Messy Church

On the last Saturday of every month, St Philip’s has a Messy Church. You may have seen the green banner hanging outside the church to advertise this monthly event and maybe even wondered what is Messy Church? Well, it is something not to be missed!  Messy Church is for everyone.  Many pre-school and primary school aged families take part but there are also activities for teenagers and adults too.   We ask that all children bring a grown-up with them.

Everyone comes along to the main hall from 3.30pm to take part in Soft Start, which is a time Messy Churchfor board games, snacks, gardening, helping with dinner preparation, drawing, sometimes face painting and always a cup of tea or coffee for the adults.  Around 4pm we move into the church for the Celebration, our worship part of our time together. There is a story setting the theme for the day, a bit of singing and a prayer.  Then we go back to the main hall for our Activity Time which includes crafts, games and sometimes drama too. Next we tidy up and prepare for Dinner around 5.30pm.  Our family style meal is served with a vegetarian option always available and it finishes with dessert. Towards the end of the meal, the Minute to Win It challenge opens up.  This changes each month, but it is always a creative game that the children can compete in to win a prize.  Then we close out our time together with standing in a circle to share the Messy Church Blessing before we all go home at 6pm.

IMG_0879Each month we have a different theme to explore.  Some previous Messy Churches have focused on Noah’s Ark, the Christmas Story, Jonah the Whale, Queen Esther, the Great Family and Harvest.  There is always a project or craft with a bit of mess involved so play clothes are recommended.  There isn’t a cost to attend though we do put out a bowl for donations towards dinner and craft costs.  Though Messy Church begins at 3:30pm, you can arrive at any point from then and if you need to leave early before we close at 6pm, that is also fine!  We hope to see you sometime soon at Messy Church!

If you would like more information, please contact us at messychurch@stphilips.co.uk

Click here for photos taken during a typical Messy Church.