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the stories with them. Through the years, my two daughters and I have made various rosaries and necklaces. Often, they were created with great intention, representing hopes and dreams—tactile reminders of people and places. I wondered if I might nd some beautiful beads, each one representing a story. For my own play, I made one, then two rosaries, each representing the stories we had shared. It is just a simple mnemonic but I carry one with me and sometimes while waiting, I take it out and begin: Time, time, time. Each bead is a story, and as I work my way around the rosary, the whole story is in my hand. Perhaps you will nd a way to keep the stories alive. Most of all, Graceful Nurture is an invitation to be creative—to enter in ow, play, love, and contemplation. I wonder what you might imagine?
Watching the Godly Play community grow and spread all over the world has been a great joy. And now, today, Graceful Nurture is o ered as a source to extend my internal conversation to all of you in this community. Please use this book as a guide but be even more bold and imaginative, and then, share your stories with each other.
The Very Rev. Rebecca McClain has served in many roles in The Episcopal Church: parish priest, Canon to the Ordinary, and Dean and Interim Dean of several cathedrals. Recently retired after serving 20 years on the Godly Play Foundation Board, Rebecca became a founding member in 1997. Her vocational life is marked with a capacity to manage communities
in transition and a profound sense that we are all called to ourish as children of the Holy One. Rebecca has three grown children and four grandchildren. They are the joy of her life.
rebeccakennedymcclain@gmail.com
additional reading
The Foundation regularly publishes online articles about the Godly Play curriculum. Here are our most recent articles. Click on the image or text to read online.
Playing with Icons: The Spirituality of Recalled Childhood
by John Pridmore
Drawing Close to God: A Re ection
by Alyssa Pasternak Post
All We Can Do is Begin: An Interview with The Rev. Thomas Blackmon
by Sally Thomas
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the CIRCLE | SEPTEMBER 2017
When the Good Shepherd calls your name