Hey Subscriber First Name,

Summer has a way of reminding us what matters. Long evenings, shared meals, kids laughing together, conversations that linger a little longer, and simple moments spent with friends and neighbors all have a way of slowing us down and bringing us back to one another.

One thing that becomes especially clear this time of year is how meaningful it is when people simply show up. Whether it's volunteering, cheering someone on, lending a hand, or making time to be present, community isn't built through grand gestures as much as it is through ordinary acts of consistency and care. It's the small decisions to show up for one another that create the kind of place where people feel known, welcomed, and supported.

As we continue to enjoy the summer, may we not miss the opportunities to be present with the people around us. The memories we make and the relationships we invest in today become the foundation of a stronger community tomorrow. Thank you for being part of that and for continuing to make this such a special place to belong.

- Common Ground

CG Adventure Day Camp Recap

Just this past Monday, Common Ground wrapped up its final Adventure Day Camp of the summer. Over three Mondays, 45 kids ages 7–12 explored Central Oregon's beauty while discovering fascinating facts and learning valuable outdoor skills and life lessons along the way.

Camp adventures included visits to the High Desert Museum, guided tours of the Lava River Cave, hiking at Smith Rock State Park, a fish hatchery tour, rock climbing, and interactive lessons in wilderness survival and orienteering.

Thanks to support from Common Ground's church budget, the camp cost just $10 per day, making it far more accessible than many other day camps in the region.

A huge thank-you goes out to the 15 volunteers who generously gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make this incredible experience possible!

Lake Days are upon us for July & August CG Gathers!

JULY: CULTUS LAKE DAY
When? July 18
Address: Cultus Lake Boating Site at Cultus Lake
Start Time: 10:30AM start

We’ll be gathering at Cultus Lake again and people are encouraged to bring paddle boards, kayaks, floaties, lawn chairs, blankets, etc. for a few hours on the lake. Alexa Davis will be there around 9:30 to make sure we have a spot and we’ll start off with a group discussion time at 10:30 followed by lake/chill time and a lunch at noon (food tbd). The best parking is in the dirt lot across from the Cultus Lake Day Use area or the boat ramp parking lot.

AUGUST: SUTTLE LAKE CAMPOUT
When? August 7-9

Our annual Campout is almost here, and we couldn't be more excited to spend a weekend together in one of Central Oregon's most beautiful places! Whether you're camping for the whole weekend or just joining us for part of it, this is an opportunity to slow down, share meals, enjoy the outdoors, worship together, and simply be present with one another. There won't be a packed schedule or pressure to do it all, just space to build friendships, rest, laugh around the campfire, and experience the kind of community that grows when we intentionally make time for each other. We hope you'll join us August 7–9 for a weekend of adventure, encouragement, and meaningful connection.

We need folks to register for camping/RV spots for the Suttle Lake Campout. Register below!

Sept 17-20: Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Backpacking Trip!

Some of our most profound experiences of peace, wonder, and connection with God happen in the grandeur of nature. However, opportunities to step into this kind of experience intentionally and in community are very rare.

This September, you’re invited to join Common Ground for a backpacking trip into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, where we’ll journey together through incredible terrain while creating space to slow down, reflect, learn from one another, and practice attentiveness to God’s presence in the natural world. Check out the details below for a brief description of the terrain we’ll cover each day.

Our group size is limited to 11 people, so you’ll have to act fast to join in! There is a $50 fee to join to help cover the trip’s cost.

Come serve with us at our “Backyard Dad” Aid Station at the Oregon Cascades 100 Race

On Saturday, July 25th, runners from across the region will take on the Oregon Cascades 100, a 100-mile trail race featuring approximately 11,000 feet of climbing and descent through the beautiful Central Oregon Cascades. Common Ground is proud to be partnering with the event for another year, bringing volunteers together to support runners at one of the race's busiest aid stations. Whether you're helping fill water bottles, serving food, or cheering on participants, you'll play an important role in helping runners reach the finish line.

This year's theme is Backyard Dad. This isn't just an aid station, it's a Saturday afternoon in the suburbs. Volunteers are encouraged to fully embrace their inner dad: cargo shorts, tucked-in polos or button-up shirts, white crew socks, baseball caps, sunglasses, mustaches (real or fake), and New Balance shoes are highly encouraged. Bonus points for cell phone belt clips, golf clubs, lawn chairs, grilling aprons, and an excessive number of keys hanging from your belt.

The aid station should feel like runners just wandered into a dad's backyard. Think lawn chairs, coolers, golf bags, classic rock, dad jokes, and plenty of enthusiastic encouragement. Greet runners with peak dad energy, offer them "Dad Fuel," ask if they've been staying hydrated, and remind them that "we're making good time." The goal is simple: create the most welcoming, ridiculous, and memorable suburban backyard experience possible for every runner who passes through.

A Third LifeGroup in Redmond is just around the corner!

Common Ground is excited to share that plans are underway to launch a new LifeGroup—a house church that will become part of Common Ground's growing family.

A planning team is currently assembling to prayerfully discern the vision for this initiative and explore how it can uniquely cultivate a community where people support one another in life and faith.

If you're interested in learning more, or if you know someone who might be, please contact Randy Folkenberg at randy@commongroundbend.org.

Mark your calendars for our Silence & Solitude Retreat

October 23-25.
This incredible weekend will be a dedicated time to step away from the noise and make space to be present with God. You can expect simple rhythms of quiet, reflection, and rest, creating room to listen, pray, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether silence feels familiar or new, this retreat is an invitation to slow down, be attentive, and encounter God in the stillness.

Exact details will be announced as they become available.

Common Ground Returns to Nepal this coming Spring!

Coming mid-March to early April, 2027.
Have you ever dreamed of traveling to Nepal to serve in a two-day medical clinic and and then trek deep into the breathtaking Himalayas? Now imagine combining that adventure with deeply transformative personal and leadership development, all within a safe, supportive expedition team.

Join Common Ground as we once again partner with Big Lake Youth Camp for this unforgettable journey to Nepal in mid-March through early April 2027.

If you're interested, block out Monday, July 27 at 7:30 for an info call over Zoom with our expedition leaders, Randy Folkenberg and Les Zollbrecht. Attend the call via HERE.

Common Ground Save the Dates!

COMMON GROUND GATHERS
- July 18: Cultus Lake Day
- August 7-9: Campout at Suttle Lake
- September 25-26: Central Oregon Adventist Convocation
- October 10: Evening Worship Gathering
- November 14: Musical Worship Night
- December 12: Christmas Party

All Gathers dates and timing are subject to change, but will be officially announced via our website and social media profiles closer to each date.

GROUP-RUN CREW, Every Thursday in the evening
Every week on Thursday evening for several months now a group of our CG fam and their friends, led by Cody Davis, has meet up for a trail run. We just want to take a moment to celebrate and highlight this! If you’d like to join in on the runs, give us a shout!

OREGON CASCADES 100 AID STATION SERVICE EVENT, July 25
Not only is the race 100 miles- it also has roughly 11,000 ft of gain and 11,00 ft of loss. Racers have up to 32 hours to finish. Common Ground is partnering with the event to volunteer at 1 of the 13 aid stations on the race. We will serve together by providing trail runners with food, drinks, and aid at a busy aid station that runners go by at mile 40. Register now via our website to volunteer!

FELLOWSHIP & HANG AT BEND ADVENTIST CHURCH, Aug 1
The Bend Adventist Church would like to invite you to a fun afternoon of fellowship on Sabbath, August 1, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the grassy area on the west side of the church (21610 NE Butler Market Rd, Bend, OR 97701). Please bring your favorite summer food/snack item to share, a lawn chair, and a popup tent if you have one. Dessert will be provided. There will be sprinklers for the kids to cool down in so bring their swimsuits and towels. For questions, please contact Brenda Dederer, 541-221-4902.

BACKPACKING WEEKEND, Mt. Jefferson, September 17-20
Some of our most profound experiences of peace, wonder, and connection with God happen in the grandeur of nature. However, opportunities to step into this kind of experience intentionally and in community are very rare. This September, you’re invited to join Common Ground for a backpacking trip into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, where we’ll journey together through incredible terrain while creating space to slow down, reflect, learn from one another, and practice attentiveness to God’s presence in the natural world. Check out the details below for a brief description of the terrain we’ll cover each day. Our group size is limited to 11 people.

SILENCE & SOLITUDE RETREAT, October 23-25
Join us October 16–18 for a Silence and Solitude retreat, a dedicated time to step away from the noise and make space to be present with God. This weekend will offer simple rhythms of quiet, reflection, and rest, creating room to listen, pray, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether silence feels familiar or new, this retreat is an invitation to slow down, be attentive, and encounter God in the stillness. Exact details will be announced as they become available.

NEPAL EXPEDITION, Spring 2027
Have you ever dreamed of traveling to Nepal to serve in a two-day medical clinic and and then trek deep into the breathtaking Himalayas? Now imagine combining that adventure with deeply transformative personal and leadership development, all within a safe, supportive expedition team. Join Common Ground as we once again partner with Big Lake Youth Camp for this unforgettable journey to Nepal in mid-March through early April 2027. If you're interested, block out Monday, July 27 at 7:30 for an info call over Zoom with our expedition leaders, Randy Folkenberg and Les Zollbrecht. You can attend the call HERE