Westmont church group transforms space for the 'common good'

WESTMONT – When Westmont Alliance Bible Church closed its doors a little more than a year ago, building owners devised a plan to create a “Christian space for the common good.”

The property, 117 N. Cass Ave., was allocated from owners Christian Missionary Alliance to Peace of Christ Community Church, which was given reign to make use of the building.

CPA and Peace of Christ Community Church member Josh Lance explained the new overseers saw enormous potential in the space, which is equipped with meeting rooms, computers, a game room, a kitchen and a dining room, in addition to a multi-purpose auditorium that seats more than 300 people.

“We knew that our church would not be able to make proper use of the space, and it didn’t make sense for the building to be vacant the entire week,” Lance said. “Instead, we thought, why not make it a common place for people and organizations to use – something that will benefit the whole community.”

After few cosmetic improvements to the building, The Commons was founded about one year ago, intended to provide a “Christian space for the common good.”

“There are still some details that are reminiscent of a church, but for the most part it’s just like any other community center,” said Lance, who currently oversees all day-to-day operations, including finances, scheduling and managing the website. He said about eight Peace of Christ Community Church volunteers help at the commons on a semi regular basis.

Before long, word spread about the new common space, and groups began meeting there regularly. Now, The Commons hosts everything from concerts to Bible study groups, theater troops, home school and tutor lessons, sign language class and a children’s clothing swap.

Therapeutic mentor and Guideway Personal Support founder Judah McNeil has used the Westmont Commons since it opened to hold group therapy sessions for young men living with conditions such as autism or bipolar.

McNeil said he was first drawn to the space by its multi-functionality, and now conducts therapy there two times per week.

“The Commons in Westmont has so much space; it is not only functional, but there are also so many materials and plenty of resources for us to use,” he said. “While at the commons, I like to focus on creative projects. We do a lot of stuff with YouTube and video creation, and there is an art studio filled with smocks and all kinds of supplies.

“If we want to relax, hang out or just talk, there is also a game room with TVs and a pool table.”

Going forward, Lance said The Commons volunteers have discussed hosting concerts and plays, and are working with he Progressive Village Performance Network to plan upcoming performances.

While there is a nominal fee to use the facility, Lance explained that it’s something is mutually agreed upon and negotiated with each group. He said the money is used for general up-keep and maintenance.

“We are not here to make money, we are here to give back to the people of Westmont,” Lance said.

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For more information about the Westmont Commons, visit http://westmontcommons.org.

For more information about Guideway Personal Support, go to http://guidewaysupport.com.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Commons Concert Series featuring The Gray Havens with The Youngest Son

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11

WHERE: The Westmont Commons

DETAILS: Buy tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/791453