Create · Celebrate · Share

Messy Church

A lively way for children and adults to discover Jesus together through creativity, Bible stories, prayer, songs and a shared meal.

Plan your visit → Ask or register

Church—but not as you might expect

Faith discovered together

Messy Church is for the whole family. It offers a relaxed, welcoming setting in which different generations can explore the Christian faith side by side.

Each gathering follows a theme from the Bible or Christian year. Hands-on activities lead into a short celebration with story, prayer and songs, followed by food shared around the table.

Children attend with a parent, carer or other responsible adult, who remains with them throughout.

A simple and welcoming pattern

What happens at Messy Church?

No two gatherings are identical, but each one makes room for creativity, worship, friendship and food.

Welcome

Arrive, meet the team and settle in. There is no expectation that you already attend church or know what to do.

Children and adults making Bible-themed crafts together

Create

Explore several themed activities—perhaps painting, building, puzzles, baking or crafts—which help the Bible story come alive.

Families sharing an accessible act of Christian worship

Celebrate

Gather for a short, accessible act of Christian worship with storytelling, prayer and songs in which everyone can participate.

Families sharing a meal together at Messy Church

Share food

Finish around the table with a simple family meal, time to talk and the opportunity to make new friends.

Your next visit

When and where

Messy Church normally meets during school term time. Because the calendar can occasionally change around Easter, Christmas and parish events, please check the current notice or use the form below before making a special journey.

There is no charge. Donations towards food and materials may be welcomed, but nobody should stay away because of cost.

When
Third Saturday of the month during term time
Time
3.00–5.00pm
Where
St Mary the Virgin, Stanwell
Bring
A responsible adult—and clothes suitable for creative activities

Everyone has a place

Is Messy Church for us?

Yes—whether your family is familiar with church, returning after time away or exploring faith for the first time.

All generations

Messy Church is designed for children and their accompanying adults to participate together. Younger and older siblings are welcome.

Different ways to join in

Not everyone enjoys the same activities. Families may move at their own pace, watch before joining in and tell us about additional needs.

Food requirements

Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements when registering. We will explain what can safely be provided and avoid making assumptions.

Help us prepare a welcome

Ask a question or register

Registration helps us plan activities and food, but families are also welcome to enquire before deciding. Please submit one form per household.

What would you like to do? *

Parent or carer’s name *

Email address *

Telephone number

Number of adults

Number of children

Children’s first names and agesNeeded when registering so activities can be prepared appropriately.

Allergies, dietary requirements, accessibility or additional needsPlease give only the information needed for a safe and welcoming visit.

Question or message

I understand that each child must attend with a parent, carer or responsible adult who remains throughout. * I consent to the parish using these details to respond and, where requested, administer attendance. * I would like occasional information about Messy Church and other children’s and family events.

Safeguarding and supervision: Messy Church is a family activity, not a drop-off childcare session. Parish safeguarding arrangements apply. For safeguarding contacts and procedures, please see the Safeguarding page.