By Barbara Spiegel
Among the many things that make Norfolk a wonderful town to call home are our five star library, world renowned chamber music festival, quality local schools, safe neighborhoods, numerous state parks, cross country ski trails, a pristine town beach and Infinity Hall. Another one to add to that list is the Church of Christ Congregational, and its leader Erick Olsen.

The lights are always on for the needy at Church of Christ Congregational.

Last year, after I spoke in a Sunday worship service about the Susan B. Anthony Project, a group which helps victims of domestic and sexual abuse, Reverend Erick Olsen spoke of the needs of some local families. He shared that several church members had approached him to see how they could help their neighbors who had lost jobs, faced losing their homes and were not able to support their families financially. Out of this conversation, a new committee called Grace Works was formed.
Grace Works is a group of concerned Norfolk residents, most of whom are members of the Congregational Church. The group shares a desire to help those living among us who need assistance. Between September and December 2009, 93 people came to the church to receive free Stop and Shop gift cards, and about 75 percent of these people took non-perishable items from the Norfolk Food Pantry. During the same time period, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund distributed an average of $2,225 per month to help local families cover heating and utility bills, vehicle repairs and other emergency expenses.
About the inception of Grace Works, Reverend Olsen said, “It is humbling for me to serve as the pastor of a church in a community where there are many folks who are deeply concerned about the well being of others and willing to act on their concern. This group is truly a grassroots effort and came about only because several people, church members and non-members, approached me to inquire about doing something to address hunger and poverty issues in our community in a way that goes beyond the much needed response of handing out food and gift cards. When these requests came to me all within a one-month period, I knew we had to get these folks together to share ideas and energy.”
Dedicated to enhancing the existing response to community members’ needs, Grace Works has introduced Angelfood Ministries, www.angelfoodministries.com, to the church community. Through Angelfood Ministries, a family can buy a signature box for $30 that provides a week’s worth of food for four people. Grace Works is also exploring starting a people bank where people can offer their talents and expertise to help others.
Grace Works welcomes your ideas, your involvement or your financial support for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Anyone in need is always welcome at the Church, and all are welcome at the next meeting of Grace Works, which will take place on Sunday, March 14 at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of Christ Congregational. For more information about Grace Works, contact Reverend Erick Olsen at 860-542-5721.

Photo By Katherine Griswold