Godly Play Workshop
February 20, 2010
9:00 a.m.-4 p.m.
at St. Alban's in Sussex

Join us for a wonderful day of discovery, wonder and learning as we explore the wonder of Godly Play.
 
Who can/should come?
Whether you are a teacher, clergy, mentor, parent or simply curious about Godly Play, you are invited to join us!  Whether you are currently doing Godly Play, want to start it or simply want to know more about it, this is a place for you.
 
What will we do?
The Godly Play trainer will spend the day going over some of the Godly Play basics, teaching us to tell stories, helping us learn the stories and wondering with us as we explore some of the questions about Godly Play , the spiritual practice of Godly Play and how we can use it best in our congregations. 
 
How much does the workshop cost?
The cost per participant is $25*.  This includes the Godly Play Trainer, all materials you will need for the day, snacks, lunch and more.  If you need scholarship assistance, please fill in that part of the registration form. *(This workshop is being heavily subsidized by the Diocese to keep the cost low.) 
 
What else do we need to know?
Throughout the day, we will spend time on the floor interacting with stories, we will doing responding to the stories and learning a great deal.  Please wear comfortable clothes.  We ask that once you get there that you turn your cell phones off or to vibrate so as not to disturb the training.  We ask that you come prepared to stay for the whole training so you get the most out of the day.

What Is Godly Play?
Godly Play is the product of a lifetime of research and practice by theologian, author and educator the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman. It began with the proposition that children have a natural sense of God and that what they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened.
The Godly Play approach developed by Dr. Berryman teaches classical Christian language in a way that does not block or distort the child's authentic experience of God but enhances it so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world.  Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language-parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action-helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.
When Christian language is learned by the Godly Play approach, it is learned as a means to know God and to make meaning of our lives. This approach is quite different from the traditional model in which the teacher tells the children what they need to know. Godly Play is not about things that are that simple. It is not just about learning lessons or keeping children entertained. It is about locating each lesson in the whole system of Christian language and involving the creative process to discover the depths of meaning in them. It's about understanding how each of the stories of God's people connects with the child's own experience and relationship with God.

 
The goal of Godly Play is to show how to be open to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit all at once and all the time in every place. To achieve this goal is to help children become deeply rooted as Christians and yet at the same time use this powerful language and community to be open and creative.

 

A flier and information can also be found at www.diomil.org/christian-formation

   
For more information or if you have questions, please call the Rev. Shannon Kelly at 414-272-3028 x114 or email kelly@diomil.org or contact her assistant, Kate McKey at diomilformation@gmail.com.

                                             

There are three types of positions that are open for this summer:

As the Program Assistant, you are given the amazing opportunity to work with the staff in all aspects of the camp life.  You will be responsible for helping the counselors in the planning, teaching, coordinating, and implementation of our program which will guide campers the experience of Camp Webb. 

 

As a Head Counselor you are given the amazing opportunity to be a mentor and guide to the other counselors as well as a caregiver to the children. You will be responsible for guiding the counselors in planning, teaching, coordinating, and implementation of our program which will guide campers the experience of Camp Webb. You will also work with the program director and camp director to make sure camp is running smoothly and that we are meeting our goals each day.

 

As a Counselor, you are given the amazing opportunity to be the primary caregiver, mentor and leader for our campers.  You will be responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and implementation of our program which will guide campers the experience of Camp Webb. 

 

The staff go through 50 hours of preparation including, but not limited to, First Aid, child development workshops, Misconduct Prevention Training, Multicultural Awareness instruction, team building exercises so we work well together, emergency drills, and preparation time for all the areas of camp.  The waterfront will be staffed by certified lifeguards from Camp Webb and Lutherdale Camp.

 

This summer, we will hire a Program Director, Head Counselors and Counselors. 

 

If you are intersted in applying for these positions, go to www.campwebb.org to find out more infomration. Click here for more information and a downloadable application form or contact The Rev. Shannon Kelly at kelly@diomil.org or 414-272-3028 or you can contact Kate McKey, Christian Formation Assistant at diomilformation@gmail.com or 608-257-1533.

  

Riteformation, your online curriculum builder will be joining the menu of cutting edge church resources as part of the riteseries. 

 

Rhythms of Grace is a curriculum for special needs children and their families that provides formation in a worship context. It is currently being used in the dioceses of Connecticut, Texas, Alabama and Western Massachusetts. The first of a series lesson plans in three books will be published in April.

 

The Complete Guide to Godly Play: Volume 8, by Jerome W. Berryman, along with new artifacts, with stories of Jesus' life and ministry is also soon to be published.