Godly Play: Commuter Core Trainings - Fall 2025

We are offering three Core Training modules on campus this fall of 2025, each from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET:

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

Chose the ticket type that corresponds to your preferred date/module, or take advantage of the BUNDLE DEAL option to save money on all three! This program takes place on-site at Virginia Theological Seminary only. to learn more about visiting campus.

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.

Those seeking a Core Training certificate will need to attend 1, 2, and 3. Modules can be done in any order at any time.

Lifelong Learning will be providing lunch during the three gatherings from Panera Bread and a variety of snacks. Also, there will be coffee, tea, and other beverages available.

ABOUT EACH MODULE

In Module 1 participants will explore the core principles and practices of Godly Play, learning how to create sacred spaces for children to engage with stories from the Bible and sacred traditions. Module 2 will explore children's spiritual development and how to effectively present parables in the Godly Play method. Module 3 will continue exploring the core principles and practices of Godly Play, learn techniques for managing the circle of children during sessions, and introduce liturgical action lessons.

This event is brought to you by the department of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary.Contact us ([email protected]) if the cost to participate is a barrier for you.

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. 

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Host or Publisher Virginia Theological Seminary