Children’s Ministries at St. Paul’s currently focuses on the “Children’s Corner”, which takes place each Sunday during the 10 a.m. service. Children are invited to join Heather Clark at the back of the sanctuary before the reading of the first lesson, and the children’s gathering usually concludes during the homily. Parents are welcome to join the lesson as well.
Heather uses the Godly Play method by Jerome W. Berryman to teach the message from each Sunday’s Gospel; this is a type of interactive, Montessori-inspired religious education. Children as young as 3, and as old as 8 or 9, can participate, as Heather would ask them questions suited to their ages.
The story Heather shares is reinforced by using props and materials, and she encourages the children to explore elements of the Gospel by helping with the figures and setup. She also suggests ideas for the children to “wonder” about, leading them to consider their own questions and discoveries. The children are given a related colouring sheet or activity (depending on their age), to bring back to their seat as the main service concludes.
Following the lectionary each week is a deliberate choice on the part of Children’s Ministries. This way, parents and children will be hearing the same Gospel reading, and can continue the conversation at home. Click here to go to our YouTube page to see examples of our Godly Play lessons shared at St. Paul’s.
Please join us in the children’s corner!