Messy Church is church all together, all the time, in a messy togetherness where all generations learn with and from each other on a journey of discipleship. It’s not just a children’s activity or a special event only for families with preschool children; rather it’s a new way to worship that seeks to rediscover the intergenerational way in which faith is shared from child to adult as much as from adult to child.
Aike recently spoke with Jackie about how her experience of Messy Church is bringing together four generations from her family. Jackie is a volunteer Messy Church helper at The Church of the Resurrection in Farlington (linked with St. Andrew’s Church), which recently celebrated its’ 10th anniversary.
Jackie writes:
“It feels particularly important to acknowledge that Messy Church was started by Elaine Beeby 10 years ago and without her commitment, vision, and determination, none of what has followed would have been possible. Elaine’s hard work in developing Messy Church has touched many lives, including our own family.
What makes this especially meaningful is the way Messy Church has helped draw our family more deeply into the life of the Church across four generations. The journey began when my mother, Christine, who has been attending St Andrew’s Church for several years with her partner, Jim, invited me to bring my granddaughter, Olive, to Messy Church held at The Church of the Resurrection. Through attending together, Olive’s parents began connecting with church life. As a result, my daughter-in-law, Kayla, has now become a Helper and Olive’s parents were recently married at St Andrew’s Church, accompanied by Pedro, our beloved Jack Russell cross, who also attended the ceremony conducted by Rev Paul Gully.
Today, all four generations of our family attend services together, which is a wonderful testimony to the impact Messy Church can have—creating a sense of belonging, community, and faith across the generations.”
Has this story inspired you?
How does Messy Church impact your family?
Have you got a helper or leader that you’d like to thank?
Aike Kennett-Brown
BRF Ministries Messy Church lead
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