Common Ground Recovery Ministries began as a ministry of Atonement Wyomissing, which had a long established relationship with the 12-Step community.It started as a conversation about what the church could learn from the 12 Step communities and later developed into Common Ground and the speaker series “The Healing Power of 12-Step Spirituality.” Now in its sixth year this popular speaker series draws an audience of 250 to over 500 people. Common Ground also has a monthly Fellowship Supper and Coffeehouse/Open Mic Night.This exciting emerging ministry led by Pr. Tom Scornavacchi continues to explore and celebrate the common ground between the 12-steps and our Lutheran faith. About 2 years ago, Common Ground Recovery Ministry became a Synodically Authorized Worship Community (SAWC) of the ELCA and the Northeastern PA Synod.

Pr. Tom writes: “Every Wednesday evening we meet for worship in the old church. We are ‘unchurchy’ in the way we do things. Many of our members have had negative experiences with churches in the past and others are coming to worship for the first time. So we go out of our way not to place stumbling blocks in the way of hearing God’s message of forgiveness and grace. “