This Sunday, we wrap up “The Art of Neighboring” worship series. But this ending is really a beginning, because it’s an invitation to take what you’ve heard and put it into practice. In your building, on your street, at your job—anywhere you are. We’re focusing on Romans 12 and teaching about how we neighbor because, at the end of the day, it’s isn’t … Continue reading "The Art of Neighboring // It’s All About How We Do It // Kate Murphy"

We’re deep in our quest of learning how to be good neighbors, and this week we’re learning the importance of loving our neighbors…a little. Let’s be honest. Most of us end up doing nothing because we are unwilling to do a little. It’s not that we don’t care! We’re excited to make a difference, change a … Continue reading "The Art of Neighboring // It’s Okay To Love a Little // Kate Murphy"

At some level, everyone who is trying to live a little bit more like Jesus wants to be a good neighbor.  But even though we won’t often admit it, sometimes we’re looking to be a neighbor in a way that it doesn’t cost us very much. This week we look back at what God taught … Continue reading "The Art of Neighboring // It’s Going To Cost Us Something // Kate Murphy"

This Sunday, we launch our new worship series called “The Art of Neighboring” with a story you’ve probably heard:  The Parable of The Good Samaritan.   In fact, it’s a story that many of us know so well that we’re now in danger of not knowing it at all. Sometimes, in the church, we can confuse knowing with … Continue reading "The Art of Neighboring // It’s About Action // Kate Murphy"

This week we bless the backpacks of our students and teachers of many ages, cultures, and ethnicities as they embark upon a new school year. Watching everyone stream forward from the pews, dragging their bags behind them—from tiny preschoolers to seasoned teachers and administrators—is an amazing example of what is so wonderful about our community and how we aim to resemble God’s people gathered in the Kingdom of … Continue reading "This Is Us // Diversity // Kate Murphy"

This Sunday, we continue our “This Is Us” worship series, which is all about the unique mission and culture God is calling (and equipping) us to create here at The Grove. We’re doing a deep dive into our mission statement—Inviting All to Serve and Come Alive in Christ—because we can’t be on a mission together unless … Continue reading "This Is Us // What it Means to “Come Alive in Christ” // Kate Murphy"

This week we celebrate Freedom School Sunday—a time set aside to welcome our Freedom School interns and scholars (and their families) to celebrate the incredible gospel-ministry happening on our campus during these six weeks. This Sunday might just be my favorite. Why? Because Freedom School is more than a summer camp or an intensive reading program. It’s a … Continue reading "Freedom School Sunday // True Freedom // Kate Murphy"

This Sunday, we gather for worship and communion. We gather to have communion—connection with God and with one another. And we gather to take communion, to share the Lord’s supper together. Before coming to the table, we turn to Matthew’s gospel and read the story of Jesus sharing the bread and cup with his friends. Together, we ponder the meaning and … Continue reading "At the Table: The Meaning of Communion // Kate Murphy"

This week we dive into the story of Nehemiah and how he began to rebuild the city walls. Even while facing opposition and insult, he prayed and continued to persevere. This was no easy mission. For the people, it seemed impossible and even pointless to build the walls—they were tired, their strength from all the … Continue reading "In the Middle // Pushing Past Opposition // Kate Murphy"

We are midway through this year, and being in the middle can be a difficult place to be. Grand beginnings are exciting and carry their own kind of energy and promise (hello, new year’s resolutions) and happy endings are, obviously, satisfying. The trouble is getting from one to the other. The trouble is being in … Continue reading "In the Middle // Rebuilding // Kate Murphy"