THE BUILDING PROJECT

For a decade or more, we've become increasingly aware of the shortcomings of our church building.

Times change

It was designed in the 1840s when there were very clear (and rather narrow) ideas of how a church building should be used, and how services should be conducted. Basically it was a case of sit down (uncomfortably- comfort was seen as rather unholy), stay put, listen to the man at the front, and don't talk to your neighbour. And needless to say, the Victorians didn't put anything as worldly as toilets in sacred buildings!

Well, things moved on; we got electric light in the 1920s. Our heating was improved in the 1980s, together with some moving around of the furniture to make the building a bit more 'user-friendly'. Now we could have a band or orchestra at the front, we had room for Nativity plays, and room to pray for people- and those at the back could see what was going on at the front, as the seating was tiered (some nicknamed St Mark's 'the Odeon' because of this). We even got fitted carpet! (What would the Victorians say!).

Meeting needs

Nowadays, we require more from a church building. It needs to be adaptable, flexible for hosting large and small events, and accessible for everyone. It needs to recognise that we are human- so comfort and homeliness do matter, with people-shaped seats, controllable warmth, attractive lighting and loos nearby.It needs space to mill and meet people, move about and come and go if necessary without feeling awkward.

We're also aware how many are disappointed to find it locked during the week, and so we are hoping to make it possible to have it open much more, and to make it a place local people will want to visit often, for all kinds of reasons.

Plans for the building project are on display in the Church Centre.

You may be relieved that the view that so many local people know and love- the aspect of the building you see as you swing into the village off the A414- will be entirely unchanged.

Do have a read of our explanatory leaflet (1.3Mb- be patient, it may take a little time to display).

Funding

Contrary to what many may imagine, we get no extra financial help from the Church of England. Our congregation is so committed to making the building more suited to the foreseeable needs of the parish that everyone has dug very deep to raise the money needed. However, our Centre also needs major work done on it, and we will turn our attention to this after the extension and refurbishment of the Church is completed. If you think what we are doing is a good idea, and will benefit our sense of local community, we would be very glad if you would help us raise the necessary funds. All gifts, large and small, will help us do that.

Progress

We will try and keep you up to date on progress via this page, and would be glad to hear of your thoughts.

July 2008: You may have seen that MP Builders are now on site, and have set up their secure compound. This will inevitably reduce our car park capacity for a while. Actual building work should be under way as soon as legal formalities are cleared.

The church building will continue to be useable for a while, before the extension 'breaks through', but there will be four months or so when our regular 10.30am Sunday services in church will move to Colney Heath Primary School. We are very grateful to the Headteacher and Governors for allowing us to use their facilities. During this period Weddings and Funerals will take place in St Mary's, North Mymms, though of course still staffed by ourselves. We are very grateful to Revd Sally Davenport and the PCC at St Mary's for accommodating us. Our other Sunday services will take place in the Church Centre, and our parallel creche, children's and youth events will be in the School and Centre as most appropriate. We will clarify this nearer the time.

We will keep you informed of progress. It is possible we could be back in our own building to celebrate Christmas this year.

Look out too for news of community events that will be taking place to celebrate this landmark stage in our 162 year history.