Messy Church creates a buzz with community, crafts and Christian messages at Toll Bar with Prescot URC

Messy Church at Toll Bar with Prescot URC

 “My kids are told stories from the Bible in ways they understand and it’s interactive and friendly,’” Messy Church mum Louise says as her children twins Edward and Matilda (aged 4) both play at a crafts table. “They’ve grown in confidence too and even help out and read.”

Caption: Messy Church mum Louise with twins Edward and Matilda (aged 4) at a crafts table

This is just one in a series of positive comments from parents about Messy Church at Toll Bar with Prescot United Reformed Church. It takes place once a month and this time, for Father’s Day, the theme is Father God and Joseph.

Marian, Messy Church Leader, who helped to set up the group in 2011 has enjoyed watching it grow and seeing the positive impact on the community.

“We plan everything based on the Messy Church values of showing God’s love in action , with a warm welcome, hospitality and sharing the Good News by in our Bible story, worship time and crafts. 

“For most of the families who come, Messy Church is their Church instead of the traditional Sunday service. We always link it to a Bible story and it’s a great opportunity for talking faith. The blessings come back as we see so many families help out and relationships grow. It’s also a multi-generational event and lots of fun. The children all love the craft activities.”

Crafts at this Messy Church session includes making a winner’s trophy, creating a coat of many colours for Joseph (like his father gave him) and thinking about what God gives to us. There was also Egyptian writing and drawing scratch art. Food craft included making a scarab beetle from a digestive biscuit, decorating mugs and the option for a quiet room to think, pray and dream and say thank you to Jesus. The event closed with storytime, prayers, celebrating the children’s achievements outside of church and a tea party.

Revd Diane Barrow, Minister at Toll Bar with Prescot United Reformed Church, said: “It goes beyond the activities that happen on the day as some of the families also come to events like the Christmas Carol service.  It’s a brilliant way of getting the Christian message across to the community.”

Gemma is with her two sons, George (4) and Jacob (8). She said: “It brings in the Christian side but without being forced so the children see it as fun. We just love it.”

Caption: Gemma with her son George (aged 4)

The next Messy Church will be on Sunday 16th July from 3-5pm with a Messy Beach Party theme.

Learn more about Tollbarwithprescot.org.uk (webnode.page)