Play and Pray through Advent

Using simple yet effective visuals, Play and Pray through Advent brings to life the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, his early years and the beginning of his ministry, making it interesting and engaging for all the family, especially with children ages 5-7. With simple guidelines, it couldn't be easier to explore the themes week-by-week at home, or through midweek groups and clubs at church. Like its popular sister book, Play and Pray Through Lent, you have the chance to use story cloths, song, and get messy with crafts, all while helping children learn more about the Advent and Christmas story.

Play and Pray through Advent is ideal for all ages and all the family, and especially with children age 5-7. It is also suitable for clergy, children's workers and Sunday school workers.

Kay Warrington is a non-stipendiary curate in several parishes and has been Diocesan Children's Officer for Swansea and Brecon since 1996. Lynn Chambers has worked with children in holiday clubs and Sunday schools for more than 20 years. Nia Catrin Williams is Priest in Charge of the parishes of Towyn and St George on the North Wales coast.

From The Diocese of Lincoln Children & Youth Office - November 2008

Described as 'A family resource: stories and activities for the Advent and Christmas season' this A4 sized booklet acknowledges its debt to Godly Play in the processes used, but does not stick to the standard GP formula. The authors are all part of the Church in Wales Children's Network and are all either past or present Diocesan Children's Officers, and their obvious experience shows in the content. Based upon the bible readings for the revised common lectionary, this book provides material to be used during the week, either at home of in a school or daily club setting, so as to prepare for the Sunday lectionary theme. Aimed to start on the Monday of the week before Advent Sunday and end with The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, each week has a theme; a Bible focus; the story for the week (not a Godly Play type script, rather an outline to base the story on); six 'story cloth activities', which are craft based, using photocopiable templates; six starters to wonder or discuss; a prayer for the week; a specially written song for the week; and some ideas to use during the Sunday worship linking the week together.

I like this book; it takes some of the Godly Play processes, and uses them in a home context, children still being invited to wonder and explore. I especially like the idea of building up a collection of story boxes at home, which can be accessed by children at any time, and making the home the focus of the Christian experience which is reinforced on Sunday.

Well produced, well thought out piece of kit, highly recommended.

Reviewed by Dave Rose

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