MESSY CHURCH FIESTA DAY
“Messy Church” was started in 2004 at a church in Portsmouth out of a desire to serve their local community, particularly families with children, but that the wasn't offering anything that really gripped the imagination of local families.
“We decided very early on to try to do something for all ages together, partly out of a belief that we grow best as a church when we walk the journey with as many different people as possible, and partly from a desire to help families grow together in their walk of faith, not see Christianity as something you grow out of when you're eleven.”
And so, “Messy Church” was born! Now endorsed by Fresh Expressions and a core part of the Barnabas ministry, it is fast becoming a well established children's ministry resource.
A typical sessions of Messy Church may have a number of activities like cooking and crafts, basically anything that's messy and fun! There are also games, activities, songs, and a short Bible themed message.
Of course, Messy Church will look different at each different venue, but that's where the “Messy Community” comes in handy – a section of the main website where people can share ideas, recipes, resources, and stories of things that have happened at events.
The website also has all the information you might need to run your own Messy Church, including a powerpoint you can show to your church, and also books, merchandise, and information about training. If you'd like a better look then check out this upcoming event in Nottingham:
Messy Fiesta Training Day
Saturday 17 July 2010 10.00am to 3.00pm
Venue: St John’s College Nottingham
Speaker: Lucy Moore
A Messy Fiesta training day. Find out what is being learned from the experience of leading Messy Church in a variety of difference contexts (rural/urban/large/small etc) and what this may be saying to the Church.
For church leaders, youth workers or children’s workers considering running Messy Church events, or Messy Church leaders considering the next steps
Price: £15 including lunch (payment in advance by cheque or card please)
To book: Complete and return the attached booking form
Enquiries: Helen Taylor 0115 968 3221 or email: h.taylor@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk