St Peter’s Church in Pedmore, Stourbridge invited families to come and explore their churchyard on Palm Sunday for their first Forest Church session.
Around 24 children came along for the hour-long ‘service’ which included a short time of worship followed by three activities – an Easter trail, the chance to make an Easter garden and some colouring and puzzles. At the end, the group came back together to sing again before enjoying hot dogs!
Calling Young Disciples Mission Enabler, Jayne Blythe said: “The church put on a couple of different trails for families during the pandemic which were really popular so they thought they’d give Forest Church a go. It was advertised to Messy Church families, baptism families and also in the local primary school. Forest Church takes place around the churchyard and happens outside regardless of the weather – we just encourage families to dress appropriately!”
Rector of Pedmore and Wollescote, David Nichol, said: “We had heard that Forest Church had worked well for other churches and our local CE Primary already does Forest School so we thought it might be good to try as an alternative to Messy Church. Our plan is to invite families who don’t normally come to church to something once a month where we can share faith in a fun way.”
Siobhan is Mum to Bethan and Connie. She said: “The afternoon has been beautiful and really well organised. It’s wonderful to have activities for the whole family which use what’s around us and makes God come alive in a natural way. It gives the children a chance to talk to their friends about Jesus and helps them learn the stories.”
Emma is Mum to Harry and Niamh. She said: “We try to come to Messy Church regularly and every one has been amazing. Today I especially enjoyed the gardening – the theme of new life was lovely.” Harry, age 11, said: “I liked the activities, especially the trail. I don’t know that Jesus told his friends to get him a donkey!”
