COG has now been running for 18 months. A year on, we revisited our focus as we were seeing a vast array of needs in our community - just as King Jehoshaphat was alarmed by a vast army marching against them (2 Chronicles 20 v 2) and 'we do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help' (v12). Gerald summarised this well.

"A place:

• to coordinate the various people/groups reaching out into the community

• for people to bring and share ideas

• to encourage one another in the respective work

• to bring needs for additional help etc.

• for prayer

• where bigger projects could be planned in the future"

COG is now a place where we are updated on:

• 'Current Community Links': what's happening; any challenges the work is facing; needs shared; ways the fellowship can support the work

• Potential Community Links

• Support Facilitators' Role

Community Fayre

On 19 September, we held a Community Fayre 'to celebrate Christian and non-Christian local support agencies in the Grove & Wantage area' and 'to encourage people to get involved and make a difference'. We had representatives from: Street Pastors, Good Neighbour Scheme, Wantage & Grove Foodbank, Cornerstone, Pilgrim Homes, OX12 & Sweatbox. Also, local dignitaries Frank Parnell, Chair of the Grove Parish Council and Zoe Patrick, County Councillor attended. It was an opportunity for networking and well received.

Current Community Links

Updates on: Cornerstone, Street Pastors, and Funday Club are shared at the COG but covered elsewhere in the Annual Report.

As our Sunday worship takes place in the Grove C of E School, we see this as one of our community links. We were asked to man the Bouncy Obstacle Course at the May Fayre again and helped the school raise £1,703.80 that day! On Education Sunday, Wendy Grace, the Headteacher and one of her pupils came to our service and shared about the work in school. We've also had links with the Pre-school who appreciated the cakes made by GFEC for their Easter Fayre!

We now have regular opportunities (about every 2 months) to give to the Foodbank, the first one taking place at Harvest.

We have representation on the Steering Group which is planning a Grove & surrounding villages 'Celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen's Ascension to Throne'. The main event is planned to take place on 4 June 2012 on the Grove Rugby field to include: main arena, craft tent, food & beverages, family entertainment, individual stalls & a fireworks display. There has been agreement to include a Christian Celebration, maybe to open the event which Paul John and Glyn Oliver are pursuing. This is an opportunity "to make Christ known in our community". Any ideas to include on the day welcome and, as always, volunteers to be on the Steering Group!

Potential Community Links

We have been considering a 'Holiday at Home' event for older people but for various reasons this has been deferred for re-consideration in 2012.

COG is working with MAGForce to make Shoebox Sunday a Grove community event which will take place in Old Mill Hall and invite the schools to participate.

Support Facilitators' Role

As I look back over the last year, I'm reminded of how passionate Maureen Hayward was for community outreach. Sometimes we wonder why God chooses to take home such people. We're very grateful for the work both Ken and Maureen did as Support Facilitators for our church – organising transport to hospital, gardening, etc. You may recall that a letter went out to members in October last year asking what skills they had and were willing to share with others so that a database could be put together to draw on when a need arose within the fellowship or community. Our thanks go to Erika who is currently undertaking this role. Any needs can be referred to her and she will endeavour to find someone to meet that need.

Besom – "sweeping away suffering"

A year on, we have been made aware of Besom, a Christian charity that is 'heart led, giver based' which we are prayerfully considering. It is a project for those who want to give anything – time, money, food, clothing, furniture, etc. Besom workers then pray and work with professionals like health visitors, social workers, etc. to identify where these gifts can meet a need. Please pray with us as we seek God's will in this and also another church/es to work with us should we feel this is right.

Homelessness Sunday Appeal

We had an overwhelming response to the Homelessness Sunday Appeal in January where boxes of crockery were given by the fellowship which will be used to set up people in their homes.

'Welcome to Grove' Pack

We have developed a 'Welcome to Grove' Pack for newcomers in the area which consists of a Denton's directory, letter from the Pastor and fridge magnet (with GFEC logo on!). These are for giving to people moving into the neighbourhood, introducing GFEC and other churches in Grove. We plan to offer these packs to Estate Agents to give to home hunters in Grove. Copies are available from Barbie and kept in the 'notice board' box at Church, a sample on the table. Please look out for people moving into your street and use this as an opportunity to meet them.

Being Christ in our Community

In summary, "COG exists to encourage GFEC to be involved in community action in the name of Christ, and to explore different ways in which this can be achieved." We are very excited about the prospect of getting involved with Besom and trust you too will be as the evidence is that we are a people willing to give – food, crockery, time, money, to name but a few.

Barbie Margetts