How do we describe what we do? Do we point to the lifelong learning work in literacy and numeracy we carry out each with, in partnership with the Rotary Club and Salvation Army? Or the craft and art appreciation work we run. open to everyone? How about the summer playscheme and Christmas carol service when we welcome so many families and others from the Chesterton area? Or the monthly worship we organise in partnership with the Parish of Cirencester and Salvation Army, or the groups meeting in St Lawrence Church Centre, in Chesterton?
Tempting though it is to talk about activities we're engaging so many people in, we should bring it back to these 3 strands of work:
Walking alongside people in need, addressing isolation and loneliness through friendship, community activities and everyday support.
Encouraging personal development and wellbeing through lifelong learning, creative groups, fellowship and practical help — combatting social exclusion and mental health challenges.
We offer group‑based spiritual development in partnership with local faith groups, supporting people who want to explore and grow in Christian faith.
Across all our work, we create safe, joyful, welcoming spaces where people can belong.
To give you a better feel for the practical outworking of what we do, we asked Bernie to highlight a memorable day for us. Here's what she wrote:
One of the great joys of my role is stepping outside our usual group spaces and taking our ministry out into the wider community. Over the summer holidays, I hopped on my bike for a 10 mile round trip cycle to catch up with someone whose story sits at the very heart of why we do what we do.
I met up at a local café with a woman I’ve known for around ten years. Five years ago, she felt ready to start attending our charity’s groups. Then, just over a year ago, she shared something deeply personal with me; as a woman in her 40s, she had never learned to read. Her dream was simple yet profound - she wanted to be able to read the books she gave to her nieces and nephews at Christmas.
I invited her to join our Adult Learning Group, which is run with the wonderful support of volunteers from the Cirencester Rotary Club. Thanks to their dedicated support, within just one year she accomplished what once felt impossible; she read her very first book.
After our coffee, I visited her and her husband in their newly adapted home. We spent a fantastic afternoon celebrating her journey, looking through her artwork, crafts, and the competition medals she has won over the years. She came to our communion celebration and community lunch for the first time this Thursday.
This is what pioneer ministry is all about: Building long term trust, connecting people with life changing support through our volunteers and partners, and taking the time to celebrate the dignity and achievements of every individual. Thank you to everyone who makes stories like this possible!
