|
|
 Countless hours have been spent this past year talking about "church," what it currently is, what it should be, and what we dream for it to be for each of us in the Kingdom Living Training School. For many of us, it has come down to wanting to create a place where people can feel like they can be themselves, with all the mess - with all the junk, and come before God and know that they are loved and have that love transform lives. Our final road trip with the Training School gave us a glimpse of places already living into that.
We visited three different churches and spent time with some of their leaders. Each place was very different, each place bringing about the Kingdom in dark places. For a young church in Grand Rapids, Mich., it has meant walking with addicts who relapse again and again. It has meant being a friend to the mentally ill. For a rural community church in Flushing, Mich., it has meant being the place where an entire town comes together. Everyone there has some connection to this church whether they attend on Sunday or not. This church family's strength is being in the center of town life and a consistent Kingdom presence to those who seemingly "have it all together" and don't need God.
 Our time with the church in Toronto has been good throughout the year and this trip was no exception. We went for one of their drop-in times where anyone can come to get a good meal, some clean socks and a hug from Patrick (one of the church staff). Many of us were overcome by just how tangible the Gospel was during this time. Many of these people have no home to sleep in, no family to help them and have been treated as invisible. But here, for the short time they spend in the basement of this inner city church, they are looked in the eye and treated like they matter. It seems like a place that Jesus would hang out, doesn't it?
These last few days we spent as a group brought together all our discussions and experiences we've had over the past year. Maybe it also brought a little sadness knowing that this time is over. At the same time, there is anticipation for how God will use this year of questioning, struggling and growing to impact whatever church bodies we end up in and make a difference for the Kingdom.
Interested in learning more about the Kingdom Living Training School or how to join? Visit our website or email Larry at larry@cground.org.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Revive
Pronunciation: \ri-'vîv\
Function: verb
Meaning: to return to life; to become active or flourishing again
We believe God has called us to a specific mission and we have structured our leadership and activities according to this mission. However, it is often difficult in our Sunday gatherings and house churches to effectively disseminate information, receive feedback and join in prayer regarding this mission to which we are called. Revive - An Evening of Prayer, Worship and Information is a new quarterly corporate gathering that reflects our desire to re-engage our community in dialogue and prayer about the purpose and direction of our church. We hope and expect that all committed partners of CG will participate in this gathering in order to pray, be informed and be encouraged. We trust that in doing so, God will breathe new life into our church community.
Each Revive gathering will be held on the Friday night prior to a Training & Equipping conference (now Saturday only) and will begin at 6:30 pm at our Midtown location. In general, the following three elements will be incorporated into each Revive gathering:
-
Corporate dialogue – a time to discuss our mission, including new direction/ideas and receive feedback. This time will be initiated by our staff or elders and will set the tone for prayer and dialogue for the evening.
-
Corporate prayer – a time to pray together regarding the direction of our church. Small groups will be formed and encouraged to pray about a specific topic.
-
Zone dialogue – a time for geographic collections of HCs to gather and discuss issues relevant to their HCs. Elders and shepherd leaders will gather with their HCs to talk about life.
Training & Equipping – July 26
In connection with the quarterly implementation of Revive on Friday evenings, Training & Equipping courses will now be held on Saturdays from 9 am – 3 pm. The next T&E is scheduled for July 26. We’re offering several new tracks in July, so please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Track and registration information is coming soon.
Back to Top
|
|
|
 Imagine for a moment a world where Kids are connected with one another; where they are practicing acts of compassion; where they are learning sound character values and healthy lifestyles; practicing fitness; and developing life-skills.
Addressing children’s needs in a single neighborhood is a daunting challenge. Finding a strategy to impact the lives of children in cities, towns, villages and islands in every country of the world would seem impossible. Yet in the last six years a concept called KidsGames has spread from its start in Cairo, Egypt in 2000 to 175 countries, including the U.S. Through KidsGames, children around the world are being impacted.
On Sunday, June 15, the 2008 Indianapolis KidsGames will host their opening ceremonies at Conseco Fieldhouse in conjunction with the Indianapolis Fever game. Hundreds of children will parade across the floor with their host site flags enjoying the roar of applause from volunteers and family. Then, the KidsGames torch will arrive to light the cauldron signaling the start of Indianapolis KidsGames 2008. The children will be treated to a meal, t-shirt and carnival games in addition to watching the Fever play.
From Monday, June 16 through Thursday, June 19, children will gather at their host sites to participate in daily programming. At Common Ground, each day will kickoff with worship followed by either sports or arts focused activities. After lunch, the children will then be engaged in hands-on Bible lessons where they will get a chance to Experience It! Discover It! and Shout It!
On Friday, June 20, 2008, our participants will spend their morning engaged in acts of compassion as part of the Million Hours project. It is the desire of the global KidsGames community to provide over a million hours of service. The hours of service will be tracked and accumulated with the hours of service provided by other KidsGames sites from around the world to help children understand that they are part of the global community of compassion.
KidsGames 2008 will conclude on the afternoon of Friday, June 20 at the IUPUI Track and Field Stadium. Children from all over the city will come together for medal competitions, carnival activities and a concert by CrossOver. The 2008 flag will be lowered, the flame will be extinguished and the 2010 Flag will be raised.
Sounds like a busy week – doesn’t it? We sure hope so! It is the goal of Common Ground KidsGames to serve 100 children this summer, while Indianapolis KidsGames hopes to serve over 1000 kids. Would you please help us spread the word? Please click here to access the registration form.
Would you like to make a scholarship available so that every child can
participate? If you would like to sponsor a child attending our site, please contact Martina Gaughan.
If you have any additional questions about Common Ground KidsGames, please contact Amy Tenney.
Back to Top
|
|
|
Vision Trip to Toronto, Canada - Deadline is May 27
Join us for a trip to Toronto, Canada June 13-16. This extended
weekend trip will give you the opportunity to embrace mystery, uncover
mission and battle indifference through purposeful interation with the
city and its people. The estimated cost is $230 and the application and
deposit deadline is May 27. Download an application or the complete list of 2008 Vision Trips for more information. Miss church last week or misplace your bulletin? You can now
download last Sunday's bulletin from our website. Both CGCC-West and
Midtown bulletins are available on our News page. Common Ground KidsGames - Ready to Commit?KidsGames can use your time and talents in a variety of ways. Please click below to explore your options and let us know how you'd like to serve. You’ll be directed to a survey asking for your contact information, availability and areas of interest. Once we receive your responses, we’ll contact you with additional information. Ready? Please click here - KidsGames - I want to help. If you have questions, please contact Amy Tenney.
Back to Top
|
|
