By Dustin Steiger, arts and entertainment editor

Since its founding in September of 2016, Common Grounds has lived up to its mission statement, acting as “a gathering place where young people can socialize free of negative influences and where they connect and find common ground.”

For those who don’t know, Common Grounds is a café located at the old Grotto Park in Saegertown.

On Monday nights, the café hosts “Campus Life,” a youth-group for high school teens from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Friday nights, high schoolers can also gather for a teen café night with ping-pong, pool, board games, free WiFi, and, of course, coffee.

“Common Grounds has been continually expanding as new groups continue to meet there,” said Frank Tipping, the Campus Life Ministry Director. “Besides our high school age groups like Campus Life and Friday Night Cafe, we have a men’s group that meets there on certain Saturdays, and a young adult group that meets on Tuesday nights. We are also open to other groups that are looking for a place to gather.”

“I believe that it allows a safe space for everyone- not just Christians- to come together and be in an environment that is very promoting and positive!” said Jennifer Chamberlain, a Maplewood senior who regularly attends Campus Life.

“It helps our community come together as one,” said Ashley Merritt, a Saegertown junior. “It gives people a chance to feel safe.”

Common Grounds continues to provide the young adults in the area with a place to hangout, to meet new friends, and to grow in fellowship and in friendship. “We are all created in the image of God,” Tipping said. “And I think we have so much more in common with each other than we realize. We need to take the time to get to know one another and build relationships on Common Ground. Then we can begin to build bridges instead of tearing them down.”