With the first seven months of the year behind us, we thought it would be a good time to communicate the progress toward our goals for 2009. While some of these initiatives largely run "behind the scenes," we believe they are all very much connected to who we are and desire that you are fully aware of the direction we are going and the progress we are making. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact Nate.

 

Family ministry: This year we desire to cast vision for a holistic family ministry consistent with the mission of CG. Starting first with children and youth, we plan to develop strategies for formation and launch initial ministry programs consistent with our core values. To date we have:

Leadership development/sustainable rhythm: This year we want to provide additional avenues for the development and equipping of leaders within CG. We desire to see leaders in healthy, sustainable rhythms that provide sufficient opportunity to seek the face of God and develop deep-spirited friendships. To date we have:

Website enhancements: This year we desire to make significant enhancements to our website to improve navigation within the site and increase accessibility to information. To date we have:

Increased missional involvement/support: This year we desire to distribute more financial resources to our missions partners and provide more holistic care and support than prior years. To date we have:

Moving forward, we ask that you please pray for the staff and leadership of CG, that God would reveal His desires and plans to us for CG. As the year progresses, we will continue to focus resources in the aforementioned areas as well as others that encourage the church to be formed into the image of Jesus so we can love those in Indianapolis and around the world. Look for another update on our 2009 goals and progress later in the year.

Thanks to your generosity, Common Ground was able to meet our goal of sponsoring 150 backpacks to be distributed to the children at School 43. Please return your filled backpacks this Sunday, August 2. Don't forget - only fill the bags with the items listed on the supply list.

 

Once all backpacks are collected, individuals and local house churches will participate in the distribution of the backpacks at School 43's annual Back to School Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 11 from 2 pm until 4 pm (please note that the time has changed).

 

If your house church would like to be involved in the distribution of the backpacks, contact Jeff.

Please join us for the next Revive – An Evening of Prayer and Worship on Friday, August 7 at 6:30 pm. This quarterly gathering is a unique opportunity to corporately worship and pray about the purpose and direction of our church. We invite you to come and engage in prayer with us as we seek Him.

 

Registration for childcare has closed, but you may join the waitlist. Have questions about Revive? Please contact Nate.

The next Quarterly Training and Equipping is August 8 from 9 am to 3 pm at Midtown (4550 N Illinois Street). There is no cost to attend and snacks and a light lunch will be provided for all adults. The deadline to request childcare for children age 0 through 12 was July 26, but you may still join the waitlist. For additional information, including complete course descriptions and to register, please visit our online Training and Equipping Registration. The deadline to register is Sunday, August 2.

Our family (pictured from left to right: Jennifer, Katie, Anna and Cameron) has the privilege of serving with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. Northwest aims to bring the hope of Christ to a largely rural region of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere by planting churches, training ministers and reaching out to the hurting through orphan care, schools, nutrition programs, medical endeavors and relief programs.

 

After serving eight years with another ministry, we started our new endeavor on July 1, 2009. I (Cameron) serve as the Director of Development which means my primary focus is in two areas: fundraising and medical. I serve as the primary fundraiser by meeting with individuals and churches to engage them in working with our mission through short-term trips, child sponsorships and other financial gifts. I also serve as part of the medical team in assisting with the design of facilities, medical equipment procurement and networking with other medical partners. Jennifer will serve as encourager and mentor for the on-field missionary moms trying to balance ministry and homeschooling.

 

Our family will travel a few times each year to Haiti to serve with the on-field missionaries and over 300 Haitian staff members to share the life of Christ with the lost. We would love to meet with you or your house church if you are interested in serving alongside us either short-term or long-term.

 

If you would like more information about our work, please visit the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission website or send me an email.

There is a ServLife India vision trip informational meeting this Sunday, August 2 following the 11 am service in the Conference Room at Midtown (4550 N. Illinois Street). Dates of the trip are October 10-20 and the application and deposit deadline are August 16. For full details on this trip, visit our website. Have additional questions? Send us an email.

 

Intro to Common Ground - This Tuesday

Intro to Common Ground is an opportunity for those who are new to CG to learn about the vision, values and story of our community. The next gathering is Tuesday, August 4 at 6 pm. Attendance is limited and a light dinner and childcare are provided. Follow this link to register by Sunday.

 

Save the date for the Children’s Ministry Open House on Sunday, August 30. More details to come.

 

Leader's Conference - Save the Date

Please mark your calendars for our next Leader's Conference on Saturday, September 12. Full details and registration are coming soon!