Bible Ribbons earned!

Children's Choir performs on Children's Sunday

Below. a Sunday School Class works on a Godly Play lesson.

Sunday School meets at 10:00 from September to June

 Nursery is available every Sunday

“Godly Play is coming to Spencer this Fall!”

In September, the First Congregational Church of Spencer UCC will be beginning a new church school program called Godly Play. Come play with us in our newly refurbished education wing, featuring a new nursery, youth lounge and classroom layout. Our first session of the church school year will be Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 10 AM. Godly Play is a fun and exciting way for children to learn the great lessons of the Bible, play in the Holy Spirit, and experience Jesus Christ. Godly Play is different from other models of Christian Education, offering an environment that is more creative, free and fun filled for the students. The actual curriculum materials revolve around self-contained kits with props and interactive displays that allow the students a hands-on experience, versus more traditional work sheets and handouts.

In a typical session, the children are welcomed to class after the youth sermon during the church service. They are invited to sit in a circle with the storyteller, who then settles the group and presents the lesson, focusing on the hands on materials provided in the lesson kits. The children are next invited to wonder about the story and explore their connection to it. The children then decide on their own response activity to the story, which may be through art work, games, maps, puzzles, books, retelling the story, etc. The work is put away at the end of class, and everyone returns to the circle. Classes are then dismissed to enjoy refreshments in our fellowship hall with those coming from the worship service.

Godly Play is a widely used, cutting edge method of Christian education and spiritual direction primarily for children ages 2-12. Godly Play was developed by Episcopal priest, author, and teacher Rev. Dr. Jerome W. Berryman. It is used in all regions of the United States in diverse denominations, including Episcopal, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ congregations. Godly Play is also used in schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, retirement centers and other settings. It is internationally recognized and used, especially in the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Canada, Tanzania, and Australia and in Spanish speaking ministries in many locations.”

Like so many wonderful things, Godly Play comes at a price. We are looking for support to help us fully implement the program. Click Here to see a list of all the lessons, and how you could support the program.