What began as a simple coffee morning at Hawkesley Church has blossomed into a vibrant community initiative, bringing families together through creativity, conversation, and faith.
The Beginnings of Crafty Church
The roots of Crafty Church trace back to a weekly coffee morning at Hawkesley Church, located next to Hawkesley School. A small group of parents, eager to create a welcoming space for others, started gathering on Friday mornings to share their experiences, support one another, and occasionally invite external groups to introduce new skills and discussions. The church not only provided a space for this initiative but also saw members of the congregation lending a hand, making drinks, chatting with parents, and fostering a warm atmosphere.
As the coffee mornings flourished, the group saw an opportunity to expand their activities to include children and families. In Easter 2023, they hosted a family craft day during the school holidays, offering a space for families to get creative, enjoy a meal, and connect with one another. The event was a resounding success, leading to the decision to continue running Crafty Church once per holiday block during half terms, Easter, Christmas, and summer.
The Heart of the Initiative: Church Volunteers
The volunteers at Hawkesley Church, part of the Kings Norton Parish, have played a crucial role in making Crafty Church a success. Their commitment goes beyond simply offering their time. They have financially supported the events, actively welcomed families, facilitated craft activities, and engaged in meaningful conversations. Their dedication extends to planning sessions, gathering resources, and managing donations, ensuring the sustainability of the project.
A Growing Faith Connection
While Crafty Church originally operated as a community initiative without explicit faith elements, its organisers gradually saw the opportunity to incorporate aspects of Christian teaching. Over time, sessions began to include more faith-based discussions and activities, particularly during key Christian festivals. Events such as Christingle at Christmas and Easter Garden-making during the Easter holidays have helped integrate Christian traditions in a natural and engaging way.
Additionally, thematic sessions such as discussions on love during February have provided opportunities for deeper conversations about God’s love, loving our neighbours, and even loving our enemies. Worship songs, prayers, and invitations to join Hawkesley Church services have become a part of the experience, strengthening the link between the initiative and the church community.
Stories of Impact
One of the most inspiring aspects of Crafty Church has been the transformation of volunteers. One parent volunteer, initially hesitant and inexperienced in leading community events, has grown in confidence and ability. She now plays a key role in planning and running the sessions, demonstrating the impact of empowerment and support within the community.
Children from Hawkesley School have also engaged deeply with the sessions. The church’s strong relationship with the school has allowed for meaningful connections between what children learn in their collective worship at school and what they experience at Crafty Church. One memorable moment came when children recognised the song My Lighthouse by Rend Collective playing in the background. Without prompting, they began singing along, performing the actions, and even encouraging their parents to join in illustrating the power of shared faith experiences.
Advice for Other Parishes
For churches considering similar initiatives, the journey of Crafty Church offers valuable lessons.
“We didn’t know exactly what we wanted to achieve at the start other than providing space and giving parents and children a chance to engage in something together. The sessions have evolved over time, and now we regularly welcome around 40 people.”
Building relationships with parents has been key to the initiative’s growth. Having parents who could personally invite others, whether in playground conversations or informal meetups, proved instrumental in increasing attendance. Additionally, the backing of the church, even as a relatively small congregation, ensured ongoing support and encouragement.
Looking Ahead
Crafty Church continues to thrive, offering a model of how churches can create spaces that blend creativity, community, and faith. By remaining open to change, listening to the needs of families, and encouraging a welcoming environment, Hawkesley Church has built something truly special one craft session at a time.