MESSY CHURCH, which supports food- and activity-based church involvement for children and others, has restructured itself for a “need-based” approach because of the pandemic.

Nine teams replace the former regional co-ordinators. These include the Prayer team, the Getting Going team, the Trainers team, the Specialists team, and the Readers and Writers team. They are co-ordinated by a new central team member, Jane Butler. Trials of thisworking began last November, and a preliminary review is planned.

Lucy Moore, the founder of Messy Church, which is part of the Bible Reading Fellowship, said: “When Covid-19 struck, Messy Church support was based on a great team of volunteers organised geographically as regional co-ordinators. When Covid-19 meant everything went online, it helped us realise that we could reorganise the volunteer support we offer Messy Churches to be need-based rather than geographically based.

“Circumstances have changed for everyone; so some of our long-term volunteers have needed to step back temporarily, but others have come forward and are enjoying their new roles. We have a waiting list of people who’ve shown an interest in joining the support teams, and we will be encouraging a new wave of volunteering in May after the ‘Messtival’ on 22 May.”

During the pandemic, Messy Church has been running Facebook Live sessions and Messy Church at-home sessions. The Messtival session on the Eve of Pentecost is expected to be the world’s biggest Messy Church gathering.

A former regional co-ordinator, Hannah Tarring, has joined two of the new teams. She said: “It’s very clear where Messy Churches can come for support now, and I think the new structure will help Messy Churches to ask for help and support more than they have in the past.

“I want Messy Churches to know that they’re not alone, and that they can ask for support when and where they need it.”