Starting a Sunday morning with a hot breakfast and good company is proving to be a great way to build worshipping communities in Castle Donington and Glenfield, with both St Edward’s and St Peter's running a thriving, monthly Breakfast Church.
The gatherings are proving popular - the busy kitchen team at St Edward’s sometimes serving more than 80 full English breakfasts during a session – and the set-up is similar at both, with a friendly, sociable atmosphere, a range of activities for all ages and, once breakfast has been eaten, an informal, interactive service, including worship songs, crafts, teaching and prayers.
“We started Breakfast Church because we felt our previous all-age services were not really increasing inter-generational interaction and learning,” explains Revd Richard Trethewey, Vicar at St Peter’s.
“Food is always a draw! Eating together creates a better context for relaxing and having deeper conversations than being in pews. The different setting and time has also enabled a few people who could or would not come to services in the church building to join in.”
St Peter’s have had great feedback, with people describing the sessions as “a chance to relax with the whole church family” and saying, “the bacon's good and there's always colouring to do.”
Over at St Edward’s, they’ve had an equally encouraging experience since starting their Breakfast Church three years ago, says Revd Andrew Race. “We recognised the challenge it is for some people to come into church, so we thought it made sense to eat together and worship in our hall,” he explains. “It’s been popular with a whole range of people. It’s an exciting space where we’re working out what discipleship looks like for some people with no church experience.”
Elaine, a member of St Edward’s, says: “It’s great for my 14-year-old son because it’s less formal and the activities are a lot of fun. There’s no set price, you just pay what you can, so it really is for everyone. The team here offer table service, which is not only a treat for those being served, but a great way for people to contribute and belong.”
Another parishioner, Shirley, agrees it’s a good way for people, young and old, in the community to come together. She says: “I think some people appreciate that it’s not ‘churchy’ and that there are lots of ways to get involved. My daughter, who is eight, helps serve breakfasts.”
Revd Matt Green, Curate at St Edward’s, sees Breakfast Church as an interesting space for exploring faith together. “It’s truly inter-generational, with children serving food and contributing during the service alongside older members,” he says. “We encourage people to talk and share, making sure it’s safe and there’s no judgement. I think its strength is that there’s something for each person, wherever they are on their journey of faith.”
St Edward’s have also seen an encouraging overlap between their 8.30am BCP service and Breakfast Church. Some people worship at 8.30am then come for breakfast, some just come for the breakfast and many stay for the service afterwards. Shirly appreciates this relaxed approach. She says: “There’s no pressure to stay after breakfast for the service, but over time more and more have stayed.”
As well as a valuable social space, particularly for some more isolated, older members, both Breakfast Churches have seen people of all ages gain confidence in talking about their faith – some taking significant steps in terms of baptism and confirmation.
Revd Richard is excited to see how Breakfast Church will develop in Glenfield going forward. “The best thing is the engagement across the ages,” he says. “We’re all learning together, with children asking questions and contributing their thoughts alongside people of their grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ generation. And the bacon rolls come a close second!”
