When I first started coming along to what’s now our local church community, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d grown up thinking of church as a formal place — somewhere you went to listen, to sit quietly, to say sorry for the things you’d done wrong. It felt quite serious and a bit distant, and I never really felt like I had much to contribute. So when I first heard that this new church was meeting in a school hall, I’ll admit it felt strange. But I wanted my children to feel connected and to have a sense of belonging, so I gave it a try. Over time, I’ve realised that church isn’t about the building at all — it’s about the people. It’s a community where everyone, young and old, is welcomed and valued. I’ve found a place where questions are encouraged, where people genuinely care about one another, and where there’s room to grow and be honest about life and faith. What’s surprised me most is how much I’ve learned through being involved. Talking about Jesus and what His life means for us today has helped me see faith in a new way — not as something distant, but as something that brings hope, purpose, and compassion into everyday life. Whether it’s joining in music, chatting after a service, or seeing my children take part in activities, it’s become something that feels like home — a space to pause, reflect, and connect with others in a really meaningful way. For me, it’s shown that “church” can be so much more than a Sunday service. It’s a supportive, down-to-earth community that celebrates life together, helps one another through challenges, and learns what it means to follow Jesus in the middle of ordinary, everyday life.