Known by Our Love

Church family,

This week, I want to brag on you and the way you loved my family.

A couple of weeks ago, my grandmother passed away. This past Wednesday, we gathered to celebrate her life. She meant so much to our family. She was gracious, caring, and generous in all her ways. The last ten years were difficult as dementia changed so much for her and for the people who loved her. But those years were only one part of her story. It was special to spend time remembering the many good years that came before.

I’ve often been on the other side of serving families during a loss. This week, I experienced that care from the other side. So many of you loved on my mom, her siblings, and our extended family. You sent cards and thoughtful messages, came to the visitation and memorial service, and even went out of your way to serve lunch after the service. It meant a great deal to us.

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, CSB). The mark of a disciple isn’t about having all the answers or attending every church event; it is ultimately about how we love one another. We must strive to become people love in every area of our lives.

Church at the Grove won’t get it right every time; there will be people who fall through the cracks and get missed. But this is the direction we need to keep moving: growing in love for others. We love one another by serving on Sunday mornings, caring for the needs of people in our community groups, and showing up in moments where people are hurting.

Thank you for loving my family so well. Let’s keep becoming a people known for our love.

Events & Opportunities

• Kids Grove Waffle Sunday — October 25: Kids will enjoy waffles during the service at both campuses.
• Baby Bottle Boomerang — bottles due November 1: We were glad to welcome the Pregnancy Resource Center of Walton over the past two weeks. Fill a bottle with change, cash, or a check and return it by November 1. To give digitally, visit the center’s website.
• Covenant Family Membership Gathering — November 14 at 5:30 p.m.: For anyone interested in becoming a Covenant Family member. Register here.

Would you pray with me this week?

• Please pray for David and Kelly Disharoon’s family. Kelly’s dad passed away suddenly on Friday. Pray for comfort, and for opportunities to care for them in the days ahead.
• Pray for the Social Circle Student Ministry position. We have a candidate we’re encouraged by and are prayerfully considering next steps.
• Pray that our church would grow in becoming a people shaped by prayer.

Resource to Consider

I spent part of this weekend in the mountains with Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man by Morgan Snyder. I found it encouraging and would strongly recommend it to the men in our church. Find the book on Amazon.

Grateful for you

Nathan