Messy Church at Christ Church Downend has just completed another term. Another 3 months of getting sticky, getting together and getting to know God better.

That’s 210 meals served, 215 craft items made, 3 incredibly ear wormy worship action songs, 5 or 6 very tired washer uppers, and 20, 0050 bits of glitter. (All figures are approximate.)

Let’s thank God for the amazing team who make this happen: those praying, advertising, planning, cooking, cutting out, shopping before the day and those helping, encouraging, catering, welcoming, listening, drying up and sweeping up on the day.

This month as we heard about the Easter story there was a gasp as Helen did the big Easter bread roll marshmallow reveal. (Ask Helen for details!) Please pray that the message of Easter sinks in deep. For many this is the only church they attend so the whole of Messy Church has to communicate God’s love, from the welcome to the kind listening ear at the meal table. From the joyfulness of the songs to the conversation over a craft activity: all have to really count, and they can only do this through the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is waiting for us to call upon him through prayer. Could you commit to praying for Messy Church regularly? We would love to see some Messy Church families getting baptised and your prayers could make it happen. Two hours a month can thus be “turbo- charged” to really count.

We are very glad to have different nationalities at Messy Church, which makes it feel especially like part of God’s family.

We also have our first ever Messy Church disco on May 11th: a chance for us to have fun together as well as to raise money for the Building 4 Life project.

Facebook is proving crucial for attracting new families to come, so look out for and share Messy church psots and the monthly event. When one person clicks “Going” on the facebook event then others see that and feel brave enough to add their names as well: “If you’re definitely going, then perhaps I will ..!”

Speak to Helen Buick or Anita Dobson to find out more about praying for and getting involved in Messy Church.