Godly Play
Montessori-based Christian education for children ages three through third grade
The Godly Play methodology is an ecumenical, Montessori-inspired program used worldwide to help children become more fully aware of God's presence among us. Godly Play incorporates storytelling and play. Participants wonder together and to themselves in response to the Biblical stories and Liturgical lessons shared by the storyteller before moving into a more open time to respond to the story in a method of their own choice. We end each week by sharing together a feast. Our room is a special place, and we enter it when we are ready to begin a special time with each other and with God. Caregivers should drop their children at the door with the doorkeeper, or assistant, who will greet them and help them prepare to enter.
Our Godly Play sessions are guided by Amanda Bindel, MEd and certified Godly Play instructor. Contact Amanda if you have questions about our programming for children.
Fall 2010
September 12 Introduction / Orientation
September 19 Creation
September 26 Flood and the Ark
October 3 The Great Family
October 10 Community dinner – no Sunday School / Godly Play
October 17 The Exodus
October 24 The Ten Best Ways
October 31 The Ark and the Tent
November 7 The Ark and the Temple
November 14 The Exile and Return
November 21 Community dinner – no Sunday School / Godly Play
November 28 Advent Wreaths – no Sunday School / Godly Play
December 5 Advent I and II
December 12 Advent III
December 19 Advent IV
Worship
Worship at St. Julian’s is deeply rooted in the historic, sacramental life of the Episcopal/Anglican church. The sacraments, like Holy Communion which we receive together weekly during worship, are outward and visible signs and actions that point to the spiritual truth that God in Christ is really present in the lives we live each day. In this sense, our worship could be characterized as traditional. However at the same time, our worship is profoundly contemporary as well, as we use language and hear messages that are relevant to our lives as 21st century people dealing with the challenges and opportunities of our own day. This ancient/contemporary way of worshiping is further expressed in diverse music and an opportunity to respond in silence, through art, and through dialogue during each worship service in a time called Open Space. Further, we are committed to both age appropriate Christian formation and worship services for our children. This is realized in a vital Children’s Chapel offered to families during the first half of our weekly worship service. The children will return prior to sharing in Communion so that we can all, as a whole community, share together in this sacrament and symbol of unity with God and one another. Moreover, if as a family you prefer for your children to remain with you in church throughout our service, please know children are always, always welcome.
Outreach
Under Construction
Spiritual Formation
At St. Julian’s, we believe that Spiritual Formation/Christian Education is a necessary partner, along with prayer, worship and service, that combine to help one grow closer to God in Christ and to become more fully the person God has created us each to be. As we learn more about God as revealed in Scripture, human experience and the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we discover a deeper appreciation for our own life, for the world around us and for God’s ever present love and grace poured out on us and all through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Spiritual Formation is a life-long process of becoming that which we were made to be from the beginning of creation. Therefore, we are committed to providing opportunities for growing in the knowledge and love of the Lord for all ages. As St. Paul suggests, salvation, in the sense of becoming a whole, fulfilled person, is a life journey that we hope to share with each other as we join together in the programs and opportunities that St. Julian’s does and will offer. So we invite you to consider for yourself and your family these offerings starting at 5:15 p.m. following our worship service.
Fall 2010 Spiritual Formation Programs for Adults and Children (Kick-Off, September 12th)
Adults:
Our new Theologian in Residence, Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, will begin his first adult forum series “Jesus in Pop Culture,” which will dive into the ways books, movies, music, and more in popular culture understand and maybe even have something to teach us about our relationship with God in Christ.
Godly Play, led by Amanda Bindel and Ellen Worrell (3 years of age-third grade):
“Godly Play”— The Godly Play methodology is an ecumenical, Montessori-inspired program used worldwide to help children become more fully aware of God's presence among us. Godly Play incorporates storytelling and play. Participants wonder together and to themselves in response to the Biblical stories and Liturgical lessons shared by the storyteller before moving into a more open time to respond to the story in a method of their own choice. We end each week by sharing together a feast. Our room is a special place, and we enter it when we are ready to begin a special time with each other and with God. Caregivers should drop their children at the door with the doorkeeper, or assistant, who will greet them and help them prepare to enter.
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC), led by the Rev. Demery Bader-Saye (grades 4 and up):
Demery will be leading our youth in exploring ways our faith and Christian traditions help us encounter God in meaningful ways and shape us into the people God is calling us to be. Topics will include: Soul Shapers: exploring ancient Christian faith practices; Face of Faith: Interviews with members of St. Julian’s who inspire our children; and Pictures tell a Story: A black and white photo bible study. Additionally, the students will have several outings just for fun including: rock climbing, bowling and a progressive dinner.
Nursery Care (infants-3 or 4 years of age):
The nursery will be available for both our worship service (4:00 PM) and the Christian Education program following worship (5:15 PM) each week.