What is Common Ground?

Common Ground happens between our two worship services on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.  We have three goals for this time together.

  1. Build relationships of appreciation, love and trust across generations - middle school through our oldest adults.  (Our elementary children have a gathering of their own at this time.)
  2. Teach and practice spiritual formation together.
  3. Address community needs and questions together.

Here is the Common Ground schedule:

 

10:00 - 10:15 a.m. 
Informal fellowship with a simple mixer option that encourages people to meet people outside their usual relationship circles.

10:15 - 10:25 a.m.  
Beforehand we ask a person (or a couple such as a grandfather and grandson, mother and daughter, or two friends of different generations) each week to share their faith story. Here are some of the prompt questions we use: Who introduced me to Jesus? Why did I say yes to following Jesus (or exploring faith)? What’s my biggest joy and struggle right now? What is the last thing I heard Jesus say to me? The song or hymn that speaks to my heart the most is _____. Why?

10:25 - 10:45 a.m.  
Learn and practice spiritual formation together. This is something practical that will help us practice faith everyday.

10:45 - 10:55 a.m.

Sharing appreciations, regrets, options in small group or large group depending on size.

Children's Ministry at Grace

At Grace United Methodist, we focus our teaching not only on learning the Bible, but also on helping the children see how the Bible relates to their own lives.  We know that children can have a wonderful relationship with Jesus and can trust God.  We know the lessons they learn from the Bible can help them make wise choices, grow as a Disciple of Jesus, and treat others in this community and the world the same way they hope to be treated.  Our goal is to come alongside parents, grandparents, and caregivers to help kids develop their faith, shining the light of Jesus for the transformation of the world.

 

Click on the Children's link above for detailed information on our programs and like our Children's Ministry Facebook Page for information on other resources and events.

Groups for Adults

Like breathing in and out are important, spending time alone and in community for prayer, study and conversation is essential for the spiritual formation work God wants to do in us. Here are some community group options for adults happening at Grace.

  • The seekers

    This group meets on Sunday mornings 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Wesley Room adjacent to the Sanctuary. They are reading through the Bible together using a curriculum guide called "Walk Through the Bible." Contact the group leader, Marshia Hewitt.

  • BYKOTA (Be ye kind one to another)

    Meets Sunday morning 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. This group uses seasonal Bible readings to guide their reflection and discussion. This winter, our lessons explore the twofold nature of faith as belief and action. Selections from Acts show various examples of proclaiming faith in Christ. In the Book of Daniel, we see faith in action as sincere, obedient, bold, and strong. The lessons from several epistles show how our actions as individuals and as communities demonstrate our faith in Christ. Meets in the Pastor's office and is led by Richard Gibson.

  • Companions in Christ

    A spiritual formation group for women that meets Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Companions in Christ focuses on your experience of God and your discovery of spiritual practices that help you share more fully in the life of Christ. Contact Debra Gibson for more information.

  • Monday morning mens group

    Group of men meets Mondays from 7:00 - 8:15 a.m. at the Maple Street Biscuit Company across from the Grace Church Building on Cordova. The group explores faith, listens for God's word through the Bible, supports and prays for one another in following Jesus. Contact Pat Cummings for more information.

Middle and High School Students

All middle and high school students are invited to join other youth at Grace each Wednesday evening, 6:30-8 pm. Our time together includes food, games and lesson/discussion. We pray for one another and have friendships that go beyond what school we go to, what grade we are in, whether we're a jock or a nerd and all the other labels culture puts on youth. During the summer we do fun activities with our friends at First United Methodist of St. Augustine. We occasionally go on retreats and do mission work. We learn about God's love for others and how we can be God's hands and feet in the world. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Carolyn. You can also stay connected by liking our Facebook page.