Messy Church is a church, but not as you know it. Messy Church is most often used in intergenerational settings with families with children, but it is not purely children’s ministry. For adults burned out on traditional church, for families craving connection, and for anyone seeking authenticity, Messy Church offers a welcoming, relaxed space to explore faith. Visit https://messychurchusa.org/ to explore Messy Church trainings, Messy Church curriculum, find a local Messy Church in your area, and see videos about Messy Church.

THIRTY-MINUTE FREE WORKSHOP – 10/1 at 3pm (CST), virtual - “What is Messy Church?” An introductory orientation to Messy Church. Ronda Bower, Pastoral Associate for Family and Educational Ministry at Northfield Community Church (along with her team), has led Messy Church at Northfield for several years. Ronda will introduce Messy Church and answer questions from participants who want to reach beyond their traditional church to share the good news of Jesus. Join Zoom Meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88566234323?pwd=fGs7SYEjI9FT3V5fgImBQLS2Sawuzx.1

ALL DAY TRAINING – Full Day Messy Church: Get Started Training - November 1, 2025 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 9401 S. Oakley Ave., Chicago from 9:00am-3:30pm (registration required – registration will be available on messychurchusa.org soon – highly discounted rate for ELCA congregations). You are invited to bring a team of up to 5 members to this Get Started all-day Messy Church training. Each team will learn vital tools and best practices to begin their local Messy Church. They will discover how the five foundational values and four components are used as building blocks to contextualize their own Messy Church. Lunch is included in registration cost. They will participate in a ‘Mini-Messy Church’ that pulls both the theoretical and practical together.