ALL Saints Church in Victoria Square, Penarth held two special services during May focused on the story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den.

At Messy Church on Sunday, May 18, families explored the theme through a range of activities both inside and outside the church, including den-building, making lion biscuits and gingerbread Daniels, decorating crowns for King Darius and creating prayer boxes. There was also the opportunity for both young and old to take the time to reflect in the Lady Chapel. Lesley Cox led the worship, focusing on how Daniel prayed three times a day and how God answers our prayers. Everyone prayed together and sang 'Our God is a Great Big God', with a specially composed verse about Daniel. Birthdays for the month were celebrated before going upstairs to enjoy a delicious meal of pasta in vegetable sauce with garlic bread, followed by fruit and yogurt and tea and coffee. A huge thank you to everyone in the Messy Church Team for helping make this another very successful event.

The same theme was reprised at the monthly All Age Service on Sunday, May 25, led by Rev. Peter Cox. The story of Daniel was presented in dramatised form, and prayers were led by the Douglas family. An ensemble of musicians accompanied several of the hymns, with the recently established All Saints Worship Team leading the singing of contemporary worship songs. Refreshments were served as usual after the service.

The next Messy Church event at All Saints is on Fathers’ Day, Sunday, June 15, starting at 4pm. A barbecue is planned, as well as archery and many other activities for dads, grandads and indeed all the family, this time centering on the story of David and Goliath. Meanwhile the next All Age worship will be a Confirmation Service at 10am on Sunday, June 22, during which Bishop David will confirm several young people and adults as full members of the church. There will be worship items suitable for all ages plus an activity table for the younger members. All are welcome to join us for either of these special services – for more information visit www.allsaintspenarth.org.uk.