by Maureen Carey, Director of Children & Youth Ministry at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn, VA.
“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.
Messy Church may not look like church as you know it. At Messy Church, all ages meet together to learn about Christ through games, crafts and activities, music, and storytelling from the Bible. I call it hands on church, exploration and worship. A foundational ingredient of Messy Church is to gather around a table for a snack or meal and build relationships with each other, God, and the world. Just like Jesus did each time he sat with his disciples and friends. They broke bread sharing a meal and conversation about sharing the story and building disciples. At Messy Church our meal is woven into our time together. At Messy Church we may not share unleavened bread. It may be macaroni and cheese or a themed based snack circling back to the bible story reminding us how we take that lesson into the world with us. This is how the ordinary becomes holy. We take, eat, and do this in remembrance of Jesus and what Jesus taught us. We share just as Jesus did. These are holy moments in community. This is church.
As the new year begins my hope is that your messy gatherings continue to feed your communities. Embrace the gift of Christ being born in each of us opening our hearts to new things in 2024. Remember at Messy Church wherever you are on your spiritual journey you are most welcome here.
“Come on everyone and gather in this place and learn about God’s love…”