Rural Mess in Cornwall

Published 25th February 2011 by lucy moore

I’m starting to collect stories from rural Messy Churches, so I asked some of our regional coordinators to send me any reflections they have on specifically rural situations. You might have some to send too: why / how is Messy Church working or not working in your country setting? What factors are specific to Messy Churches in the countryside? What are the positive as well as the negative factors at work? What ideas do you have to give the Spirit an open door?
Janet Tredrea is in Cornwall and sends this story of resurrection.
‘Some rural churches are teetering on the brink of death. I can think of one which, because over the past few years no one could agree a feasible, practical or suitable way forward due to budget or building constraints and lack of clergy time and vision, has needed an injection of new life in which all the members can take part. The idea of Messy Church was put to the remaining members (numbers depleted recently as several left the congregation because of disillusionment and lack of vision) as a last ditch attempt to promote the gospel to outsiders. It was stressed that everyone had to take ownership – the elderly could pray, give donations of food or money and all the able-bodied were to join the “hands-on team”. It worked – the Spirit was fanned back into more prominent life, team spirit is vibrant, fellowship is had very month in studying the topic of the next session and that dying church now has an active ‘wing’ to which the outside community is sitting up and taking notice and enthusiastically supporting. The disillusioned are back on the team and the dying church has been “resurrected”!’

You may also like

Our Survey Said…

7th Oct 2024
by Lucy Moore

Back in February 2024, Church of England kindly sponsored a survey, completed by 330 Messy Church leaders. This is what we...

Read more
by Lucy Moore

Hi Messy Friends! My name is Andrew McDonough. I live in Australia, draw sheep and tell stories. It began long long ago w...

Read more
by Lucy Moore

When we hear these two words ‘Messy Church’, we may well have a picture in our minds of what we hope will happen and h...

Read more

Values!

1st Aug 2024
by Lucy Moore

Messy Church is founded on five values and during the 5 weeks of August we will be focusing on each one in turn and sharing some top tips to ensure you’re Messy Church is in good shape.

Read more