“And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Family Nights in Gruening Park have been part of Common Ground’s outreach and ministry from the very beginning.

Initially, we supported the efforts of SERRC’s (Southeast Regional Resource Center) attempts to bring families together who were involved in “The Learning Center.” Our focus, at that time, was to take some of the load off the staff and show them love by helping with these rather labor intensive events. We provided volunteers and also took charge of all the food planning, prep, and serving. This evolved over the years and now the invitation goes out to all families living in Gruening Park to come and get to know one another. With the closing of “The Learning Center” in 2018, Common Ground became the primary planner and executer of this long standing tradition among the families of Gruening Park.

Family Nights in Gruening Park are fun events in which we always serve the community a meal, invite guests, and, of course, provide activities designed to get families having fun together and meeting their neighbors. Some past guests have been Juneau Libraries, various musicians, health professionals, artists, storytellers, carvers, Juneau Jumpers, drummers, and dancers. Even Santa Claus himself has made several appearances!

Family Nights vary in composition throughout the year and always carry a different theme or focus. But at the core of each one is our primary goal—sharing the love of Jesus through active service with the residents of Gruening Park. It is an honor and joy to watch the families get to know each other, us, and the love of God.

The Family Nights’ annual schedule usually includes between five and eight events per year. We always start off with a “Back to School” barbecue in the first weeks after school begins and end with another spring barbecue just before school lets out for the summer.  In between, our other typical events are centered on the community garden harvest, Halloween, Thanksgiving/Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even Cinco de Mayo.

As always, you can check our Calendar or Facebook for information about the next Family Night and come be a part of this fun and helpful ministry!

-Gary Leder, leader of Common Ground

Photo Credit: Heidi Riberio