Godly Play Core Training Module 3: Liturgical Action/Supporting the Circle

Lifelong Learning will host three Commuter Core modules for those preparing to become a certified Godly Play teacher/mentor and those who simply want to learn more about Godly Play. Use this registration page to register for Module 3 only. Visit our LL programming collection page to sign up for the other modules.

• Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Module 1: Sacred Space, Sacred Stories
• Saturday, October 10, 2026 - Module 2: Spirituality of the Child & Parables
• Saturday, November 7, 2026 - Module 3: Liturgical Action & Supporting the Circle

Each training is from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET

Those seeking a Core Training certificate must attend all three modules (not necessarily in order or in a certain location) and present at leastone Godly Play lesson to peers in the safe and supportive environment of VTS's dedicated Godly Play room. See the Godly Play Website for more info/opportunities.

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

Lunch from Panera Bread will be provided by Lifelong Learning as part of your registration.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Dive into the transformative world of Godly Play, an innovative approach to spiritual education for children created by the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman. Led by experienced trainers Rosemary Beales and Lynn Dunn, participants will gain the skills and confidence to share Godly Play lessons with children in their communities. Godly Play is more than storytelling, but story is at its center. “Wondering” together is a key element of Godly Play, which seeks not to impose meaning but to cultivate the curiosity and openness that allow children (and adults) to develop their own understanding.

MODULE 3

Participants will learn techniques for supporting the circle of children during sessions and focus on liturgical action lessons.

This program 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.