by Sheila Callaghan, Sunday School Director

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
We have had a wonderful season of Epiphany in our Godly Play classroom. On January 5 we celebrated The Epiphany of the Lord and welcomed the Magi by sharing the smoke and smells of frankincense and myrrh.
The following Sunday, the Baptism of Our Lord, Miss Barbara shared the story of Baptism. This is a favorite in our circle. The children LOVE naming the baby and watching the storyteller baptize “Bob.” They are asked to light a candle and remember their own baptism. During work time many of the children stayed in the circle and told the Baptism story to each other changing the baby’s name to their favorite. It is amazing to listen to them tell the story using the same language shared by the storyteller.
The last Sunday of January we heard about the Prophet Elijah. Prophets are people who come so close to God and God comes so close to them that they know what God wants them to do. Sometimes the prophet's message is not well received by the people and the people become angry. The children learned that it is not easy to be a prophet.
February Godly Play story schedule:
2/2 The Story of Joseph
2/9 The Story of St. Valentine
2/16 No Sunday school (President’s Day weekend)
2/23 The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Sunday school starts at 10 a.m. with the Godly Play storyteller inviting the children to “the circle.” The children listen to a short story with visuals, either manipulatives or cards, to help engage the children. After hearing the story we enter a time of “wonder” when the children reflect: How would you feel? Where might you be? The children’s "wondering" responses help everyone better understand what the storyteller has shared.
One Sunday a month we begin downstairs and join the congregation at the Peace for Eucharist. Abigail Travers and Abba McKenelley provide childcare for younger children not quite ready to join the Godly Play circle.
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