Pam, You've probably already solved your problem with this piece, but I can never resist the chance to tell the Good Shepherd parable. Clearly, it is much more explicit in the verses at the beginning of the chapter referenced here. But I am so enamored of the Godly Play script and way of storytelling for the Good Shepherd that I would make any excuse to use it.

I recognize that the Godly Play way of storytelling requires both a leader and students who have the patience to get into this quiet tempo of storytelling. This is almost surely best acquired by beginning at the beginning and introducing Godly Play carefully the way it was designed to be introduced. But I think it's irresistibly beautiful, and because of the way it invites children into the story, it helps them make their own discoveries about the Good Shepherd. Life application at its very best.

There's a 19 minute video of a master storyteller leading this on youtube here. Even if you can't use it, it might influence the way you talk about the Shepherd and following his voice. The juxtaposition of the Good Shepherd with the 23rd Psalm is stunningly well done, I think. For me, this way of storytelling unlocks "awe" in a powerful, unforgettable way.

Anne