Last Wednesday an amazing 230 children and adults gathered at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church for an afternoon full of fun and food. Despite wet weather meaning that the Family Fun Day – now in its third year – had to be moved from Longvernal Primary School playing fields to inside at the Church, the good times didn’t stop.

Families still enjoyed food, storytelling, sand play, bouncy castles, an inflatable fun run, space hoppers, games and prayer trail. One Mum said, “It was great to see a church transformed in such a way – more bouncy castles in the aisles please!” And the building did look a little less traditional, with an inflatable fun run instead of pews and the Pentecostal banners still hanging from the ceiling.

The whole day was put on for local families for free; made possible by the generosity of Midsomer Norton Methodist congregation, Tesco and their Community Champion Beckie and Sperring Trust. Thank you to all who helped make the day possible.

The school summer holidays can be so expensive for parents and carers entertaining and feeding children, particularly for those who would normally receive free school dinners.

The aim of the Family Fun Day was to show families in our community that they are loved freely and unconditionally, that God loves them freely and unconditionally.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13v34)

Midsomer Norton Methodist Church’s Family Work put on free family activities every school holiday, as well as Messy Play one Saturday a month, a Baby and Toddler group on Wednesday afternoons and a Play and Explore group on Monday Mornings at Longvernal School in term times. All are welcome at next month’s Let’s Get Messy on Saturday, 16th September, 2 – 4 p.m. at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Hannah Bevan