Finding Ourselves in the Stories

This workshop will create a space for creativity, imagination, and playful community using Faith & Play and Godly Play stories. Each day will include hearing two stories “side by side” and exploring what new truth may be revealed in the familiar when we are open to reflection and wonder. The hope for this workshop is…

Workshop Description

This workshop will create a space for creativity, imagination, and playful community using Faith & Play and Godly Play stories. Each day will include hearing two stories “side by side” and exploring what new truth may be revealed in the familiar when we are open to reflection and wonder.

The hope for this workshop is to create a space for deep reflection, creativity, imagination, and playful community. What new truth may be revealed in the familiar when we are open to reflection and wonder? How can the stories we tell about Quakers of the past be used to explore who we are as Friends today? “I wonder where do you find yourself in the story, or what part feels like it’s about you?,” is a core wondering question we use with Faith & Play and Godly Play stories. Over the five mornings we’ll explore ten Godly Play and Faith & Play stories told “side by side” where we can wonder about each of them and also what they have to say to each other. The stories are paired with intention, to suggest a theme but leave space for participants to wonder and reflect as they are led. The Bible stories we’ll explore are both from Hebrew scripture and the Gospels; the Faith & Play stories include themes of faith and practice, people and their witness, and the testimonies.

The stories are told with simple materials and language that invites the listener to explore meaning, purpose, and identity. While often used in a children’s religious education program, time has shown how these stories are for all of us, at any age, and Quakers have been particularly drawn to Godly Play as an approach to the biblical tradition that is open to wonder (continuing revelation!) alongside theological reflection. The “play” in both names is the important work of being curious, open, and welcoming new insight through story. The one “requirement” or preparation for Friends interested in this workshop is to come with readiness for ephphatha — to be opened.

We’ll use an approach to our time that draws both from the Godly Play method for storytelling along with echoes of Lectio Devina. This begins with “Read” (Lectio), hearing the stories, and “Reflect” (Meditatio), wondering and meditation on meaning. There will be time to individually “Respond” (Oratio) using individual response time with art as one option. Finally, Rest” (Contemplatio) and a time of prayer and open, waiting worship together. Some practitioners of Lectio Devina say there is an implied fifth movement: “Live” Via Activa. For us as Friends, this fits so well — Our lives speak when the stories we carry in us and the lessons and Truth they offer are revealed through action, witness, and love.

Leader Experience

I led an online workshop at the Gathering in 2021 that focused on radical welcome for families with children in Quaker Meetings. I lead workshops frequently in my staff role at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, as a licensed Godly Play Trainer, and as the Director of Training and Communication for Faith & Play Stories. These include workshops on religious education topics, outreach and welcome/belonging, and training storytellers. I’ve led more than 50 Godly Play/Faith & Play trainings since 2010.