Godly Play Storyteller

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church is a vibrant Christian community that welcomes everyone, embraces inspiring worship and learning, and is committed to hospitality and loving service.

The Godly Play Program has been introduced in September 2024 and been offered on a monthly basis.  It has been well received by children and parents.  Going forward, St. Matthew’s would like to expand the offering to twice a month. 

We are seeking a passionate, caring and engaging individual to join our team as a Godly Play Storyteller.

Structure of Children Services:St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe is offering a Christian Faith Education through its Sunday School Program for Children and Youth. On Sunday, during the main service at 10:30 am, children and youth can join the program which is based on the general schedule as follows:

• Biblical stories, game or craft and discussion based on the Spark Lectionary.  Typically, the first and third Sundays of the month.  Children are back in the sanctuary for the Eucharist.
• Godly Play: story telling of bible stories and generating a sense of wonder in children (age 4+).  Typically, the second Sunday of the month.  Children are back in the sanctuary for the Eucharist
• Family service:  the liturgy is focusing on children and youth who can participate through reading, serving and joining the Rector at the front of the church during the Homely and Eucharist.

Children/Youth Ministry:

St. Matthew’s Children Ministry is composed of a Children and Youth Coordinator, volunteer parents and adults, including a Godly Play storyteller.

The goal of the Ministry is to provide a structured and formal program; build relationships with children, youth and parents to support Christian education; and, integrate children and youth in the life of the parish.  The Godly Play curriculum is becoming an integral part of achieving this goal.

Responsibilities:

1. Fostering Faith Development: Work with the Children and Youth Coordinator and other Godly Playstorytellers to engage and educate children and youth in the Christian faith within the context of the beliefs, values and practices of the Anglican Church of Canada.
2. Planning of programing: Work with the Children and Youth Coordinator and other Godly Play storytellers to coordinate and organize the Godly Play schedule and material.
3. Storytelling: Lead children in the story circle in the telling of biblical stories using the Godly Play method (once a month). 
4. Preparing the room (Sacred Space): Set up the Sunday School room to accommodate the Goldy Play stories and subsequent activities.  Ensure preparation of materials. 
5. Building relationships: Develop relationships with youth who are taking responsibilities in delivering the Godly Play program through roles as doorperson or in preparing material.  Cultivate trust and respect with children and their families.
6. Creating and disseminating promotional materials: Contribute to the marketing and outreach efforts to create and disseminate information about St. Matthew’s Godly Play offerings with the view of increasing participation in the Sunday School.
7. Continuous learning: participate in training sessions related to Godly Play or children spirituality. 
8. Supporting and participating in occasional special activities for children and youth.

Qualifications: 

• Passion for working with children and a deep commitment to nurturing their spiritual development.
• Strong storytelling and communication skills with the ability to engage children’s imagination and foster a sense of wonder.
• Understanding of the Godly Play approach or a willingness to be trained in the method.
• A caring and patient demeanor, with the ability to create a safe and welcoming space for all children.
• A background in theology, christian education, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other educators and church staff.
• Experience in working with children (ages 3-12) in an educational or faith-based setting is a plus.

Police Record Check Level 3 (vulnerable sector check) required. 

References will be requested.

Time commitment:3 hours/week, including one Sunday per month from September to June.

Compensation

$75 per story telling session.

Application

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While all applications will be gratefully received, only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa reserves the right to contact individuals and to arrange for interviews at any time.

In accordance with Section 24(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, we reserve the right to give preference to Anglican candidates with respect to employment for this role.

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please advise during the search process if you require accommodation by contacting us at [email protected]

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This ad is for an existing opening.