Providing a fun mix of crafts, food, fellowship and teaching, Messy Church runs the first Friday of each month at St. Andrew's United Church.
The program kicked off back in October of 2013, said Lawrence Hrycan, a volunteer with the program.
"Our former minister, Ross Smillie, came back from England in 2012. He said, 'Hey, they have this program over there called Messy Church, and here is what it's all about!' So in 2012, we got a committee together, and we discussed how best we might go about starting it."
They opted to hold it on Fridays at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. and it soon really clicked with the community.
"We have a planning team of about 10 adults, and we have 11 youth that help out regularly as well," said Hrycan, adding a typical session begins with doing arts, crafts, and a range of other activities from 5 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium. At 6 p.m participants head into the sanctuary for about 20 minutes for a lesson time, and the evening wraps up with a meal.
This week's session on Dec. 6 will of course focus on the Christmas story.
"We will be looking at 'Christmas in our Community," said Hrycan, adding an overall theme is followed through each year. Ultimately, Messy Church is geared to the entire family - it's not something to drop the kids off at. "It's family time."
Hrycan, a retired teacher, said the concept - and even the very name - of the event helps to make folks feel comfortable about heading to a church if they may feel a bit wary at first.
"People might think of church in a certain way," he said. "If you put 'messy' with it, they may ask, well, what is that? You explain it's a time where you can have fun, have a meal, and do some crafts," he said, adding for some folks, Messy Church is indeed 'their church'. That being said, some do eventually begin attending regular services at St. Andrew's as well, he added.
"They may hear about Messy Church through word of mouth - their friends may encourage them to come out and experience it. So they come, and they just have fun," he said.
Hrycan said St. Andrew’s is blessed in that both Rev. Dave Holmes and Rev. Barbara Lieurance often take part in the events.
"Not all Messy Church programs have ministry personnel involved. We sing two or three songs, say grace, and then move back to the auditorium for a meal and fellowship."
He noted that volunteers are always welcome, whether it be by helping with a craft, a story, a game, a song, or with the food in the kitchen.
"Everyone is welcome to come and simply see what the buzz is all about. Feel free to come and take part in this monthly Messy Church program."
For Hrycan, volunteering with Messy Church has brought plenty to his own life as well.
"When I was in high school, the last thing I was going to be was a teacher," he said with a laugh. "Mom and Dad thought I should be a teacher, but I was going to become an accountant. And so I got my commerce degree from the University of Alberta. While I was there, I found I really liked taking psychology and sociology classes."
He also found he really enjoyed relating to people. So he headed back to school, earned his education degree, and starting his teaching journey. It fit like a glove.
"I taught for 35 years, and it was never a job. I absolutely loved it," he said, adding now that he's retired, Lacombe's Messy Church program provides him with a means of again working with youth, children and families.
"I learn, and I get to teach," he said. "It's just great!"
