If you popped into St Columb Minor church last Monday morning you would have heard the happy sounds of children laughing, talking excitedly about what planets they wanted to paint and what animals they would choose to go in their rocket ark.

They were in the church for Come Rain or Shine, an initiative across Truro Diocese for churches to open up their spaces for children during the summer holidays.

Revd Chris McQuillen-Wright has jumped on the chance to invite children into the church.

“It’s great to see children running around, feeling so comfortable and at home in this building. The more we can do to encourage that, the better. Too often, church is a scary, rarefied place for children – activities like this really help to change that.” Revd Chris McQuillen-Wright.

Revd Chris arrived with arms-full of brightly coloured threading, paint, brushes and reams of long paper that he laid on the floor for the children to pile into. The older children were tasked with dismantling last week’s traditional ark from the altar before re-constructing this week’s modern take on the ark. A rocket to transport all the animals to a new planet in outer-space.

It was a lovely sight to behold. Young children giggling together, making friends and creating imaginary worlds under the gaze of the saints in the stained-glass windows.

Come Rain or Shine in Hayle

Come Rain or Shine has been running across Cornwall throughout the summer. Further down the county in the Phillack Hall, Hayle, the Godrevy team ministry have been having fun with arty activities with their local children.

The Godrevy Ministry Team at the Phillack Hall in Hayle

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:14

If your church is interested in opening its doors next summer for Come Rain or Shine, contact Jane Wheeler who has an ark-full of ideas.

Boys at play