A Church for the Homeless

Metro Atlanta

Photos of the Church of the Common Ground, a church that meets at Woodruff Park for homeless members.

The church -- of the homeless ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta -- was started about two years ago by the Rev. Bob Book, a Lutheran minister for almost two decades, and his wife, Holly Book. Here, John Burtis, homeless and a regular of Church of the Common Ground, bows his head during prayer.

"This is what Christ had in mind -- a church without walls," said Holly Book. "The [Episcopal] church has strayed from this. The bishop is recognizing the importance of us to be out there and with people who are poor."

On a cold Sunday afternoon, retired minister Dwight Ogier is prepared to lead the outdoor service. From January through February, the church moves indoors to the ministry's nearby rented storefront at 170 Trinity Ave. S.W.

Here, church member, Jane Elliott worships with her dog Bonnie. She is one of the non-homeless who call this church home.

Marcus Ester worships at a recent service.

"People will say to me, 'Someday, pastor, you'll be blessed with a church,' " Rev. Bob Book said. "And I say, 'We already have one. It just doesn't have walls. And I don't want any walls. Once you erect walls, you start keeping people out, either by accident or intentionally. I want to be visible to everyone."

Deacon Carole Maddux left and Dwight Ogier lead a recent service.

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In the shadows of downtown Atlanta skyscrapers and occasionally drowned out by rumbling MARTA buses, a church for the homeless -- the Church of the Common Ground -- convenes in Woodruff Park every Sunday at 1 p.m.

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