Mess in Oxford

26 June 2009

Our regional coordinators are people of many talents. Colin Blake, the regional coordinator for the Bristol Area has been out and about running a Fresh Expressions Day for Oxford Diocese back at the start of June. Here's what went on:

Katy and I were asked by Lucy to represent Messy Church at Fresh Expressions Conference organised by the Diocese of Oxford. So with fear and trepidation and a boot full of craft materials we set off for the King's Centre. Over a hundred people attended the event, including a bishop and both archdeacons, showing just how central Fresh Expressions are in the Diocese strategy for the future.

The day began by Bishop Colin reminded us of the various saints' days that fell during that week and suggesting that each of them had pioneered a Fresh Expression of church, thus making our work part of great tradition of church development.

Katy and I then ran a Messy Church experience for about 45 people, mainly adults (including once more the bishop). We took the theme of Pentecost but with only 45 minutes to showcase a two-hour Messy Church programme, we could inevitably only give the flavour of certain things.

We omitted the large games with which we begin our Messy Church in Worle, and went straight to the crafts. We offered four crafts - candles in jars, whirlygigs, streamer torches and wrist ribbons. These were all well received.

For the celebration we sang 'Our God is great big God' and 'All through history', while making popcorn and talking about the Holy Spirit. And finally our meal consisted of the popcorn and fairy cakes with candles in them to celebrate the birthday of the church.

During the lunch break I took part in a discussion panel with other Fresh Expression leaders including Michael Moynagh, from I Church, MayBe, Sanctified Fire, a Cafe Church etc.
In the afternoon we hosted a session for about 30 people on the theology of Messy Church, which in the end was part story and part theology. Again this seemed to be much appreciated and a number duly went away clutching their Messy Church 2 book - so who knows what might happen now.

At the end of the day Katy and I found our weary way to a noodle bar in Cowley and gave thanks to God for a day well spent and our Messy message truly shared.

Click here if you'd like to contact Colin to discuss Messy goings-on in the Bristol Area.