It was the third Sunday in Advent. About ten children were seated in a semi-circle in front of me. Most of the children were between four and six years old, some were a bit younger, some a bit older. The children were barely able to contain their excitement. Christmas was coming. We’d had a little snow. We were practicing our pageant songs, great fun--though some of us were not sure what a pageant was.
And so the class began with the children laughing at anything and everything. A noise, a sneeze, a silly word started giggles which spread and grew into rolling-on-the-floor laughter. I deliberately spoke quietly as I requested that we save the big jokes for after church. The initiators of the comedy, several five and six year old boys, checked with each other and nod. They looked back at me, “OK”.
Evan, our church’s seminarian, darkened the room. I spread out a long rectangular piece of purple felt and said, “This is the season of Advent.” I paused to breathe.
From a little girl to my right, “What’s Advent?” I held up one finger, signaling her to wait. And, I sent a “hold it together” look in the direction of a giggler. I wondered if I shouldn’t breathe when I present a lesson.
“Advent is the time when we are getting ready to celebrate the mystery of Christmas. The time when we are all on the road to Bethlehem,” I picked up our wooden Bethlehem model as I spoke.
A four year old boy on my left spoke over me and repeated himself as I inhaled-- in case I didn’t hear him, “What mystery…What mystery?”
The circle was quiet. I didn’t look up. “A mystery...yes. Let’s see what we find out about a mystery,” I added to the lesson. I decided it was OK to breathe.
“I wonder who can show us the way.”
My helpers were on the job. “God can!” shouted one boy. “Jesus can!” exclaimed another. “Miss Chris will!” said the seven year old girl sitting nearest me as she pointed to the baskets, “She has the stuff right here!”
I placed Bethlehem at one end of the underlay. So far, only the introduction was finished.
I set out the first of our Advent cards. This one had an advent wreath with one lit candle and a picture of Isaiah. I said, “The prophets can show us the way.” I inhaled.
“What’s a prophet?” asked one of the girls.
I exhaled and held up a wooden figure and said, “Prophets are people who are so close to God that they hear the word of God and they…”
“What’s God?” asked a three year old girl. I gave up breathing. The room was silent. No laughter. No silliness. The adults and children who gather for Godly Play take these kinds of questions seriously.
“God is…everything,” a five year old boy volunteer solemnly. He seemed to have more to say, but he stopped there and looked at his buddies. His friends muttered words of agreement. “OK. Go back to the story Miss Chris."
I turned to the three year old. She looked satisfied.
I went on. I told the children about the prophet Isaiah and we lit a candle to remind ourselves to listen to God as Isaiah did. As this was the third week in Advent, we lit two more candles. The second candle was for the Holy Family who reminded us to be joyful, not afraid. The third candle was for the shepherds who reminded us of the good news that Jesus, the special Son of God, was born. We enjoyed a silent, candlelit moment looking at the Advent cards, the wooden figures of Isaiah, the Holy Family and the Shepherds. I “changed” the light with a candle snuffer and we watched the smoke drift away. We were silent.
I sat back and looked around the circle at the children.
“What’s God?” It was our three year old asking again. This time hands went up. A lively discussion began. Children explained God. The “God is everything” boy added information about Jesus to his answer. The exchange continued. The children’s answers to the BIG question posed by our three year old were thoughtful and considered. Hands went up fast and furiously. Children wanted a chance to weigh in...again and again. The thinking continued and was reflected in the art work that followed our circle time.
And so it was on the Third Sunday in Advent. The children were laughing and fidgeting and interrupting. It seemed that we’d never make it down the road to Bethlehem. But, as it turned out, the interruptions were the blessing; for it was in the interruptions that the children found our lesson.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Jesus said to them, "Come and Have Breakfast"
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. (John 21:1-14)
Sunday the children heard about what the John’s Gospel counts as Jesus’ third resurrection appearance. Several of Jesus’ disciples are fishing on a boat in the Sea of Tiberias one night. They return early in the morning, their nets are empty and an apparent stranger is standing on the shore. He calls out to the disappointed and tired men, “"Friends, haven't you any fish?"
They tell the stranger no and begin laying out their nets to dry in the sun. The stranger tells them to stop and to go back out. He gives specific instructions, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
We imagined how tired and maybe annoyed the disciples may have been to get such a command from some fellow on the beach. Maybe they thought the guy was pushy! Yet, they obeyed, even though it was against their common sense and knowledge of fishing. As they were getting ready to get back into the water, one of the disciples told another, “It is the Lord!” Was he guessing? Was he hoping?
John’s Gospel tells us that the disciples headed out into the lake and soon caught 153 fish in a net. The net, which did not break, had to be hauled in by boat. Once the fish were on the beach, the men noticed that the stranger, who everyone now could plainly see was Jesus (!), had started a cooking fire. And what on earth was he doing?? He was cooking the disciples a breakfast of fish and bread.
Now, there we sat as a class, shocked again. The Special Son of God is cooking breakfast on the beach for a bunch of fussy fishers. What in the world? (Cue the giggling and exaggerated gasps from the circle of children.)
Why, oh why, we wondered, is the once dead-now alive Jesus feeding his disciples again? After some discussion, a child suggested that Jesus wanted his disciples to eat and so they could be strong. As the discussion continued, the children thought that Jesus wanted us to be well-fed as well. Jesus’ feeding, specifically his feeding people with bread, keeps people from being “weak”.
How? We’re not exactly sure how that works, but most children around the circle agree that somehow it does.
Next week: we’ll add on to last week’s story and tell it side-by-side the Good Shepherd Parable.
Breaking News: Sunday, May 17 the congregation will honor and thank our Seminarian and second year Godly Play Assistant Teacher Cho Too. “Miss” Cho, as she is known to the children. Sunday School will be held as usual; however, the children WILL SING in church just before Holy Communion. We hope to see everyone on May 17 so the children will have a chance to say (and sing) good bye to Miss Cho.
Sunday the children heard about what the John’s Gospel counts as Jesus’ third resurrection appearance. Several of Jesus’ disciples are fishing on a boat in the Sea of Tiberias one night. They return early in the morning, their nets are empty and an apparent stranger is standing on the shore. He calls out to the disappointed and tired men, “"Friends, haven't you any fish?"
They tell the stranger no and begin laying out their nets to dry in the sun. The stranger tells them to stop and to go back out. He gives specific instructions, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
We imagined how tired and maybe annoyed the disciples may have been to get such a command from some fellow on the beach. Maybe they thought the guy was pushy! Yet, they obeyed, even though it was against their common sense and knowledge of fishing. As they were getting ready to get back into the water, one of the disciples told another, “It is the Lord!” Was he guessing? Was he hoping?
John’s Gospel tells us that the disciples headed out into the lake and soon caught 153 fish in a net. The net, which did not break, had to be hauled in by boat. Once the fish were on the beach, the men noticed that the stranger, who everyone now could plainly see was Jesus (!), had started a cooking fire. And what on earth was he doing?? He was cooking the disciples a breakfast of fish and bread.
Now, there we sat as a class, shocked again. The Special Son of God is cooking breakfast on the beach for a bunch of fussy fishers. What in the world? (Cue the giggling and exaggerated gasps from the circle of children.)
Why, oh why, we wondered, is the once dead-now alive Jesus feeding his disciples again? After some discussion, a child suggested that Jesus wanted his disciples to eat and so they could be strong. As the discussion continued, the children thought that Jesus wanted us to be well-fed as well. Jesus’ feeding, specifically his feeding people with bread, keeps people from being “weak”.
How? We’re not exactly sure how that works, but most children around the circle agree that somehow it does.
Next week: we’ll add on to last week’s story and tell it side-by-side the Good Shepherd Parable.
Breaking News: Sunday, May 17 the congregation will honor and thank our Seminarian and second year Godly Play Assistant Teacher Cho Too. “Miss” Cho, as she is known to the children. Sunday School will be held as usual; however, the children WILL SING in church just before Holy Communion. We hope to see everyone on May 17 so the children will have a chance to say (and sing) good bye to Miss Cho.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
And Jesus was known to them in the breaking of the bread
We started today's lesson by recalling that Jesus had died and was buried in a tomb. The children who were present last week helped with the review. They shared that Mary (not Jesus' mother one child was quick to tell us, but another Mary) had seen and spoken to Jesus. Jesus was ALIVE!
With everyone caught up, we used our wooden figures to show two male disciples heading out of Jerusalem--in a hurry. They were concerned about their safety. As the two walked toward Emmaus they discussed Jesus and all that had happened. Another traveler, a stranger, began walking with them. The stranger was amazingly familiar with Holy Scripture, which he discussed with the disciples as they walked. As night fell, the stranger accepted the disciples' invitation to eat and spend the night with them in town.
The stranger in our story is "played" by a risen Christ wooden figure. The children know who is really coming to supper, even though disciples do not. It's hard not to tell the disciples the surprise ending!
Back to the story. The stranger is given the honor of blessing the bread. As he breaks the bread the disciples suddenly know that their guest is Jesus, the Risen Lord. And then Jesus disappears. We don't know where he goes.
The disciples disappear as well. We know where they go. They race back to Jerusalem to tell their friends the news: Jesus is alive!
The children wondered about how the two disciples felt when they suddenly recognized their new friend. Surprised was the first response around the circle. And then...SHOCKED! Yes, the children agreed, recognizing Jesus as the bread was broken must have been SHOCKING.
Indeed, it is shocking to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. When I least expect it, I am shocked to tears, shocked in a good way, by the gift and blessing of Holy Communion. How wonderful, how...well...shocking...that even now, so many years later, Jesus is still profoundly known to us in the breaking of the bread.
This morning we somehow missed our call back to church. Blissfully unaware that our time was over, we kept working on art responses. Please enjoy the children's work, only work photographed with their permission is posted.
Faithfully,
Christine Yeannakis
With everyone caught up, we used our wooden figures to show two male disciples heading out of Jerusalem--in a hurry. They were concerned about their safety. As the two walked toward Emmaus they discussed Jesus and all that had happened. Another traveler, a stranger, began walking with them. The stranger was amazingly familiar with Holy Scripture, which he discussed with the disciples as they walked. As night fell, the stranger accepted the disciples' invitation to eat and spend the night with them in town.
The stranger in our story is "played" by a risen Christ wooden figure. The children know who is really coming to supper, even though disciples do not. It's hard not to tell the disciples the surprise ending!
Back to the story. The stranger is given the honor of blessing the bread. As he breaks the bread the disciples suddenly know that their guest is Jesus, the Risen Lord. And then Jesus disappears. We don't know where he goes.
The disciples disappear as well. We know where they go. They race back to Jerusalem to tell their friends the news: Jesus is alive!
The children wondered about how the two disciples felt when they suddenly recognized their new friend. Surprised was the first response around the circle. And then...SHOCKED! Yes, the children agreed, recognizing Jesus as the bread was broken must have been SHOCKING.
Indeed, it is shocking to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. When I least expect it, I am shocked to tears, shocked in a good way, by the gift and blessing of Holy Communion. How wonderful, how...well...shocking...that even now, so many years later, Jesus is still profoundly known to us in the breaking of the bread.
This morning we somehow missed our call back to church. Blissfully unaware that our time was over, we kept working on art responses. Please enjoy the children's work, only work photographed with their permission is posted.
Faithfully,
Christine Yeannakis
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Doubting Thomas
This past Sunday the intermediate Sunday School class read the story of Doubting Thomas - the same gospel that everyone was hearing upstairs in church, John 20:24-29. They located the gospel, the chapter, and the verses, and read the text. We used the New Century Version Youth Bible, which is clearly written and has supplemental stories that relate the scripture to everyday life. The students read one about a boy named Tim who doubted his strict father loved him. This caused Tim to think about God in the same way - he doubted that God loved him, too. The father takes Tim out for some time together, just the two of them, and tells his son that he loves him very much. Tim's doubt is lifted, and his feelings about his father, God, and himself are changed.
After reading this story, the students reflected on how Tim must have felt before and after his doubt was lifted. They related this to the story of Jesus and Thomas. How did Thomas feel towards Jesus when he doubted that He was really alive? How did Thomas feel when his doubt was lifted? How did Thomas feel about the other disciples? Were they alienated from Thomas when he didn't believe that they were telling the truth? Was he then reconciled to them? We started to talk about how we know that God loves us. The children were so engaged in discussion that the time seemed to go quickly and soon they were called back into church.
I like this edition of the bible because it seems to be accessible and yet it is not childish - the children learn new concepts and words every time they read it. Next week the children will explore more post-Resurrection appearances in the gospels, using art materials to express their thoughts about them.
Martha Crawley
After reading this story, the students reflected on how Tim must have felt before and after his doubt was lifted. They related this to the story of Jesus and Thomas. How did Thomas feel towards Jesus when he doubted that He was really alive? How did Thomas feel when his doubt was lifted? How did Thomas feel about the other disciples? Were they alienated from Thomas when he didn't believe that they were telling the truth? Was he then reconciled to them? We started to talk about how we know that God loves us. The children were so engaged in discussion that the time seemed to go quickly and soon they were called back into church.
I like this edition of the bible because it seems to be accessible and yet it is not childish - the children learn new concepts and words every time they read it. Next week the children will explore more post-Resurrection appearances in the gospels, using art materials to express their thoughts about them.
Martha Crawley
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed!
When I was growing up, my Greek Orthodox relatives and church family never said Happy Easter. During Easter season we greeted each other, in Greek, with the phrase "Christ is Risen". The response was (also in Greek of course ) "The Lord in risen indeed." Later today, I will call my parents and exchange this ancient greeting for about the 50th year (I'm not counting a few of my early years). For those of you who don't follow the Eastern Orthodox Church calendar, today is Orthodox Easter.
Meanwhile, it's still Easter in our Godly Play classroom and will be for weeks to come. We began our class today with singing, as always, thanks to Mrs. Ann Williams and the lovely organ she arranged to have donated to our Sunday School. The children joyfully sang songs that have fast become favorites. The congregation will be hearing these songs in "big" church on May 17 and again on Youth Sunday in June. Don't miss the next time the Sunday School Children/Parents/Teachers Choir leads the congregation. Palm Sunday was good...and we're only getting better!
With the singing over, the children gathered in a circle for prayer and today's lesson. They were in a hushed silence as I told the empty tomb story. During the discussion that followed the story, children wondered about ways Jesus' body could have disappeared. No one could quite figure out how Jesus could have materialized on that path and been known to Mary (his friend, not mother) when he called her by name.
In the past, some circle sessions, having confronted such mysteries, such BIG questions, have wound down with a child saying that "God can do anything" or "nothing is impossible for God". Not today.
This time, the children, without being asked (as is our routine) began telling ME what they wanted to draw (or make) as an art response. Trusting that the children knew best how they needed to work on their BIG question, we ended the circle and the art response began.
If their art work was any indication, crosses, tombs and the alive-again Christ seemed to be on the children's minds. Each child worked intently creating what was was important to him (all boys today). The single exception was our our oldest student of the morning, though the story was clearly on his mind. This seven year old stayed with the story materials. He busied himself re-telling the story using our clay tomb and the wooden figures that represented Jesus, the women and the angel.
I'm not saying our children figured everything out. I am just suggesting that this morning's boys explored a big question, for a short time, in a way that was meaningful to them.
And for that: Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Next week we'll hear about an other resurrection appearance and continue practicing our songs. We look forward to seeing your children--old friends, newcomers and visitors. Parents, you are invited to visit as well!
Watch this space for a picture of today's lesson. As soon as I figure out how to post it I will!
Faithfully,
Chris Yeannakis
Meanwhile, it's still Easter in our Godly Play classroom and will be for weeks to come. We began our class today with singing, as always, thanks to Mrs. Ann Williams and the lovely organ she arranged to have donated to our Sunday School. The children joyfully sang songs that have fast become favorites. The congregation will be hearing these songs in "big" church on May 17 and again on Youth Sunday in June. Don't miss the next time the Sunday School Children/Parents/Teachers Choir leads the congregation. Palm Sunday was good...and we're only getting better!
With the singing over, the children gathered in a circle for prayer and today's lesson. They were in a hushed silence as I told the empty tomb story. During the discussion that followed the story, children wondered about ways Jesus' body could have disappeared. No one could quite figure out how Jesus could have materialized on that path and been known to Mary (his friend, not mother) when he called her by name.
In the past, some circle sessions, having confronted such mysteries, such BIG questions, have wound down with a child saying that "God can do anything" or "nothing is impossible for God". Not today.
This time, the children, without being asked (as is our routine) began telling ME what they wanted to draw (or make) as an art response. Trusting that the children knew best how they needed to work on their BIG question, we ended the circle and the art response began.
If their art work was any indication, crosses, tombs and the alive-again Christ seemed to be on the children's minds. Each child worked intently creating what was was important to him (all boys today). The single exception was our our oldest student of the morning, though the story was clearly on his mind. This seven year old stayed with the story materials. He busied himself re-telling the story using our clay tomb and the wooden figures that represented Jesus, the women and the angel.
I'm not saying our children figured everything out. I am just suggesting that this morning's boys explored a big question, for a short time, in a way that was meaningful to them.
And for that: Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Next week we'll hear about an other resurrection appearance and continue practicing our songs. We look forward to seeing your children--old friends, newcomers and visitors. Parents, you are invited to visit as well!
Watch this space for a picture of today's lesson. As soon as I figure out how to post it I will!
Faithfully,
Chris Yeannakis
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Don't Miss This Sunday!
Sunday School is back in session April 19. Both the younger and older classes will be studying Bible stories of Jesus' resurrection.
In Godly Play the children will listen and watch as wooden figures representing Jesus' women friends approach the tomb only to find his body missing. A Jesus figure will appear to one of the women. She will know Jesus as her beloved Teacher when he calls her by name.
This story always leads to a good wondering session and I'm expecting a good discussion from our current group of inquisitive and thoughtful preschool and primary students. Most Sundays I find that one or two questions from me lead to many questions from the children. They answer questions for each other...or not. Some questions are VERY big!
For example, a few weeks ago, a six year old asked how a good man who died lots of years ago could be our helper and savior even NOW...just by dying? We worked through the question and gave it the thoughtful discussion it was due. As I said, some questions are VERY big.
After the talking and wondering, the children will choose paper, markers, crayons, paints, clay or other supplies and use them to create an art response to the story.
Watch this space early next week to read highlights of our April 19 Sunday School time.
Chris Yeannakis
In Godly Play the children will listen and watch as wooden figures representing Jesus' women friends approach the tomb only to find his body missing. A Jesus figure will appear to one of the women. She will know Jesus as her beloved Teacher when he calls her by name.
This story always leads to a good wondering session and I'm expecting a good discussion from our current group of inquisitive and thoughtful preschool and primary students. Most Sundays I find that one or two questions from me lead to many questions from the children. They answer questions for each other...or not. Some questions are VERY big!
For example, a few weeks ago, a six year old asked how a good man who died lots of years ago could be our helper and savior even NOW...just by dying? We worked through the question and gave it the thoughtful discussion it was due. As I said, some questions are VERY big.
After the talking and wondering, the children will choose paper, markers, crayons, paints, clay or other supplies and use them to create an art response to the story.
Watch this space early next week to read highlights of our April 19 Sunday School time.
Chris Yeannakis
Welcome
Greetings! This is a place for all who are interested in the Church of Saint Clement Sunday School in Alexandria, Virginia to come and learn about the many ways in which we break open the word for our young people. Each Sunday, the younger members of our parish community process out of the main worship space during the singing of the Gloria. Together with one or more instructors, they proclaim and live the gospels through stories, play acting, coloring, and other activities that we define as "fun with purpose." Our young people return to the congregation and rejoin their families following the sermon.
-- Chris Yeannakis
-- Chris Yeannakis
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