The Anglican Parish of Kāpiti, says the Messy Church is providing a vehicle for teenagers to grow in their connection with God and their expression of devotion and hospitality.
Messy Church is not a denomination, but a world -wide movement that attempts to provide “a relaxed style of church suitable for all ages.”
It values are about being Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.
Kapiti parish’s Messy church co-ordinator Carrole Lewis, says their messy church has about 40 people ranging in age from babies to the elderly.
More than a quarter are teenage or pre-teen.
One young girl told Carrole that a messy church retreat she attended as well as some other and other experiences played a big part in transforming how she connects with God, by experiencing opportunities to be still and reflect.
“At our planning meeting for Easter Messy Church, she shared with such enthusiasm her idea of creating a tomb, using puppet theatre, in which we could place the cloths that Jesus was wrapped in, and have people write prayers on them,” says Carrole.
“She brought three of her friends with her and together, they took responsibility for this project.”
Carrole offered the girl an opportunity to lead the prayer response time.
She said the girl led with such “grace, truth and openness.”
“The most powerful moment for me was when I saw this young person unashamedly standing up before her friends, and strangers, and praising God, giving thanks for the Easter story and everything He does in her and our lives.”
- Source
movementonline.org.nz - messychurch.nz
- Image: holytrinity.gen.nz
