By Rhys Baker
Common Ground Ministries in Clay Center has several programs under its umbrella, including shelters, the Labor of Love program, and youth programs. Director Bob Stratton says the organization was named Common Ground because the founders hoped differences would be put aside to create a common ground.
As part of their youth programs, families in Clay Center have two options for after-school programs at the Common Ground Building during the school year. The programs TIME4U and The Get-Away are designed to provide safe, engaging spaces for students to unwind, have fun, and learn about Jesus.
Time4U is designed for Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students every Tuesday after school until 5:00 PM. Director Bob Stratton talks about the schedule of events led by April Lyon, Elementary Children’s Pastor at Clay Center Covenant Church, “They come to the Common Ground Building, the kids have the snack, and April teaches devotions. Or she’ll have different people lead, Pastor Paul Tessaro, Pastor Brad Mann, Renee Langvart are some examples, then they’ll have a craft project, followed by free time.” Free time activities include games, crafts, sports, and activities like ping pong and foosball. Transportation is provided from Lincoln Elementary School to the Common Ground Building.
The Get-Away program caters to 4th and 5th graders on Mondays after school until 5:00 PM. Stratton explains the activity schedule, “We start with snacks and worship music on the big screen. And it’s a contemporary song. Ask them, okay, when it was done, you know, who sang it? What was it? What was it about? What did that mean, and things like that. Then Julie Chestnut will do the devotion, and then we’ll have a group game together, and they’ll have free time. They can do a craft if they want to because I know all the kids enjoy doing crafts.”
Transportation is not provided for TIME 4 U students because 4th and 5th graders walk from Garfield Elementary, two blocks from the Common Ground Building at 709 Fifth Street. Both programs are free. Students can enroll anytime during the school year, and parents can register online or in person.
