A total of 20 children and 20 parents attended a Messy Church style afternoon that started at 3.30pm and finished at 5.00pm. The children ranged from toddlers up to age 7. Five tables of activities ranging from making model St Nicholas figures out of toilet rolls and stick on cotton wool beards, star and wreath making and decorating; lighting up St Nicholas (cone people with lights inside) icing fairy cakes, cutting out and colouring, alongside lots of space to run and play. The children were enthralled by the activities despite the variety of age ranges, and even adults took part in making star decorations.
Halfway through the afternoon, The Revd Nicola gathered everyone together on the play mat where an illustrated story was shown on screen, which gave the Christian message of St Nicholas. Nicola explained the message behind the giving of gifts at Christmas time. Afterwards, families had hot and cold drinks with plenty to eat.
All children were given a gold chocolate star (our theme for this Christmas is stars) plus a Bible Society story book.
The Plan for Growth budget funded this event, without which it would have been very difficult.
It was encouraging that many of the local church community helped – growth needs to come from both within and without the church family and this event proved it did! Connections were made, especially with the adults, and many conversations were had too.
