By Dr. Johannah Myers
Two Messy Church books!
My local Messy Church takes a short break after Easter, which is a great time for us to rest, regroup, and begin to plan for the next school year. During this short break, I like to help my team – and myself – get back to the basics so that as we look ahead, we’re doing so with a strong foundation.
With that being said, here’s what’s on my desk this month:
Messy Discipleship
Messy Discipleship: This book, edited by Lucy Moore, brings together Messy voices from around the world to explore discipleship at Messy Church through the lens of each of our core values. I find it helpful for thinking intentionally about how what we do at Messy Church – and who we are as a community – can help folks grow in love of God and neighbor. The book, published in 2021, is available through BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) as an ebook only.
Here’s the link to learn more: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/messy-church-books/products/messy-discipleship-messy-church-perspectives-on-growing-faith-1
Sample pages can be found here, too: https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/latest/resources/messy-discipleship/
Messy Togetherness
I’m particularly excited this month to announce the forthcoming publication of the revised edition of Messy Togetherness. This fantastic book by Martyn Payne featured heavily in the first chapter of my doctoral paper! And now it’s been edited to also include Chris Barnett, a worldwide leader in intergenerational faith formation. Messy Togetherness takes a deep dive into the all-ages value of Messy Church and why we believe an all-age church is the best way to be church. Martyn and Chris help us to think more intentionally about WHY and HOW we bring generations together. If the first edition was fantastic, the revised edition will be even more so! Martyn and Chris, plus Aike Kennett-Brown (who leads Messy Church in the UK and our global community) all in one book??!! Yes, please! (How excited am I about this resource? I wrote the forward for it!)
This book was published on May 23 and will be available as an ebook, making it easily accessible for those of us in the US. (It’s also available in print form.) Here’s the link: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/messy-church-books/products/messy-togetherness-being-intergenerational-in-messy-church-2
Discount Code for Messy Church USA for Messy Togetherness
And hey, even better, here’s a coupon code that will work until the end of June for 20% off! MESSYUSA20 You’re welcome!
What are your recommendations?
Do you have recommendations to share with our community? Send them my way! Email me at Johannah@messychurchusa.org
Until next month! Johannah
