When a Messy Church can be a good thing

Since the program was launched eight years ago, Messy Church at St. Paul’s has grown substantially. Many of the participants now come back as volunteers. (Aliyah Helsdon photo)

Norma Collis, Post Contributor

“What’s a Messy Church anyway?” I asked, the first time we drove past a city church advertising this event on their large information sign.

At that time, we were living in a rural area and the families at our little country church, each had to take their turn cleaning the building as the church budget did not stretch to hiring a custodian. My husband and I speculated that perhaps everyone in the church congregation got together to do a big clean up of the building. We thought the place must really be in need of cleaning if the building was referred to as a “Messy Church.”

Then someone told me that it was a program for families, and that it included making crafts. Hearing that bit of information, I immediately imagined kids running up and down the aisles of a sanctuary leaving a chaos of sparkles and plasticine behind them.

Finally, I Googled Messy Church and was amazed to learn that Messy Church has over 4,000 programs registered, and that it is found in more than 30 countries across numerous religious denominations.

The program originated in the UK and is designed as a creative, intergenerational and hospitable form of worship for those who do not always engage in traditional Sunday services. It has been offered at St. Paul’s in Tillsonburg for eight years.

It features hands-on activities, celebration time (story and music) followed by a shared meal. The crafts are designed to appeal to various age groups and include options for adult participants.

At St.Paul’s, the program is offered the first Saturday of the month with a summer break during July and August.

It starts at 10 a.m., but there is not a requirement to arrive “on the dot.” The prograe recognizes that people have busy lives and organizers are happy to see them whenever they arrive. There are always snacks (thanks to one of the loyal volunteers) available upon arrival, and 15 themed activity centers each supervised by a volunteer. Another volunteer provides background music on the piano and is also there for group time music.

A further team of “behind the scenes” volunteers frequently help with the preparation of craft materials.

A sit down “kid friendly” meal is catered by one of the five Community Kitchen teams, who are coordinated by Keith and Julie Avery. Two other volunteers always provide home-baked desserts.

As some of the Messy Church children get older, they return to the program as volunteers, although they often opt to get creative at some of the centers as well.

It is our aim to provide time for the adults in each family, to spend some quality time with their children, or grandchildren creating and enjoying each part of the program without having to worry about how to keep their kids busy. There is no need for them to worry about cleaning up as this is all done for them.

A successful Messy Church can only exist with the support of an understanding Church council and a dynamic minister who embraces the programme and every participant in the programme. Rev. Karlene Palmer Brown is that minister who is so committed to St. Paul’s Messy Church. The church council encourage and support the program financially, with the remainder of the budget coming from private donations.

The program is offered free of charge.