<> Pastor’s Comment <> We’ve got a riddle and really big gift <> Elders Induction and Family Potluck <> Advent Journey
44 days until Thanksgiving, 73 till Christmas, and 79 days till 2027 - Yikes! Perhaps you feel like I do - there is too much yet to accomplish in 2026 before the holidays and the end of 2026. But in the midst of awe at how quickly the year is passing, I also have a sense of excitement about what is coming. Common Ground is in the midst of some very exciting times! I want to be very clear that the reason for the excitement is that God is going before us, leading us into new opportunities and giving us some new tools.
As you read about a few of these things below, will you stop and praise God with me, recognizing that He is the builder of our family and that every piece of fruit and all good things come from Him.
-Pastor Dan
Church family, today I get to share something in a way that’s a little different. Before I tell you the news, here’s a riddle:
I stand without breath, I shelter without arms, I gather without speaking, I welcome without moving. What am I?
Take a moment… got your guess? Here’s the answer: a building. And here’s the joy: our church family has been gifted one.
Nine years ago the Common Ground family toured a building. Our eyes lit up as we recognized the potential it provided. We have been praying ever since about this but God has shut the door the few times we inquired about it. Fast forward to today. God has laid the groundwork for us to receive this building as a gift! Yes, you are reading that right - a gift. God laid it on the heart of a couple to provide this gift.
The building is 34 Pennsylvania Ave in York Haven. Its history includes housing two different banks. In fact, the vault is still there and it is pretty cool! Now, before you read on - would you thank the Lord who provides all good things and would you pray for the continued work of acquisition and renovation. “Lord - go before us that all will know you are Lord and God over all - majestic and awesome in all your ways and that we are yours.”
The Process: Nothing has happened overnight. Over the last several months a lot of work has been done by your church family and the elders and deacons. At this point, we have a signed Agreement of Sale but closing on the building would not occur until February of 2027. This means there is positive intent of both parties that the acquisition occurs. This does not mean, however, that the acquisition is 100% definite.
The Intent & Potential: We intend to move everything we do under one roof. For those who deal with the logistics of two buildings, this is a huge blessing! Beyond this, it also would alleviate space and parking challenges while providing room for growth and other opportunities for use. The building will be a blessing to our family but we intend that it would also be a blessing to others!
Current Buildings: You may be wondering, “What would we do with the other two buildings if everything is moved under one roof?” We would likely sell the Community Center which would provide monies for renovation of 34 Pennsylvania Ave. We are not sure what we would do with 3rd Space. If kept, it would need to be used in a way that does not drain our financial resources or our families time and energy. We are working out a plan for transitioning into the new building but a lot has to happen before that.
Renovation: Some may be wondering what renovations need done in the new building and what kind of costs we are looking at. The renovations would consist of many typical things like replacing flooring, drop ceiling tiles, adding LED lighting, painting, and other general updates and freshening. We would need to add a kitchen which mostly involves the addition of cabinets, some plumbing for sinks and electric for equipment. Overall we want the space to have a similar aesthetic to 3rd Space but be practically usable for the community dinners, the 3rd Space bake sale, group life, and other large group activities we might envision. We have another meeting in a few weeks to confirm some details so that we can start getting quotes for renovation.
What is the timeline: We are already working to get contractor quotes for renovations. By February when we close on the building, our hope is that a contractor will be ready to jump in and do the slated the work. It’s too early to tell when the building would be ready to move into but we’d love to be in it by mid 2027.
What can you do now? The Lord continues to provide for our church and our community. Your continued prayers for this process are the most important thing you can offer right now. If you feel led to help in any way, you can send me an email [[email protected]]. Likewise, if you have questions or ideas send them on. We want you to share in our excitement!
If you are asking yourself, “What on earth is an Elder induction celebration,” you can blame me. I was struggling for a name to use, and I’ve struggle to be creative lately. An elder induction is where we publicly appoint and introduce a new elder.
Recently we welcomed Gary Ames as an elder of Common Ground but we want to make sure you know who He is and that you get a chance to hear from him. We also want you to see how seriously we view the stewardship of eldership. This is why on Wednesday, November 4th at 6pm we are publicly appointing Gary as an elder of Common Ground. We hope you will join us as we appoint, celebrate and enjoy some family time together. This is a potluck so bring a dish to share as we hear Gary’s testimony, and revisit with us our mission and vision.