Messy Olympics!

Wow! Ready, get set and come to St Michael’s for an afternoon of celebrating London 2012!

We’ve got lots of sports for you to try out, as well as crafts too.  You’ll be invited to the medal ceremony before we head off to give thanks to God for the Olympics and the world’s teams who’ll be flying to Britain very soon.

Come and see Double Act, St Michael’s puppet ministry, at the service.  They’ve got a message about the Olympics you’ve just got to hear.  And the catering team isn’t telling us what’s for tea – it’s an Olympic surprise!

Please let us know if you’re coming so we know how many to cater for.  Also if you have any dietary requirements.   And if you’ve never been before and are feeling a bit shy, bring some friends with you – we’d love to meet you all.

Celebrate Easter at St Michael’s

Wow – most of our Young Church children are so excited about Easter – and not just about the huge haul of eggs, either!

Our young people have a great time during the Services, thanks to the brilliant liturgy boxes you’ll find in the children’s corner.  They allow children to sit through the service with their families, worshipping together, probably talking and playing and wondering in equal measure as they bring the objects out of the box.

The children’s corner has activities and colouring for those kids who just can’t/don’t want to sit in the service (YC leaders’ kids are notorious for not sitting still!), so please don’t feel shy about taking your child into this part of the church.

St Michael’s welcomes everyone and there is no need to “shush”!  So if you feel the wish to be in a happy, shining place this coming Easter Sunday, bring everyone – kids, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends – to celebrate the Resurrection.  As Father Simon told us today, not just Jesus’ return to life, but our own too.

Plus there will be some very special guest stars…..!  You’ll have to come to find out!

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Mothers’ Day at St Michael’s Parade Service

Are you wondering what you can do for your mum this Sunday?

Why not spend an hour of it showing her how much you love her – for the person she is and the love she shows you every day, in lots of ways.

This Sunday’s All Age Service is at 9am and we are delighted that the Guides will be helping us to give thanks for our gorgeous mums.

Because it’s Parade Service, the Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Brownies will be there too.  I’ve sneaked a peek at the service and there are some lovely hymns.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Thinking about Lent

Lent is a difficult concept for adults, let alone children.  It’s a time of reflection;  when we think about the people we are and ask God to help us be kinder human beings.

It doesn’t have to be difficult though.  Check out the Live Lent website for ideas about positive actions, rather than trying to give things up that will make you feel miserable.

This week, as a family we’ve shared a smile, shared pancakes, cleaned our desks and given money to Water Aid’s Jars of Change Lent appeal.  Can you think of something positive for next week?

You don’t have to make it difficult.  Make mum and dad a cup of tea, or give them a big hug, or write them a letter to thank them for something kind they did.  Try to be nice to your brother or sister or friend for more than 15 minutes!

Perhaps it might be easier to give up chocolate?

So what do Harry Potter and glow worms have in common?

In yesterday’s All Age Service, Rachael Hunt explained to us that the link is LIGHT!

There are lots of light illusions in Harry Potter and Rachael reminded us of Professor  Dumbledore magically lighting candles with his hands.

Then she told us about one of her favourite poems by William Blake.  It tells the story of Emmett the Ant, who gets lost in the dark wood.  When he is crying, a kind glow worm lights his way home.

The person who understood best what Rachael wanted us to learn, was Nicholas, aged 4.  When Rachael asked why Harry Potter and the Glow Worm were like Jesus, he pointed out that some people are blind, so they need the light to see.

Rachael asked us to be lights in our own and others lives.  If someone’s feeling bad or lonely, or just needs kindness:  shine your light on them.  Show them lots of love with words, hugs or even just a cup of tea (or a drawing if you are not yet old enough to handle hot water on your own).

We all feel so much better when we feel the warm, shining sun on our skin.  Be the sun in someone’s life this week!

PS:   All Age Services are every 3rd Sunday at 9am at St Michael’s.  We have Liturgy Boxes to help children and teenagers to follow the service.  All sorts of people preach at this service, sometimes using ideas like creative prayer and Godly Play. 

Harry Potter and Glow Worms

Thanks to everyone who made it a fantastic Messy Moses!  We had great fun toasting marshmallows over the burning bush, making our fake edible blood and boils and other plagues!

And we were delighted to see Double Act, St Michael’s puppet ministry, performing their new song “YHWH” – what a treat!

Here’s some pictures from Messy Church to enjoy.  If you are around this Sunday 19 February, it’s All Age Service with Rachael Hunt.  She tells me she’s going to be talking about HARRY POTTER and GLOW WORMS!  Sounds like a great sermon not to be missed……..

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