Vision + Mission

The Church of the Common Ground is a church community on the streets of Atlanta living the Good News that we are all God’s beloved. For twenty years, beginning in 2006, the church has lived out the baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons whether on the street corner, or shelter, or on the benches and under the trees in our spiritual home of Woodruff Park. 

Common Ground meets people where they are and invites them into a community of sacramental and pastoral presence.  All people find in Church of the Common Ground an open, welcoming space where they can worship, pray, serve others, and grow together.

Our History

Church of the Common Ground began with the inspiration and hard work of the Reverend Bob Book and Holly Book, who were inspired by their experience with Ecclesia Ministries at Common Cathedral in Boston. In 2006 on Christmas Eve, CCG held its first Holy Communion service in Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta. We have worshiped in or near the park every Sunday since.

The Reverend Mary Wetzel came to Church of the Common Ground in January of 2010 as an assistant priest; she became vicar in 2011. The ministry deepened its connection and collaboration with Episcopal parishes and volunteers throughout the Diocese, from urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.

These Episcopal sisters and brothers in Christ—and volunteers from other denominations—attend Church of the Common Ground worship, bring lunches and encouragement, provide pastoral care and assistance, and volunteer for the Church of the Common Ground Common Soles Clinic (this is a foot clinic for Church of the Common Ground members and others who spend long days and nights on their feet, their only means of transportation on the streets of Atlanta).

On Christmas Eve 2016, Church of the Common Ground celebrated its 10th anniversary of worship and community together.  The Reverend Mary Wetzel retired in November 2017, just as The Reverend Monica Mainwaring began ministering as Vicar, aiming to build on this foundation of fellowship and collaboration to ensure the sustainability of our church into the future. In June of 2019, Monica was called to serve elsewhere.

The Rev. Kim Jackson served as vicar from 2019 until 2025.  During her tenure the church navigated the challenges of the pandemic and expanded ministry to include housing members through a collaboration with social workers and Intown Ministries. 

The Rev. Mtr. Kenya Thompson was called to lead the church beginning in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience serving communities on the margins, including time as Curate, Assistant Priest from 2018-2019.