Invercargill Seventh-day Adventist Church (New Zealand) transformed its sanctuary into a building site for a Messy Church program celebrating Children’s Sabbath on July 26.
The program brought together nearly 80 children and adults for a morning of hands-on activities centred on the theme “Building God’s Kingdom”.
Rather than a traditional church service, participants built LEGO models of God’s kingdom, tested handmade structures symbolising a firm foundation in Jesus, created flower gardens representing Christlike character and decorated windows depicting God’s kingdom.
Claire Taylor, who helps run the Invercargill Mums at the Table group and helped organise the event, said the program was designed to help children engage with biblical themes in a practical way while encouraging different generations to participate together.
“Even though it was designed for kids, the smiles on the adults’ faces showed they enjoyed it just as much as the kids,” said Ms Taylor.
One parent said, “I think I had more fun than my kid!”
Seven-year-old Ebba appreciated seeing older members join in. “It was cool seeing the older people without kids doing the activities with us,” she said.
Ms Taylor said bringing children and adults together helps create “an environment of love, belonging and inclusion”, while giving children faith-based experiences they can understand and enjoy. “God’s Kingdom is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity or background.”
Pastor Ndabe Mvelase concluded the morning with a message encouraging members to continue “Building God’s Kingdom” together. The program finished with a shared finger-food lunch.
Ms Taylor said the church hopes to host another Messy Church event in the future and “welcome even more children and families”.
