On Saturday 2nd February, children and families from Messy Churches across London converged on St Paul’s Cathedral to take part in Messy Cathedral. The theme for the morning was Fantastic Feats and children were able to explore God’s creation through craft, experiments, singing and storytelling.
Both the North and South Transepts of the cathedral were filled with activity tables run by the cathedral’s Schools and Family Learning team, together with volunteers from Messy Churches around the Diocese. We were also joined by our friends from Westminster Abbey, the Jewish Museum and the Methodist Church.
Tom Daggett, musician at the cathedral, led a music workshop where families had could try out singing in the atmospheric surroundings of the OBE Chapel. Meanwhile, storyteller Louise took children into the creation story with the help of the awe-inspiring mosaics in the ceiling of the Quire.
Under the dome, creative prayer activities enabled participants to pray for the world, including the return of the prayer tree, onto which Messy Cathedral attendees (and many of the tourists who were in the cathedral) tied ribbons to represent a place in the world they were praying for. It was brilliant to see people of all ages engage so much with different activities and, in the midst of the busyness of the cathedral, spend time in prayer for their neighbourhood and God’s creation.
Sam Donoghue said:
“Messy Cathedral is a great opportunity for children and families to encounter God in amazing surroundings, as well as helping them to realise that they are part of a wider church family.”
The whole day was wrapped up with a very special Messy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Sarah. During the service, those who had taken part in the music workshops came to the front to lead everyone in a hymn, and the prayers from the creative prayer activities formed part of the intercessions.
If you missed out, then don’t worry, Messy Cathedral will be back. Make sure you stay in touch with our Facebook page, Twitter account or newsletters to make sure you’re there for the next Messy extravaganza!