In her book Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts On Faith, Anne Lamott writes that she used to joke that she wasn’t very big on forgiveness.  “I went around for a long time saying I was not one of those Christians who is heavily into forgiveness…I am one of the other kind. But even though it was funny, and actually … Continue reading "Grudge // Forgiveness Is Our Grace // Kate Murphy"

What is the gospel? My great friend and fellow pastor Eulando Henton (shameless plug for our podcast, click here) has a custom of opening meetings at his church by inviting everyone to answer that question. That makes it awkward–but he’s not wrong. If we are committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ–if we’re putting our wholehearted trust and … Continue reading "Go Fish // News Worth Sharing // Kate Murphy"

Last week we heard one of Jesus’ most famous stories about a Father who loved his son–in spite of the ways the son used and exploited their relationship.  And when the Father gets the chance to show love toward the son again–he runs towards that chance, welcoming his long lost boy home and throwing a lavish party … Continue reading "Go Fish // Being Interruptible // Kate Murphy"

The parable we call the prodigal son is one of the most beloved parts of scripture.  We turn to it, again and again, to be reminded of how we will never wander too far to return home to God’s love. And while that’s a natural way to read the story and certainly true, that’s not what the … Continue reading "Go Fish // Welcome Home // Kate Murphy"

“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” The call to evangelism terrifies and confuses many of us because we don’t know our own stories. In John 9:9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind, and the miracle causes huge controversy. After his sight is restored, the man doesn’t understand everything about … Continue reading "Go Fish // Knowing Your Story // Kate Murphy"

This Sunday, we begin a new worship series called “Go Fish.” This is exactly what Jesus invited his first followers to do when they joined him on his mission. He said, “From now on you’ll be fishing for people.” Seriously. What does that even mean? Well, we find the first clue when we remember that when Jesus said this, he was talking to … Continue reading "Go Fish // An Invitation // Kate Murphy"

This Sunday, we explore the final part of our mission: Inviting All to Serve and Come Alive in Christ. But, this coming alive in Christ part, it’s the goal we equally long for and dread. Because, for the most part, we can all see the value in having an open, welcoming community that invites all. And, the serving is something we understand—who doesn’t look … Continue reading "This Is Us // To Come Alive in Christ // Kate Murphy"

It is time to recommit ourselves to what is unchanging—our mission. Here at The Grove, that mission is: Inviting All to Serve & Come Alive in Christ. Last week, we did a deep dive into the first part: Inviting All. And, afterwards, a lot of you reached out to say, “Okay, I’m in but…H-O-W?” So glad you asked. Because, the answer is right … Continue reading "This Is Us // To Serve // Kate Murphy"

January at The Grove is a time for remembering who God has called us to be and recommitting ourselves to our mission: Inviting All to Serve and Come Alive in Christ. This week, I’ve been studying and praying about the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in preparation for a message on what it looks like to be a community … Continue reading "This Is Us // Inviting All // Kate Murphy"

This Sunday, we gather for the first time in this new year to celebrate Epiphany. I am as eager as anyone to leave 2020 behind. But, I wonder if the Epiphany story of the mysterious, foreign strangers might challenge us to think differently about the year we’ve had. The Magi—we don’t exactly know who they were, we only know they weren’t … Continue reading "A Defiant Advent // Defiant Light // Kate Murphy"