conference and the continued discussion of Godly Play in Scotland.”

For more information on Godly Play, visit www.godlyplayscotland.co.uk/

Comments

Steven Henderson - Wednesday, October 26th, 2016

“Bishopton Parish Church has been using Godly Play for over a year. It can be hard work to prepare, but the children love it. Definitely works for us ”

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