We're in This Together

The button below will take you to a message from Pastor Mike about gatherings at Common Ground and our decisions to follow the Governor's mask mandate. If you haven't yet done so, please take a few minutes to watch this video and learn about our leadership's plan to take care of each other.
We are looking forward to gathering ~ online or in-person ~
to Worship with you this Sunday!

Children's Ministry

Collide Kids Wednesday's Weekly Video: God Will Help Us!

The lesson comes from Isaiah 41:13 ~ "...the Lord your God... says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Join Danielle Taylor and Hannah Hileman as we learn that we don't need to be afraid because God will help us!!!! Spend some time with your child(ren) singing, dancing, laughing and learning! We would love for you to also have your child memorize this week's scripture verse and motions and upload a video of them in the comment section on Facebook! Have a great week Collide Kids!

This week's discussion question - Talk about a mistake you made that turned out to be really funny. We'd love to hear your answers! Feel free to let us know by email or on Facebook. Big thanks to Hannah, Danielle, and Pastor Mike for all their work on this weekly online way to connect and grow!

Youth Group Bonfire Tomorrow!

August 14: Bonfire at Vignon's, 6-8pm
Weather permitting. Let Rachel or Jen know if you need the address. Dress for outdoor fun that includes running around (No flip-flops or slides!) and make sure you have your mask. We will provide hot dogs, beverages, and s'mores. We ask everyone to bring a snack to share. Phones are also needed for a photo game, so please bring them with you! Rising 5th through 12th graders invited.
Parents ~ We will need you to fill out a permission waiver if you haven't done so already.

Encouragement

Today's encouragement comes from Pastor George Vink and was first posted in October 2015. As we continue to make our way through these unprecedented times, may we all strive to look to Jesus as our example. This devotional and many more can be found at: Devotional Library.

"Giving and Being Refreshed"
Proverbs 11:24-31
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

What we call “blessings” are not always blessings. Having or hoarding plentiful possessions doesn’t guarantee happiness. Saving funds for a lengthy retirement doesn’t mean you’ll live to reach the age projected to enjoy it. It’s what we do with what we have that determines a sense of prosperity. What matters is looking at stuff with eternity in mind.

As a grateful recipient of people’s generosity, I’ve learned that giving freely and generously has more to do with our way of thinking than with having an abundance to give. Whether we share our time or donate our funds, the reward is in the giving. The giver experiences a sense of community as she shares with someone, imitating her Creator in doing so. She helps to refresh others, and in doing so she is refreshed. Doing what God uniquely designed us to do promises blessing for both giver and receiver.

Jesus provides the example of how to live our lives as generous givers. He gave his all, a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1). The Father rewarded him with the accomplishment of a kingdom being established, a church growing in grace, and individuals living with a purpose. If Jesus had withheld himself, we would have no future, no refreshment. Our blessings are entrusted to us for blessing ­others. In refreshing others, we too will be refreshed!

Heavenly Father, Giver of all good gifts, we praise your name. Help us see that what you entrust to us is ours to share with others. In Christ’s name, Amen.

August Worship ~ Online & In-Person

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

August 16 ~ Special Music provided by Audrey Shannon
August 23 ~ Pat Shannon will be preaching for us.
August 30 ~ Communion Sunday

We will continue to be guided by the health and safety guidelines
set forth by the governor and the health department,
so we require masks to be worn in our building.
We're excited to welcome you to Worship, in church and online!

News of the Week

We started off the week with one of our favorite things ~ a butterfly release! We had one little guy who didn't want to say goodbye to Miss Rachel. More caterpillars and chrysalises are in our butterfly house and we eagerly look forward to more butterflies.

Now that it is late summer, we are busy every day with weeding, watering (Does anyone know a good rain dance?!?), and harvesting. The tomato crop has been phenomenal this year! We have been harvesting tomatoes with wonderful names like Black Beauty, Rebel Starfighter Prime, Atomic Grape, and many more. It has been so exciting to sample them and to pack the CSA shares with them, as well to be able to share them with others.

Weeding Opportunities Here!

You are 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!
Why do we need to weed? "Weeds compete for nutrients. You’ll usually find that in a weed-infested bed, what you planted on purpose (be it flowers or food crops) will not do as well as in a bed devoid of weeds. There is only so much water and food available and weeds generally take more than other plants. So that is the most important reason to get rid of weeds." Source: All About Weeding

Movies will be shown at 1pm and 7pm on Fridays. This week is Frozen II (PG).
Free Family-friendly movies on the big screen! Lots of seating in the Courtyard, or bring your own lawn chair or blanket! There will be a different movie every week, with a mix of old and new releases, rated G, PG, or PG-13. Stay tuned to the Movie Night Event Page on Facebook for movie titles as they get scheduled. (Movies may be cancelled or changed at any time due to weather or movie studio changes. Children must be supervised at all times.)

COVID-19 Safety Note: "We are very excited to bring you family-friendly movies in our Courtyard; and the health and safety of our guests is of the highest importance to us. In our effort to meet safety, sanitation, and social distancing requirements set by the State of Ohio, we have created “sections” in our Courtyard. Each “section” will hold 4-6 seats (provided by us sanitized, or you can bring your own) with room between for social distancing protocol. Sections are available on a first-come first-serve basis. For us to continue with our summer schedule, we need your help and support. Please follow social distancing guidelines. Masks are appreciated, but not required. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home." MOVIE NIGHTS MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO ONGOING COVID-19 HEALTH CONCERNS AND RESTRICTIONS.

Dog Days of Summer

Hosted by Southern Park Mall
Saturday, August 15 at 11am-3pm
Enjoy a day of summer fun with your pup. You and your dog can socialize with other four legged friends and their humans as you shop select retailers! Enjoy fashion shows with adoptable dogs from local animals rescues, Every Dog Matters Rescue & Animal Charity of Ohio, at the Center Court Stage. There will be dog vendors like Paws on Main, Piddles And More LLC, Doggie Style Pet Barkery, New Lease on Life Rescue, All About Paws, LLC..

First 50 guests who enter at the Buffalo Wild Wings Mall Entrance receive a FREE doggie goodie bag! After you are done shopping, enjoy Yappy Hour on the Buffalo Wild Wings patio from 3-7pm.