Common Ground is a Registered Student Organization of Lees-McRae College.
Seeking the "Common Ground" all students share at Lees-McRae.
Open, Accepting, to those Strong in Faith or None At All.
Food, Fun, Games, Discussion, and Community Service.
Come check us out!
Organizations we support and do
service work with!
Common Ground
Common Ground is recognized as a Wesley Foundation of the Western North Carolina United Methodist Church.
WHAT IS COMMON GROUND?
As a Pastor, my heart breaks when I see Christian communities seeking to somehow alienate any person(s) from the love, mercy, and grace God offers to all. As such, in addition to the responsibilities of a Pastor serving a church in Banner Elk, NC., and Chaplain of Lees-McRae College, I spend my free time, serving several 501(c)3 programs including "Common Ground".
Common Ground was founded in 2014 by a small group of Christian students with a vision of creating a community of inclusiveness. They invited me in to facilitate a conversation on what such a community might look like.
Historically, the typical college club or Campus Ministry lends itself to a certain degree of exclusivity; these students sought something different.
After significant discussion the name Common Ground (CG) was determined to embody the overarching vision, as we would be seeking to find the 'common ground' all students shared - regardless of their faith, lack of faith, their gender identity, or sexual orientation.
CG brings a diverse student population together to serve the local communities with various service projects to show the Love of Christ.
We've worked with Grandfather Home for Children, The Crossnore School, the Avery County Weekend Backpack Food Program, Feeding Avery Families, and Hospitality House of Boone to mention a few.
CG meets weekly at the Historic Banner Elk School on Thursday evenings for a time of food, fellowship, discussions, games, and sometimes just to hang out.
Common Ground is guided by a board of directors and operates under the auspices of Banner Elk UMC, a 501(c)3. All donations are considered tax-deductible to the extent of the law and your specific situation.
Thank you for your interest in CG. Explore our site to learn more and perhaps find a way you might offer support!
Grace and Peace!
Rev. Ted Henry