Let there be…

A damp All Hallows Eve did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 75-strong participants at the all-singing, all-crafting Messy Church Light Party 2024.

Families streamed into the Priory, registered at the super-efficient Registration Desk, and got stuck into crafts before the party games began.

Impressive spiders, authentic enough to make an arachnophobe nervous, maybe, were crafted from conkers and pipe cleaners. Some with sparkly legs, some with stripey. The orange-legged species was venomous according to its creator.

Then it was on to musical statues, for the whole family, and pass-the-pumpkin followed by uproarious team games, with squeals of delight and enthusiasm from the participants. Students from Elim College boosted the number of volunteer helpers, and had an equally good time.

’Professor Tod’ gave a fascinating talk on light, asking some challenging questions. He switched on his torch. ‘Wow. How fast was that light travelling?’
‘At the speed of light?’ came the answer.
Correct! 186,000 miles per second.
That took some taking in. Candles, a gas lamp and fibre optic light were all used to illustrate how Jesus is the light of the world, showing us all how to live and to love God with our hearts and minds.

The talk ended with songs and a joyful procession with (battery-powered) tea-lights through the darkened Priory, singing ‘I’m walking in the light of Christ’, to a sumptuous supper with the now traditional amazing array of cakes from the Priory’s bakers.

Going-home bags contained the crafts made earlier and the invitation to the huge number of activities at the Priory over the next couple of months.

The next Messy Church will be the ‘Gingerbread Nativity’ (with lots of sprinkles) on 8th December at 3pm in the Priory. Share the news - children and families are very welcome for free family fun.