2025-04-20 Godly Play
What is Godly Play?
This Sunday, your child will experience Godly Play, a creative and reflective way of exploring Bible stories. It’s a gentle, sacred space where children can wonder about God, connect the story to their own lives, and respond through art or play.
Godly Play is different from typical children activities. There’s no craft and games, just space to listen, wonder, and respond.
What to Expect
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Before we begin, children will be asked to wait quietly outside the classroom until they are personally invited in. This helps set the tone and prepare their hearts and minds for a special time of reflection.
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The children sit in a quiet circle to hear a Bible story using simple, handmade materials.
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The storyteller invites them to reflect with “wondering questions” (e.g., “I wonder what part you liked best?”).
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Kids then have time to respond freely—drawing, retelling the story, or simply thinking.
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We end with a light snack (“the feast”) and a short closing.
How Parents Can Support
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Encourage your child to share what they wondered about or how they felt during the story.
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Avoid asking, “What did you learn?” Instead try:
“Was there a part of the story you liked best?”
“Did anything surprise you?”
“Would you like to show me what you made?”
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Know that it’s okay if your child doesn’t share much at first—reflection can take time.
This Week’s Story
Our focus this week is on baptism—what it means, why it matters, and how it connects to being part of God’s family.
Special Moment: Baptism Sunday
After snack time, we’ll bring the children into the sanctuary to witness a baptism. This is a beautiful and important moment in the life of our church family.
If the sanctuary is full or the baptism is already underway, we’ll join in by watching quietly from the TV screen nearby.
Thank you for supporting this special morning—we’re excited for what God will do in the hearts of our children.
Before Service
Ensure parents take their child to the restroom before bringing them to the children's area and use the QR code to sign in their child before the service.
Children will be waiting outside the room and be invited to the classroom.
Praise and Worship
Parents: This Sunday, Brenda will be leading our children in singing and introducing them to a special Bible storytelling experience called Godly Play.
Godly Play is a quiet, creative way for children to explore stories from the Bible. There are no screens, no flashy presentations—just a calm space where kids can listen, wonder, and respond in their own way.
After the story, they’ll have time to reflect through drawing, play, or simply sitting with their thoughts. We’ll finish with a small snack and time for quiet sharing.
Prayer and Offering (5 mins)
Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.
What is Offering?
Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.
Why Do We Make an Offering?
1️⃣ To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
2️⃣ To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
3️⃣ To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!
Prayer for Offering
Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Closing Prayer & Snack Time (10 mins)
Now, let us thank You for the snack we’re about to enjoy.
We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank You, God,
for this daily bread.
Amen.