20 Years of Faithfulness

Church family,

Yesterday we celebrated 20 years of Church at the Grove. Twenty years of ministry in this community. Someone asked me if it felt like 20 years, and my answer was, "Yes, and then some." 😂😂😂

Last night at the park, Sandy Terrell, who has been with us from the very first day, asked me, "Did you ever imagine that we would be here celebrating 20 years?" I did not have words for it then, and I barely have them now. In the early days there were a few families, very limited money, months when payroll had to wait, and a vision far bigger than anything we could afford. There have been mountaintops that still make me laugh out loud, and there have been valleys that took the wind out of us. Through every mile of it, one note keeps ringing: God is faithful. Faithful to provide when the math did not work. Faithful to use his children who felt unqualified. Faithful to the dream and vision that he birthed 20 years ago. I am so thankful for the families who have been a part of the story.

And then last night, as we were finishing up at The Grove park, a storm rolled in. Right before the rain, someone caught this photo. A rainbow stretched over the field where we had just been singing. Twenty years in, the Lord was still giving us visible reminders of his faithfulness.

There is a lot to celebrate, but I find myself leaning forward more than looking back. None of us knows what the next 20 years hold. Our faith has never rested on knowing; it rests on the One who has already proven himself in every season behind us, and who is already at work in the ones ahead. Last night Russ shared our prayer for the future from Ephesians 3:20-21:

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

So here is my question, and my challenge for you. What part will you play in the story God is still writing? Who is he asking you to reach, to welcome, to carry into his kingdom? As we pray toward what is next, will you trust him to use you?

Events & Opportunities

• Thrive Women's Gathering — Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Social Circle Campus. Our quarterly women's gathering. Grab some friends and come out for a night of encouragement, hope, and worship.
• Social Circle Friendship Festival — Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in downtown Social Circle. This is one of the biggest events of the year downtown. We will have a booth, and we would love for you and your family to represent Church at the Grove. Sign up here: churchatthegrove.com/sign-ups/social-circle-friendship-festival

Would you pray with me this week?

• For vision for our staff and leaders as we discern what is next for the Grove.
• For our open staffing positions, and for the people God is already preparing to fill them.

Resources to Consider

Last week I shared part 1 of the conversation I had with Russ and Jill at the 15 year anniversary. This week, here is the rest of it. Part 2 picks up right where we left off, and it is worth your time as we look back and lean forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAdUoqiLnF0

Grateful for you

Nathan