13.02.2013
Booking Deadline Looming for Athy Messy Church Training Day
Athy Union of Parishes is hosting a Messy Church Training day on Saturday February 23 from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm in Athy Church of Ireland Centre. Messy Church is a format of children’s and family ministry that is especially suited to those on the fringe of the church. Regional Coordinator for Messy Church, Louise Ferguson, from Dromore will conduct the Messy Fiesta. Those who attend will be introduced to the concept of Messy Church and have the opportunity to give it a go.
A Messy Church event is usually held once a month, mid–week, in a parish hall or centre. It begins with welcome, tea/coffee for parents and games for the children. The afternoon is introduced when all have arrived, outlining the theme for the day, along with samples of the crafts that are on offer which are linked to the theme. After about an hour of messy creativity, there is a short time of worship which gives an opportunity to reflect on what they have been making and to teach about the theme. The afternoon concludes with a meal which is eaten together.
Athy Parish has been running Messy Church once a month since October 2012, and has found it to be an excellent programme for building up relationships with families in the local community.
Booking information on the Messy Fiesta is available from the Revd Cliff Jeffers at (athy@glendalough.anglican.org).