New Year, new Start!

If you are looking for inspiration for your New Year's resolution, look no further....

1) Treat the family to some quality time together at Messy Church.

2) Join the Start! course (beginning in January) to discover more about Christian faith for yourself.
It begins on Saturday 11 January at 9.30am and you can find more details on the church website http://www.stnicolaschurch.org.uk/events.html or pick up a leaflet at St Nicolas.

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

...from all of us at Messy Church St Nicolas.

Our first Messy Church of 2014 will be on Sunday 26th January and alongside the usual activities we're inviting everyone to bring a favourite family dish with them to share with everyone else for the meal.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Christmassy things

We had a lovely Messy Church Christmas Special on Sunday 15th December with lots of great activities and a performance by our very own Messy Church Gospel Choir. For another chance to see them perform why not come along this Sunday morning (22nd December)  at 10.30am when there will be a nativity play, some festive carols and a few special gospel choir items.

Then on Christmas Eve we have our ever-popular Family Carols and Crib Service at 4pm. It is a short, lively and sometimes chaotic service in which we re-tell the Christmas story as we gather by the crib. We sing some of our favourite carols and try not to get too excitable as we wait for Christmas Day!

Of course there is a special service on Christmas Day too at 10.30am - ideal for families and no better way of celebrating Jesus' birthday.

Whatever you are doing this festive season we pray that it is a healthy and happy time for you and those you love. We hope to see you again in 2014 - our first Messy Church of the New Year will be on Sunday 26 January at 4pm - come along and bring your friends.

Diaries at the ready

In a burst of efficiency the Messy Church team have set the dates and themes for next year. Why not grab your diary / calendar and make a note of them now because you don't want to miss any of the fun!

Countdown to Christmas

November's Messy Church has been and gone. It was lovely to see so many of you and once again to enjoy some great craft activities, a fun time of celebration and a delicious meal.

Now November drawing to a close and Sunday 1 December is the start of Advent - a period of preparation for Christmas. Often that means frantic activity, late-night shopping and parting with large sums of money. However Advent was originally meant to be a time when we could prepare to welcome and receive Jesus and the message of his birth - God with us. That sometimes gets lost in the busyness... a definite case of throwing the baby out with the bath-water... or wrapping paper!

One way of doing a different kind of preparation might be to make a positive choice to shop less, consume less and stress less... and give more in terms of time, energy and attention to those we love. Another way would be to spend a little more time on what lies at the heart of Christmas. 

Come along to our Messy Church Christmas Special on Sunday 15 December, 4-6pm - there will be some Christmas craft, songs, our own gospel choir,  a re-telling of the Christmas story for us all to join in, some games and as always some lovely food.

There will also be a Family Carol Service on Christmas Eve at 4pm. This is always a popular event (so you need to be early to get a seat) and a lovely way of beginning the Christmas season with a focus on the things that really matter.

We hope to see you soon.

Clocks change...

.... this weekend but Messy Church will still be taking place at 4pm on Sunday 27 October. Come and discover about another unlikely hero, Gideon, and come dressed as a superhero of your own! There will be craft, face-painting, food, song and sparklers... and hopefully you!

Groovy gospel

The summer seems like a distant memory but people are still talking about our Messy Church musical and the fun of being together, learning some songs and putting on a performance for family and friends. That gave us an idea... and so in a few weeks we are going to launch a Messy Church gospel choir project!

On Saturday 16 November, 10-11.30am there will be taster workshop for children and adults - an opportunity to get together for a morning and have fun learning a few gospel songs. Those who were part of the musical know that it is great fun doing warm up games and exercises and of course there are always supplies of cakes, biscuits and drinks to keep up energy levels.

Those who enjoy the workshop morning can then choose to be part of a gospel choir for a few weeks to learn some special songs that we will perform nearer Christmas.

It is an ideal way to join a singing group/choir without needing to commit lots of time or sign up on a permanent basis. You don't need any musical experience or talent (although that is of course most welcome) - just bring your interest and enthusiasm. If you do happen to play an instrument we'd like to find a way of including your music-making skills so do get in touch.

There will be more information coming up at Messy Church in October or see the contact details on the poster or just come along on Saturday 16 November!

Musical - Day 7

We had a whale of a time! There is a little more to say. The performance of our Messy Church Musical was great and it was wonderful to see so many people in the audience. In total between 80 and 100 people took part in the special messy extravaganza yesterday - cast, back-stage crew, MC team and guests - it was a privilege to be part of it all.  The children did incredibly well remembering their actions and adults were in fine voice, even managing an encore! Thanks to everyone who made the week possible - too many people to name individually but each valued.

Musical - Day 6

There was a real buzz to proceedings this morning... and that was not just the wasp that landed on Sally-Ann's head mid rehearsal.

Undoubtedly the dress rehearsal was helped by the wonderful bacon batches that we consumed first thing - thank you to all our cooks and helpers and to everyone who has been part of the crew during the week. So much work has gone into the musical behind the scenes and so if you are one of those  who have contributed in any way - THANK YOU!

So our morning began with breakfast together, then we had a press call (look out for a picture of us in the Nuneaton News) and after that a 'stumble through' performance, with stops where we needed to change something or be reminded to smile or stand still or not get distracted. Then another short break before the final rehearsal.... and this time without stops or prompting.

And do you know what... it was fantastic! It hardly seems possible that we can have achieved so much in just a few days. We have gathered an all-age cast - from those just learning to toddle to great grandparents - and enjoyed being together with Jesus. You know what, this could catch on - we could call it church!

Musical - Day 5

What to do about a whale that has eaten too many pies....? Our psychedelic whale is a little too heavy to move easily and so will now be making an entrance from the rear of the stage... possibly on wheels!

Other than that unexpected turn of events everything seems to be going very well. We have now got some stage marks so we know where to stand and the scenery has been condensed a little so that it makes a bigger impact and doesn't get squashed by our zealous toddler dancers!

This morning we ran through the final scenes and tried to remember who is doing what, and when. There are more creative ideas than we have the time and energy to incorporate but it is nice to have so much enthusiasm feeding into the show.

We're looking forward to our bacon batches in the morning and having our picture taken for the local newspaper. Then all that is left is the show - 5pm on Sunday 25th if you can make it, followed by a barbecue for cast, guests and Messy Church regulars.

Musical - Day 4

Here are some pictures of what we have been up to at the Messy Church Musical today.
It has been rather busy and we have done lots of hard work with the songs... and the whale.
We have learnt all of the songs now and can even remember some of them! Some of us are struggling to tell our right hand from our left which makes the stage directions and actions a little complicated.
Mr Whale began the day looking a bit pale but is considerably brighter and more 'jazzy' now.
Pineapples are taking shape, our boat has a name and Ninevah did not collapse at any point during the rehearsal - all of this is progress.
By this time tomorrow we will almost be ready for the performance. However the dress-rehearsal is not to be missed, not least because we start the day with bacon batches at 10am!
It is not too late to join the cast - come along tomorrow at 9.45am to take part.

Musical - Day 3

Day three of the Messy Musical and the props and scenery are nearly complete. The songs and movements need a little more work but after another frantic morning we are getting there. It is rather ambitious to attempt an all-age musical in just a week but we're enjoying the experience and the mid-morning cake is providing sustenance enough to help us belt out 6 songs with something approaching enthusiasm.
Tomorrow we complete our party hats, finish the painting and relocate to the hall for our rehearsals - a necessary move but one that may result in confusion.
Directing is not all it's cracked up to be... the term 'herding cats' springs to mind! Do come and see the finished result on Sunday at 5pm.

Musical - Day 2

Ninevah city is taking shape and the songs are coming along nicely. Tomorrow we need to make some dance streamers for the 'wave dance' and get to grips with a pineapple tree! The more the merrier - come and join us!

Musical - Day 1

Well (or should that be 'whale'?) what an adventure! The Messy Church musical got off to a really good start today - lots of people in fine voice, 4 songs attempted, games played, scenery started, narration allocated, cakes consumed, costumes discussed, large fish painted.

There is plenty more to do so if you missed today don't be alarmed... but do join us from 9.45am tomorrow... and perhaps wear some old clothes as there will be even more paint!

A whale of a time...

It is countdown to our Messy Church musical, Jonah-Man Jazz, beginning on Monday 19 August. Come along each weekday morning 9.45am to 12noon to be part of this musical extravaganza which culminates in a 'one night only' performance on Sunday 25 August!

Here is the daily programme:

Mon 19-Fri 23
9.45am      Arrivals and craft activity
10am         Welcome and warm up
10.20am    Jonah story-time
10.30am    Rehearsal 1 - learning some of the songs
11am         Break for drinks and cake!
11.10am    Craft activity making props and scenery
11.30am    Rehearsal 2 - learn more of the songs / actions
12noon      Home time!

Then on Saturday 24 August the programme looks more like this:
9.45am     Arrivals and breakfast bacon batches!
10am        Welcome and warm up
10.20am   Jonah story-time
10.30am   'Stumble-through - a rough run-through of the performance with the whole cast
11am        Break
11.30am   Dress rehearsal
12noon     Home time!

The performance will be part of Messy Church on Sunday 25 August so please bring along your family and friends to watch and enjoy the after-show barbecue!

Unlikely heroes - July 28th

July marks the start of a new topic called ‘Unlikely Heroes’.  We will be exploring Bible characters - obvious and less obvious - and thinking about what made them heroes or heroines.

This month we will be looking at the story of Moses and seeing how, despite his failings and nervousness, he was able to be used by God to lead his people into a new future. Join us for the usual mixture of Messy Church craft activities, stories and songs, all followed by a family meal.

Whether you’re a regular at Messy Church or thinking of coming for the first time we hope to see you there.

On the right track...

June's Messy Church brings our 'landscapes' theme to an end and we're doing it in style with a bumper crop of creative and unusual activities inside and out (weather permitting). We're also delighted to welcome the Bishop of Warwick to be our guest story-teller.

Join us on Sunday 23 June, 4-6pm for plenty of mid-summer fun.

Inviting you to a messy musical summer

At St Nicolas Messy Church we are putting on a musical and we want to invite you to be part of it!

The musical, Jonah-Man Jazz,  is short, funny and tells the story of a whale, a man and his god. We plant o rehearse and perform it in the space of a week and have plenty of fun along the way.

During the week we will rehearse the musical together and there will be a performance on Sunday 25 August (at Messy Church) followed by a barbecue for performers and audience. It will be a great way for families to spend time together this summer.

Pick up a leaflet for more details.

Mountains of Messiness

May's Messy Church is nearly here. We're meeting as usual on the fourth Sunday of the month (Sunday 26 May) for lots of messy fun, this time focused on a 'mountain' theme. There will be icing, paint and other sticky things to enjoy plus a mountain of food at the end of the afternoon! It will be a great way to start half term so do join us from 4pm.

June's Messy Church will be on Sunday 22 June and we've got some special activities lined up plus a visit from the Bishop of Warwick. It will be the last of our sessions looking at Bible landscapes and a good session for the whole family with some activities that may especially appeal to dads!

Nearer the time there will be more info about July's programme but don't forget that in August we are planning to hold our very own Messy Church musical from Monday 19 - Sunday 25 August. Each weekday morning there will be a Messy Church session in which we learn a song or two from the musical plus make some related crafts (possibly props, scenery and costumes). There will be some refreshments too so that we have plenty of energy. Then on Saturday we'll have a brief dress rehearsal and on Sunday 25 August we will have Messy Church as usual concluding with a performance of our musical.

If you can't make the whole week it is possible to come for just a day or two and learn one of the songs. If you'd like more details there will be some leaflets at Messy Church in the coming weeks.

Today

Yes... despite the absence of recent blog posts there will be a Messy Church today. We are heading to the seaside (metaphorically) and there will be some very fishy goings on!
Join us at 4pm!

Messy March

Just a week to go until our March Messy Church (Sunday 24 March) and it will be a particularly exicting one, coinciding with Palm Sunday and giving us another opportunity to decorate our own pizzas for tea! But that's not all. We're also looking forward to making Easter gardens and taking part in other crafts linked to the Easter story.

Don't forget that in the coming weeks there are lots of special events and activities that will help us to enter into this season. Why not come along on Thursday 21 March,7pm to see Saltmine Theatre Company perform A Long Road Home. It is a re-telling of the story of the prodigal son and ideal for family audiences - it is a bargain too at £4 for adults aned £2 for children - cheaper than the cinema or a burger meal!

Then in Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter Day) there are plenty of interesting and family-friendly activities such as a shortened Passover Meal on Thursday 28 March, 6.30pm and an All-age Stations of the Cross on the morning of Good Friday (29 March). Then of course there is THE celebration of Easter Day - join us for a service at 10.30am and take part in an egg hunt afterwards!

Look our for more details on the St Nicolas website or pick up an Easter activities card for more information.

Desert wonderings

Yesterday was another busy Messy Church. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces plus welcome a few new people. The hall was buzzing during the afternoon
We lived up to our messy name with some foot painting and several activities with sand. All of this was to help us focus on a desert theme.
During the story time we heard about Abraham - a desert wanderer - and his journey to become the father of a great family. At the heart of all our wonderings was the thought that God goes with us wherever we may be, even in tough places like the desert.
However it was a little difficult to concentrate on any of this because of the wonderful smell of sausages coming from the kitchen! We staved off the winder cold with sausage, mash and beans for tea and rounded off the feast with delicious cakes.
If you missed February's fun do try to join us in March - Sunday 24th, 4-6pm - when we'll be exploring another Bible landscape and thinking about Palm Sunday with some very topical crafts.

Lights, camera, action!

We're delighted to announce that Saltmine Theatre Company will be visiting St Nicolas on Thursday 21 March to perform A Long Road Home. It tells the story of two scrap-yard owners who discover a young man called Jack living in their yard. Jack tells how he has taken his inheritance and left his home to explore life in the big city. His adventure starts well enough but soon it turns sour.
Why is Jack in the yard?
Why did he leave home?
will he ever be able to go back?
Come along to hear Jack's story and find the answers to these questions and more!

Tickets are available from St Nicolas Church Office.

 

Messy New Year

Hello... and a belated Happy New Year. Messy Church is returning on Sunday 27 January, 4-6pm so we hope to see you then. We're going to be making Christingles and finding out about what they represent. There will also be a new shared craft activity to keep us occupied in the coming months plus several other creative activites for all ages. As always Messy Church will end with a lovely family meal.

If you can't make it this weekend these are our Messy Church dates for the next few months: