Godly Play: Commuter Core Trainings - Fall 2025

Lifelong Learning will host three on-campus Godly Play trainings this fall:

• Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Module 1: Sacred Space, Sacred Stories
• Saturday, October 11, 2025 - Module 2: Spirituality of the Child & Parables
• Saturday, November 8, 2025 - Module 3: Liturgical Action & Supporting the Circle

Duration of each training is 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE: Register for more than one Godly Play training and receive a discounted registration fee on all three trainings.

Those seeking a Core Training certificate must attend Module, 2, and 3 trainings. (Module training can be completed in any order at any time.)

All trainings take place on-site at Virginia Theological Seminary . Learn more about visiting campus.

Lunch from Panera Bread, snacks, and beverages will be provided by Lifelong Learning.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Dive into the transformative world of Godly Play, an innovative approach to spiritual education for children. Each module will be led by the experienced trainer, the Rev. Dr. Rosemary Beales.

Through hands-on activities, storytelling techniques, and reflective discussions, attendees will gain the skills and confidence to share Godly Play lessons with children in their communities. Whether you're a parent, educator, or church leader, join us to discover the joy of nurturing spiritual growth in young hearts and minds.

MODULE 1

In Module 1 participants explore the core principles and practices of Godly Play, learning how to create sacred spaces for children and how to engage them with stories from the Bible and sacred traditions.

MODULE 2

Module 2 focuses on children's spiritual development and how to effectively present parables in the Godly Play method.

MODULE 3

The core principles and practices of Godly Play are highlighted during Module 3. Participants will also learn techniques for managing the circle of children during sessions and receive an introduction to liturgical action lessons.

This event is brought to you by the department of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary.Contact us (LifelongLearning@vts.edu) if the cost to participate is a barrier for you.

Questions? Email LifelongLearning@vts.edu.

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The Rev. Dr. Rosemary Beales has been a practitioner in Godly Play since 1996 and an accredited trainer since 2000. After a career in journalism, she found a better story to tell when she discovered Godly Play. Through years of sitting in circles with children, she was led to Virginia Theological Seminary, where she graduated in 2005 and was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood. In 2012, she received a Doctor of Ministry degree from VTS, completing a thesis based on using Godly Play to encourage parents in their role as primary spiritual mentors (“Nurturing the Nurturers,” available at www.academia.edu). She was part of the team that revised and expanded the eight volumes of Complete Guide to Godly Play. Rosemary has served both in parishes and in school ministry, including 12 years as chaplain to grades JK-5 at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Va. Rosemary has retired from parish work, allowing her time to continue Godly Play training and also to relax a bit with her three grown children, seven grandchildren, and a growing assortment of friends.