Calvary Presents “Common Grounds” Beginning March 1

Benji relates to the world with a mix of skepticism and dry humor, not really sure of where and to whom he belongs. Linnea comes at life quite differently: aware of her own quirks and hang-ups, but confident in her faith. The community is invited to meet Benji, Linnea and a whole host of coffee shop characters at “Common Grounds” this Lenten season at Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minn.

An original theatrical production, “Common Grounds” will be presented at the church’s weekly Lenten worship services on Wednesdays, March 1-April 5, and Thursday, April 13, at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Calvary is located at 7520 Golden Valley Road. The services are free and open to the public.

Set in the fictitious “Common Grounds” coffee shop, the series will follow its staff and clientele as they confront the hard realities of life in the context of their shared community, budding relationships and big questions. As their stories unfold and connections grow, it will become clear that their experiences, doubts and dreams are all reconciled by one answer and one hope: Jesus Christ.

The dramas will revolve around the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Following each episode, the Rev. Jeff Krogstad will help attendees go even deeper into the week’s Scripture passage by tying the content of “Common Grounds” to the truth of God’s Word and the daily life as Jesus followers. The themes of each production are:

• “I am the bread of life…” (Ash Wednesday, March 1)
• “I am the light of the world…” (March 8)
• “I am the gate…” (March 15)
• “I am the good shepherd…” (March 22)
• “I am the resurrection and the life…” (March 29)
• “I am the way and the truth and the life…” (April 5)
• “I am the true vine…” (Maundy Thursday, April 13)

The cast includes a variety of experienced and professional local actors, including Kayla Hambeck as Linnea, Benjamin Witt as Benji, Wendy Hathaway as Taylor, Maria Molitor as Bailey and Ryan Vanasse as Syd, as well as Christy Jones as playwright and director. Visit calvary.org/commongrounds for a complete list of cast members, as well as other details.

“Common Grounds” audiences are also invited to take part in dinners each week from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for $5 per person ($15 maximum per family). See calvary.org/commongrounds for menus. A gourmet coffee kiosk through Coffee Cart Mpls will be available on all “Common Grounds” nights beginning March 8 and running through April 13. Free drip coffee, as well as espresso for purchase, will be available from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Calvary will also hold Lenten worship services at noon on the same dates using a traditional “Service of the Word” format. The services on March 1 and April 13 will be followed by lunch for $5 per person ($15 maximum per family).

The mission of Calvary Lutheran Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Established in 1946, Calvary offers five weekly worship services and a wide variety of activities for children, youth and adults. For more information, visit calvary.org or call 763-545-5659.

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