Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches
Helping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith
In popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church.
Title | Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches |
Author | David Gregory |
ISBN | |
Description | Helping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faithIn popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church. Contents
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Helping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith
In popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church.
Contents
- Introduction - David Gregory
- 1 Water - Kate Toogood
Perspective - Alister McGrath - 2 Earth, stars and space - Mavis Crispin
Perspective - Tim Middleton - 3 Air - Chris Hudson
Perspective - Naomi Brehm - 4 Light and colour - Neil Hunt
Perspective - Anna Pearson - 5 Human body - Alex Bunn
Perspective - Amy Johnson - 6 Plants - Graham Hartland
Perspective - Jennifer Brown - 7 Animals - Andy Gosler
Perspective - Lesley Gray - 8 Power and energy - Paul Osborne
Perspective - Hannah Earnshaw - 9 Transformations and reactions - Marie Beale
Perspective - Nick Higgs - 10 Time and measurement - David Gregory
Perspective - Joanna Collicutt
Revd Dr David Gregory is Senior Minister of Croxley Green Baptist Church and as 'Dr Dave' leads a Messy Church Science Lab as part of a monthly Messy Church. He has a background in physics, astronomy, meteorology and climate, and continues to take an interest in science, offering talks on connections between science and faith, as well as weather and climate change, to schools, churches and community groups. He is the 2017-18 Vice-President of the Baptist Union.
The Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Rosie Medhurst
I am going to buy several copies of this book for friends active in Messy Church or any children's work. It is a resource with 100 science-based activities with much potential for all children, but particularly for engaging the 7-11 age group and boys. These are groups commonly relishing a richer diet than paper-based sitting-down activities, and for them this book will be invaluable. An additional feature is that the activities are interspersed with 10 short articles by Christian scientists - forming a compelling antidote to the lingering misconception that science and faith do not mix. They offer examples of science enriching the wonders of faith to inspire the leaders embarking on these 'wow' activities with children. I will be interested to see in practice how the links suggested with Bible and faith topics work - I wonder if some are somewhat contrived. God's work and God's word both speak to us, sometimes separately and sometimes together.
Review by Rosie Medhurst
Evangelicals Now. Review by 'JEB'
I love a home-grown science experiment for a children's talk in church with fascinates both adults and children.
This resource from the Bible Reading Fellowship is full of ideas for pastors, youth leaders and whoever, whether you do 'Messy Church' or not.
There are experiments and illustrative demonstrations concerning water, space, air, light, the human body, plants, animals, energy and more. Some of the experiments take just a couple of minutes, others are spread over weeks, with easy-to-follow instructions and all are followed by a suggested spiritual application. Dispersed throughout the book are short testimonies from practising scientists and lecturers (like Alister McGrath), mainly aimed at overcoming the idea that science and faith are enemies.
... a very helpful resource for those who like to do a little 'hands-on' science in church.
Review by 'JEB'