Messy Church at St. Clare's and At Home

08/08/2026

And this ……

Children Need More Than Their Parents to Grow in Faith.

Research consistently shows that children benefit from meaningful relationships with multiple caring adults who model faith.

That's one of the beautiful strengths of Messy Church.

Children aren't learning only from parents or leaders.
They're learning from grandparents.
Retirees.
Teenagers.
Single adults.
Young families.

Every relationship becomes another opportunity to experience God's love in action.

Why it matters
Faith becomes part of a larger community.
Children see many different examples of faithful living.
Adults discover they have an important role in nurturing the next generation.
Everyone learns from one another.

The church family has always been one of God's greatest gifts for growing faith.

03/08/2026

Messy Summer Sundays ☀️

Week 2: All-age

One of the wonderful things about Messy Church is that everyone belongs. Babies, children, teenagers, parents, grandparents and everyone in between all have something to share and something to learn.

📖 This week's verse:
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity."
Psalm 133:1

💬 Try this together:
Ask someone older than you, "What was your favourite game when you were my age?" Or ask someone younger, "What makes you smile?" Take time to listen to one another.

🌳 Outdoor challenge:
Play a favourite game together outside - perhaps hopscotch, skipping, hide and seek or rounders. Celebrate the joy of spending time together across the generations.

Tell us what you discovered about each other!

Wherever this week takes you, may you know that God is with you.

26/07/2026

Messy Summer Sundays ☀️

Week 1: Christ-centred

Welcome to the first of our Messy Summer Sundays series!

Whether you're at work or home, on holiday, camping or simply enjoying your local park, remember that Jesus is with you wherever you go. We don't need to be in a church building to spend time with God.

📖 This week's verse:
"I am with you always." - Matthew 28:20

🪨 Try this together:
Find a smooth pebble and draw a small heart on it. Carry it with you this week as a reminder that Jesus is always close by.

🌿 Outdoor challenge:
Go on a 'God Spotting Walk'. See if you can find five things that remind you of God's love - perhaps a colourful flower, birds singing, a beautiful view or someone showing kindness.

We'd love to hear what you discover! Share a photo or tell us what reminded you of God this week.

Wherever this week takes you, may you know that God is with you.

19/07/2026

Messy Generosity Church , sharing in how, if we live generously , we can extend the love of Jesus to others . Clay pots , foot massage , quiet listening , generosity jars , global prayers , giving purses and recognising gifts in others - followed by a reflection from Elizabeth and a yummy tea treat 🍦🌭 was a great way to spend a Saturday together. Hearing the story again of Mary’s generous act lovingly given to Jesus and beautifully illustrated in our crafts - was enjoyed by all 32 who came along !

10/07/2026

Let’s put this date in the diary ! Saturday 18th July @ 4 pm 🕓 St. Clare’s Aycliffe .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clay craft , generosity jars , quiet corner , recognise each others talents , chalk prayers , sew your own giving purse , foot massage - yes that’s right 😂 and much more 💕 Tea is a picnic in the sun 🌞 🤞 and ice cream . Lots of fun and fellowship around the theme of generosity- come and find out what a wonderful church this is ! All are extremely welcome 🤗

21/06/2026

What a load of difference we had at our Messy Church gathering yesterday. Different ages , different hairstyles, different voices, different shoe sizes , different talents and different personalities! Yet we made an amazing Super Squad of followers - learning and growing together . The togetherness helps us to show God’s love to others too 💕
Thank you to our wonderful young people who gave of their time and joined us to share new skills. Watch this space as they develop leading skills over the next few months. We ended the afternoon with a picnic in the sun 🌞 😎☀️ and all went away with smiles and the ‘good feels’ that Messy Church brings . Take a look and join us next time ……

14/06/2026

Don’t forget this for Saturday … picnic tea included 😋 x

We’ve saved you a space so please …..

Come along to Messy Church on Saturday 20th June and help us discover what makes a great team as we put together our Super Squad 2026 ! Let's learn what makes togetherness and why for community that is so important. We begin at 4 pm with a series of crafts - make a compass , magnetic fishing , create your own fruit kebab , footprints in paint , learn a new skill and we haven't forgotten it's Father's Day so there will be card making too !
We end at 5.30pm with a picnic tea - make your own picnic selections as we share food together . Everyone is welcome and everything is free ! We will be encouraging our young leaders to volunteer their time and talents which will be part of the Messy Young Leader Award .

Time : 4 pm registration
Date : 20 th June 2026
Place : St Clare's Church , Newton Aycliffe .

See you there !

07/06/2026

Amen to this ……

As we come to the end of Volunteers' Week, we just want to say again a huge thank you to everyone who volunteers at Messy Church.

Whether you’re setting up, making tea, helping with activities, chatting with people, clearing away, or simply offering a warm welcome, you are so appreciated.

And to those who think of themselves as 'just a volunteer', there is no such thing! Every act of kindness, care, and encouragement helps create a place where people feel loved, welcomed, and part of a Christ-centred community.

Messy Church simply wouldn’t happen without you. Thank you for all you do.

19/04/2026

We had a brilliant time yesterday ! Please join us next time …
We discovered , with Elizabeth and through crafts , we can all be disciples if we follow Jesus , by learning more about him , supporting each other and caring for others 💟
Messy Church is on the 3 rd Saturday of every month at St Clare’s church . Led by a dedicated team who have big hearts ♥️ and welcoming arms ! We are passionate about sharing stories and learning together 💟
So put it in your calendar and join us next time xx
Free , fun , faith , friendship xx