The founder of a Fresh Expressions movement which now boasts 3000 affiliated churches in more than 20 countries will be coming to the Diocese of Leeds next month to talk about its growing popularity and lead a morning of practical training.
Lucy Moore (pictured right)) of the Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF), the founder of ‘Messy Church’ , will be explaining the background and philosophy of Messy Church and giving practical tips on running a Messy Church when she comes to Ripon Cathedral on Saturday March 4 from 10am -12noon.
Messy Church is described as a different way of being church. It started small, in Portsmouth in 2004,and was taken up as ecumenical, fun for families, Christ-centred, all age, and based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. It provides a way for churches to reach out to and engage with those on the fringe of the church family, and has proved to be an effective way of 'being church' in rural, urban and suburban contexts across different denominations and in different countries.
Pictures here were taken at a recent Messy Church event at St Mary’s, Bolton on Swale in North Yorkshire. Led by Vicar, the 
Revd Yvonne Callaghan, around fifty people of all ages took part in an afternoon of songs and worship led by children, food and craft activities ranging from origami hearts to writing prayers to be placed on a large wooden cross. Read more here
Founder of Messy Church , Lucy Moore, said, “We want people to be able to say 'This is our church. This is our God. This is our story. This is our family. This is where we feel at home, accepted, known by name and free to take risks because we know that here we are most deeply loved.'”
Lucy will be coming to Ripon Cathedral to lead a training morning for church leaders and children’s group leaders across the diocese. It will include creative ideas and encouragement - and a chance for churches to share their ideas with others . Full details here
The content for the morning will include basics of Messy Church, Messy discipleship, and open space creative discussion. If you would like more information or to book a free place, please contact Sammi Tooze in the Church Growth department on:
sammi.tooze@leeds.anglican.org