Some of our Ripon area churches have been reaching out to children and families new to church with a new Messy Church offering, thanks in part to support from the Diocese of Leeds.
The churches of the Walkingham Hill Benefice in Knaresborough, with the help of Kairos Network Church Harrogate, launched its first Messy Church offering in September 2025 at Scotton Village Hall.
The launching of Messy Church was also supported by a Diocese of Leeds Small Grant for New Congregations.
Since the launch session, the gathering has seen between 25 and 40 children plus their families consistently, with 90% of those that come being new to church.
After five sessions there are now 72 children with links to the benefice, from a starting point of just seven young people.
Alongside work in the local school, Messy Church has given the churches new opportunities to invite families along to other things happening across the benefice.
At the gatherings stories are told in different ways, including using puppets and Gospel magic.
The Revd Jen Bradley, Interim Rector of the Walkingham Hill Benefice, said: “Messy Church now has a thriving team of its own including lots of young helpers.
“Some parents and school children are now enquiring about baptism and are keen to join in with activities.”
“One mum said recently after attending, ‘It was a dull Sunday morning, but it immediately felt welcoming and bright with a great relaxed atmosphere, full of families and children and welcoming volunteers.
“‘It really did feel like the love of Jesus was there.
“‘There were lots of families and children being busy and they all came together for singing, praying and a talk.’
“Another parent said on the way out, ‘It’s so nice to have some family church!’”
As part of the Diocese of Leeds’ recent DIP Award we are really pleased that we will be able to offer more support to new congregations.
The national church recognises that these small gatherings are integral to our ongoing Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence strategy and has funded two pieces of support.
We are able to continue to offer our Small Grants for New Congregations scheme to help get new congregations going.
These grants are applied for with a simple form and offer £500.
Our next round closes on Thursday, May 21.
Please click here or email barnabas@leeds.anglican.org for more information.
We also want to support our new congregations to keep going and growing, and so we have secured funding for a part time ‘New Congregations Lead’ whose job will be to take learning from our existing new congregations and to support them, along with new ones, to grow leaders and to become financially sustainable.
That job will be advertised shortly, and if it is something you or someone you know might be suited to please contact the Revd Canon Jude Smith, Diocesan Director of Mission and Revitalisation, at jude.smith@leeds.anglican.org.