Mary first experienced Godly Play in 2005 and was certified as a Godly Play trainer in 2008. She is committed to creating sacred and safe space for children to engage and deepen in their relationship with God.
Mary currently serves as Coordinator of Education for Children’s and Family Ministries for the Pacific Mountain Region of The United Church of Canada.
Barbara Hansen was introduced to Godly Play in 2003 and it was love at first sight. As a certified teacher and trainer, she continues to share her passion, using the stories and concepts as a Diaconal Minister. It is her belief that the congregation benefits from exposure to Godly Play. In honouring children, it prepares us to welcome all of God’s children.
Cathy Cryder is Minister with Children, Youth and Families at Dunbar Ryerson United Church. Cathy was introduced to Godly Play in 2003 and was certified as a Godly Play Trainer in 2008. She is moved and inspired by the ways Godly Play creates sacred space and time for children’s encounters with God..
Anne has been wondering about Godly Play since she was first exposed to a Godly Play story in 2005. She was accredited as a storyteller in 2006 and as a trainer in 2008. She marvels at the way children, particularly young boys, respond to Godly Play, opening themselves to their experience of God, finding language about and connection to a great mystery. She delights during trainings in watching adults open themselves to the possibilities for Christian nurture for children, themselves and for their congregations.
Amy Crawford is the Team Leader for Faith Formation and Mission with the United Church of Canada. She fell in love with Godly Play over 20 years ago when she first she sat on a floor listening to Jerome Berryman tell his stories. Since Amy was accredited as a Teacher Trainer in 2007 she has trained storytellers and trainers around the world. The parables are her favourite genre and she always looks forward to what happens when people knock on the lid and come inside.
wondering.together@gmail.com (Alberta Network)
uchurch@incentre.net (Ruth)
Are you ready to come close to God? Ruth is, most days. And when people come close to Godly Play, lives change! Ruth’s has. From wondering to leading and always wondering, Ruth enters the Godly Play circle as both practitioner (2006), Trainer (2011) and someone who is passionate about our biblical story. Ruth is committed to building the circle strong enough to do the work we need to do! She invites you to come close to God through wondering, silence and playful story. Ruth currently serves in ministry leadership at First United Church in Wetaskiwin AB.
Andrew Sheldon immediately recognized the value of this innovative program and became an early advocate of Godly Play in the Diocese of Toronto and an accredited trainer in 2009. He is an Anglican priest and an experienced adult educator and trainer. Besides being a gifted Godly Play Trainer and Storyteller, Andrew the Godly Play Coordinator for International Development.
