We are a people full of stories. Stories help us create meaning, make sense of our world, and develop identity. Stories are how some of the greatest teachers, including Jesus of Nazareth, shared their message and showed the path of a faithful life.
Over six weeks in February and March, a series of Godly Play and Faith & Play stories about the life and ministry of Jesus will be available for viewing with meeting communities or sharing at home. While the style of this storytelling is often associated with programs for children, we all need and yearn for stories. These are for all of us at any age.
The videos could be shown over Zoom for adult or youth religious education, or the link shared for a discussion series. Friends did not traditionally keep liturgical seasons like Lent or celebrate Easter as a holiday; contemporary meetings might not observe Easter Sunday as a day different from any other First Day, or the meeting may have Easter traditions. For some Friends today, Lenten practices and these stories may be part of an earlier tradition they belonged to and remain an important part of their inner life. For our children, offering these stories in a way that is open to wonder and continuing revelation supports biblical literacy and exploration of Quaker faith and its Christian roots.
The six videos are offered as a way to come close to the stories behind the days in this time of year, and wonder about their significance to us on our spiritual paths.
Each story will be linked below; please check back for additional links, which will also be shared on the our Facebook page. If you would like to receive a weekly email when a new video is live, email mwennerbradley@pym.org
February 22: Parable of the Good Shepherd
A Godly Play telling of a parable, weaving together language in Psalm 23 and verses in John 10.
March 1: The Woman at the Well
Adapted from John 4:1-42. A story about strangers, grace, the Living Waters, and sharing messages.
March 8: The Parable of Great Pearl
From Matthew 13:45–46, an exploration of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.
March 15: Living the Ways of the Spirit
A story about Friends testimonies and their spiritual roots in the ministry of Jesus.
March 22: Faces of Easter
The story of Jesus of Nazareth’s life and ministry from birth to death, and the hope to know him in new ways.
March 29: An Easter Story for Friends
Written for Friends, an Easter story that explores God’s love for everyone.