Rev. Christie Love of The Connecting Grounds and Rev. Dr. Phil Snider of Brentwood Christian Church share their exciting news via Facebook video.

As Spring has now sprung, the cold weather shelter program that The Connecting Grounds, as well as other Springfield congregations, participates in will be drawing to a close. Unfortunately, the needs remain for Springfield’s unsheltered population even when the temperature surpasses 32 degrees.

In response to this ongoing need, The Connecting Grounds has determined that the best way for them to be faithful stewards of their building is to make it available as a year-round shelter. They are in the process of obtaining permission from the city for such use, and they are very excited to serve the community in this way.

This new ministry, however, will leave the congregation without a place to worship on Saturday evenings. Luckily Brentwood Christian Church has a fellowship hall that isn’t used on Saturday evenings, a minister that thinks outside the box, and a leadership team that is enthusiastic about supporting such a vital undertaking.

So, beginning this weekend (March 25), The Connecting Grounds will share space at Brentwood Christian Church for their Saturday evening activity. Dinner begins at 5:00 and worship is at 6:00. Shuttles will run from the Outreach Center to the church.

In explaining the evolution of these new plans and partnership, Rev. Christie Love of The Connecting Grounds says, “We need to learn how to take the walls down and find ways to collaborate and partner together more to really, genuinely be the Body of Christ that’s loving out loud.”

Brentwood CC’s Rev. Dr. Phil Snider maintains, “It’s the kind of work Jesus was about” and is excited to participate in this “hands-on response to the Gospel.”