Messy sheep trail brings Christmas story to kids in Liverpool

Messy Church has teamed up with local shops to run a Nativity sheep trail for children in Liverpool.

Children are being asked to find the names of sheep in participating stores, including John Lewis, WH Smith, Debenhams, Waterstones and Gap.

An accompanying activity sheet includes a Nativity picture for them to colour in, a maze and the Christmas story. Part of the sheet can be torn off and entered into a prize draw.

The sheep trail has been organised in conjunction with the Liverpool ONE management team, Liverpool Mothers’ Union and the city centre fresh expression of church, River in the City.

The sheep theme is being continued on in celebrations to mark the 120th anniversary of Liverpool Mothers’ Union. Its members have been busy knitting smaller sheep to be used as part of parish nativity sets around the diocese.

Families are being invited to sign up for a set and receive it in their homes before passing it on to the next family on the list the following day. Each family that takes part gets to keep one of the sheep and a copy of the Nativity Story.

Jane Leadbetter, Messy Church national team member and regional co-ordinator for the Liverpool area said: “Any fresh expression of church could take on this project and adapt it for themselves.

“We are talking about relationships, we are talking about communities and this is one huge community here in Liverpool ONE.

“Think about your own community wherever you are and the wonderful opportunities you could take through these wonderful little sheep to spread the word of Jesus.”