Messy church in Sunday Service

Carole Davison - East London, UK - 13 September 2010

Hi, we piloted a quarterly Messy Church on Saturday afternoons with a team of just ten but had trouble getting the rest of the congregation involved (and it was the vicar's day off so he didn't come). The vicar is now giving me permission to try some elements of Messy church on a Sunday morning to hopefully enthuse everyone else but wants it to be preceded by a relatively normal but shortened all-age service. We only have one hall in which we worship so would need a quick turnaround of furniture. Has anyone else done anything remotely like this?

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Just learning about Messy Church

Clarice - Fairbanks, Alaska - 22 July 2010

I have just discovered Messy Church, and i think it might be really wonderful in our church. I'm looking for churches in the US that are using this idea now, and other people willing to share their experiences in beginning this program.

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Funding applications

Mandy Rhodes - Kippax, West Yorkshire. - 20 July 2010

We're in the process of applying for funding for things such as a projector and laptop, bean bags, etc. Does anyone have any suggestion as to ideal wording for such an application, so that those considering it will really sit up and take notice?

The answer from Lucy and Jane:

Still can’t find anyone ready to fund it! We used a local council grant earlier this year but that is all changing now as there is less to offer around. We called our project Messy Church but emphasized the community side of things and special needs play resources. Within that we went for built in cupboards and craft materials! This particular grant is no more in Liverpool sadly. Waiting to see if it is replaced with anything else.

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Hall Costs

Anonymous - 07 July 2010

We are charged for the costs of the hall in which we hold messy church each month.The Hall belongs to the church but is a separate building.As an outreach of church I personally think we shouldn't be charged.Especially as we have to get by on donations. What are others views on this ?

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Finding an overall leader

John Clarke - Greenham, near Newbury - 26 May 2010

We're interested in the idea of starting Messy Church. I'm VERY interested. The biggest issue is finding an overall leader. I'm confident there are people to make up the team, but finding the overall person is harder. My best suggestion at present is that I do it intitially (I'm the vicar) but others are wary of this because ... well, lots of perfectly good reasons including that I'm a grey-head and we want a younger image!

How have others coped with this problem? My present gut-feel is that I'm in a good position to recruit a team because I know people in the community as well as the church; and in due time I'm hopeful a lay leader will emerge.

I'd value others' experience.

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Craft ideas for Ascension please!

Brenda - Thatcham, Berks. - 12 April 2010

Has anyone used the ascension as a theme for their Messy Church? How well did it work? We have an idea for a talk but are stuck for craft ideas to complement it. Some help would be really appreciated.
Thank you.

Lucy writes:

We did Ascension / ‘I am with you always’ in May last year and did the following:

Adinkra string symbol prining (google Adinkra!)

Drawing people’s shadows on huge sheets of paper (– Jesus as close as your shadow is)

Layered landscapes cut with wibbly scissors – the view from the mountain

Quilling invitation for the next Messy Church (make disciples)

Badge saying ‘Ask Me About Mess’ with a badge machine

Modelling a high tower from peas and cocktail sticks

Balloon with paper cup attached underneath and ‘I am with you always’ written on

Fairtrade chocolate dip with fruits Of All Nations

A papier mache mountain built up from a wire netting base and painted green and brown

Noticeboard: ‘I am with you always’

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messy church logo balloons ?

Anonymous - 18 January 2010

we are trying to buy ballons with the meesy church logo on them are these avialable from any resouce area could you plese advise us Pat Hassell messy church St James Ince 0151 356 3803 or Thanks

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Our First Messy Church

Pauline Sanderson - St. Peter & St. Paul, West Mersea - 12 November 2009

Our first Messy Church was held on 8th September. We were thrilled with the number of families who came - including the helpers there were 78 of us - plus two tiny babies!! We have to have the crafts and meal in the same hall, so while the Worship is going on in Church, the helpers are scrambling to clear crafts and set tables.

We are going to make a few changes for next month but will basically follow the same format. The children unfortunately did not sit with parents in church and we found it very difficult to have control over them. Our theme next month is The Prodigal Son and I would really appreciate any ideas for getting and keeping their attention. The age range is from about 1 - 12. Has anyone any experience of using Godly Play to this sort of number and age range? All ideas and suggestions gratefully received.

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Storage space?

Pauline Sanderson - 26 August 2009

A query to the website from Pauline Sanderson. If you've got any more thoughts to add below, do contact us

The question: Hi. We are starting Messy Church but will have limited space. Does anyone have any ideas about ways to store the children's crafts during the time we are having our service in church (we cannot leave them on tables in hall as these will be needed for the meal). Many thanks

The answer: Without knowing the details of the set-up, would it be possible to leave one table aside for putting all the crafts on? Or spreading a vinyl cloth or something out on the floor and putting them all in a corner? We use windowsills for ours, and parents' handbags / baby bags are very useful for instant stowing away. Or of course they could all go in a lobby or foyer or similar to be picked up on the way out if you have such a space. A washing line strung up or a clothes horse could be a place to peg up pictures to dry.

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Keeping a register?

Anonymous - 14 April 2009

Is it sensible to keep a register of people attending Messy Church or not?

The answer:

In some senses, as we don't keep a register for Church attendance on a Sunday for 'ordinary' Church, so why should we for a Messy Church or other group meeting? From a legal point of view or a child-protection point of view, we don't need to as the children are accompanied - if in doubt on this please consult your Child Protection officer for your Diocese (or equivalents if not in the Church of England!)

That having been said, it might be useful in terms of noticing who hasn't been for a while and having all of the contact details in one place...so it depends if your families would find it intrusive or would accept it happily.

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