Our History
The original group was formed in 1996 by Sedbury and Stroat Evangelical Churches.  It was a small and committed group of people with and without learning disabilities who met together to learn more about Jesus, making the Gospel more accessible to those people who were unable to read and write and had cognitive difficulties in learning. 
 
Over the years the group has grown and reshaped to meet the needs of those attending  and  the churches they were connected to.  We have met in different venues and churches including the Woodcroft Christian Centre.

‘Shalom’ is the new name for the original group that was called ‘On the Level',  
The ethos of the group has never changed.
About us
Whole life discipleship is key to sharing the gospel with and among people with some level of disability. Group weekly discipleship meetings include time for coffee and chat, worship, prayer and Bible teaching.  All are able to gather together to explore the Bible, discover who Jesus is and what He says, and apply this to their daily lives, learning to live in full relationship with Father God.  We are creative in the way we gather together and share the Gospel message.  We use the arts, dance, signing, drama, flags, music and crafts with an aim of making times accessible and meaningful to everyone who attends.

Socials are organized at least once every two to three months and are often used to invite new people along.  Some of the social activities include a new year party in January, Passover, summer BBQ, an annual big birthday party, meals out and trips to the theatre.

As a team we cover the entire age range, currently the youngest is 9 years old and the oldest is now in their seventies.

The group times and the space that is created in a safe way during these gatherings provide an environment where everyone is accepted for who they are and allowed the space to be who God created them to be.  This then enables people to go on to contribute into the Body of Christ and to their wider communities.
The Shalom groups currently come under the covering of the Forest of Dean Salvation Army and partner with other churches within the Forest of Dean area.
If you or your church would like to know more about how you could become involved then please do contact Miriam Goldby for more information.