Course I: The Heavenly Banquet (Preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, and Reaffirmation of Vows)

This course is the most extensive of the four, involving twelve weekly lessons of ninety minutes each.

The ideal class size is ten to fifteen and is best conducted in a space that is large enough to include a circle (with chairs or cushions) comfortably accommodating fifteen adults, plus tables and chairs for additional conversation and work. Ideally, this course takes place in anticipation of The Great Vigil of Easter, where adults being prepared for baptism will be welcomed into the Church. The themes of sacred time and space, identity, and belonging are a critical part of formation, and we will explore those larger theological categories and themes of faith, captivity, and freedom, sin and restoration, incarnation, offering, resurrection, transformation, mystery, and grace that play out in the stories as we build the foundational language and establish the rhythmic patterns of gathering, listening, reflecting, responding, Feasting, and being sent out.

Because we are not approaching formation in the more typical classroom setting, creating a safe space for these participants is critical. In the first lesson, we begin at tables to meet and greet each other, share an overview of the series and the materials, review the history of Godly Play®, and talk about the essentials — especially getting ready, the wondering, and the work. We will take our time, creating a safe environment before we go to the storytelling circle to tell/hear the first story.

Desired Outcome

The experience of belonging to the group (being known and valued) and encountering the astonishing story of the Christian people is at the heart of our work. Fluency in our language of faith is a lifelong process, but it begins here. At the end of our twelve lessons, participants will remember the experience of the stories, having engaged "the creative process in action" (flow, play, love, and contemplation), gaining insight into how the language of the Christian people flows out of the heart of Jesus and into their lives. Through that experience they will be able to tell their own stories using symbolic images and action. They will also acquire a working vocabulary of scripture, theology, and liturgy, and begin to use the more abstract theological language with confidence and understanding. They will leave with a deep awareness of their value as a beloved child of God.

Goals of the Storyteller and Participants

• Gather: to build a "good circle."

• Listen and Tell: to use the Godly Play® stories to expand capacity for wondering, reflection, and silence.

• Respond: to recover the creative child within, rediscovering gifts and passions through the work.

• Celebrate: to create an environment that allows the class to experience graceful living in the Feast.

• Depart: to take the practice of astonishment, wonder, and offering into the world.

• Teach and Learn: to learn basic fundamentals of faith through scripture, history, theology, and liturgy.

Schedule

The normal schedule for most ninety-minute lessons is as follows (see each lesson for exceptions):

• Story: thirty minutes (including the Wondering)

• Work: twenty minutes

• Study: twenty minutes (the introductions to the stories from The Complete Guide offer useful material for this study of basic theological themes)

• Feast: twenty minutes (including prayers and departure)

Room, Materials, and Resources

Space

For Course I, we do not use the Godly Play® space. That space is for the children, intentionally designed for access to materials, containing tables and chairs just the right size — ready for them in every way. The space is both open and boundaried. To help adults enter into the wonder of Godly Play®, we must make clear that becoming like children is not the same thing as pretending to be children. We will take a little more time helping the adults get ready, building a space just for them. The series honors where they are, taking into account that they bring their own stories and experiences with them. Some have been damaged by other experiences, some are anxious about taking this step, and all are on a journey that will create a safe place to belong.

You need a large conference space that allows for a circle accommodating ten to fifteen adults and a table setup in a square for face-to-face conversation. The tables also provide workspace after the storytelling. The space should be as open and uncluttered as possible and must be relatively quiet and light filled. Some participants may need to sit in chairs for the storytelling, and some will prefer the floor. There is no...