Community Life

Our community way of life is based on prayer, sharing together and going-to offer the Christian message in Guildford and pray for the town and the world.  We are an open community, with a broad range of people, based in and outside Guildford. We summarise the commitments of our community way of life as PRAY; TOGETHER: GO and make a commitment to GIVE our skills, time and resources. You can find our daily prayer card here. Read more under Join in, members and friends.   

We had our beginnings in a launch in St Mary's Church, Quarry Street, Guildford in September 2016 . Our first annual commitment service was held on 17 September 2017 and members have made re-commitments and new members have joined the community each year since then.  

Why Common Ground?

St Mary's Guildford is our base and began to be called "Common Ground" because it plays host to Christian groups of many denominations and because of its standing as the most historic church in Guildford. When the mission community was launched, with the intention of being a community drawn from across the churches and partnering with them "Common Ground" was an appropriate name.

"Common Ground" seemed the right name for a second reason. We have a common concern for the people of Guildford and how it thrives as a community. Our focus is specifically Guildford, offering the Christian message in new ways in Guildford and praying for the town. We do of course pray for wider concerns as well, and are supported by people outside Guildford.

What should I expect at meetings and events?

We meet regularly face to face or online and both those who have made a commitment to join or support the community, or are considering doing so are welcome. We alternate between face to face meetings at St Mary's and online meetings. All are welcome to come along and see who we are and what we do, whether your interests and gifts are in prayer, running events and activities, or coming alongside in support. Our Friday "Vigil for Peace" is a major focus and our activities are as much part of the pattern of our community meetings as the meetings for members of the community.

Please contact community@commongroundguildford.org for more information. 

Prayer from the Common Ground Commitment Service

May Christ, as a light
illumine and guide us.
May Christ, as a shield
Overshadow us.
Christ under us;
Christ over us;
Christ beside us
on our left and on our right.
May Christ be in the heart of all to whom we speak;
In the mouth of all who speak to us.
Christ as a light;
Christ as a shield:
On our left and our right
AMEN