Aldergrove's "messy church garden" has really grown since last month.
The kids were checking out their beans during their last fun time for the summer with Carol Tindall, the Messy Church coordinator at St. Dunstan's Church. The children share a raised bed with the Sunday School children who planted peas. All the kids had a great time planting.
The kids were so excited about planting that it looks like they'll need another raised bed to plant more veggies next year.
The Messy Church families gather every third Friday from September to June from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Messy Church is an opportunity for families to play games, sing songs and make crafts, all based on the Bible story chosen for that day. They then move into the sanctuary for a short, child-friendly worship service. The evening concludes with supper provided by volunteers from St. Dunstan’s.
Last month as part of their activities, the children of various ages planted beans in the church's community garden for the Garden to Table Program, which provides a free community meal in the church hall every Thursday evening. This vegetable garden also provides food donations to the Food Bank and the community.
Messy Church held their last service for the summer on Friday, June 19 which included a treasure hunt and a relay race with water glasses, tricycles and buckets - and what fun that was!
"It only takes one visit to St. Dunstan's Anglican Church to fully take in the vital role our children play in our community. You will see them at communion asking for more, you will see them praying with their parents, you will see them singing, planting, thinking and learning. Our children are not our future, our children are 'The Church'. We seek to embrace the diversity of all our children. To let each know that they are accepted, honoured, and loved," said Amy Carey, Children's Ministry coordinator.
"Our Messy Church program would not be a success without our special Rev. Helen Trevo, our parents' participation and our volunteers who create exciting activities for the kids such as Carol Tindall, Lois Curtis, Tracey and Megan Olley, and Greta Elliott, as well as those many dedicated volunteers who prepare delicious dinners for all of us," said Patsy Homan, a Messy Church volunteer.
You do not need to be a member of St. Dunstan’s to join Messy Church. Come and check it out in September. The public can call the church office at 604-856-5393 for more information on activities and services.