Our Messy Church is part of the ministry of Eastwick Road Church (Bookham) to local families, and is run by volunteers from this church and other local churches. We hope you will enjoy being part of the family here. You can find out more about Eastwick Road Church (including Messy Church) at www.bookhamurc.org.uk Messy Church is church for families, not just a children’s activity, and we hope parents will enjoy joining in the activities with their children. Most of the families have children of infant or junior school age, and everything is intended to be accessible to that age (with support from a parent). It’s called Messy Church because almost anything involving children gets messy! But also because all our lives – adults and children – can get a bit messy in one way or another, and God loves us anyway.
What goes on and when?
Registration starts at 3:15 and there is time for refreshments and some unstructured play after school before we move into the hall to begin our activities at 3:50. There are usually 8 to 10 different activities and you can do some or all of them. Some will have a volunteer leading them, others just instructions to follow. Then at 4:35 we have our celebration back in the main church, with singing and a short talk exploring that month’s theme. We finish with a meal, and Messy Church closes at about 5:30.Each month the activities, celebration (and sometimes even the food!) are based around a theme from the Bible. We will email you a few days before, letting you know the theme, and also the menu and any food related craft activities. We will provide a vegetarian option for those who’ve requested it, but if you or your children have any allergies and won’t be able to eat the food we ask that you bring something suitable.
What does it cost?
Eastwick Road Church underwrites the cost of Messy Church, and we ask for a donation to help towards the cost of the meal and the materials for the activities – we suggest £2.50 per participating child but this is voluntary.
Health and Safety
While on the premises, children remain the responsibility of the adult who brought them. The volunteers in individual contact with the children have been DBS checked. If you have any concerns about safety please speak to one of the leaders.
Other events
The church runs other special family events which we would like to invite you to from time to time, ranging from summer BBQ’s and teas to Sunday family services. If you would like to speak to someone from the church concerning other activities or for prayer or pastoral support we would be happy to arrange a visit.