The 2013 North American Godly Play Conference in Toronto last month was a great success! People came from as far away as South Africa, Europe and Australia, many Godly Play practitioners, trainers, advocates and board members from all over the world came together to enrich and extend their personal Godly Play practice and the use of the Godly Play method internationally.
Congratulations to Godly Play Canada—and to Andrew Sheldon and Amy Crawford in particular—for a beautifully organized conference of fellowship, discovery and play!
Keynote speaker Joyce Ann Mercer presented a three-day journey into the theology of authenticity, vocation, playing and praying, identity in discovery learning, motivation psychology and many insights into welcoming children. Peppered with memorable anecdotes, Joyce Ann’s lectures were engaging and thought-provoking.
At the same time a three day core training went on, with participants and trainers sharing meal breaks and some sessions with conference participants.
Judyth Roberts provided some workshops in intergenerational Godly Play and a range of other workshops covering making materials, using Godly Play in worship and the importance of play were offered. Emma Parr and Amanda Thomson represented Australia at the “Where in the world is Godly Play” session. Jerome Berryman spoke about ‘The Middle Realm’ and his coming book at a feast held in the spectacular dining room at the venue (pictured).
Each morning Godly play stories were offered in a choice of languages and accents including German, French, Spanish, Finnish, Norwegian, Africaans and English in Australian, English, Canadian and American!
The conference ended with a beautiful worship experience using the elements of Godly Play to create a memorable finale.
