Bringing Home the Mess

A Messy Church Take Home from Lindsey Goodyear

I’d love to say that our Saturday started like any other, but it didn’t.  We woke with the heavy feeling that the afternoon before had brought our community.  All schools were to be closed for the next two weeks due to the recent Coronavirus pandemic.  Although we weren’t the only community to experience the announcement of the closures, I think it forced us to face the reality that this was getting serious.  Yes, we’d been watching closely on the news the effects the virus was having on other countries, but it hadn’t hit our city yet so we seemed somewhat removed from the crisis.  The announcement seemed to corroborate that it was, indeed, lurking in our own backyards.  Until last Friday, the dangers seemed far away but it was time to hunker down and stay somewhat quarantined.  Although that seemed depressing, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Messy Church was set to start at 5:00 PM that evening.  It would be a time for us to get together with other families to laugh, have fun, and really connect with them through God’s word.  We were all looking forward to the lighthearted evening.  But, then, just after lunch, we received a text saying that our leaders had been monitoring the COVID-19 situation and that they felt it was best to cancel that evening’s Messy Church.  The somber feeling seemed to instantly return and we tried to calm our children who were heartbroken to miss a night with their “Messy” family and friends.  It left me anxious wondering how many more of these texts we would receive before the virus was contained?  How would I break the news to my kids over and over that one of their favorite nights would not be happening?  Then, I realized, maybe we don’t have to.  What if we just brought the mess home?  I decided to write a “Mini Mess” that not only our family could do at home, but that other families missing their own Messy Churches could do as well.  I feel the verse is absolutely relevant to the state of our world right now so I hope you and yours find comfort after allowing His word to surround us in these distressing times.

MINI MESS

Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

3 MESSY ACTIVITIES

# 1- Cast Away Worries

Need: Paper, pencil, scissors.

Take a moment to really think about something that has been bothering you.  Whether it be at work, at school, or anywhere else, write it down on the paper.  Have each member of the family then cut their paper into tiny pieces.  When you’re done, say a prayer, as a family, to have God release the uneasiness that comes with those situations.  Throw the pieces away and mentally “let go” of those worries.

# 2- Yoga Church:

Need:  Yoga mats (optional)

This is a simple way in which the whole family can relax, ease tensions, or just reset.  Focus on the words from Philippians 4:6 while simultaneously doing yoga poses to bring peace.  If you are an advanced yogi, choose whichever poses you find fitting.  If you are looking for kid friendly poses, focus on things like “cat/cow,” “cobbler pose,” or “child’s pose.” Instructions for how to do these and other poses can be found online.

 # 3- Letters of Care

Need:  Stationary, envelopes, pens, stamps.

Sit, as a family, and write letters to the community who may be affected by the recent Coronavirus pandemic.  Ideas include convalescent homes, first responders, or family members who may not be able to have visitors.  Receiving mail from someone and letting them know how much you care is one of the most uplifting feelings there are.  Take this time to put thought and effort into letting someone know how much you appreciate and care for them.

*If writing isn’t an option for you or your family, FaceTime and Zoom are other great options to brighten someone’s day without spreading germs.

CELEBRATION 

One of my favorite quotes of all time is by a man named Robert Schuller.  It goes, “what would you attempt to do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”  The answer is pretty simple…nothing.  There’s absolutely nothing we wouldn’t try because there would be categorically zero chance of a letdown.  Wouldn’t that be so great?  Just releasing the anxiety of the “what if’s” and knowing in complete and utter confidence that it will all work out.  Well, guess what?  We just described what our lives should be with God.  God calls on us to rid ourselves of anxiety and depend on Him wholly and completely.  This is hard for many of us because we want to be the ones in control.  However, if we could know in our hearts, without a doubt, that God is in charge and His plan is what’s best for us, we’d never entertain an anxious thought again.  So, you see, the quote could easily be changed from “what would you attempt to do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” to “what kind of life could we have if we trusted God’s plan was perfect?”  Because, it is.  His plan is perfect and we have to have trust in Him.  Use this now, in a time where the world seems frightening, and know.  Release your worries and have faith.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, we ask you, today, for the strength to depend on you.  We ask for the release of anxieties of situations that are out of our control.  We ask for the healing of your people around the world and the continued health of our friends and families.  Please, Lord, in this time of anguish let us find peace in the comfort of your loving embrace.  We thank you, God, for all your love.  In your name we pray, Amen.         

Meal Idea:  Happy Pizza

Need:  Pizza crust, pizza sauce, cheese, meat of choice, veggies of choice.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  While waiting for the oven to heat, grate cheese and cut up veggies of choice.  Spread sauce on the pizza crust and sprinkle the cheese over the top.  Using whatever vegetables and meat you’ve chosen, make a happy face on the pizza (i.e. olives and pepperonis for eyes, sausage for nose, and thinly sliced bell pepper to form a smile).  Put the pizza into the oven and let cook for 20 minutes.  Let cool, slice, and enjoy.