Growing Together in Community

Church family,

I hope you and your family have had a great week!

Somehow, November is already upon us. We’re talking about Operation Christmas Child, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. I’m not sure where October went!

As we reach the halfway point of our fall community group semester, I wanted to share something that has encouraged me.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on a few groups and talk with several of our group leaders. I’ve come away grateful for what God is doing among us.

I heard encouraging feedback about the Belong video curriculum and how it helped our groups begin the semester with a shared understanding of why we gather. Lately, though, I’ve been especially encouraged by the conversations happening as groups work through the sermon discussion questions from Philippians. So thankful that people aren’t just talking about scripture but are wrestling with how to apply it to their lives; this is what it is all about!! If you are in a group doing sermon discussion questions, please give me some feedback so we can continually improve.

Not every group is using the sermon questions, and I’m grateful for the good things happening through other studies, too. What encourages me most is seeing people make room for Scripture and for one another. To our group leaders and hosts, thank you for preparing, opening your homes, guiding conversations, and caring for people. And to everyone making group life a priority, thank you. Your willingness to show up and share honestly matters to the people sitting beside you.

We still have room to grow, but I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing. This week, consider following up with one person in your group about something they shared. Ask how they’re doing, and take a moment to pray for them. Let’s carry that care beyond the time we spend together.

Events & Opportunities

• Baby Bottle Boomerang | Return bottles this Sunday, 2026-11-01 If you picked up a bottle for Baby Bottle Boomerang, please bring it back this Sunday. Thank you for participating and giving!
• Covenant Family Membership Gathering | 2026-11-14T17:30:00.000-05:00 Thinking about making Church at the Grove your church home? Join us to learn about becoming a Covenant Family member. Learn more and register.
• Parent/Child Dedication | 2026-11-15 | Both campuses We’d love to come alongside you as you commit to raising your child to know and follow Jesus. Sign up to participate.

Would you pray with me this week?

• For our community groups: Pray that God would deepen our understanding of his Word and give us courage to be honest with one another. Ask him to help us put into practice what we’re learning in Philippians.
• For our group leaders and hosts: Pray for renewed energy, wisdom in guiding conversations, and attentiveness to the people who may be struggling quietly.
• For people who feel disconnected: Pray that those on the edges of church life would find meaningful friendships, and that we would notice someone who needs an invitation or a follow-up.
• For our outreach this holiday season: Pray that God would use our generosity to care for children and families and open doors to share the love of Jesus.

Resource to Consider

A Conversation with David Brooks and Jonathan Haidt

Check out this conversation with two of my favorite authors, David Brooks and Jonathan Haidt. They discuss the influence of artificial intelligence on education and the next generation. It’s a thought-provoking conversation for anyone wrestling with these issues.

Grateful for you,

Nathan