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Thursday, April 9, 2020

Easter Sunday Blessings

Sunday's Service - April 12, 2020

Join us this Sunday for Worship - 10:30am

Spend Sunday morning online with us as Pastor Mike delivers his sermon. Use the Facebook link Connecting Life and let's learn together from Pastor Mike's message, at 10:30am. Remember that while we are apart, we can still pray and Worship as a church family.

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CG NEWS & EVENTS

Maundy Thursday

Today is when we have always gathered to observe the solemn evening Tenebrae service with readings and the extinguishing of lights to mark the darkness in which Easter will come. This year, instead of worshiping together, perhaps you will set aside time this evening to do the readings yourself, with your family, or even gather with extended family and friends using a video chat to read together.
The Shadow of Betrayal - Matthew 26:20-25
The Shadow of Desertion - Matthew 26:31-34
The Agony of the Soul - Luke 22:39-44
The Arrest in the Garden - Luke 22:47-53
The Cock Crows - Luke 22:54-60
At Pilate's House - John 19:1-16
The Shadow of the Cross - John 19:17-20
What the Soldiers Did - John 19:23-24
The Women at the Cross - John 19:25-27
Criminal Asks for Mercy - Luke 23:39-42
Jesus Breathes His Last - Luke 23:44-46

Prayer of Confession

We don't do a lot of responsive prayers at CGCC, but on Maundy Thursday we collectively pray:

Merciful God,
We confess that so often we have sinned against you,
We have failed to serve as Jesus served;
Forgive us.

We have failed to love one another
as Jesus loves us;
Forgive us.

We have been happy to proclaim our
devotion to Jesus with our lips and
then denied him by our actions;
Forgive us.

Merciful God, empower us by your Spirit
to be steady and true to you
in every time of trial;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Worship Music

An important part of our Maundy Thursday service is music. Even though we are following the stay at home guidelines, we can still worship through song this evening. The music we used last year is as follows:
The Old Rugged Cross
His Name is Wonderful
Amazing Love
Above All
I Surrender All
YouTube is a treasure trove of worship and praise music, usually with many different versions of a song available. If the above links do not appeal to you, there are many more from which to choose.

Good Friday Online

Connecting Life Church and Common Ground Church Community will come together for a time of reflection and remembrance. Won’t you join us? Use whatever bread and juice you may have on hand as we explore the meaning behind the act of communion. We’ll be gathering on the CLC Facebook page this Friday at 2pm for Good Friday Worship.

If you missed the Holy Week Devotional with Pastor Mike on Facebook, here are the links:
Tuesday Devotion
Wednesday Devotion
Thursday Devotion

Bible Studies

Our in-person Bible studies are currently paused. The ladies have been keeping in touch by email but have not abandoned the idea of another Google Duo meeting. Do you have any favorite verses, an uplifting devotion, or a prayer request? Please send them in and share with your church family! Below is one example of comforting words shared by a church family member.

Uplifting Thoughts to Ponder

This week's thoughts came from Mark 11:12-25, "Jesus Curses the Fig Tree." This passage illustrates the fact that the tree was not bearing fruit the way God intended. This is a reminder to look at ourselves and at what we are doing. We have opportunities every day to serve God as he has created us to. Sometimes it’s as easy as taking time to pray. Sometimes it’s more difficult—maybe even impossible on our own. But there’s never an excuse; even the impossible is possible with God. May we all strive to be fruitful, even amidst these difficult times!

Reach Out & Stay in Touch

One of the easiest ways to stay in touch right now is through social media. If you don't have an account, now may be the perfect time to sign up for Facebook and Instagram. We post at CGCC on Facebook and CGCC on Instagram frequently. We would love to be able to connect more with you through these online platforms. They are excellent at helping us to share thoughts and stick together through this difficult time. Beyond social media, using the website, email, text, and "snail" mail are also great options!

CGCC & GG Still at Work

As we shared Monday on social media, our staff and volunteers are still keeping things going behind the scenes...while practicing appropriate social distancing of course! It was almost like a normal start to the work week, and it was lovely. Jill was being financial in her office, Jen was at the front desk, Rachel was tending plants, and Rex and Mike were working outside. Everyone is working toward the day when we can get back together for work and Worship!

Garden & Nursery News

Missing Our Garden/Sprout/Nursery Kids!

While we are apart, try some Bible learning at home. This week's featured lesson from Ministry-To-Children is all about celebrating the Risen Lord. Easter reminds us that we have been redeemed by Jesus, and given new life through Him. Because of that, we have hope for now and for the future, and we can share that hope with one another.. Head on over to that lesson right here: The Empty Tomb

Youth Group

The Youth Group remains in touch through texting. This week, they had the task of creating a message to share, thanking all those folks who are working so hard in our communities to keep things running, to keep us all safe, and to care for others. We have much to be thankful for in all this, and focusing on others, sharing our gratitude, helps us all to find the God Sightings. Despite being home-bound, our youth continue to shine the light of Jesus. Their messages from this week will be shared on social media as well as in all our prayers as we remember all the essential workers. (Note - For any Youth Group members that didn't send Jen your images to share, it isn't too late! Send them in and they will be put to good use!)

Youth Group participants will soon be receiving their next challenge from their youth leader. Tell them to be on the lookout. We know they are up to meeting any task they are given!

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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Prayer

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

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UPCOMING AT CG

April Worship

Pastor Mike Hileman ~ Sundays at 10:30am online via Facebook Live: Connecting Life

Good Friday Worship ~ 2pm online

Easter Sunday ~ Join with Connecting Life Church and Common Ground Church Community as we celebrate Resurrection Day! He is Risen! Our celebration will stream live on the CLC Facebook page.

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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

Away We Grow!

As of TODAY, there are only five (5) shares in our Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA) are still available.

We thank those folks who have already subscribed! April 30 is the last day to get the Early Bird price on a Weekly Share. The final payment deadline to subscribe is May 29. If you have questions, want to learn more, or want to subscribe, we'd love to talk to you about it! Please spread the word to your friends and family that GG will still be continuing this program.

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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! Hanging out at home provides a tremendous opportunity to sort out all the items you no longer need/use!!! 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 stash them away until we meet again!.

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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

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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!

Online Women's Event

Two national speakers, music, and comedy on Saturday, April 11th for a 45 minute online women's event: Aspire Live

Local Blood Drive

The time to Give Blood is now. This blood drive will take place on Tuesday, April 21 from 12-6pm in Boardman at the Southern Park Mall. Schedule your appointment online at Red Cross Blood or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Please park and enter through the Food Court entrance.

Donation Drop-Off Benefiting The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is seeking donations of nonperishable food items, water/water bottles, laundry soap, toilet paper, and toiletries. Make your donation in Boardman outside of Southern Park Mall's food court daily, through the month of April, between the hours of 12-5pm. Thank you for your donation!

Family Fun While Exercising

Staying at home doesn't mean you can't (safely) get out and explore your neighborhood while following social distance rules. And...who doesn't love a good old fashioned scavenger hunt?!?
Take this list and have a good-natured competition to see who has the best "eye spy" skills!

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CELEBRATE!

TODAY - Maundy Thursday
April 10 - Good Friday
April 11 - National Pet Day
April 12 - Easter Sunday
April 13 - National Scrabble Day
April - National Inventors Month

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

ON THE CG CALENDAR

April 9-15, 2020 . . .

As it is for everyone right now, our schedule looks strange as we follow the "Stay at Home" order for however long it is required. But, rest assured, CGCC staff and leadership are still here. We still must bring in the mail, pay the bills, plan for the future, and reach out to others while GG keeps on working for the growing season...the work continues, both on W. South Range Rd. and as we work from home. We are available if you need us and we cannot wait to gather with you in person!

Friday, 2pm - Online Good Friday Service, with Communion
Sunday, 10:30am - Online Worship

Hope to see you there on Facebook Live!

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
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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