Scripture:  Matthew 12:46-50 Dear Church, This Sunday we focus on the core value that is most visible and costly in our congregation: Diversity. Many of us travel past dozens of congregations on our way to worship each Sunday. All of us could choose to belong to a more familiar and comfortable Christian community.  It is … Continue reading "CORE-5 // Diversity // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Scripture:  Matthews 19:16-26 Dear Church, The invitation to follow Jesus is the greatest gift that we ever receive.  Life with Jesus is abundant beyond our wildest imagination and transformative beyond our innate capabilities.  That’s why opportunity is a core value of our culture at the Grove.  In Christ, we become new creation–both wholly changed and … Continue reading "CORE-4 // Opportunity // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Scripture:  Matthew 21:12-17 Dear Church, Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling the vision of the prophets–the Son of David, long-awaited Shepherd King who has come to set his people free.  And once he passes through the gates, he heads immediately to the temple.  His first stop is not the palace to challenge King … Continue reading "CORE-3 // Risk // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Scripture:  Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Dear Church, You are wildly welcome here. We hear these words spoken regularly at the Grove, and for good reason. Being welcoming is one of our core values and one that we share with all followers of Jesus across space and time. But welcome is one of those things … Continue reading "CORE-2 // Welcoming // Stephanie Ann Vander Lugt"

Scripture:  Luke 14:12-24 Dear Church, Years ago, a neighbor in the Hickory Grove community told me that her kids had a special name for our church.  They called the Grove ‘the eat church,’ because they had been fed here so many times–at community meals, at vacation bible schools, at Freedom School and community festivals.  She … Continue reading "CORE-1 // Reconciliation // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Scripture:  Matthew 2:1-12 Dear Church, Christmas is not over.  We still have more of the nativity story to remember, celebrate and ponder in our hearts. This Sunday we gather to tell the next part, when a strange star rises in the East and Magi see it as a sign and come seeking the new-born King … Continue reading "AWAKE-Week 5 // Epiphany // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Pastor Kate’s Message from The Grove’s Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceDecember 24, 2023 Want to chat about what you have heard? Click here:https://www.thegrovecharlotte.org/connect-with-us

Scripture:  Luke 1:26-38 You may be experiencing the full sacred bliss of these days.  Your cup may be overflowing.  God may be exceeding your wildest expectations.  If so, I rejoice in your spiritual abundance and I encourage you to honor God by savoring and delighting in this blessing.  But if you are anything like me, … Continue reading "AWAKE-Week 4 // Overshadowed // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Scripture:  Mark 1:1-8 This time of year, as we wait for the coming of the Lord it is important to remember that God sent someone ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for him and announce his coming.  The someone was a prophet named John. The beginning of the good news is a wild holy … Continue reading "AWAKE-Week 3 // John the Baptist // Pastor Kate Murphy"

Scripture:  Isaiah 7:1-17 We have a beautiful art installation hanging in our sanctuary, intertwining strands of blue and purple yarn and sliver and gold wire trace out letters that spell the word ‘Awake.’  I know that might not seem like a very Christmassy word to you.  But that’s because Advent is about time. These holy … Continue reading "AWAKE-Week 2 // It’s About Time // Pastor Kate Murphy"