Summer Godly Play Program: Over the summer we are excited to offer a new curriculum called “God’s Paintbrush” for our children age 5 and up. This program nurtures the imagination of both the teacher and the child. The sessions will explore what we mean when we say “God.” We will have the opportunity to experience God through our senses (seeing, hearing, speaking, touching). Each session is based on conversation and exploration and , like Godly Play, questions that are open-ended, wondering questions. Each week there will be different creative reflection activities including writing, painting, drawing, or working with clay (each adapted for the various developmental levels of our children). The program is non-denominational and used widely by both Christian and Jewish educators. Two sessions will be led by Cindy Gullikson, who will share experiences from her recent trip to Israel. If you would like to help with the children’s program over the summer, contact Linda Spencer at (510) 763-2274 or lindaspencer9@gmail.com.
Summer Schedule:
June 30: God’s Paintbrush: What is God Like?
Purpose: To explore what we mean when we say “God” through scripture and our own experience, and to help the children come to an awareness of God’s presence in creation.
July 7: Family Sunday. Children remain in Celebration
July 14: God’s Paintbrush: Seeing
Purpose: To notice the beauty of God’s creation experiencing both the big picture and the details.
July 21: God’s Paintbrush: Hearing and Speaking
Purpose: To explore how we experience God’s love, and how we can express that love to others.
July 28: God’s Paintbrush: Touching…praying with clay
Purpose: To explore how God comforts us; and how we can respond to God with our whole being.
Note August Celebration/Children’s program begins at 5 pm, followed by a BBQ dinner.
August 4: Family Sunday. Children remain in Celebration
August 11: God’s Paintbrush: Doing/Cindy Gullikson’s Travel Log – Part 1
Purpose: To learn more about Israel and how travel helps us to become closer to God. When we travel we use all our senses and we learn more about how we can be involved in doing God’s work.
August 18: Children remain in Celebration – Youth Group Mission Trip Sharing
August 25: God’s Paintbrush: Doing/Cindy Gullikson’s Travel Log – Part 2
Purpose: To learn more about Israel and how travel helps us to become closer to God. When we travel we use all our senses, and we learn more about how we can be involved in doing God’s work.
Sept 1: Children remain in Celebration
September 8: Godly Play resumes
September 15: Kick-Off Sunday