The power of engagement

Messy Easter brings joy and connection

Michelle Lloyd, Children, Youth and Families Worker and Evangelist in Bro Gwendraeth and Bro Amman recently enjoyed two Messy Easter events with Revd Ali, Revd Lindy and volunteers

These events have been hailed as a resounding success, drawing in numerous families and creating an atmosphere of joy, friendliness, and fun. Thanks to a generous grant, I was able to reach out to the community through school assemblies and personal invitations, resulting in a fantastic turnout. The sessions also brought volunteers together, who enjoyed serving and meeting new families.

Children from four different local schools eagerly participated, with more families joining in after spotting vibrant posters shared across social media. The events provided a wonderful opportunity people to come together, engage in creative activities, and experience Easter, learning what Jesus did for us all, in a hands-on and memorable way.

The positive impact was palpable, with attendees expressing their delight and a strong desire for similar events in the future. Families were encouraged to stay connected by following the event organisers' Facebook page for announcements of upcoming sessions and activities.

Organising this event took quite a bit of time, from the grant application, purchase of resources, to sharing and finding volunteers to run the event. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the grant, emphasising that it was instrumental in making the outreach possible across both ministry areas. I would also like to highlight the vital importance of these events in demonstrating that the church is a welcoming and safe space for families – a place where they can feel loved, share their joys and challenges, and build connections with others in the community.

The success of Messy Easter underscores the power of community engagement and the positive role local churches can play in fostering connection and spreading joy among families. The enthusiastic response has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for future initiatives.