Forest Gate Church is a community Church. We don't worship behind closed doors, or ask people to 'come' to Church, as people we are the Church, and we believe in and support many activities which build up our community. We believe in and support families. We believe in and support community groups, sports clubs, youth clubs and local charities.
The faith of those calling Forest Gate their home is practical and tangible to those we live amongst. Our reputation is for being concerned and active in the community.
Some of the community projects and activities include:
Local School Support
We work in partnership with St Michaels' church to run Open the Book in our local Primary School. The team also helps by hosting schools who want to visit our building and understand more about an independent community Church like Forest Gate Church. These visits are interactive and the children not only tour the building, but learn songs, watch videos on baptism and other elements of faith, and learn about our international aid work.
Christmas Kisses & Food Hampers
At Christmas time, families in need are given luxury Christmas hampers or a gift from us to help provide treats for everyone in the family.
Community Resourcing
Our 'Youth & Community Building' is available for use by all groups in our local community and in the past has been used for interviews, first aid training, pre-schools to name a but a few.
Community Events
We have hosted one off events like the Lantern Parade where we have joined together with other community groups to make willow lantern. Then parade together to music with the lantern lit up to declare God's light. We also join in with helping the Mitcheldean Fete committee to help a fun celebration of community which falls in the middle of the Folk festival in July.
Charity Support
Every year we host a Macmillan coffee morning and we have a coffee morning to support Red Nose Day too. On the year of Sports Relief we get involved as a church to either do a sports Sunday or do laps of the local school field.
We have quiz nights to raise money for several charities including Romanian Charities that we raise money for particular projects.
Volunteer COVID team
This team was set up as a joint church and community team, working in conjunction with the local co-op, butchers and pharmacy to deliver food and medicines to those who were unable to get out due to self-isolation.
Working with Parish and District Councils
We work in partnership with both of the councils to make sure that those who live in difficult circumstances and have fallen through the net for other help and resources. This way we can give everyone in this community a chance to thrive, know that they are cared for & provide them with hand up in whatever way that is needed.