An article by Kathy Peddle from the April issue of Anglican Life: an important message to all Godly Play people of Newfoundland and Labrador:
In 2009 Godly Play arrived on the shores of Newfoundland, and in a place rich in stories, wondering and church affiliation it was a natural fit. Godly Play will once again arrive on our shores—this time in the form of the North American Godly Play Conference. 
We are excited and honoured to be hosting this year’s conference and to welcome guests and fellow Godly Play enthusiasts from around the globe. We look forward to welcoming people from Canada, the US, the UK, Europe, and South Africa. It will be a time for all participants to deepen their understanding of the art and practice of Godly Play in the natural beauty of Newfoundland.
The theme of this year’s conference, called “Come from Away—Come to Play” is to be held at the Sheraton Hotel in historic downtown St. John’s from June 20-22. It is inspired by the name of the hit musical “Come from Away” which was inspired by a traditional Newfoundland expression for those not from the island, and also portrays our hospitality. It also references the importance of play in Godly Play’s faith formation of children.
Participants will have the opportunity to share in worship, seminars, addresses, and storytelling while experiencing our genuine hospitality. There will also be opportunities to see more of St. John’s, the oldest city in North America, located just a few miles from the most eastern point of North America, Cape Spear.
Featured speakers for the conference include Dr. Elaine Champagne from the University of Laval who will explore Children’s Spiritual Journeys; the Rev’d Canon Dr. Andrew Sheldon (Godly Play Advocate for International Development), who will address our readiness as Godly Play practitioners from emotional, theological, pedagogical and spiritual perspectives; Dr. Rebecca Nye, a specialist in children’s spirituality, and the Rev’d Peter Privett, Chair of the Godly Play International Council, who will discuss their common interest and work in children’s spirituality and international training. In the spirit of play and learning there will be opportunities to hear familiar stories in unfamiliar languages (French, German, Spanish, and Afrikaans), to attend workshops and presentations on a multitude of topics including the use of Godly Play stories of God at Home, the theological significance of storytelling, using Godly Play in Vacation Bible Schools, Deepening Response Time…and so much more!
I wonder what part of this is about you?
The North American Godly Play Conference in 2019 will be a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand all that is happening in Godly Play, to meet old friends and make new friends, and to share and learn together in our beautiful island home.
Are you ready?
To see the brochure and to register, go to Godly Play Canada: https://godlyplay.ca
The full story and photographs by The Rev’d Steven Maki will be in the May issue of Anglican Life:
which is blessed at the main Sunday service, and then distributed afterwards. The cake dates back to medieval times, and is decorated with marzipan balls, usually twelve to represent the twelve apostles (or the eleven apostles, minus Judas, and the twelfth for Jesus). For this reason, the Sunday is also sometimes called “Refreshment Sunday.”
