The Common Ground church plant in Eugene, OR has an exciting, growing relationship with Free People, a non-profit Christian organization that works with the poor and homeless of Eugene. David and Susan Robertson lead Free People and have lived in Eugene for over 17 years. They have dedicated the majority of that time to the least of these in Eugene, which has a very large homeless population per capita.

 

The church plant's initial involvement with Free People occurred in April 2009 when they sponsored one of their monthly cook-outs. These cook-outs feed 400-600 people with an up-beat environment including music, haircuts, clothing and children's activities. They are also now involved in Free People’s Sunday evening gatherings at Lamb's Cottage, a small city-owned building located in one of the local parks. Every Sunday night, from 5 pm until 6 pm, 50-100 people will come and get a free meal following soul food, a short message about hope in Christ, given by David.

 

The church plant has had the opportunity to serve food, provide homemade desserts, and most importantly, build relationships with the people who come. Common Ground has recently given a financial donation to help Free People and the church plant continue this ministry to the poor and homeless in Eugene. To learn more about Free People, check out their website.

On Friday, October 30 at 6 pm Common Ground will have a youth event for those in middle school and high school. Please mark your calendar. More details to come!

 

Please join us for a Unity Gathering on Sunday, October 4 at the Pike Performing Arts Center on the northwest side of Indianapolis. We'll begin the day with a time of food and fellowship at 10 am, followed by our worship service at 10:30 am. This Unity Gathering is an opportunity to celebrate what God is doing in our church, and to remind us about the bigger picture and how we fit into it.

 

Services at our Midtown and West locations will not be held on this date so that we can all gather together in one place. Since we'll be celebrating in a different venue, there are a few items to note. First, children’s ministry will be provided for infants through age 2, and parents are required to provide a photo ID when they drop off their child. Secondly, offering boxes will be located by each entrance. Finally, ample, free parking is available on-site and the venue is easily accessible from I-465 or I-65. The Pike Performing Arts Center is adjacent to the Pike High School, located at 6701 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, 46268. For more information about the venue, please visit their website.

Adam Smith has been on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ for over five years. He’s a part of Keynote, a music ministry that partners with other Crusade staff serving in the United States and overseas. Adam is involved with the band blue sky nine and is currently serving in an administrative role for the team. In addition to booking the tours, he also travels with the band. When not on tour, Adam serves at Keynote’s offices in Westfield, IN.

 

Adam first heard about Keynote when he was in college and involved with the Campus Crusade group on his campus. However, it wasn’t until after graduation and a job in Washington, DC that he felt led to join the staff. Now, the staff he has joined is more than just a group of friends and co-workers – they’re his family.

 

For those considering the mission field, Adam has this advice, “I guess I would say that if you do go into full time ministry, be ready for the ride of your life...in a good way. Things can often be tough, stressful, tiring and your spiritual walk will most definitely be tested. But, even though it's tough at times, it's something truly incredible to be a part of.....having such an active role in seeing peoples' lives being changed for eternity!”

 

To learn more about Keynote, check out their website. If you’d like to join Adam’s financial support team, go here and click on “give.”

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, October 6 at 6 pm. Attendance is limited and a light dinner and childcare are provided. Follow this link to register.

 

GRACE (God's Real Acceptance Compassion and Encouragement) is a post abortion Bible study for women who have experienced the pain of abortion and are in need of learning God's way of love, healing and forgiveness. The next GRACE retreat will take place the weekend of November 6 through 8 at Plainfield First Assembly of God. For more information on this retreat, please contact Jennifer Thompson.