Salvation Army in Belleville Serves The Community Through Inclusive Messy Church Program

Once a month The Salvation Army in Belleville hosts a Messy Church program on a late Wednesday afternoon that offers fun, faith, fellowship and a meal.

“When I first came to The Salvation Army I could see that some of the people looking to us for support were not able to have their spiritual needs met and this helps bridge the gap,” said Julie Purvis, Messy Church Coordinator at The Salvation Army Belleville Citadel. “Messy Church is a great way to build relationships with people, have fun and be creative.”

The program offers the opportunity for community members to participate in arts and crafts, music and exercise such as gym time, baking, trips to farms, sledding, bowling, board game nights and interactive theme dinners.

The Salvation Army also partners with gifted volunteers who provide things such as free hair cuts and music.

“We always have small groups participating with different activities so we can spread out and hopefully appeal to everyone. We are always focusing on living for Jesus and on building safe, positive relationships within our community,” said Julie.

Speakers from the community are also welcomed as part of Messy Church on subjects such as “Fixed For Life,” with a devotional on taking care of God’s creation, or on the subject of recycling, with a short devotional on taking care of God’s planet.

Members also share short life testimonies or personal struggles, such as bullying, so the group can offer support. Mental health issues such as depression and self-care are sometimes discussed with encouraging ways of applying faith to everyday life.

Julie says staff are always there for support between meetings no matter what the situation.

“We say grace before we eat and sometimes we have testimonies, but Messy Church is organized in a way that makes everyone comfortable. The goal is not to get people to attend church on Sunday, although that has happened; it’s more of a way to support people where they are,” said Julie.

By: Caroline Franks