A Great Idea from Aaron Jenkyn, Epiphany Episcopal, Newport, NH
When churches closed in March our Messy Church family stayed in touch with each other via e-mail, snail mail and on Facebook but we never really found a way to connect as a group. As we began to discuss reopening, we began to think creatively about how Messy Church might be able to meet outdoors. Living in the beautiful state of New Hampshire where there are many treasured outdoor spaces to explore, it seemed only natural to share these places and experiences with our Messy Church families. People can choose to do these activities on their own, with their families, or in small groups, however they feel most comfortable. Some of these activities will be destinations, others will be activity based and can be done closer to home.
For each adventure we will offer activities, a reflection and a biblical story or theme to ground the experience. We are leaving room to let this program be shaped by the community. Our hope is that in time we will partner with Messy Church families to create these adventures, and that others will join in by posting their pictures on Facebook, creating a sort of hybrid Messy Church experience.
Stay tuned to see where the journey takes us, you can follow along on the Facebook page for Epiphany or St Andrews.
Messy Adventure# 1 is based on this verse from Isaiah 40: 31:“those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,they shall mount up with wings like eagles,they shall run and not be weary,they shall walk and not faint.”
Download the PDF below.
All-Ages Together Summer Prayers
Even though my youngest son is a young adult, one of our favorite summer activities is roasting hot-dogs over a campfire and enjoying S’more’s together. So I was excited when I came across a post from Christine V. Hides and the idea of a family prayer based S’more ingredients. Check it out here.
Have you prayed with a beach ball before? You may not be able to get together in person to play this but you could use these different examples via on-line or perhaps you can find some beach balls at a dollar store and print out the prayer to send in a take home bag to your Messy Folk. Here are a few Beach Ball Prayers:
If you need some more Messy Folk Summer activities, check out these 24 Wild and Wet Messy Folk Activities HERE.