Words: Angela Brown + Photos: Various

The Messy Church NZ Training Road Trip ended with a volcano explosion on the lawn of St Barnabas Church on Saturday 25 May. The International Messy Church leaders Dr Dave Gregory and Rev'd Greg Ross joined the National Messy Church team at eight locations around New Zealand over 12 days. Lay and ordained members from Anglican, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, and Uniting Church were present.

The vision of this road trip to include Auckland, Putaruru, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson, Cromwell and Christchurch started a year ago as the National Team led by Jocelyn and Alex Czerwonka explored the theme of Small Things Matter, bringing hope and joy to the cyclone affected areas of the North Island and smaller towns. Sunflower prayers of hope were written, and seeds shared at every location.

Messy Church Goes Wild, and Messy Church Welcoming Science interactive experiments and fun and wonder times were led by Dr Dave interweaving the five Messy Church Values. All discussions linked these values with science language to Christ-Centred, All Age/Intergenerational, Creativity/Play, Celebration/Wonder, Hospitality/Order. The fascination of a double pendulum movement of loops and swings led us to see how Messy Church offers fun in all ages learning together and a reminder of children teaching us faith too. The child in each of us is connected to God's creation story too.

The playfulness of God led us to a time outside looking and listening to God in the natural environment and considering how small things drew us closer to God. We considered how these small things did make a difference. Rainbow makers helped us see how big questions help us encounter God. Exploring climate change and how to bring hope, prayer rockets and Volcanic Coke and Mentos explosions were certainly enjoyed by all ages there.

Joy of wondering about God was reinforced by Greg Ross in his teaching of the "Welcome Everybody" Fischy Music and inspiration on how to write our own songs. Exploring prayer through amazing picture books including "Love you Forever" and "Grandad's Prayers of the Earth" by Douglas Wood. Those leading and helping at Messy Churches were encouraged to resource parents and caregivers on Prayer including the NZ Prayer Book version of the Lord's Prayer. The challenge was given to change ourselves in prayer and then the world is changed.

Time was given to questions in a Panel discussion with the international leaders and National Team members. Encouragement to those considering starting a Messy Church was given with the aid of resource packs. Messy Church as a creative way of doing church to reach those not yet involved in a traditional church and a way to reach communities was celebrated by those who have run Messy Church for up to 20 years. The difference between Sunday church and Messy Church included a discussion on how Messy Church offers creative activities indoors and outdoors including simple science experiments, food activities, and crafts for all ages. The difference between Afterschool clubs and Messy Church included discussions on how parents now seek their children to stay with them as they are so separated through the week.

Comments from attendees include:

"I finally get what intergenerational worship is!" Gavin. Messy Church Helper.

"I really loved the way Dave included us all in the creation story when he had us singing "Welcome Everybody" to all of creation outside, not just human participants at the training day." Carrole. National team.

"The way music was thought of as inter-generational and relating this to different cultures was insightful and beautiful. Having science and church working together to enhance one's faith was so exciting and encouraging. How to engage our young and old in this journey of wonder was remarkable." Anna. Hospitality helper.

"Being a 'Messy Church' newbie, the workshop gave me heaps of ideas. We came away inspired to get a group together to run a messy church." Jenny. Sunday Children's Ministry Leader.

"Great day with people who love God and the people of the world he has created. I left really inspired." North Island.

"Making rainbows and exploring faith and science at the Messy Church Road trip- thanks Messy Church National team for running a great series of events across the Motu." Diana Strandz, Wellington.

May the joy of our creative God inspire you to prayerfully consider if Messy Church is a fresh outreach ministry for your community. The Messy Church NZ website can give you information on starting and resources. The Get Messy Magazines offer 12 plans for the two-hour Messy Church activities and celebration times and meal ideas too.

As the Canterbury MC Encourager, I encourage you to go with potential helpers to see a Messy Church and learn about available resources.

Prayerfully and Playfully

Angela Brown

Canterbury Messy Church Encourager angela@messychurch.nz