Date: 02 June 2022
Messy Church took on a Jubilee spin at St Peter’s Wrecclesham to bring young families together to celebrate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.
The appropriately named ‘Messy Jubilee’ saw 63 children and adults joining in with the fun and games of this Platinum Jubilee themed session.
The games and activities included Jubilee biscuit decorating, edible crown jewels, prayer bunting, Union Jack flag making, gold crown making and a cotton reel gun salute, each with a fun spiritual message to point to Jesus.
One of the children, Riley, said, “It was so much fun. My favourite was the hama beads – and making a crown – and the hot dogs were great!”
Of course, the event wouldn’t have been complete without everyone getting together and singing the National Anthem, with the younger children who couldn’t read adding to the musical accompaniment with their instruments.
It wasn’t just the children who enjoyed it. Hollie, who attended with her husband and their three children, said, “‘Messy Jubilee was a brilliant way of celebrating it with friends and family in such a special place. The children had a great time - and we did too, with dinner on top! What’s not to love!”
St Peter’s has been running Messy Church since 2018, with many from the wider community, as well as some from their church family, attending their bi-monthly sessions.
“Messy Church has become a bridge between school, community and church.” Says Revd Jacqueline Drake-Smith, vicar of St Peter’s Wrecclesham. “It provides a gathering place for those who seek to enjoy time together as a family and community as they explore faith in a relaxed and accessible way.”
Upcoming Messy Church gatherings at Wrecclesham include Messy Summer – which will be a picnic in the vicarage garden, Messy BBQ – a celebration of the new academic year, and Messy Remembering in November.