Shallowford Presbyterian Adds Informal Sunday Night Service

Atlanta, GA–September 30, 2015 –Shallowford Presbyterian Church announced the addition of a new monthly Sunday evening worship, titled “Messy Church @ SPC” beginning Sunday October 11. The informal service is called Messy Church because of its casual, interactive nature with activities that include creative forms of prayer, break-out elements for children and tots, and monthly themes like “Wonder” and “gratitude” that bridge the Sunday-Monday disconnect to help participants form community and live out their faith every day.

Messy Church @ SPC will be held from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. in the Chapel on the church’s campus. Attendees are invited to stay afterward and enjoy a simple dinner together. The church especially welcomes members of the community to attend. No previous attendance at any church is necessary!

“We aren’t kidding when we invite you to Messy Church,” said Rev. Sara Hayden, one of the organizers. “Invite your friends and neighbors. Wear your jeans and bring your kids, even infants! We’ll worship mindfully with lots of grace. We even provide volunteers to help rock and calm babies. We encourage worshipers of all ages to join with friends and neighbors to build friendships and explore faith together in new ways.”

Each monthly session of Messy Church will follow a theme for the activities, message and music of the service. Organizers chose “Wonder” for the first theme to highlight God’s presence in all aspects of everyday life. The service will feature acoustic, meditative music and whimsical visual arts.

“During the service we’ll discuss topics relevant to daily life, for both kids and adults,” said Rev. Hayden. “Expect wiggles, spontaneity and authenticity as together we reflect with life-long church-goers and those completely new to the faith. We’ll also practice new forms of prayer, with growing attentiveness to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.”

Messy Church @ SPC will continue on the following dates: November 8, December 6, 2015 and January 10, February 14, March 13, April 10 and May 1, 2016

Founded 57 years ago, Shallowford Presbyterian Church has a membership of more than 900 members. Rev. Christopher A. Henry serves as Senior Pastor. The church offers programs and mission opportunities for all ages in addition to two traditional worship services on Sundays in addition to Messy Church @ SPC, the once-a-month informal service. Popular programs include an active youth group, choirs for children, youth and adults, Bible studies, men’s and women’s groups and a Wednesday night dinner and program. The church is home to Shallowford Presbyterian School, recently celebrating its fiftieth anniversary by expanding to include a first grade class in the fall of 2015. ###

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