by Luke Edwards, Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church In my first year of starting a fresh expression of church, I remember one Sunday when my wife gave me a healthy dish of humble pie. I was leading this new, experimental worship service with […]
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Listening: The First Step to Launching a Vibrant Messy Church
In fifteen years of church-based community engagement the most important lesson I have learned is to listen first. Messy Church is an incredible model of intergenerational ministry that has been proven effective across thousands of communities around the world. What’s important to remember is that every Messy Church is different because every community is different. […]
There is Snow-body like you
by Maureen Carey, Director of Children & Youth Ministry at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn, VA. Messy Church went a bit wild here in January! We had snow here in Virginia the past few weeks. Not unexpected. It is winter after all. This is the first snow in two years. This created a lot […]
Hands on Church Where All are Welcome
“Come on everyone and gather in this place and learn about God’s love…”
The first time I heard these words and song I felt I was being called and led into a sacred space that was gentle, inviting, curious and fun. As I watched, I witnessed a gathering happening organically – sheep being led by the shepherd. It was beautiful and I wanted to take part and be part of what was unfolding in front of me. This is Messy Church. This is how Celebration time (worship) at Messy Church begins. We worship communally in prayer, song, scripture and ritual.