Food and fellowship are one of the great pairings in life, a fact that is seen at one parish's monthly Breakfast Church Service held in an Oversight Area in south Birmingham.
Once a month, all are welcome to come together to share in a breakfast of fruit and pastries before sharing in an informal, fun filled service of the word.
Each year different themes are explored such as ‘The Lessons of Jesus’, ‘Forgotten Heroes of the Old Testament’ and ‘A New Look at Old Stories’ by using a range of different retelling and lots of amateur acting. Filled with upbeat and familiar songs, everyone is encouraged to get up and move along to the music and to come together in mixed groups to write and say their own prayers.
It’s likely that the biggest draw for their younger members of the congregation is the reflection time that happens in the middle of the service. After hearing the Bible story and a short reflection everyone is invited to reflect through crafts, baking, questions or games. Between the copious amounts of icing sugar and glue used at this time, everyone comes out of it a bit sticky but much happier and with a deeper understanding of the wonders that God has worked in all of our lives.
Planned for the young of age, heart and mind this a perfect service for those who find God in movement, volume and fellowship and who might find traditional services a bit tricky.
One of their congregation summed it up perfectly when asked what Breakfast Church means to them,
"Our family loves Breakfast Church because it offers a relaxed and welcoming space where both children and adults can enjoy church together. The Bible stories, crafts and activities help bring faith to life in a way that is engaging and accessible for young children. Sharing breakfast and a cup of tea or coffee creates a lovely sense of community and belonging. We have also really valued the opportunity to meet like-minded parents and build friendships with other local families."