There's A
Brighter Day Coming.
There's A Brighter Day Coming.
Peace, Love, & Hope.
About Us
You may already know that Pastors Everett and Sherry Upton have been on the frontline in the fight against hunger since 1986. And about their longstanding commitment to helping the less fortunate experience a brighter day. But how did they grow into the Godly couple you see now? Here’s a look at their backgrounds.
The Family
Pastor Everett Upton and his wife, Pastor Sherry Upton have been married for 27 years. They’ve raised four wonderful children, three loving foster children, and have two beautiful grandchildren. The couple currently resides in Hazleton, Pa.
Common Ground
In 2003, while living in New Jersey, Pastors Everett and Sherry Upton founded Common Ground Ministries (CGM) to provide a food pantry, a youth outreach program, and a senior citizens assistance program to the community.
A few years later, the Uptons relocated to Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA), and Common Ground Ministries began to feed hungry families and senior citizens in the area. Today, CMG is a thriving food distribution outlet, feeding hundreds of clients every month throughout Monroe and Luzerne counties in NEPA.
About Us
You may already know that Pastors Everett and Sherry Upton have been on the frontline in the fight against hunger since 1986. And about their longstanding commitment to helping the less fortunate experience a brighter day. But how did they grow into the Godly couple you see now? Here’s a look at their backgrounds.
The Family
Pastor Everett Upton and his wife, Pastor Sherry Upton have been married for 27 years. They’ve raised four wonderful children, three loving foster children, and have two beautiful grandchildren. The couple currently resides in Hazleton, Pa.
Common Ground
In 2003, while living in New Jersey, Pastors Everett and Sherry Upton founded Common Ground Ministries (CGM) to provide a food pantry, a youth outreach program, and a senior citizens assistance program to the community.
A few years later, the Uptons relocated to Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA), and Common Ground Ministries began to feed hungry families and senior citizens in the area. Today, CMG is a thriving food distribution outlet, feeding hundreds of clients every month throughout Monroe and Luzerne counties in NEPA.
Everett Upton
CGM Pastor & LEADER
Born in Cleveland, Ohio.
Graduated of Cleveland Heights High School and entered the publishing industry.
Earned the title of “boy wonder” because of his meteoric rise in the company. Became a member of the company’s executive management and ran the office in the Tri-State area, as well as in Boston and Rhode Island.
Started his own publishing company – United Book Sellers – and supplied multicultural books to book fairs, schools and businesses.
Spent 5 years as a board member of NJ Performing Arts Center Minister’s Council
Operated food pantries through Second Harvest and Feeding America Foods Banks for 20+ years.
Youth Pastor- recognized by NAACP, Urban League, Elizabeth, NJ.
Ordained a Deacon at Randal Chapel UFW Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.
Founded “We Can Help” Soup Kitchen at Randal Chapel UFBC in Newark, NJ
Graduated from Hawthorne Bible School, Hawthorne, NJ/Bachelors in Theology
Ordained Pastor of Common Ground Ministries in 2003.
Sherry Upton
CGM Pastor & LEADER
Born in Newark, New Jersey
Graduated from the New York Culinary School
As a student, she started her ministry of feeding the hungry by distributing food items prepared in class to the homeless around the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.
Operated food pantries through Second Harvest and Feeding America Foods Banks for 20+ years.
Youth Pastor- recognized by NAACP, Urban League, Elizabeth, NJ.
Ordained a Deacon at Randal Chapel UFW Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.
Founded “We Can Help Soup” Kitchen at Randal Chapel UFBC in Newark, NJ
Graduated from Hawthorne Bible School, Hawthorne, NJ/Bachelors in Theology
Ordained Pastor of Common Ground Ministries in 2003.
The Hudsons
Distribution coordinators
Everett and Sherry Upton credit Deacon Keith Hudson, and wife Deaconess Theresa Hudson with helping to spearhead the growth of Common Ground Ministries in NEPA.
Friends for more than 15 years, the Hudsons are “second in command” and distribution coordinators for the food pantry.
The amazing bond these couples share is grounded in their faith in God and their belief that every American should have enough to eat. And, together, they’re working tirelessly to bring this belief to fruition.
Everett Upton
CGM Pastor & LEADER
Born in Cleveland, Ohio.
Graduated of Cleveland Heights High School and entered the publishing industry.
Earned the title of “boy wonder” because of his meteoric rise in the company. Became a member of the company’s executive management and ran the office in the Tri-State area, as well as in Boston and Rhode Island.
Started his own publishing company – United Book Sellers – and supplied multicultural books to book fairs, schools and businesses.
Spent 5 years as a board member of NJ Performing Arts Center Minister’s Council
Operated food pantries through Second Harvest and Feeding America Foods Banks for 20+ years.
Youth Pastor- recognized by NAACP, Urban League, Elizabeth, NJ.
Ordained a Deacon at Randal Chapel UFW Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.
Founded “We Can Help” Soup Kitchen at Randal Chapel UFBC in Newark, NJ
Graduated from Hawthorne Bible School, Hawthorne, NJ/Bachelors in Theology
Ordained Pastor of Common Ground Ministries in 2003.
Sherry Upton
CGM Pastor & LEADER
Born in Newark, New Jersey
Graduated from the New York Culinary School
As a student, she started her ministry of feeding the hungry by distributing food items prepared in class to the homeless around the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.
Operated food pantries through Second Harvest and Feeding America Foods Banks for 20+ years.
Youth Pastor- recognized by NAACP, Urban League, Elizabeth, NJ.
Ordained a Deacon at Randal Chapel UFW Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.
Founded “We Can Help Soup” Kitchen at Randal Chapel UFBC in Newark, NJ
Graduated from Hawthorne Bible School, Hawthorne, NJ/Bachelors in Theology
Ordained Pastor of Common Ground Ministries in 2003.
The Hudsons
Distribution coordinators
Everett and Sherry Upton credit Deacon Keith Hudson, and wife Deaconess Theresa Hudson with helping to spearhead the growth of Common Ground Ministries in NEPA.
Friends for more than 15 years, the Hudsons are “second in command” and distribution coordinators for the food pantry.
The amazing bond these couples share is grounded in their faith in God and their belief that every American should have enough to eat. And, together, they’re working tirelessly to bring this belief to fruition.
What We Believe.
At Common Ground Ministries, we believe every American should have enough to eat. And we’re working alongside a nationwide network of food banks to help make this a reality. Every $5 donation allows us to give $250 worth of food to one family. Every $10 donation allows us to deliver it to a family with no transportation.
What We Believe.
At Common Ground Ministries, we believe every American should have enough to eat. And we’re working alongside a nationwide network of food banks to help make this a reality. Every $5 donation allows us to give $250 worth of food to one family. Every $10 donation allows us to deliver it to a family with no transportation.
Rest In Peace Mary, Carl, & Joanne Sr.
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