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Thursday, June 11, 2020

Sunday's Service - June 14, 2020

A Message from Pastor Mike

Hello CLC & CGCC family!

I am excited about the journey we are embarking on as we begin a partnership of faith and service together. In my experience, Partnerships take time to form and are not always an easy process. I remember when my wife Stacy and I were married how all of a sudden there were things within our partnership that I was not ready for! (Who else can relate?) I wasn't ready to share a bed. I was used to having a certain amount of space every night. There was no her side and his side! There was only MY side! I wasn't used to sharing my calendar and schedule with someone else. I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted to, whenever I wanted to. I was not used to sharing the ups and downs of life with someone. I had always experienced the failures on my own and celebrated the victories on my own. Looking back, our first year of our marriage partnership required a lot of learning, a lot of communication, a bunch of give and take, and a whole lot of grace! However, now looking at where we are, nearly 20 years into our marriage, it's only because we dedicated ourselves to the learning, the listening, the giving, and the grace that we share in the wonderful partnership we have now.

I know in the days, weeks, and months ahead we may experience some of these growing pains together. I, the Session, and the Elders ask that we trust the process as we dedicate ourselves to one another for the Glory of God!

The secret to an incredible church doesn't lie in better programs, more expensive technology, or perfectly adapting the newest church model. Instead, it lies in the people in a church doing what God has called them to do.

This summer I feel the Lord leading me to preach on how to "One Another." 100 times the New Testament uses the phrase "one another" to describe how people in a church should act and interact. In these "one another" statements, we begin to see what we can do to make our churches better.

I pray that you are ready for the journey ahead. I pray we can "One Another" well as the Body of Christ to bring Glory to God and make the name of Jesus famous in our land! Get ready for a great adventure!

In Christ,
- Pastor Mike Hileman

New Sermon Series ~ One Another

The featured scripture verse is: John 13:34-35
for Mike's message: "One Another" Part 1 - Love One Another.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:34-35

Join us this Sunday for Worship - 11:00am

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CG NEWS & EVENTS

Spend Sunday morning with us - at Common Ground or online. Use the Facebook link Connecting Life and let's learn together.

We welcome you to join us online for as long as it takes you to get comfortable with gathering in a group again. We will welcome you with (socially distanced) open arms when you are ready to return! Whether we are worshiping in person or online, we can continue to join together in Worship and Praise and Prayer.

We will invite you to share your prayers and praises in person after the sermon ends this week. If you are worshiping online, or if you prefer communicating by email, please send your prayer requests in for our Joys & Concerns email that will go out on Monday morning! The CGCC website has a Contact/Prayer Request page or you can email Jen Lynch directly or use commonground.secretary@gmail.com.

We would love to see and pray for the prayer needs of everyone from Common Ground and Connecting Life as well as anyone else in need of the power of prayer!

Plans for Safe Worship ~ Starting This Sunday!

The leadership has been working on a plan to keep everyone as safe as possible. While we will resume in-person Worship this Sunday, June 14th, we will continue to use Facebook Live. If you decide you are not ready to return to a large group gathering yet, we will still be able to worship together thanks to technology! We encourage everyone to do what they feel is right for themselves and their families. If we are here or online, we are still the church together!

In order to gather together as safely as we can, we will follow certain guidelines:
* Please stay home when feeling unwell.
* Temperatures will be taken at the door.
* Enter and exit through the automatic glass doors, no other doors will be open.
* Social distancing - 6 feet apart is safest.
* Hold off on hugs and handshakes. Waves are awesome!
* Masks are strongly recommended but not required.
* Seating will be spaced out in the Sanctuary & offered in Great Room if needed.
* Families will sit together, with kids remaining in worship.
* Age appropriate "Busy Bags" will be available in the Great Room for kids who are interested.
* Nursery and children's ministry will not resume for a time.
Hand sanitizing stations will be available & hand washing encouraged.
* Number of rooms used will be limited & kept at 50% capacity.
* Offering bowls will not be passed - offering boxes will be in the Great Room.
* When we celebrate Communion it will be done up front instead of passing through congregation.
* Fellowship Time with coffee & cookies will not be held.
* High-use areas will be disinfected frequently.
Worship will continue on Facebook Live.
* We will pray for each other, take care of each other, and work together through the changes.
* We will celebrate and rejoice at being together, whenever you are comfortable returning!

While church won't look like "normal" for a period of time, this won't last forever. We all just need to do our best, think of others, and offer everyone plenty of grace as we chart this new territory.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Need a refresher on the CDC recommendations about COVID-19? Here's How to Protect Yourself & Others.

Getting To Know You

On your way into the Sanctuary this Sunday, and for the next few Sundays, please keep on the lookout for our name tags and markers on the round table in the Great Room. We are asking folks to take a minute to pop on a name tag so we can begin the process of learning about each other as we embark on this journey together. We look forward to greeting you by name!

Connecting Life's Moving Day!

CLC's Moving day is Saturday, June 20 @ 10:00am at the school. We need as many able bodies as possible to help make the work light and fun!

Bodendorfer LifeGroup

Thursdays at 7pm
TONIGHT, the group will gather here at Common Ground Church Community. There are Adirondack chairs available under the front awning, but you may want to bring your own chair. Anyone is welcome to join! Currently studying the "Giants" from Hebrews 11.

What are LifeGroups?

LifeGroups are home groups that gather in the Fall and in the Spring to dive into the Bible together, serve our communities together, provide an atmosphere where honest conversation takes place and where real caregiving is shown.

Bible Studies

Our Sunday Morning Bible Study is currently paused.

The Ladies Bible Study will meet tomorrow (Friday) at 9am at the church. We are currently studying the book "Parables" by John MacArthur. We'd love to have you study and chat with us!

Do you have a favorite Scripture or an uplifting devotion that has helped you get through
the last few months?
Please send them in and share with your church family!

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Garden & Nursery News

Missing Our Garden/Sprout/Nursery Kids!

Bible lessons at home. This week's featured lesson from Ministry-To-Children is based on Matthew 9:35-10:11, where Jesus talks about the plentiful harvest ready for those who are sharing Good News. Head on over to that lesson right here: The Harvest is Great.

Youth Group Quarantine Challenge Coming to a Close

Youth Group will be receiving their final Bible Search Challenge. Look for some in-person YG Gatherings to be announced soon. This summer will look different but we will still fit in some fun and service together!

Remember, when the next Bible Search Challenge arrives, this is an excellent resource to access a ton of different Bible translations: Bible Gateway.

Prayer

For whom are you praying today?
How can we pray for you?

Whenever you have a prayer request, please don't hesitate to send it in! We are here to pray with and for you.

We will be sharing prayers and praises in church this week, during our "Joys & Concerns" time. If you are worshiping with us online, please take a minute to send in your prayer needs by early Monday mornings for inclusion in the weekly Joys & Concerns email. We are also glad to send out prayer requests and praise reports anytime throughout the week! Thank you!

First, I want you to pray for all people. Ask God to help and bless them.
Give thanks for them.

1 Timothy 2:1
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Encouragement

The devotionals we have been following have moved from the theme of Community into the Book of Hebrews. Brian Kuyper's reading from today contains much food for thought as we seek to focus on Jesus. This is the website that the passage below comes from: Today.

Greater Than Moses
Hebrews 3:1-6

"But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." - Hebrews 3:6

Moses was one of the most important people in Israelite history. A follower of the God of Israel would never want to diminish Moses’ faithful service. The writer of Hebrews does not want to downplay the importance of Moses. But because Jesus, the Son of God, is far greater, the writer aims to exalt who Jesus is.

Hebrews has shown that Jesus is greater than the angels. Now it also shows that Jesus is
­greater than Moses, and that is not an easy task.

The writer uses the analogy of a builder in comparison to a caretaker. While being the caretaker of a building can be very important, the builder of the building has greater ­honor. Without the builder, there would be no building to take care of.

Moses was a caretaker. Jesus—God himself—is the builder. While Moses served an important role in caring for God’s people, Jesus is the one who builds them into his people. Moses led God’s people out of slavery as God provided the way to freedom. Jesus frees his people from the slavery of sin. Moses pointed the way. Jesus provides the way to salvation for all of God’s people. In fact, Jesus says, “I am the way. . . .” (John 14:6).

So let’s focus our thoughts on Jesus—not on other servants or messengers, but on Jesus, the builder of God’s house, to which we belong.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, continue to build us as your house. Help us to hold on firmly to our confidence and hope in you. Amen.

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UPCOMING AT CG

June Worship - In-Person and Online

Pastor Mike Hileman ~ Sundays at 11:00am
Join us at church or online via Facebook Live: Connecting Life

We will continue to be guided by the health and safety guidelines set forth by the governor and the health department.

Men's Ministry Gathering

Saturday, July 11, 6:30pm
Bible reading and bonfire. Bring a camp chair and bug spray to join in a socially distanced men's fellowship! James Crawford is leading this ministry event and can answer any questions you may have.

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GG Logo

www.goodnessgrows4all.org

Our Mission Statement: To cultivate personal, social, and community growth through gardening, education, and opportunity for people of all abilities.

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NEWS & EVENTS

News of the Week

This week proved that no matter what the calendar says, summer has definitely arrived! We made it through two hot days and are glad to see the return of cooler temps. Farm tasks are much more pleasant when it is less than 90 degrees.

This week we worked inside on prepping the church building for a return to Worship. Our GG crew is serious about eradicating germs and keeping people as healthy as possible! We also worked in the gardens and fields and enjoyed a walk in the woods. Tomorrow we will be taking care of some trees that came down on the paths. There is always something to keep us busy here!

 
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Almost CSA Time!

We are counting down the days to our first CSA pick up of the 2020
season ~ June 25. We so appreciate the support of all our
Community Supported Agriculture subscribers!

Check out the picture to the left. We already have strawberries ready to eat. We are hopeful that strawberries could be on the menu for our shares that first week!

Youngstown Flea

Saturday, June 13, 9am- 3pm

Kitty will be at the Flea this weekend, stocked up with Jungle Jam and Juicy Jam and following all the health and safety guidelines. It should be a beautiful Saturday to come and Flea with GG!

SeasonFive of The Youngstown Flea makes it's return right in the heart of downtown Youngstown next to the Covelli Centre - 110 Freeman Alley, Youngstown, OH 44503.

Come enjoy fun music, free yoga, food trucks, art/artists, antiques and repurposed furniture, vintage clothing & collectibles, jewelry, candles, reclaimed metals/wood, apparel, specialty drink vendors, farmers market & produce and more.

2020 Dates:
June 13 / July 11 / Aug. 15 / Sept. 12 / Oct. 3

FREE ADMISSION + ON-SITE PARKING

Jam For Sale

Check out Reach for the STARS online to get your Goodness Grows Jungle Jam and Juicy Jam. Here is the link to their website: Shop Local
They even provide curbside pickup in Salem to encourage social distancing.

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OUTREACH and MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

Coat & Clothing & More Giveaway ~ October 10

Keep saving all your clothing and outerwear items for our fall giveaway. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers that we will accept donations all year! Clothes for all ages and sizes needed, along with coats, bags, purses, shoes, housewares, books, stuffed animals, toys...whatever clean and useable items you think might help someone in need. Bags and boxes for people to carry their "new" items home with them are also needed! Drop items off under the front awning by the glass doors facing the road or stop by if there are cars in the parking lot. Goodness Grows is here M-F from 9-2.

Rescue Mission Monthly Need

Weeders Always Welcome!

You are always invited to spend some time enjoying the beauty of God's creation right here on our property. Take time to appreciate His handiwork while pulling some weeds in the flower beds! Goodness Grows works to try to keep the beds looking good but when the fields and gardens need attention, some things must wait. All help is appreciated!

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For I was hungry and you gave me food;
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink;
I was a stranger and you took me in;
I was naked and you clothed me;
I was sick and you visited me.
I was in prison and you came to me.

.....When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,
you were doing it to me.

Matthew 25: 35-36, 40

~

What can YOU do?

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS/EVENTS

If you know of any interesting news or events,
please let us know, so that we can pass it on to others!

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Awareness Walk

Saturday, June 13
Purple Stride - Save 22 - Relay for Life - Heart Walk
All these are causes near and dear to Rachel Vignon and her family, especially at this time. Rachel and Mike, her brother Roger, and her cousin Annette (and more) wanted to do something to show their support for all those people fighting big battles. With so many awareness walks being canceled or moving online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are looking for ways to reach out and stay connected. These folks will be walking this Saturday - "around 9am" - starting from Rachel's house. Rachel invites you to join in and show your support by walking around your neighborhood, taking some photos as you go, and posting them to her Facebook wall. (Or send them to us at Common Ground at commonground.secretary@gmail.com and we will share them!) If you'd prefer to join in at Rachel's, give her a call or text and check in on their finalized plans. It should be the perfect weekend for getting out and walking for awareness!

Car Show

Saturday, June 13, 12-4pm
Mark your calendars for our 3rd Annual Car Show on Saturday, June 13th, held at our New Castle, PA Campus! There is a $5 registration for cars while spectating is free. All proceeds of the car show will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Fair Food Fill-Up at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds

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CELEBRATE!

June 14 - Emily Landis
June 14 - Flag Day
June 14 - World Blood Donor Day
June 15 - Stacy Hileman
June 15 - Shirley Bartholow
June 15 - Aaron & Pam Jarvis
June 17 - National Eat Your Vegetables Day

If we don't have your special days, please let us know!

ON OUR CALENDAR

June 11-17, 2020 . . .

Saturday, 9am-3pm - GG at the Flea
Sunday, 11:00am - In-Person and Online Worship
Weekdays, 9am-2pm - GG at Work

We are taking it slowly as we return to in-person events and activities. As we see how the summer unfolds, and as we follow the health department guidelines, we hope to add many more dates to this calendar. We'll keep you posted!

CG Logo w GreenBackground

Seeking to reflect the unconditional love of God,
our mission is to help people connect -
to God, to one another,
and to God's purpose for the world.

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Come grow with us!

Common Ground Church Community
Connecting Life Church
2310 West South Range Road
North Lima, Ohio 44452

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For more information, call 330-549-9408 or contact us by email at commonground.secretary@gmail.com.

 
 
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