Church, but not as you know it

The Anglican Church in Mangawhai is embarking on something new: “Tea Time Church”. This is “church”, just not as we know it! Perhaps a helpful way to think of it is as church for people who believe church is not for them; who consider church is irrelevant, stuffy and boring; who have been put off church in the past.

The underlying aim is to help people meet Jesus for themselves. It is for adults and children to enjoy together - the goal is to be relevant and accessible to all ages. Through activities, puzzles and quizzes Tea Time Church gives an opportunity to explore Bible stories, to reflect on a God of creativity and to interact together. Tea Time Church portrays a God of unconditional love and is a church for people “outside” church, providing an oasis of welcome and a safe space in which to learn and grow.

It works like this …

People come in and sit around tables in the church lounge. There is an activity for people to do as others arrive. Then there is a welcome and introduction of the theme. All the activities etc are based on this theme. For 30 – 45 minutes, at the tables, adults and children engage in activities, puzzles, quizzes – some are individual, some require working together and some might be as a “team”.

Then there is a “worship time” involving a Bible reading, story, song, prayer, music, video clips etc. This too takes place around the tables and goes for 15 – 20 minutes. The remainder of the time is for fellowship and eating together. This is a hugely important element – it is our hospitality reflecting God's welcome and grace. So the meal is provided, and it is 'proper' food, but also 'finger food' style. This completes the occasion.

It is all age! It is fun! It is church for people at all stages of their faith journey. It is something to bring 'reluctant' members of the family to. Something to invite neighbours and friends to share in. People are guaranteed to learn something and the bottom line is they will get something good to eat!

Beginning Sunday 12 November at Christ the King Church, 9 Molesworth Drive Mangawhai, 5 – 6.30pm.

Please note: Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, questions etc phone 431 4122.