Panshanger Church

Above is a picture of a harvest mouse. These tiny creatures weigh about the same as a 2p coin and measure just 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) long, with a tail almost as long as their bodies. They are the only British mammals with a truly prehensile tail, which they use to grip stems as they climb. This little one is still young, as harvest mice become darker in colour as they grow older. Harvest mice build nests from straw and foliage, often many times larger than the mice themselves. The whole family then squeezes into a tiny entrance in the middle, where they can keep warm and safe together. What a wonderful little home! As I look at our new church taking shape, I find myself thinking about the homes we build together. We are not simply constructing a building; we are creating a spiritual home. A place of warmth and welcome, where we can worship, find a sense of belonging, and encounter God in new ways. Over the years, we have worshipped in the Community Hall, held smaller gatherings in the Chapel, moved to Ridgeway after Covid, and eventually returned to our own hall. In all these settings, apart from our smaller services, there has been a tremendous amount of work involved in setting up the sound and visual equipment, arranging chairs, and moving the lectern and altar. As we move closer to the day when we can begin equipping our new church for worship, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to all those amazing people who, over many years, have faithfully given their time and energy to make our services possible. So much of that work happens behind the scenes, but it makes a real difference to our life together as a church. Thank you! Meanwhile, progress on the building continues at pace. The outer roofing is going on, the electrical wiring is being installed, and plasterboard is beginning to appear on the ceiling. There is plenty happening, and it is exciting to see our new church becoming a reality! We will keep you updated as plans develop. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to know more, please speak to one of our elders. As those little harvest mice remind us, a home is about more than its size or structure. It is about the safety, warmth and belonging found within it. My prayer is that our new church will be just such a home for us and for all those who come through its doors. - Paul