We had so much fun this past week at Messy Church Summer Camp! This was our second year of trying this new format for a VBS-like experience, and thanks to the many servant leaders in our congregation it was a success. More than forty-five children participated in camp, many from families who have not engaged with our church before, with ages ranging from two months to fifth grade. Over four nights, we explored the theme of “Compassion: Changing the world with lovingkindness” through four stories—Miriam and Moses, Elijah in the wilderness, the parable of the good Samaritan, and Paul’s letter to the Romans. These stories helped us learn that compassion jumps into action, compassion helps us thrive, it crosses boundaries and walks together with other people in community. God’s lovingkindness is always flowing toward us and through us, and our crafts and activities helped us practice spreading God’s love this week and every day in our normal rhythms of life.
As always, the best part of any Messy Church experience is the people around us when we play, worship, and share meals together. We welcomed twenty-eight families from our community with love and generous hospitality. Over thirty leaders from the congregation shared their time, energy, and God given gifts in leading crafts, compassion activities, games, Bible stories, shepherding kids as crew leaders, cooking and serving food, and ensuring we maintained safe and smooth check-ins and drop-offs. I am so thankful for everyone who supported Messy Church Summer Camp with their faithful service with the kids, working behind the scenes, and with their prayers and financial gifts. This ministry is a beautiful gift to our community that’s only possible because of the hard work of so many people who believe God really is “Changing the world with lovingkindness!”
We’ll be back next year for another great week of Messy Church Summer Camp!
