Messy Baptisms

Derwent Ings, York

Christening – a time of empowerment   

“One of the children who was christened would never speak in front of the class.  However, she took her Baptism Candle into school, stood up in front of the whole class and shared her experience with them.  Her Mum told me it had been a really special service.” 

The Messy Derwent Project a weekly Messy Church, rotating around 4 villages, is entering its 5th year, and just celebrated its first Messy baptism service! 

Emma Mawer the Multiply Lay Leader tells us: 

“Conversations at the Messy Sessions are really important, as are the families who support one another.  To add more depth to the weekly sessions, an answer to prayer or personal testimony is now shared at most of them.  In addition, we have added a memory verse that is taught each half term.  People have reacted to the testimonies with interest.  One mum said, “I would have cried if that had happened to me!”.  The Bible verses are helping everyone, adults and children alike, to remember God’s word. 

Pudding Night has continued throughout the year.  Numbers have been small, but the quality Bible Study and Fellowship is still there.  In addition to the regulars, we include a mum who has a baby (meeting at her house once a month) and a mum who is going through a challenging time.  

Since a meeting with the BRF Ministries Messy Church, we have started to develop young leaders.  They are children aged 10 years and over, who help to run activities, set up tables and serve meals.  

I love leading the Messy Derwent Project and seeing God work through it.  It is a privilege to encourage and support families, whilst also sharing Jesus.   

It has been more challenging recently, with the overall leadership team reducing back to just me.  However, I am prayerfully hopeful that new leaders will emerge in the coming year.   God is an abundant God, who can provide for all our needs. 

Read more about Emma and her New Worshipping Community here.