Common Ground, Montgomery AL

Project Overview
The mission of CGM is to glorify God by being instrumental in redeeming impoverished and under-resourced communities through spiritual and community development. While many organizations are actively involved through various initiatives and programs in serving our communities, Common Ground Montgomery is seeking to implement a strategy that fosters long-term transformation in a distinctively Christian way, that is incarnational and holistic in nature. Ministry is to the whole person, both physically and spiritually. To do this, Common Ground seeks to address the needs of a community: spiritual, physical, health-care, economic, housing, educational, and recreational. Housing is not a paternalistic provision that is just “thrown” at an individual or family, rather it is a partnership where the Christian community walks with the individual or family in a relationship that brings the Gospel to bear upon the underlying poverty issues which are spiritual, physical, cultural, social, and psychological in nature. Short-term teams will assist Common Ground through participating with the Christian community to address housing needs.

Living Arrangements
Temporary housing for teams is provided by Trinity Presbyterian Church in their mission house. Areas are designated for lounging and recreation with separate sleeping and restroom facilities provided for men and women. The first project volunteer teams will participate in will be the renovation of a house belonging to Common Ground. This will be the permanent or long-term volunteer housing site near the Common Ground facility.

Meals
Participation in the restoration of the Common Ground community is also economic therefore teams are encouraged to eat at local establishments within the community during their stay. For budgeting purposes you may factor in an average cost of no more than $5 per meal for breakfast and $5-10 per meal for lunch and dinner for an average daily cost of approximately $25 per day.

Group Dynamics
Team Size: 15-20 team members per week
Age: Due to insurance restrictions only those over 16 years old may participate.
Leadership: Group leaders must be present with the group at all times. If there are both young men and young women on the team, both a male and female leader must accompany the group. A ratio of 5:1 or 6:1 youth to adults is desired along with appropriate skill levels for each team leader (Tasks and skills assessment will be provided upon confirmation of your team). Supervision of assigned tasks will be provided by Common Ground construction staff.

Transportation
Common Ground does not provide transportation for teams. The use of vans is encouraged; buses are not allowed. If your team is flying in, please check with us for suggested vehicle rental agencies.

Typical Schedule
As you begin to assemble your team we suggest recruiting one person who will also lead devotions. If you do not have your own material we will provide a devotional booklet for your use. The devotional will include follow-up questions that leaders may use for the evening debriefing sessions. A mandatory orientation will be provided by a member of Common Ground.
Saturday Arrival

Plan on arriving Saturday evening after dinner

  • 7:00 pm Check-in and orientation to housing facility by Common Ground staff

Sunday

  • 7:30-8:30am Breakfast
  • 10:00 am Worship with Trinity Presbyterian (Host for housing)
  • 12:00-2:00pm Lunch
  • 3:00-7:00pm On your own- Self guided orientation to the Montgomery followed by dinner
  • 7:00pm Orientation to Common Ground at the Common Ground facility

Monday – Friday

Options for the day may include participation with Common Ground in a VBS or sports related club ministry. This varies from week to week which may include a split day of construction in the morning followed by VBS/Sports ministry in the afternoon. Two schedule track is as follows:

All Day Construction

  • 6:30 – 7:30 AM Breakfast
  • 7:45 Meet at Common Ground facility for check-out of tools
  • 8:00 – Noon On Worksites (Include at least one 15min. break)
  • Noon-1:00 PM Lunch, team devotionals, rest
  • 1:15-3:30 PM On worksites
  • 3:30 – 4:00 PM Clean up worksite and bring tools back to facility
  • 4:00-5:30PM Shower and prep for dinner
  • 5:30-7:30 Dinner
  • 8:00 – 9:30 PM Devotional, debriefing, team time, recreation
  • 11:00 PM Lights out

Half Day Construction with VBS/Sports Ministry

  • 6:30 – 7:30 AM Breakfast
  • 7:45 Meet at Common Ground facility for check-out of tools
  • 8:00 – Noon On Worksites (Include at least one 15min. break)
  • Noon-1:00 PM Lunch, prep for afternoon
  • 2:00-5:00 PM VBS, Mentoring, Sports Ministry
  • 5:30 – 6:00 PM Clean-up, shower and prep for dinner
  • 6:00-7:30PM Dinner
  • 7:30 – 11:00PM Devotional, debriefing, team time, recreation
  • 11:00 PM Lights out

Saturday

  • 7:00 – 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 8:00 AM Clean-up of housing site
  • 9:00 AM Check out and depart for home

Cost
MNA ShortTerm Missions does not charge any fees for any short term mission site. Cost is determined by the local ministry leadership.

Common Ground will work with each team regarding costs for each mission as each project is different. This fee covers:

  • Materials for construction

This fee does NOT cover:

  • Transportation costs
  • Food costs
  • Any medical/emergency costs
  • Phone calls
  • Ministry materials prepared for Backyard Bible Clubs or VBS

Need more information?

Curt Moore
MNA ShortTerm Missions Specialist
Email: cmoore@pcanet.org
Cell: 404-386-4586

or

Sherry Lanier
MNA ShortTerm Missions Facilitator
678-294-3012
slanier@pcanet.org