Playing in the Light in Philly Region (NJ) August 21-23 2026

An approach to religious education grounded in deep respect for children, using wonder, play, and stories from the Bible and Quaker faith, practice, and witness. More than a workshop on storytelling, “Playing in the Light” is also an opportunity to gather in community and consider how we approach spiritual formation and support for children and families in our meetings. The experiential approach has tools that can be used with other resources, and meetings are finding ways that the stories can anchor intergenerational worship. Those who have previously attended a training will find they go deeper in their practice. And for some Friends, the weekend is a personal spiritual retreat more than preparation for service to a religious education program. Come spend a weekend full of stories, centering children and welcoming all of us into a bigger story of faith in community!

Presentations/discussions include:

          • nurturing the spiritual lives of children
          • exploring the “unspoken” lessons of spaces and pedagogy
          • supporting children and families in the meeting community
          • working with multiage groups and diverse needs
          • adapting Godly Play for Friends and weaving stories into a children’s program

August Playing in the Light Training:  

FLYER TO SHARE

REGISTER HERE!

Online Pre- and Post- Training Sessions: on Zoom

  • Introduction Session (required): Sunday, August 9, 7-8 pm
  • Final Plenary: Date TBD, 60 minutes

Onsite Sessions (all required): 
Mt. Holly Meeting, 81 High St, Mt Holly, NJ 08060

  • Friday, August 21, 5:30p – 9:00p 
  • Saturday, August 22, 8:30a – 6:00p
  • Sunday, August 23, 12:30p-4:00p

Training Registration:
$200/individual
$650 for 4+ members of the same Friends Meeting
$100 for previously trained participants to come again!

Questions? Contact Melinda Wenner Bradley, Director of Communication and Training for Faith & Play Stories, (484) 678-6508 or melinda@quakerfaithandplay.org

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON August 1st

There will also be asynchronous reading for participants before the weekend, which the trainer will share, and an optional online check-in post training, date TBD.