Common Ground Christian Church - Tampa

August 27, 2010

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This Weekend: What IF



Our new series, “What IF,”  asks us to dream, think and ponder, “What IF’ we lived a Micah 6:8 kind of life - to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly.

Last week we were challenged to “do justice.” When we act for justice when there is no justice, God’s presence is there. God is calling us to leverage our lives on His behalf so the world may know Him.

This week, we will embrace the challenge to “love mercy.” Join us this Sunday at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM.

DON’T FORGET: On Sept. 12th, we will celebrate Common Ground’s three year anniversary. Bring a friend, invite your neighbors, and join us as we launch into an incredible fall of ministry.
Weekly Update
 
Fall 2010 Community Groups:
Common Ground is beginning a message series on Sept. 19 called “Tangible Kingdom.” We will have community groups to coincide with this study.  If you would like to lead, host or participate in a group, please email Chandra Lee, Director of Community Life at ChandraL@CommonGroundTampa.com or call 813-421-1292 to get more information. 

Community Group Leader’s Meeting
There will be a meeting immediately after service this Sunday, Aug. 29th, for ALL community group and core group leaders. For questions, please e-mail Chandra Lee, Director of Community Life,  by clicking here.  

Student Ministry Meeting
There will be a Student Ministry volunteer meeting for all adults on Sept. 1st. We will be planning material for Sunday mornings and laying out scheduled events for the fall. The meeting will be held in the student room at 7:00 PM.

Men’s Breakfast
Our first Men’s Breakfast will be Sept. 11th at 8:00 AM. This is open to all adult men  and all men are encouraged to bring a friend with them. Breakfast is served at 8:00 AM with group discussion to follow. (Donations are accepted to cover the cost of breakfast.)



Angel Food: High Quality Food for Discounted Prices
Have you checked out Angel Food and their products? You can order online or Sunday mornings at Common Ground. Click here to get to know Angel Food Ministries.
Common Ground Job Postings

This summer, Common Ground has experienced several transitions within our team. We have decided to break up some of those roles and are pursuing three part-time roles for the fall of 2010.  These roles are open for consideration to our Common Ground family and to the public. It is our goal to have all of our roles filled by Sept. 1st and announce those roles Sept. 12th - the three year anniversary of Common Ground.

Part Time Ministry Coordinator:
Click here to see job description.

Part Time Director of Children’s Ministry
Click here to see job description.

Part Time Director of Student Ministry
Click here to see job description.

To submit a resume, please e-mail it to the Common Ground Office by clicking here.
In This Issue This Weekend: What IF Weekly Update: Community Groups, Angelfood, etc Job Postings at Common Ground Online Giving Fantasy Football Want to Make an Online Donation?

Common Ground accepts online giving. To make an online donation, use our merchant account by clicking here.

Fantasy Football at Common Ground

Aug. 6, 2010
This Weekend: Rooted: A Study in James



Life is hard and patience is hard to come by. So, how do you have patience when life is hard? Why do I want patience when life is hard?

God is growing each of us. He desires for us to be close to Him and often times it is when life is hard that we lean on God the most.

Join us this week as we learn to have patience, trust God when life is hard, and recognize that God desires something greater to be gained in our lives.

Join us at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM this Sunday.
Weekly Update

Aug. 7 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Backpack Attack Tampa Report
We will host the Backpack Attack Tampa on Aug. 7th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

• Volunteers need to report to Common Ground at 8:30 AM to the front doors.
• Doors will open to give away backpacks at 9:00 AM.
  
• We have been blessed to be able to give out 1,100 backpack with some supplies.
  
• Supplies will only last so long so get there as early as possible.
  

• Small Kleenex Boxes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Reams of Copy Paper

July 30, 2010
This Weekend: Rooted: A Study in James



What does it take to be close to God? Why does it seem like some people are so close to God and others struggle to gain God’s attention? Is it even really possible to be “close” to God?

Intimacy with God is something God desires for all people. God desires for us to know Him the way He knows us. We need to be reminded that God loves us deeply and that there are clear obstacles that hinder our intimacy with God. 

Join us at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM this Sunday and see how we can “dram near to God.”
Weekly Update

Backpack Attack Tampa Report
This is the final week to support Backpack Attack Tampa. We will be collecting all on-line gifts by Aug. 1 so that we can purchase and order all of the supplies. Currently we have raised enough for 1,000 backpacks and supplies. To help us finish strong, please click here. 

We will host the Backpack Attack Tampa on Aug. 7th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Please help make this event a huge success for the urban corridor of Tampa. 
 
Student Ministry Luncheon
Calling all student ministry families - parents and students, and volunteers - currently involved or interested! We will be having a luncheon on Aug. 15th from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM  to talk about next steps for our student ministry and the next steps we are planning on taking as a church for our student’s and their families. To RSVP, click hereand send your name and how many will be attending lunch. RSVP’s must be received by Aug. 13th. 

Recreation Night
Rec Night not meet this week. 



Angelfood: High Quality Food for Discounted Prices
Have you checked out Angelfood and their products? You can order online or Sunday mornings at Common Ground. Click here to get to know Angelfood Ministries. 

Julie Scott’s Announcement (July 25, 2010)

I wanted to share the announcement from Common Ground this AM concerning Julie and Mike Scott. 

This summer has been one of great growth for us. Everything points that through all the vacations, mission teams, VBS, sports and arts camps and every thing else, God is growing us as a church and as individuals.

It is our goal as a church - “to pursue life as family through Jesus.” We try to do that thru worship, small groups - but most practically as friends. We want to be able to count on each other and journey together as best we can. 

Many of you already know, Mike and Julie Scott. They have been with us since the beginning of common ground. They have helped us take great steps in ministry to help make us who we are today. But today, I need to announce that Mike and Julie and movie to Anderson, IN where Mike has accepted a role for Anderson University. This has been something they have prayed about and got a call as late as Wednesday to find out they have been accepted. 

This is a great step for them. I am proud to see them take their next steps as a family. We have shared together and prayed together. This has been something they have wanted for a long time. And in this economy, getting the job you want is sometimes hard to find. 

Mike and Julie will be greatly missed, but you must also know, this is not simply a moment of loss, this is a day of opportunity. Mike and Julie are seizing this opportunity to do what is right for the kingdom of God and so must Common Ground. 

It is always hard to see people leave the local church - whether volunteer or staff. But I can tell you that God is up to something here at Common Ground. I have been walking this journey with our staff and God is re-ordering our steps and path so that we can become the church that God desires. In the coming weeks you will get to hear about what God is doing and meet who God is bringing to Common Ground. We all need to be focused on what God is doing and who God is bringing to Common ground. Matter of fact - He brought you to Common Ground. 

Danny Schaffner
Lead Pastor
In This IssueThis Weekend: Rooted - A study thru the book of JamesWeekly Update: Rec Night, Sports and Arts Camp, etcJulie Scott’s AnnouncementOnline GivingBackpack Attack TampaVital StatsWant to Make an Online Donation?

Common Ground now accepts on-line giving. To make an online donation, use our merchant account byclicking here. 



Backpack Attack Tampa

Help us finish strong this week. We have raised enough money to provide about 250 backpacks with supplies and 500 reams of paper. Our goal is 2,500 backpacks with supplies and 5,000 reams of paper. 

THIS IS THE WEEK TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Reminder: 
$20 = 1 backpack full of supplies and 2 reams of paper.

To make a donation, please go to the website by
clicking here. 

Vital Stats
July Report

From time to time it is good to give a snapshot of Common Ground’s growth and needs. Here are some statistics that help show how God is growing us. These statistics do not include outside gifts that come from other supporters and churches who are helping Common Ground grow. 

July Total Attendance Average Per Week
217

July Total Attendance
868

2nd Quarter Weekly Offering Average
$3836

July Average Weekly Offering
$2951

Weekly Budgeted Goal
$5000

July Baptism
Selena Alicea
Common Ground
an urban, multi-ethnic church

Update for Sports and Arts Camp!

July 27, 2010 

Sports and Arts Camps

Sports and Arts Camp has been such as joy this summer. However, it has not been without a few bumps along the way.

Monday we hosted 3 camps and had almost 100 children involved and over 40 volunteers. God was clearly up to something. Then we realized we had made a mistake. Certain forms were not in place to work with the city of Tampa. As a church, we not only want to do things well, we want to do them correctly. Therefore, we paused, regrouped, and postponed Sports and Arts camp on Tuesday.

Wednesday we will resume Sports and Arts Camp on the campus of Common Ground. We will follow this schedule:

9:30 AM Registration
10:00 AM Sports and Arts Camp Begins
12:00 PM Sports and Arts Camp Ends

Sports Track: Basketball, Soccer, and Cheerleading.

Arts Track: Painting and Crafts.

We will offer Sports and Arts Camp on Wednesday and Thursday as scheduled at Common Ground Christian Church, 4207 N. BLVD, Tampa, FL. 33603.

Thank you for your patience. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused for you.

Sincerely,

Danny Schaffner
Lead Pastor

July 16, 2010
This Weekend: Rooted: A Study in James

Click on image to hear last week’s message on “favoritism”.
This has been an awesome series for our church as we have gone through the book of James. Last week we talked about “favorites” and this week we will unpack the idea of “faith in action.”

Does your faith make a difference? Does your life require faith? The combination of faith and action is the evidence of God’s work in our world.  

Join us this Sunday at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM. 
 
We could use your assistance:
This last month, Common Ground got the news that we will need to spend $10,000 to repair our roof. What we believed to be a simple repair was a major repair. If you would like to financially help with the roof, pleaseclick here to give online. Please write “roof repair” on the memo/ purpose of gift. 
Weekly Update






Angelfood: High Quality Food for Discounted Prices
Have you checked out Angelfood and their products? You can order online or Sunday mornings at Common Ground. Click here to get to know Angelfood Ministries. 

Recreation Night
Rec Night will not meet this week  on Sunday. 

In This IssueThis Weekend: Rooted - A study thru the book of JamesWeekly Update: Sports and Arts, Angelfood, etcOnline GivingBackpack Attack TampaWant to Make an Online Donation?

Common Ground now accepts on-line giving. To make an online donation, use our merchant account byclicking here. 



Backpack Attack Tampa

We need your help in providing backpacks to local families and reams of paper to local schools.

Our purpose is to serve our community, the Tampa Urban Corridor, with back to school supplies. 
We need our friends a families to consider making an online gift to provide our supplies. 

$20 = 1 backpack full of supplies and 2 reams of paper.

To check make a donation, please go to the website by
clicking here. 
Common Ground
an urban, multi-ethnic church

July 2, 2010
This Weekend: Rooted: A Study in James

Click on image to hear last week’s message.
If were we to ask you “Do you trust the Bible to live what it says?” We might say “Yes” or “Most of it.”
Truth is, we struggle to live out God’s Word in our live. Think of this:

• “Love your neighbor as yourself.” We are “ok” with that.
• “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” This one is harder to live out.

Weekly Update

Superheroes is this year’s theme for VBS!
VBS: Superheroes
Vacation Bible School is coming July 12-15. There will be a free dinner that will be served from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Registration will begin at 5:30 PM and VBS will run from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM. We will begin recruiting for volunteers this weekend. For more information, please contact Julie Scott by clicking here.  



Angelfood: High Quality Food for Discounted Prices
Have you checked out Angelfood and their products? You can order online or Sunday mornings at Common Ground. Click here to get to know Angelfood Ministries. 

Recreation Night
Rec Night will not meet this week  on Sunday due to the 4th of July. 

Going Green: 
Common Ground is looking for new ways to “go green” as a church and a community. If you would like to help us brainstorm and find creative ways to do so, please join us on July 6th at 7:00 PM here at Common Ground. 

Mission Teams: 
Common Ground will be hosting a mission team this month. If you would like to help them with their projects, please e-mail Pastor Danny by clicking here. 

June 11, 2010
This Weekend: Life’s a Beach: Play Hard and Rest Well




Who could use a break? We all can use a break, but who really has time to take a break?

God loves rest. Did you know that? He expects you to take a moment, catch your breath and find a rhythm of life that brings joy.

This Sunday we are going to celebrate life by learning the second part of our series and “Rest Well.”

Make sure you join us at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM. 

We could use your assistance:
This week Common Ground got the news that we will need to spend $10,000 to repair our roof. What we believed to be a simple repair will be a major repair. If you would like to financially help with the roof, please click here to give online. Please write “roof repair” on the memo/ purpose of gift.
Weekly Update



Angelfood: High Quality Food for Discounted Prices
Have you checked out Angelfood and their products? You can order online or Sunday mornings at Common Ground. Click here to get to know Angelfood Ministries.

Recreation Night
Rec Night meets this Sunday night at 6:30 PM. Join us for volleyball and ultimate frisbee!

The Kingdom:
Our 8-week series scheduled to start this month is going to wait until the Fall to kick off.
In This Issue This Weekend: Life’s a Beach Weekly Update Online Giving Backpack Attack Tampa Summer Schedule Want to Make an Online Donation?

Common Ground now accepts on-line giving. To make an online donation, use our merchant account by clicking here.



Backpack Attack Tampa

You may believe it is too early to think about returning to school as it has just  ended, but we want to start early and prepare properly to ensure we can help as many families as possible.
We hope to to alleviate some of the stress of back to school concerns. Help us help others and become a part of Backpack Attack Tampa.
Our purpose is to serve our community, the Tampa Urban Corridor, with back to school supplies. We want to help our local students that are from low-income homes with what they need to return to school.
To check out our site, please click here.
Summer Schedule

July 12-15
VBS
July

July 12-15
Extreme Week for Students

July 18-24
CIY - Move for Students

July 26-29
Sports and Arts Camp

August 7 
Backpack Attack
Common Ground
an urban, multi-ethnic church

June 2, 2010 Life’s a Beach Luau + Free Ray’s Tickets + Summer Schedule + Backpack Attack Tampa

Life’s a Beach Luau + Free Ray’s Tickets + Summer Schedule + Backpack Attack Tampa

This Weekend: Life’s a Beach: Play Hard and Rest Well




On June 6, Common Ground be launching a new series “Life’s a Beach: Play Hard and Rest Well!” Many of us look forward to getting to the summer to blow off some steam and recharge our batteries. It’s natural and even more, it is how we are wired.

Make sure you come and have some fun with us as we launch into our summer. Weekend services are at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM.

Luau: Lunch at Common Ground
Also, that same Sunday, June 6th we will host a luau. Worship will be led by an island band that morning. We will be serving up a meal for everyone who attends that Sunday.

• Lunch begins at 12:30 PM. Everyone will be asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Common Ground will provide main course, drinks, and table service.
• We will ask that families A-N provide side dishes and O-Z provide dessert.
• Feel free to come to church in “beach” attire. (Shorts and t-shirts)
• Mark this date on your calendar today and plan to bring some friends.

Weekly Update



Angelfood: High Quality Food for Discounted Prices
Have you checked out Angelfood and their products? You can order online or Sunday mornings at Common Ground. Click here to get to know Angelfood Ministries.



The Kingdom: 8-week Summer Series
Starting on June 20th, Common Ground will embark on an 8-week journey. Our weekend services will rally around a series called “The Tangible Kingdom: living life of Jesus together.” Each weekend will have a specific theme.  We will unpack that theme as a community each week.

How will we do that?

• First we are encouraging everyone to buy the primer that matches our themes. It will cost $15 and is a daily journal.
  
• Second, we will ask you to join us on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM for a discussion called  “The Table.” We will gather in the auditorium for a time of worship, teaching and round table discussion. Wednesday nights will also have children and student ministry provided.  

Make plans to be join us each Sunday and Wednesday as we take this journey together.
In This Issue This Weekend: Life’s a Beach Weekly Update Online Giving Free Rays Tickets Backpack Attack Tampa Summer Schedule Want to Make an Online Donation?

Common Ground now accepts on-line giving. To make an online donation, use our merchant account by clicking here.
FREE RAYS TICKETS
Student Ministry Event

Our Student Ministry has secured free Rays baseball tickets for the June 8th game vs. the Blue Jays. He has 20 tickets for middle school and high school students and their parent (s).

To reserve your ticket please e-mail Adam Everett our Director of Student Community by clicking here.

Backpack Attack Tampa

You may believe it is too early to think about returning to school as it is just ending, but we want to start early and prepare properly to ensure we can help as many families as possible.
In these tough economic times in Florida, we hope to to alleviate some of the stress of back to school concerns. Help us help others and become a part of Backpack Attack Tampa.
Our purpose is to serve our community, the Tampa Urban Corridor, with back to school supplies. We want to help our local students that are from low-income homes with what they need to return to school.
To check out our site, please click here.
Summer Schedule

June 6
Luau at Common Ground
12:30 -2:00 PM

June 8
Rays Game with the Student Ministry

July 12-15
VBS
July

July 12-15
Extreme Week for Students

July 18-24
CIY - Move for Students

July 26-29
Sports and Arts Camp

August 7 
Backpack Attack
Common Ground
an urban, multi-ethnic church

The Tampa Project | 4207 N. Boulevard | Tampa | FL | 33625

May 28, 2010
This Weekend: Life. Money. Hope.



Last weekend we shared some “What If?” dreams about Common Ground. There is no doubt in our minds that God is leading us towards our dreams. With all that said,  we also realize is that if God is going to fulfill our dreams, then we need to partner with Him.

How do we partner with God? We choose to “volunteer” to serve Him for the sake of His mission and “invest” our resources for the sake of His mission.

This weekend we are taking a some next steps towards those “What if?” dreams as we tackle “Myths about money.”

Make sure you make it to Common Ground this weekend at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM.

All messages can be heard online on our website www.commongroundtampa.com.



Next Series & Common Ground Luau: On June 6, Common Ground be launching a new series “Life’s a Beach: Play Hard and Rest Well!” Many of us look forward to getting to the summer to blow off some steam and recharge our batteries. It’s natural and even more, it is how we are wired.

Make sure you come and have some fun with us as we launch into our summer.

That same Sunday, June 6th we will host a luau. Worship will be led by an island band that morning. We will be serving up a meal for everyone who attends that Sunday.

• Lunch begins at 12:30 PM. Everyone will be asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Common Ground will provide main course, drinks, and table service.
• We will ask that families A-N provide side dishes and O-Z provide dessert.
• Feel free to come to church in “beach” attire. (Shorts and t-shirts)
• Mark this date on your calendar today and plan to bring some friends.

May 21, 2010
This Weekend: Life. Money. Hope.



Last weekend we started our “Life. Money. Hope.” message series. I want to challenge you to be here this Sunday as Pastor Danny will share some “What if?” thoughts about our future as a church and we will share how each of us can be “debt free.”
Make sure you make it to Common Ground this weekend at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM.


Next Series & Common Ground Luau: On June 6, Common Ground be launching a new series “Life’s a Beach: Play Hard and Rest Well!” Many of us look forward to getting to the summer to blow off some steam and recharge our batteries. It’s natural and even more, it is how we are wired.

Make sure you come and have some fun with us as we launch into our summer.

That same Sunday, June 6th we will host a luau. Worship will be led by an island band that morning. We will be serving up a meal for everyone who attends that Sunday.

• Lunch begins at 12:30 PM. Everyone will be asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Common Ground will provide main course, drinks, and table service.
• Feel free to come to church in “beach” attire. (Shorts and t-shirts)
• Mark this date on your calendar today and plan to bring some friends.