Whanganui Midweek

Messy Church to celebrate Easter

- Alyssa Smith For more informatio­n email: office@whanganuia­nglicans. org.nz

Whanganui Anglican Parish is offering people the chance to celebrate Easter in a fun and creative way.

The parish is holding a Messy Church service, a relaxed-style form of church for all ages focused on creativity, celebratio­n and fun.

Messy Church was first establishe­d in 2004, and now runs in 20 countries across the world. Helen Doney, parish family and children’s worker, says Messy Church is great for people who don’t belong to a church or may not be comfortabl­e attending a normal service.

“The Messy Church values are about being Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitalit­y and celebratio­n. We incorporat­e hands-on activities such as arts and crafts and drama performanc­es to learn about Christ and then we share a meal at the end.”

On April 1, Helen will run an Easterthem­ed messy church session, with arts and crafts and an interactiv­e drama performanc­e.

“The session will be split into two. For the first half we will create items to go in a kete that people can take home so they can retell the Easter story. In the second half they will use those items in an interactiv­e drama piece.”

The session is for all ages, she says, making it perfect for families.

“It’s a great way to celebrate by taking part in fun activities. At the end we’ll share a meal together. We cater for dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan diets.”

Helen says there is no cost for attending.

“It’s a free event. We encourage people to come along with their friends and family, have some fun and celebrate Easter.”

 ?? Photo / Supplied ?? Vicar Caleb Rowe with his daughter Lea at a previous Messy Church event.
Photo / Supplied Vicar Caleb Rowe with his daughter Lea at a previous Messy Church event.

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