Messy Church FAQ
Note, as of 2019, due to the number of very small children in our community, we have adapted the Messy Church concept to a one hour session primarily for children and their primary caregivers. We still follow much of the Messy church philosophy.
Q. What is Messy Church?
A. Messy Church is an intergenerational, Christian new church movement. It is “a monthly time when families come together and enjoy being together, eating together and celebrating God together through God’s word, through music, [through creativity,] and through prayer. . . . Messy Church tries to be a worshipping community of all ages, centred on Christ, showing Christian hospitality.”[1]
Q. Is this a kids’ program?
A. No, this is not a program and it is not for kids only. We expect families to attend together, and we do require a responsible adult to be present along with any child who participates. Adolescent and adult crafts will be available. Adult discussion and involvement will be encouraged and supported. But most of all this is intended Not all of our safe church standards will be in place, as we are assuming that children can be accompanied by family members, but where safe church volunteers are available they will be identified and able to assist any child at any time. Please feel free to ask about our Safe Church commitment.
Q. Not Sunday morning?
A. Nope? Sundays, in case you have not noticed it, are busy. And it often doesn’t work for today’s busy families. Getting children on Sunday mornings for a long boring time of hearing people speak is not in the cards, and not desirable for most of today’s families. Replacing time for preparing, sharing, and cleaning up dinner is more reasonable, and is what we are trying to do.
Q. What is the Schedule?
A. We will be holding Messy Church the 4th Wednesday of most months (we moved it for Thanksgiving.) In 2016 the entire schedule is here.
Q. Do I agree with your theology? What do you believe?
A. We are Christ-centered and Bible-centered. But we are not tied to a specific theology or doctrine. We deeply cherish what you believe. We don’t preach, though, we explore. We are not about what one has to say, but instead living into Christ’s message together. One thing we do believe deeply, that even if we think differently we are still brothers and sisters in Christ. The list below is our principles. We hope you will join us, and feel welcome, whatever YOUR theology is!
- To provide an opportunity for people of all ages to worship together
- To help people of all ages feel that they belong in church and to each other
- To help people have fun together
- To give people a chance to express their God-given creativity
- To invite people into an experience of Christian community
- To introduce people to Jesus through hospitality, friendship, stories, and worship.
Q. I have a food sensitivity/celiac disease/intolerance to dairy/am a vegan, etc., I am worried about a meal.
A. You have two options. We will always have gluten free, wheat free, and dairy free options. We will have a vegetarian and if requested a vegan option. We will mark items with nuts where necessary. If you will share with us your concern, we will probably be able to accommodate you. Once you have let us know and are and attend the next, we will accommodate you. Or, if you are still uncomfortable eating with us, or if you do not feel that the communal food is safe given your condition, you can arrive a little late and begin directly with the crafts. We dine at the beginning of our time together and move on to our creative time quickly for fast eaters.
Q. How should I dress?
A. In clothes that could get (washable) paint on them without too much stress on you. Casually and comfortably.
If you have any other questions, please email them to julie@rebersburgchargeucc.org, and we will respond, and if appropriate, post them here.
[1] Messy Church by Lucy Moore. ©2006 Lucy Moore. Published by the Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon, UK. p. 21