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Church Offers Common Ground

TRIBUNE/SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Danny Schaffner is ready to open Common Ground Christian Church on North Boulevard in Tampa.

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By KATHY STEELE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 15, 2007

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A longtime church faded away, but in its place a church seed is being planted.

On Sunday, about 250 worshippers came to Common Ground Church for opening-day services in the former sanctuary of Central Christian Church. With a multiethnic congregation and leadership, the nondenominational church plans to focus on community outreach programs.

'Our goal is to get started, see what's coming and go from there,' lead Pastor Danny Schaffner said. 'We just want to rally people to create change.'

Central Christian closed its doors in early 2006 after years of dwindling attendance. The South Seminole Heights church, 4207 N. Boulevard, opened in 1964 but traced its history back about 75 years.

To preserve that legacy, Central Christian officials negotiated an agreement to transfer property rights to Florida Church Planters and Stadia: New Church Strategies. Both are Christian organizations engaged in start-up church projects.

Common Ground's message is traditional, but its teaching methods are rooted in pop culture. Children's Bible study starts with videos and games; Sunday's service gently rocked out to John Mayer's 'Waiting on the World to Change.'

Community service is a priority, Schaffner said. That might be clothing drives or mentoring and tutoring students at Broward Elementary School. Painting or cleanup projects for disabled or elderly residents also are possible.

'We're looking for programs that can be there for them,' Schaffner said.

One group ready to partner with the church is the South Seminole Heights Civic Association. President Gary Ellsworth talked with church officials about the annual Paint Your Heart Out program, and an annual winter holiday concert might be moved to the church.

The civic group held meetings and events at Central Christian for years but temporarily moved to Metropolitan Community Church on East Cayuga Street. The association will have a homecoming at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 when it meets at Common Ground for its annual elections and potluck dinner.

'We were saddened to see the former church leave, but I think Common Ground is going to be a real good neighbor,' Ellsworth said. 'Who could ask for anything more?'

Schaffner said about $500,000 was spent to upgrade the church building, including new air conditioning, expanded bathrooms and sound equipment for the sanctuary.

Texas artist Emilie Porter designed murals for the walls and children's activity areas. Teenagers from Ohio and Indiana helped paint the murals during the summer, including one in The Heights room that recreates a village with a firehouse and old-fashioned diner, similar to Nicko's Diner on Florida Avenue.

Proctor traced out the murals and gave instructions on what colors to use and where to paint.

'It was kind of a giant paint-by-numbers project,' Schaffner said.

Thousands of brochures were mailed inviting residents within a 3-mile radius to visit the church. Schaffner said he was encouraged by Sunday's turnout.

Jim Allen's construction company helped renovate the church. He attends Horizon Christian Church in Valrico, which some former Central Christian members also attend.

'I've been excited,' said Allen, who lives in Valrico. 'The (Christian) fellowship is extremely excited. I wish all of our churches would have this type of rebirth.'

For information, call Schaffner at (813) 232-1400 or visit www.commonground tampa.com.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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