What a success!

‘The heating’s not working’ is not a particularly promising start to a successful Priory event…but then Messy Church isn’t ‘usual’ church, either.

It being a Messy Church Sunday, following the 10.30am service, many of the congregation wended or drove up Church Street to eat lunch together at the Foley Arms. A cacophony of catching up between acquaintances new and old interspersed with cries of ‘Scampi and chips!’ ‘Roasted veg jacket!’ as the staff announced the arrival of orders and everyone tried to work out whose was what.

Then, suitably refreshed, it was back down the hill for many, to set up Messy Church in its usual venue. Which is when the team realised that the heating wasn’t coming on…and it is January.

Without hesitation the venue was switched - into the Priory, where, thanks to the Messy Church Gingerbread Nativity, an inadvertent ‘trial run’ had been held in December. The Custos didn’t bat an eyelid - he had, after all, shared his love of moving chairs in the online Priory Advent Calendar - chairs were moved, tables found and put up, boxes of craft materials moved into the Priory and laid out and the reception desk set up. With twenty minutes to go, everything was in place. Assembled like clockwork by the Messy Church Team, in the welcoming warmth of the Priory.

And then the children and families came (directed by a hardy team member, posted outside the advertised venue), ready to learn all about Jacob’s Ladder, messily. Cupcakes were decorated with curly-wurly ladders with jelly bear ‘angels’ ascending and descending from a candyfloss cloud (available in pink, yellow or blue). Pebbles - like the stone that Jacob used as his pillow were decorated with beautiful metallic markers. A giant ladder made of empty 2litre plastic bottles was made (but not climbed)…and much more.

After singing and worship in St Giles Chapel, during which the craft tables were transformed into tables for tea, laid on by unflappable catering team, everyone enjoyed sandwiches, crisps, sausages, veggie sticks, fruit, and of course, a huge range of delicious cakes.

The Priory buzzed with voices, young and old. Visitors looked on with amusement (and some accepted the offer of some Messy Church cake!) as the Priory’s youngest congregation showed just how much fun church can be.

Then it was five o’clock and home time for the Messy Church congregation, armed with paper bags full of the crafts they’d made, and clear-up time for Team Messy Church.

And by twenty past five the chairs had been moved, the tables folded and stowed, the catering team’s equipment gathered and the nave floor swept. The Messy Church Team stood round, tired but satisfied, amazed at what had been achieved, so unexpectedly.

Do you know some youngsters who enjoy stories, crafts and tea? Why not come along to the next Priory Messy Church on 2nd March? It’s free and there’s no need to book. All are welcome. Hope to see you there!