“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Matthew 19:14
Church doesn’t have to be “churchy.” Sometimes church can look like a table covered in craft supplies, children laughing, families sharing a meal, and adults who are willing to get a little messy. That is exactly what Messy Church is all about.
This September, Messy Church is returning to Cornerstone! On Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., we will gather families from our community for Fun, Food, and Fellowship. Our first theme will be Creation, as we explore the story of how God created the world and created each one of us, while giving everyone the opportunity to make some creations of their own.
But Messy Church is about much more than crafts and activities. It is an opportunity for us to open the doors of our church and say to our neighbors, “You are welcome here.” It gives us a chance to meet families where they are, build relationships, laugh together, share a meal, and show people what the love of Jesus looks like when it is lived out in community.
Our children and young people need that kind of welcome. Families need places where they can belong without having everything figured out. And there are people in our community who may never think to walk into a Sunday worship service, but they might come to a Thursday evening where there is food, fun, friendship, and something meaningful for their children. Messy Church gives us a beautiful opportunity to meet them there.
And here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a parent, a teacher, or a children’s ministry expert to be part of Messy Church. You simply need a willingness to welcome people, share a smile, help with an activity, serve some food, clean up a little mess, or sit at a table and get to know a family. And if you happen to be a kid at heart, even better!
Jesus reminded us that children matter deeply to God. When we invest in children and families, we are investing in the future of the church and, more importantly, participating in God’s work of sharing Christ’s love with the next generation.
So, Cornerstone, I want to invite you to be part of this ministry. There is a place for you, whatever your age, gifts, or experience may be.
Come help us make a little mess for Jesus. Come help us create a place where families feel welcomed, children feel valued, and everyone can experience the love of Christ.
If you are interested in helping in any way, please reach out to me. Let’s see what God can do when we open our doors, roll up our sleeves, and make room for our neighbors.
And who knows? We might just have a little fun along the way.
Grace and peace,