Messy Church
At least once a term we hold Messy Church for our whole school community. This is supported by local churches and the community in the organisation of these events. For example on occasions the local army regiment have cooked, Salvation Army have offered food and local volunteers have provided activities. Our celebration times have been led by ministers and lay preachers from across Ripon.
What is Messy Church:
- Messy Church is a form of church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality.
- It's primarily for people who don't already belong to another form of church.
- It meets at a time (and sometimes in a place) that suits people who don't already belong to church.
- It typically includes a welcome, a long creative time to explore the biblical theme through getting messy; a short celebration time involving story, prayer, song, games and similar; and a sit-down meal together at tables. All elements are for, and should include, people of all ages, adults and children.
- It's all-age.
- It's fun.
- It's a church for people at all stages of their faith journey and of any age - a congregation that is as valuable and worthy of investment as any of your other congregations.
- It models and promotes good ways of growing as a family: a nuclear family, an extended family, and a global and local church family.
- Its aim is to introduce Jesus, to give an opportunity to encounter him and to grow closer to him.