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 Common Ground exists to equip Christians to be the church where they live. We do this locally through our house church network and our Sunday gatherings for worship. We do this globally by partnering with like-minded organizations and churches around the world that are providing resources and encouragement to the global church. We are engaged in helping to plant new life giving communities wherever God leads us. We are partnering with local and global ministries that are meeting the physical needs of people who are hurting.
On January 6, we talked about vision and faith and how this applies to how our church operates. We acknowledged that it is God who gives us vision and at the same time it is God who empowers and provides resources for the accomplishment of that vision. This vision requires faith. This next year will be no different. God is calling us into a new field in Eugene, OR for church planting. We are beginning a partnership to involve ourselves with the AIDS crisis in South Africa (Loving South Africa, aka LSA) as well as the homeless population in downtown Indianapolis (Poorhouse). We are committed to the ongoing spiritual formation of all members of our church, including families, children and students. And we are committed to the continued partnerships in India and Nepal (Servlife), Turkey (G Family), Flagstaff (The Refuge), Boulder (Roots Christian Church), and the various other places where we have partners working around the world and in Indy (Jireh Ministries and Mission Indy).
This is the vision for church that God has given us and that we are called to steward faithfully. We recognize that where God leads He provides, so we determine our strategy not on what we have, but on where God continues to lead. And as we know, this will require faith.
We are asking everyone who is committed to what God is doing in and through our church to also join in committing to the ongoing financial and service opportunities available. If you are already participating financially, we ask you to prayerfully consider an increase. If you aren’t currently financially participating, we ask that you prayerfully consider joining us with a portion of your income. We also ask that you consider serving in some way during one of the worship gatherings. We are asking that you prayerfully consider your participation in one of the ’08 vision trips that are planned. Finally, we humbly ask that you join us in praying for the leadership of the church as they listen and lead us.
As this new year begins, whether you have been a part of our community for a long time or are just beginning to get involved, we are asking that you join with us as we pursue God’s vision for our community in ’08 and beyond. If you missed the sermon where we discussed the vision for '08, I encourage you to listen to it.
Blessings,
Jeff
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Since we have gone multi-site, the Audio Tech Team has enjoyed training on a digital board that recalls settings for their band. Translated, that means serving on the Audio Tech Team is easier than ever! If you’ve always been interested, but a little nervous about learning a new skill, now is a great time to join.
We provide training on a regular basis, and are in need of volunteers once a month. The team operates all audio equipment, including the sound board, audio enhancement equipment (pre-amps, compressors, processors) and audio recording equipment during Sunday services. In addition, team members also have the opportunity for paid work through the church by running sound for weddings. So if you like electronics, gadgets and/or music, contact Zach at zach@cground.org to get involved.
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 The next Quarterly Training and Equipping, which is open to anyone in a house church, is Friday, February 15 from 6 pm until 8:30 pm, and Saturday, February 16 from 9 am until 1 pm. There is no cost to participate and it’s filling up fast! Snacks will be provided, though no meals will be served.
Just a quick reminder - today is the deadline to register for childcare for infants through age 12.
Check out the list of tracks offered and register online to reserve your space.
If you have any questions, please contact Arch at arch@cground.org.
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Since you've gotten this far in the e-news, can you spare a minute or two to fill out a brief survey? Even though this is Issue 15 of the e-newsletter, we know there's still a lot to learn. Please let us know what you think and give us suggestions for how we can improve our communication through the e-news.
It really is only a brief survey.
Thanks!
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 The target date for the first worship services at our new Midtown location has moved to Sunday, March 2. The change is due to fluctuating construction and vendor schedules.
If you would like a refresher on our new building at 4550 N. Illinois Street, or details on what we plan to do with our space at 6151 N. Central, please download our information packet.
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 Is Your House Church Looking for a Service Opportunity?
Common Ground is partnering with our new Midtown neighbor, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, for a blood drive on Sunday, March 2. Volunteers are needed for set-up on Saturday night and for duties ranging from sign in to serving snacks on Sunday. For more information, contact Marissa at marissa@cground.org by February 8.
CGCC-West Family Meeting - This Sunday!
CGCC-West will have a “Family Meeting” at 9 am this Sunday, February 3. During this time, CG staff will be present to openly discuss your questions and interests related to our ’08 vision and the west-side site. All are welcome to attend, though childcare will not be provided. The 10 am service will begin at its normal time.
Do You Tithe Electronically?
If you send your tithes/offerings through your bank's online bill payment service, please note our new address. The church office has moved to 4550 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis 46208.
Turkey Deadline Approaching
The deadline for applications for the upcoming vision trip to Turkey is next Sunday, February 10. Please mail completed applications to the church office at 4550 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. For more information, download a list of 2008 trips or contact missions@cground.org.
House Church Missions Money
Funds for 2008 are now available. Please visit the website for an application and more information.
 KidsGames 2008 - Save the Date!
KidsGames will be held Sunday, June 15 through Friday, June 20. Please save the date for children age 6-14. More details are coming soon.
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