Worthen Church is a vibrant church community that has been offering Messy Church for a number of years. The group is led by two church wardens, Ann and Vicky Jones, and is a cornerstone of the church’s local family engagement approach to faith.
What began in the local church school as an after-school programme has evolved into something deeper. Initially attracting numerous children with craft activities and Bible stories, followed by a shared meal supported by teaching staff, following the set pattern of many Messy Church groups across the diocese and beyond. Recently, the church community took the bold decision to relocate to the church building itself.
"We wanted these children and parents to experience the church building and feel comfortable in it," explains Revd David Moss, Rector of Worthen. "The church isn't just a building for Sunday worship—it's a place for community, learning, and growing together in faith." Despite a small reduction in numbers following the move, Messy Church continues to thrive with approximately twenty adults attending, each bringing one or more children.
During the summer months, the Messy Church transform into "Muddy Church," a style of worship that is centred around a campfire in the recently cleared church field.
"There's something deeply spiritual about gathering around a fire in God's creation," says Revd Moss. "The children connect with faith in different ways when they're outdoors. Muddy Church gives us opportunities to teach biblical principles through nature that you simply can't replicate indoors." This seasonal adaptation maintains engagement while introducing new spiritual dimensions through outdoor experiences.
The success of Messy Church reflects strong community partnerships. Anders Rowlands, headteacher of Long Mountain Church of England Primary School and Pre-school, provides invaluable support. Rev’d Moss adds, “ Anders brings a real heart for Christ and the Christian ethos is central to everything the school does. “It’s wonderful having someone who is so supportive of the local church and really wants to connect."
"We're incredibly blessed by the partnership with Long Mountain School," Revd Moss shares. "Anders Rowlands understands that education and faith formation go hand in hand.” He adds, “His commitment has been instrumental in helping families feel connected to both the school and church communities."
The Messy Church is a core part of the church’s ministry in the community, where it seeks to serve others and hopefully transform lives.
"For me as Rector," explains Revd Moss, "it's about seeing where God is at work and also being open to asking questions about what is working and being willing to try different or new things." As this Messy Church continues to evolve, he explains: “We are gently introducing more traditional church elements of worship while maintaining the welcoming, accessible atmosphere that has made it successful.
"We're not in a rush to make dramatic changes," Revd Moss notes. "Each term, we try to make it a little more church and a little less 'youth club.' It's a gentle journey of discipleship that respects where people are in their faith journey."
Messy Church demonstrates how local churches can serve the everyday faith of people by meeting them where they are and creating meaningful connections beyond traditional Sunday services.
"At the end of the day," concludes Revd Moss, "we're just 'doing our thing' up here like everyone else trying to share God's love in ways that make sense to our community. Sometimes that means craft tables and campfires rather than pews and hymn books, and that's perfectly fine."
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