Inspirational learning spaces

Have I mentioned that 2011 is shaping up to be a year of growth and wonder?

Yes, my boy is growing before my eyes...18 months now.

I am growing, too.

Exponentially; in ways I never thought imaginable.

We were somehow led to a beautiful church earlier this year.

A place of warmth and wonder.

Acceptance.

As we continue to grow through the welcoming spirit of this very special parish,

I am met with such fantastic moments of inspiration and awe...again and again.

We recently started attending a parent/child gathering at Trinity Church called "Garden Gate."

This place isn't your typical Sunday school environment. (thankfully, in my opinion!)

Hands-on learning...

Beauty everywhere..

Quality art supplies and meaningful crafts..

(such as a candlemas garden..)

A real reverence for quiet wonder and personal experience..

For a young mind trying to understand something as mysterious as God, I feel that this is integral.

The memories of my short lived Sunday/Bible school experiences include strict teachers, lots of memorization which you were rewarded and recognized for, and a very frightening and realistic video of the crucifixion. (lightening storm, claps of thunder, and blood included.) Also, a teacher I didn't know pulling me aside, giving me a bible, and asking me to "let Jesus into my heart." I was nervous, and replied, "ok." We prayed (for my guinea pig...I couldn't think of anything else), she wrote my name and date in the bible and that was that. My grandmother has reminded me of this on several occasions, although it was nothing meaningful to me. Not only that, but I had no clue what was going on.

How lucky the children of this parish are to have such a warm and creative environment to grow spiritually. The curriculum used for this Sunday school is called Godly Play. From what I understand, it is a Montessori approach which "teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives."

The wonderful woman (and mom to 4) who designed these learning spaces is incredibly creative and so very respectful of child development and the senses....and no shock to any of you readers, she is a former assistant in a Waldorf classroom.

*books in the nursery room

How different would my experience have been if I were a former student of a Sunday school (and parish!) such as this? To a student, environment and energy is everything.

I consider myself a student of....everything.

constantly trying to find inspirational environments..

positive and progressive energy..

I now feel and trust that God will place me where I need to be..where I should be...

Here I am.

All photos were captured at Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, PA.