Messy Church, clean planet

Lennoxville United Church celebrates Earth Day with special intergenerational event

Bernier said the United Church of Canada (UCC) has embraced a call to confront climate change and environmental issues. She added that people have tended to be, and are presently, negligent in their roles as stewards of the Earth.

The Lennoxville United Church (LUC) will host a unique “Messy Church” Earth Day celebration April 19, inviting individuals and families of all ages to engage in a variety of activities and worship in a communal atmosphere. The event, characterized by inclusivity and intergenerational participation, promises an integration of food, fun, and faith.

The celebration will commence at 5 p.m. with the distribution of nametags, followed by a time for coffee and socializing in a circle. At 5:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy a supper, setting the stage for the evening’s main activities.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m., the program features engaging crafts and activities suitable for all ages. The event will also include a short, dynamic worship session led by Rev. Mead Baldwin, alongside Shanna Bernier, Youth Minister for the Nakonha:ka Regional Council.

“The Messy Church has been happening in Lennoxville for quite awhile now,” said Bernier in an April 16 interview with The Record, “around 57 years.” She said the Messy Church project originally came from England. The aim is to be more accessible than Sunday morning Church. “It’s a little bit more of a softer landing,” Bernier said, “which is easier for young families to participate in.”

Bernier said the event is normally comprised of multiple stations of activities, but this time it will be different. In celebration of Earth Day, attendees will participate in a “massive art project” involving recyclables people will bring from home. These items will be used to make animal-, flower-, plant-, and creature-themed works of art.

Bernier said the United Church of Canada (UCC) has embraced a call to confront climate change and environmental issues. She added that people have tended to be, and are presently, negligent in their roles as stewards of the Earth. “We need to take care of the planet,” she insisted. Instead of the traditional “domineering, colonial empire perspective” where the Earth is “managed,” we need to recognize the need to coexist.

Bernier said Messy Church is held at the LUC seasonally – a few times a year. The last two Messy Church events were very well attended with over 60 people participating. Bernier stressed that everyone is welcome though the activities will be centered on children.

Although Messy Church typically conducts its gatherings primarily in English, French-speaking attendees are warmly welcomed. Activities and instructions will be available in both English and French to accommodate everyone present.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Bernier. She can be reached via email at sbernier@united-church.ca or by phone at 819-674-7532. The organizers stress the importance of confirming attendance to ensure adequate preparation for the supper and activities planned.