Don't 'do' church ? - Like to get messy? Can faith be fun?
Messy Church is our monthly activity based service for all the family. Yes it's a service, but not as you might know it. Each session is full of activities.
-
Printing with wet fish?
-
Egg gardens?
-
Giant christingles? - we've done them all, and a few more besides.
We theme our activities around a bible story which we also tell, we often sing and say a prayer, and there's always tea to have afterwards - but not always with marmite you'll be pleased to hear! The thing is geared for our younger members to enjoy with their parents.
Our services are based at Grundisburgh Church which has the facilities we need. While we get a good crowd coming each time, we always welcome new people but as we offer catering we do ask you drop us an email in advance so we have enough. We offer a snack as part of the service which lasts about an hour and half from 3pm on the second sundays in term time.
Our latest Messy Church news and plans:
Baby and Toddler Group runs in Grundisburgh Village Hall every Tuesday during term time from 1.15 – 2.45pm. Gail co-ordinates and is supported by a small group of volunteers who play with the children, chat to parents and grandparents and make the tea.
Each week we have between 8 and 12 families, and we have a real mix of babies, toddler and preschool children accompanied by parent and grandparents. We have a range of toys and activities chosen to suit a range of ages and interests.
We think that we provide a warm welcome to everyone and that what is distinctive about our group is the friendly, calm, peaceful atmosphere and the way that we take time to get to know everyone.
The group is free to those who come along but we do welcome donations for refreshments. We would love to add to our group of volunteers whether you can help on a regular basis or just be willing to help out when others go on holiday. You would need to complete a DBS check and safeguarding training. Speak to Gail if you are interested.
The 456 Club is a club for children who are in years 456 at school so between 8 and 11years of age.
Club starts for most on the school playground where reflective jackets are worn before the chatty noisy walk to the village hall starts. Once at the hall tables are put up, chairs are placed and toa
st is made. It is during the eating of toast that the noise level drops and a sense of calmness descends.
We then connect in with each other and an activity is shared. This could be art, DT or cooking. If there is time we play a game before reconnecting in. Then linking our feelings or activities to God or what He says in the bible. We then have a prayer circle where we pass an object around the circle and we can pray if we want to.
We have about 20 or more children each week and have encouraged our year 6 leavers to move on to Just 42 Club. We have 3 adults on the rota each week.
Sessions are fun filled and we always leave in good spirits seeing God at work in this place. It could be a child has gained a new skill or been able to regulate an emotion that they were struggling with. It could also be in the joy and laughter or the concentration. It could be in the spreading of the toast!
If anyone thinks they might like to volunteer with this lovely club please get in touch. (Safeguarding regulations are always followed) If you would like to come on a planned visit to see for yourself you would also be welcome. If you have a skill that you would like to share Sandra would love to hear from you.
