The joyful and busy return of Messy Church!
After an enforced break of two years, we had a marvellous return of all things messy with our Harvest Messy Church service on Saturday 18th of September in Aldeburgh Church Hall.
It was attended by 31 children and 36 adults!
The Hall was full of the sound of children (and adults) having a wonderful time… the children had grown so much since we last had Messy Church – it was astonishing.
Everyone was extremely happy to be back. The relief and joy that events such as this are now possible again felt very evident.
The children were able to participate in bread roll making, apple bobbing, chocolate apple dipping (that was very messy, but excellent fun) biscuit decorating, writing prayers for our Harvest thankfulness prayer tree, harvest wreath making, pom pom hedgehog making, and many more crafts.
Fran read the Bible story from Luke’s Gospel about the rich farmer who stored up all his crops and didn’t share his wealth. We then talked with the children about what that story could teach us. That was followed by some prayers using various cereals and then we all sang ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’.
Jules and Andy kept us all supplied with endless cups of coffee, squash, hot chocolate and biscuits.
Reverend James offered the final prayer and blessing, and everyone left very happy with their bags full of the things they had made and full of the joys of harvest.
We had a retiring collection in aid of the emergency appeals for the Afghanistan Crisis launched by Unicef, The British Red Cross, and Church’s Welcome – all charities that work with children and families.
Huge and heartfelt thanks to all the helpers and supporters on Saturday – you worked so hard. This was a Benefice/Community wide effort too – with helpers from Aldringham Church, The Baptist Church and the Pilgrims Group. As I keep saying, this valuable ministry amongst children and families would not be possible without you. So THANK-YOU!!
We also greatly appreciate the support for this ministry that we receive through your prayers – they are so important.
We gave out invitations to every child and family for our Harvest Festival Service in Aldeburgh Church on Sunday 3rd October.
Preparations now begin for Christmas Messy Church on Saturday 11th December at the Fairfield Centre: 10am till 12noon. Time to get the glitter out!
Revd. Johanna Mabey
Here are some photos from the day
