Common Grounds Worship: 8am, 9am, and 11am

Join us in the Chapel for worship! Common Grounds Worship is an alternative space to experience the worship service via livestream. While everyone is invited to go to the Sanctuary for worship services, many of our guests feel more comfortable in the Chapel. Stephen Ministers and other volunteers (this could be you!) are present to engage with our unhoused guests. We’re serving coffee and pastries, and some relief from the heat (or relief from the cold in winter months). We also offer clothing and other items for those in need. 

 

Common Grounds Fellowship: 9-9:30am and 10:30-11am

Join us for Common Grounds Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall between services. Take some time to chat with folks, or grab something to-go. Enjoy a coffee and pastry. Your generous donation also pays for a coffee and pastry for those without the means to pay. Keep scrolling to find out more ways you can serve. 

​

Our Vision

As "The Heart of the City," St. Pete First is a gathering place for all walks of life. As an outreach ministry, Common Grounds broadens the scope of those we serve, better serving the congregation and the wider community.

 

Donate!

Give a one-time or ongoing monetary donation here. Or drop a little extra in the donation box when you grab a coffee or pastry. Or donate new or gently used clothing – see below for details.

 

Volunteer!

You’re in luck, we need volunteers for both Common Grounds Worship and Common Grounds Fellowship! 

 

Volunteer for Common Grounds Worship…

Time commitment: One Sunday a month for 1hr. 

Timeslots available: 7:30-8:30 / 8:30-9:30 / 9:30-10:30 / 10:30-11:30 

 

Duties...

Minglers: Welcome guests, sort clothing, tidy up, be a real class act St Pete First concierge! 

Coffee/Pastry Service: Hand out pastries, keep the coffee coming, can’t help but smile!

​

Volunteer for Common Grounds Fellowship…

Time commitment: One Sunday a month for 1hr.

Timeslots available: 8:45-9:45 / 10:15-11:15

 

Duties...

Coffee/Pastry Service: Hand out pastries, make coffee, tidy up, make a good impression 

 

It’s a work in progress: timeslots and duties subject to change… It’s a new outreach ministry, and we haven’t got it all figured out just yet. But here’s your opportunity to start something big. Step on up, we need you. Let’s do this!

​

Donation items needed

Things to know before donating…

1.  Adult sizes only, please.

2. Please donate only the specific items listed below (updated regularly).

3. While many donated items can be gently used, please note that some items should only be purchased new (marked “NEW ONLY!”)

4. Please DO NOT donate items that are stained or have excessive wear and/or holes. 

5. For used items, many thrift stores offer discounts on certain days of the week (50% off clothing at Salvation Army on Wednesdays, for example) 

6. Please DO NOT donate blouses, dress shirts, and business/formal attire. 

7. Check this webpage regularly for the latest donation need updates – our inventory levels change, and many items are seasonal.

​

Immediate/ongoing items needed: 

• Underwear, Men’s and Women’s—NEW ONLY!

• Women’s Sport Bras—NEW ONLY!

• Short-Sleeve T-shirts and polos, Unisex

• Sweatpants, Unisex

• Men’s Pants and Shorts

• Women’s Pants, Shorts and Skirts

• Belts, Men’s and Women’s

• Shoes, Men's and Womens

• Flip flops, Sandals and Slides—NEW ONLY!

• Personal Wipes, small/travel size packages 

• Ponchos—NEW ONLY!

• Toiletry items, travel sizes—NEW ONLY!
  toothpaste, deodorant, nail clippers, hand sanitizer, lotion, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream

• Reusable Grocery Bags (the kind you buy for a few dollars at Publix, for example) 

• Backpacks   

 

Winter/seasonal items needed (October – April only, please)

• Blankets

• Sleeping bags

• Hoodies and Jackets, Men’s and Women’s

• Long-Sleeve Shirts

• Gloves

• Stocking Caps

• Long-sleeve T-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts, Men’s and Women’s (no dress shirts or formalwear)

 

Monetary donations are also very appreciated.
Go to our donation page here. Your donation will buy a cup of coffee/pastry for those without the means to pay. It also helps provide funds for items that are better purchased in bulk or otherwise donated less often.

​

​

Interested in serving on a Common Grounds Team?

Click here, choose "Common Grounds," and submit your info to let us know you're interested. We'll answer any questions that you have and make sure you get connected. 

​

Chad Simonds is the Coordinator for this Ministry. You may also contact him at 727-667-7169 or by email at csimonds@stpetefirst.org

​