Found People, Find People

Hi church family,

This morning, five students and kids were baptized across our two campuses!

I have stood by the baptismal plenty of times over the years, and it never gets old. But something hit me today. As those kids came up, I was reminded of the initiative we started a little over two years ago called For Generations.

The whole point of For Generations was to give sacrificially so we could sow seeds into the future of this church and the Kingdom. Not for our comfort. Not for a nicer building for us to enjoy. It was about the people who would come after us. What happened this morning was a small glimpse of that fruit. You gave, and kids are being baptized right in front of us.

I am so thankful to be part of a church that puts the next generation near the front of the line, and that genuinely longs to see them walk out their true purpose in the abundant life of Jesus.

If you gave, prayed, or served in that season, this morning was partly yours.

Come and See: Wrapping Up The Empty Chair

We also wrapped up The Empty Chair this morning.

For four weeks we sat with three empty chairs and three sentences people say: not in church, not going well, not prepared. Today we pulled up a fourth chair, and it belongs to somebody whose name you already know.

In John 1:35-51, the church starts with a chain of invitations. Andrew spends one afternoon with Jesus and goes and gets his brother. Philip, with about a day's worth of theology, finds Nathanael and says three words: "Come and see." That is the big idea: found people, find people. You don't need all the answers, and God is already at work in your one long before you ever open your mouth.

The challenge: name your one, pray for them by name this week, and take one step toward them.

If you missed it, catch it this week on our website or YouTube.

Our Group Leaders Have Big Hearts

Saturday morning I got to sit down with a room full of prospective community group leaders for this fall, and it was one of my favorite moments of the week.

I wish you could have heard them. Not one of them talked about curriculum or logistics first. They talked about people and wanting folks to actually get connected to the life of this church and helping them take their next step with Jesus.

If you've never been in a group, or you've been meaning to get connected and just haven't yet, now is the time. These leaders are ready for you. Take a look at what's available: churchatthegrove.com/groups

Would You Pray With Me

I want to close with something heavy. We always want to celebrate the great things that are happening around us, but we also want to grieve with those who are hurting in our family.

We received word that two of our Church at the Grove family members are nearing the end of their lives.

Crystal Williams, part of our Walnut Grove Campus, was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and moved into hospice earlier this week.

Janice Whitehead, a faithful member of our Social Circle Campus, was moved out of ICU today into hospital hospice care.

My heart breaks for these families. Grief is heavy, and it's heavier when you carry it alone. Would you join me in praying for both of these families tonight, that God would be near, that there would be peace in the rooms where they're sitting, and that they would feel the arms of their church family around them. We'll share updates as we receive them.

Upcoming Opportunities

Community Group Fall Semester Launch. Our groups officially launch for the fall semester. Find your group and get signed up now: churchatthegrove.com/groups

Serving the Social Circle Football Team, Friday, September 4. We're providing the pregame meal for the SCHS football team, and we need food and servers. It's an easy, fun way to love our community. All the details and sign-ups are here: churchatthegrove.com/sign-ups

20th Anniversary Celebration. Twenty years of Church at the Grove. Mark your calendar; more details coming soon. September 20th at The Grove Park in Walnut Grove.

Pray With Us This Week

• For God to send us the right Production Director and Student Pastor for our Social Circle Campus.
• That more families would get connected in godly community this semester through our community groups.
• For the families in our church who are hurting right now, specifically the Williams and Whitehead families.

Grateful for each of you,

Nathan