Marion - Messy Church Co-ordinator.
See our photo page for the Messy Church Team Members.
Messy Church began at Christ Church, Gentleshaw in October 2010. Since then we have gone from strength to strength thanks to everyone's involvement.
After all the fun of creating items to take home, we join Rev. Lyn for Celebration time, where we have fun and sing songs learning about the love of Jesus and God. We also learn about people from the Bible and their relationships with God.
We also have an area set aside for toddlers so they are not left out.
Afterwards we say our Messy Grace,
"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ....(Hold out our hands)
And the love of God....(Cross arms on chest)
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit... (hold hands with neighbours)
Be with us all, evermore, Amen (Raise hands up in the air).
This is followed by a simple shared afternoon tea. This can vary between a hotdog in a bun, sandwiches, pizza slices etc, together with a drink, some fruit and crisps ("It's like a giant picnic" one child said). Whereas the adults can have of a hot drink, a piece of cake, a sit down and a chance to chat.
On average we welcome between 18 - 30 children and their families to our church for Messy. Its a chance to have fun, make friends, make church the focal point of the village and get a little bit Messy. (Don't worry we don't send you home in a Mess, and we also clean the church afterwards).
We hold Messy Church every two months on a Sunday afteroon. There is no charge, but all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can stay till the end.
If you would like more information contact Marion on 01543 682701 or Lynn on 01543 670739