Weekly Email — Grand Opening + Summer Jam

Hey Church Family,

What a week — and what a Sunday.

On Wednesday, we did the official ribbon-cutting with the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, and it was so cool to see so many people from our church and from our community come out to support Church at the Grove. Then today, we officially celebrated the Grand Opening of our Walnut Grove building.

And it’s hard not to think back to the early days of Church at the Grove —nearly twenty years ago — when we first started meeting at Youth Middle School. I still remember that first service… people walking in, gathering together, unsure of what to expect or what God was going to do.

Fast forward to now, and it’s incredible to see the fruit — and the sacrifice — of so many people who have helped sow seeds of faith for years, and to be able to reap a harvest like we’re seeing today. And we’re nowhere close to being done, but I’m grateful. I’m thankful for all that God has done.

Church family, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every person who prayed, every person who gave sacrificially, every person who served, and every person who believed God could use Church at the Grove to reach people for generations to come.

And here’s the thing… this was never about a building made of steel. It’s always been about a tool — a space we can use to help people meet Jesus and become followers of Him now and in the generations ahead. I’m so excited about this season that we’re in.

This morning, we also shared a powerful video from Russ about his grandmother’s Bible being buried in the foundation of the building — if you missed it, be sure to watch it here: [LINK: Russ video]. What a reminder that while a campaign may come to an end, our calling doesn’t. We’re still a people marked by faith, obedience, and sacrificial generosity as we follow where God leads.

A quick celebration from Saturday night

This past Saturday we had an incredible Covenant Family Membership Gathering — a room full of people taking a real step toward getting more connected in the life of Church at the Grove.

One of my favorite moments every time is hearing everyone share their story: how they got here, what God has done in their life, and why this place has become home. People from different backgrounds, different pasts, different journeys — all saying the same thing in their own way: “This feels like family.”

Church… I love that we get to be a part of what God is building.

Social Circle summer schedule (please help spread the word)

If you attend our Social Circle Campus, here’s an important update: we’re moving to one service at 10:00am for the summer, starting next Sunday through July 31.

This is going to help us come together as one church family, build momentum, and invite people as we head toward the fall — so please help spread the word, and take it as a fresh opportunity to invite friends and family to join you.

From today’s message (Rules of Engagement)

Today we continued our Rules of Engagement series and talked about the “rules of the house” — how we engage one another in our marriages, our parenting, and our homes.

One line I can’t shake: your home is preaching a message. What kind of message is it preaching?

If you missed the sermon, I really want you to go back and watch it this week.

Upcoming Opportunities (what we need to push)

1) Summer Jam (our #1 priority)

Summer Jam is the biggest thing in front of us right now. We need two groups of people to respond:

• Parents: get your kids registered
• Church family: we need volunteers to help make the week possible

Register kids: [LINK: Summer Jam registration]

Volunteer sign-up: [LINK: Summer Jam volunteer signup]

2) Grove Student Ministry: Boost Trampoline Park — June 3

Grove Student Ministry (grades 6–12) is kicking off summer with a night at Boost Trampoline Park on June 3. If you’re a student (or a parent of a student), make plans to join us.

Register here: [LINK: Boost registration]

Prayer points for this week

• Pray for God’s provision as we search for a Student Director for our Social Circle Campus.
• Pray for God’s provision for a Production Director for Church at the Grove overall.
• Pray for wisdom as we discuss Social Circle facility next steps — clarity, unity, and the right timing.
• Pray for our church as we head into summer: that we would rest well and stay engaged in the mission — pressing in and pressing forward.

Love you guys,

Nathan