Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Has anyone ever been to a messy church event?

194 replies

Mamabear04 · 25/10/2024 13:34

Just wondering if anyone has taken their kids to a messy church event and what it was like? We've been invited by a friend but was wondering if it's very religious or.....? I like the idea of crafts a free food though!

OP posts:
atownnamedalice · 25/10/2024 14:22

I went near us. It wasn't religious, bar one song about Jesus at the end.

Womanofcustard · 25/10/2024 14:22

I think they’re good fun, sort of Sunday School-lite.

Threeboystwocatsandadog · 25/10/2024 14:20

A long time ago. They sang grace before the juice and biscuits but nothing else religious.

Maray1967 · 25/10/2024 14:14

Recently not decently!! Although we would think it not decent to exclude anyone!!

Maray1967 · 25/10/2024 14:13

I help run ours. Some of the crafts might have a religious theme, but more often than not, the focus is on caring for the environment or children in need etc. Our summer holiday clubs have decently included Muslim children.

We don’t do a sermon or read a bible story but we always do a prayer - something very inclusive eg asking God’s blessing for children in need.

Most of the families who come to ours are not churchgoers, but just live in our local community. They also come to the Christmas fayre as our Santa grotto is fabulous and very cheap, and one or two other events throughout the year. Many attend our toddler playgroup.

madaboutpurple · 25/10/2024 14:11

I have been when DD was younger. She did craft activities and was given sandwiches. She made a few friends there so it was worthwhile.

Blankspace35 · 25/10/2024 14:09

We went a few times, the activities and crafts were fun, they did some food as well but there was like a mini church service at the end for the kids and my 2 didnt enjoy that bit.

DreamW3aver · 25/10/2024 14:05

I used to take my children, they enjoyed it but its not a regimented activity, they aren't all following some kind of religious curriculum so no one going to be able to tell you what the one you're thinking about is going to be like.

No food when I used to go, just squash and a biscuit so even the food isn't following any rules 😁

HulaHoopz · 25/10/2024 13:58

Been few times. They serve free food also which is also a really lovely touch. DD loves it, the religious side is never pushed.

OneForTheRoadThen · 25/10/2024 13:58

I took my kids once. The crafts were good and everyone was welcoming but they gathered all the children together at the end and told them a story about Jesus. I didn't go back.

SunnySideDownUp · 25/10/2024 13:56

Yes, they're great. We run them at my church and we'll get lots of non-Christian families coming in. Of course there's a Christian theme, but all are welcome.

TaylorSwish · 25/10/2024 13:53

I used to go every year when I had babies. It was the start of Christmas for us, I miss it.

MrsMurphyIWish · 25/10/2024 13:52

I used to take mine when they were little (Baptist church but they’re raised Catholic - I’m atheist). I loved it! I would pay a donation and they would have a few hours of crafts, games and a cooked dinner! At the end there was prayer time in a separate room but no one was under pressure to go in there. I would stay outside and help clean up with some of the other mums. It’s very relaxed.

user2848502016 · 25/10/2024 13:49

Not me but my friend goes once a month, she isn't religious but DC go to CoE school - they all enjoy it and it's not very religious at all

CakeAndChaos · 25/10/2024 13:39

Yes - I sometimes took my three to the messy church events in the village hall. I found them brilliant.

Obviously, I can't speak for all messy church events but ours wasn't too religious.

To be honest as a single mum of three I found them a godsend. As well as being great for the DCs, I was able to meet other local mums.

Whatsitreallylike · 25/10/2024 13:37

beckslovestimmy · 25/10/2024 13:36

I've been a couple of times, it wasn't religious all just lots of crafts and a cuppa. Kids loved it.

This. It’s was great and relaxed. No religion really mentioned.

beckslovestimmy · 25/10/2024 13:36

I've been a couple of times, it wasn't religious all just lots of crafts and a cuppa. Kids loved it.

TheWholeShackShimmies · 25/10/2024 13:36

My kids used to love messy church and yes, it is free but I always used put something in the donation box.

Our church is very friendly and never pushes the religion.

MumChp · 25/10/2024 13:36

Yes. We do Church of England .
Yes it's Christian but very easygoing at our church.