Messy Church has been a huge success story right across the Church of England and it continues to be a popular activity in our parishes.
St. Saviours Church, Oxton, has recently added Messy Breakfast to its choice of Messy Church activities, which as the name suggests, is all the fun of Messy Church with added breakfast.
Messy Breakfast is an additional activity at St Saviours, Oxton
Tracey Williams, Children’s and Families’ Worker at St Saviours says the first Messy Breakfast was warmly received by all, she says: "A fantastic morning was had by all who attended. Everyone was welcomed with a hot drink or fresh juice, toast, crumpets, and Danish pastries by the fantastic volunteers who assisted in the kitchen. The theme was 'Lent and Light'; we made candles, lanterns, stained glass windows and decorated biscuits. Even though it was very dark and dismal outside the light of Christ was definitely shining in the parish centre."
The young people from the church's youth group 'Engage' ran the craft tables, along with the newly confirmed young adults.
St Saviours plan to hold more events soon, including a Mini Messy Easter in April and a Messy Church in May.
The first Messy Church began in 2004 when a group at St Wilfrid's in Cowplain near Portsmouth came up with the idea as a way of sharing God's story with children.
They decided very early on to try to do something for all ages together. The founders say: "It was partly out of a belief that the Church grows best when we walk the journey with as many different people as possible, and partly from a desire to help families to grow together in their walk of faith, and not see Christianity as something you grow out of when you're 11."
The Diocese of Chester is passionate about enabling and supporting parishes in their ministry with young generations and families. It has an active network of people who are leading our churches in reaching more families, children and young people.
The Youth, Children and Families' Missioner, Jonny Masters, says: "We want to help churches in the Diocese to minister with and among as many children, families and young people as possible, and envision every child and young person in the Diocese having access to a local church enthusiastic about having them present."
The Diocese of Chester is here to help parishes, as well as children, family and youth leaders in their ministry with children and young people. Contact Jonny Masters for more information about support, our local network, and resources.