NESS BANK 

​Messy Church

 

AN EXPLANATION OF ‘MESSY CHURCH’

The term ‘Messy Church’ has been used for a number of years but what does it mean?  In essence, it’s a modern way to communicate the Christian faith to families who might not feel inclined to come to a church service but have an interest in what we have to say.  In Ness Bank it’s a highly organised operation planned in advance, and led by a team of volunteers.  A lunch is provided for all attending and the chosen topic is developed  using drama, music, story and a wide range of active games and crafts to capture the children’s interests.  We aim to have four events in a year – at Christmas, Easter, Summer with a theme, and one in October. 

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I’m a miracle! – Messy Church at Ness Bank  June 8 2025

 

It would be wrong to say that MESSY CHURCH is ‘stuffy, boring or pedantic’ as we employ energetic and super-creative ideas to work with young families!

Our last session, on 8th June had a memory verse: ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made’ which was clearly expressed, when four youngsters ran from the pulpit to the vestibule and down the other aisle in less than 12 seconds! Could you beat that?

We explored the wonder of our bodies, and celebrated our Maker God in many ways. A great big drawing of a human body, onto which we placed eg the heart, the lungs, the bones of the feet, helped us to understand how we are so wonderfully put together. The Marvellous Miracle box – in which we saw our ourselves in a mirror, reminded us that God delights in us, his creation! All of this, wrapped around by catchy songs (the singing was great!), a lovely lunch, craft activities and active games made the event go with a swing.

At our planning meeting we sang a verse of the lovely hymn 'May the mind of Christ my Saviour’, which speaks of what we seek to do at Messy Church, in and through all the mess!

May his beauty rest upon me, as I seek the lost to win, and may they forget the channel seeing only him.

(KB Wilkinson, 1859-1928)

 

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For more information, please contact:                    Margaret Livingstone

                                                                                       07896043150

                                                                                       balmacaan.music@btinternet.com

                                                                                       www.messychurch.org