October 9, 2024 Weekly Update
Last week I shared the components of Messy Church and what a typical gathering looks like. If you’ve missed the last few weeks, Messy Church is a Fresh Expression of church that meets during the week and embraces five values: All Ages, Celebration/Worship, Christ-Centered, Hospitality, and Creativity. Our study group feels like this is a good fit for our church to reach our neighbors and build relationships in our community.
Messy Church looks like this: Children, tweens, and parents/grandparents, or loved ones are warmly welcomed with hospitality and “hellos.” They learn about the theme– Jesus feeds the 5000 or What does it mean to love my neighbor?
Activity time begins after the welcome. Families are met by table hosts, and rotate through a series of games, crafts, or activities that connect to the theme for about an hour. The goal is not the product – it is the conversations! Table hosts get to know others through play and conversation.
After activities, Celebration time kicks off. An aspect of God is celebrated through the theme with story, song, and joy. For 10-15 mins, everyone celebrates their connection to God!
A meal follows celebration. Jesus shared so many meals with his followers. It was a pathway of discipleship, and that happens in Messy Church, too. As guests are offered hospitality with a meal, all participants build relationships and get to know one another. Over time, these connections build friendships and nurture a church like we’ve not experienced before.
What resonates with you? Crafting with kiddos? Making a special potluck item to drop off for the meal? Helping clean up? Putting a yard sign in your yard or the community to advertise this opportunity?
This Sunday we will wrap up our Messy Church series. You will hear why Fresh Expressions of church have been a success in the U.K. and the U.S. And you’ll have an opportunity to respond to this ministry idea for the sake of our neighbors.
See you in person or online this Sunday at 11am!
Blessings,
Pastor Jared