Children at Trinity Church

Children are deeply valued as significant members of the body of Christ and show us how to enter the Kingdom of God.

God can be known as He draws near to us and we draw near to Him.

We practice listening to one another, and learn how to listen to God.

Each child comes to Godly Play as a beloved son or daughter of God.

Wondering encourages children to engage with the REAL stories of Scripture.

We all bear the image of God, so we treat one another and ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect.

Children uniquely encounter God. We recognize the sacred work of supporting and respecting each child’s journey of faith.

Nursery/Preschool

We believe that our youngest members reflect God’s image just as clearly as our older children and adults. In Nursery our 1 and 2 year olds are cared for, read to, and engaged by our loving volunteers and youth helpers. They get time to play and explore while mom and dad are uninterrupted during the sermon. In our preschool classroom for 3-4 year olds, we begin to engage their wonder through a short bible story time and a liturgy of prayer and passing the peace. They are also given time to play, create, and explore together.

Godly Play I-III

We are committed to teaching Scripture to children in such a way that they can enter the stories deeply and personally. Our goal is not pat answers, but an encounter with Christ. We find that this best happens when the story is told quietly and compellingly, followed by a series of questions where the children get to ‘wonder’ together. Questions we ask are: I wonder what was your favorite part of the story? I wonder what was the most important part? I wonder how you would feel if Jesus looked at you? During this time, the children share and relate their own lives to the story.

Beatitude Kids

After graduating from Godly Play III, children work through the Beatitudes, and learn about life in various third world countries. They explore saints throughout history connecting them to Biblical stories and God’s work in their own lives. The kids grow in their relational connection in various extra activities throughout the year.

What to expect on Sunday Mornings

Children are checked in before the 10am service begins.

At their classroom door, the children are greeted individually by a doorkeeper and asked, “Are you ready for Godly Play?”

Being “ready” for Godly Play means that they are calm and ready to listen and respect the community of children and teachers.

Children return to their parents in the sanctuary before communion.

What happens
during Godly Play

Gathering

As children enter the room, they are invited by the storyteller to sit in a circle.

Opening Prayer

Once all the children are gathered, the storyteller leads the group in an opening prayer and adjusts the church calendar on the wall.

Hearing the Word

The children listen as the storyteller tells a story from scripture or a story that explains part of our Christian practice – like the church year, baptism or communion.

Response

The children are invited to respond to the story through wondering questions and their choice of art or play.

Blessing

The children line up to head downstairs and are given a blessing.

Staff

JULIA BARGER
Children & Family Pastor

KELSEE DRAIN
Godly Play Director

AMANDA MILLHEISLER
Nursery Lead

Leadership
Team

Hannah Azevedo
Julia Barger
Amanda Brack
Abe Bray
Kelsee Drain
Amanda Millheisler

Special Needs

Beth Florea
Natalie Smith
Rebecca Bray
Abe Bray
Sarah Duffey
Kelsee Drain