Messy Church
Christmas at Messy Church (as a child might see it)
"I love Messy Church and I was so excited, there were always lots of super things to do. We went as a family and hurried to St Helen's Church in the middle of Worcester. We like to get there as soon as it starts.
We went inside and had our name stickers put on. Mum and Dad signed the book. There is a new little gate to stop little children getting out of the door. It was all bright and cheerful, all the tables had brightly coloured cloths, and they all had interesting things to do on them. The sound of chattering and laughter was all around us. We were going to have lots of fun.
I went to do a hand print angel first. I put my hand in the dish of paint and the paint squidged between my fingers, it made me giggle. I put my painted hand onto a piece of paper, then used coloured paints to make it look like an angel, wow it looked good.
I wanted to make a star next, this was made by folding paper. It was a bit difficult, but looked really good when I had finished, it went well with my angel.
I had to wash my hands because I was going to decorate a little Christmas Cake next, lots of coloured icing. It made me feel hungry, but I was going to take it home with me. When the cakes were finished we had special little boxes to put them in.
I saw my sister, she had made a calendar in the quiet corner, and at another table had made a lovely manger with the baby Jesus in it. The manger had real hay in it, which smelt lovely. She was just going to make a shepherd and a sheep.
I decided to make one of the three kings, it was made from a cardboard cone, with a head on it. .I had to put robes on him, made from posh material. Of course I had to put some hair on him and draw his face before putting his crown on him. It was a bit of a fiddle but he looked good when I had finished him.
Because I had a king I decided to make a camel with pipe cleaners. He had bead for his head, and special saddles and blankets made from material. I just had time to finish him.
It was now time to go and sit down at the front. There was a lovely stable, with a manger and sheep and a donkey. Some children had helped colour the sheep. Sometimes we have stories, once we had had a puppet show. Today Kipper came to see us, he has his front paws round the lady's neck, he looks very real. It seemed as though he talked to the lady about presents and what Christmas really means. It was great fun, and every one loved him.
We sang some Christmas carols, every one sang and some moved with the music, they made you feel like dancing. Then we had a special story about the first Christmas. While the lady told the story, some of the team mimed the parts of the people in the story. Every one was quiet and listened. I liked it very much, it really is the most special story ever, and it's true. Afterwards we said a prayer together and then it was time for lunch.
Every one sat down at long tables which had trays of food, and baskets of crisps on them. We say grace , before we start eating, thanking God for our food. It was like another Messy Church family party. There is a lot of talking and laughing as well as eating. The food was really yummy.
It is time to go now, it has been a great morning again. So many lovely things to do. My sister decorated a cake as well, so we have two to take home and share with Mum and Dad. Mum and Dad like coming here too. Every one is so friendly and kind, it feels really nice and safe here at Messy Church. Mum and Dad say it is because they all love Jesus. I love him too. I know that Messy Church is really great. See you all again soon."
Messy Facts
Who is it for?
It's for all parents (or carers), together with their children! Come along and find out more.
When and where?
Once a month, on Saturdays from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at St Helen's, Fish Street (off High Street), Worcester.
Dates for your diary
Saturday 19 December - The Christmas Story
2010
Saturday 23 January
Saturday 27 February
Saturday 27 March
Saturday 24 April
Saturday 22 May
Saturday 26 June
Saturday 17 July
Some recent Messy Church meetings ...
5 September - Healing of the paralysed man
18 July - Gideon
27 June - Joshua
16 May - Moses
17 October - Feeding of the 5,000
21 November - Prodigal Son
Messy Church is an opportunity for parents, carers, and children to enjoy being together, making things, eating together, and celebrating God through His word, music and prayer. With Messy Church we will try to be a worshipping community of all ages, centred on Jesus, showing hospitality, allowing people to express their creativity, sitting and eating together, and having fun.
All this, and not on a Sunday!
What's next?
We're very excited about the wonderful things that have been happening in Messy Church, and we're planning our 2010 programme. So, watch this space!