Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches

Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches

Author : David Gregory
£9.99

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
Description

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
Details
  • Product code: 9780857465795
  • Published: 23 June 2017
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • Dimensions: 148mm wide and 210mm high

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'