I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13) 

• Our Grove youth have been running an Instagram story called Grateful Grove. Our teenagers have been posting photos daily describing what they are thankful for. Let's follow their excellent example of how to be content; by cultivating gratitude for what we have. Spend time in praise.

• Paul wrote Philippians from prison, which makes his words powerful. He discovered that contentment wasn't found in having plenty or little. It wasn't found in something, but in someone. Let's pray that we would become increasingly content in Term Two because we already have the greatest gift we could ever recieve - everlasting friendship with Jesus.  

• Pray over Term Two and for our church family. That God would reveal his presence and love to every person. Pray that this term would be one of spiritual growth as we listen to God speak through his Word, spend time in prayer and follow Jesus as he leads us.

• Pray for the Jesus the Game Changer 2 series, To the ends of the Earth. Pray that Jesus' last words would become our first priority. Ask the Lord to raise up many to share the good news with the many who are seeking in these times.

• Give thanks that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Give thanks for health workers across the world, and pray for supernatural strength for them as they care for those with coronavirus. Pray also for a vaccine to be discovered with God's speed. 

• Pray for parents and children as they return to mainly online learning. Pray for God to strengthen parents at this time, and to give them wisdom as they supervise their kids. Remember those juggling homeschooling and jobs, and ask for God to give them his empowering peace and joy.

• Pray for kids and teenagers to focus clearly and to embrace the changes with a good attitude. 

• Pray for Jesus to give strength to those who are facing hard economic times. Pray the Lord would guide them, open doors and encourage them in this time. May the Lord provide for them as they trust in him. 

• Ask God to strenghthen and encourage our teachers. Pray they would stay well and would be very effective in this difficult season. Pray also for leaders in government, in the church and in business. Pray for renewed energy and creativity. Pray they would find great strength and courage to lead strong and with wisdom.

• Pray for blessing on our building project. Ask for God to strengthen the workers and CBD leaders. May we see God move to provide all the finances we need in Term Two and beyond. Pray for our budget to increase and for miraculous provision.  

If you have been in a ZOOM meeting you will know people display their image in a variety of ways. Its really a matter of preference.

• Some people want their image to be clear. If thats you, avoid backlight, keep the camera at eye level and be in a well lit room.
• Other people prefer a more subtle image. If thats you, use a darker room and backlight can create a more silhouette view.

• Many people use the mute option. This means any background noise from your place won't be heard by the group. Then if you want to talk, you can unmute. 
• In smaller groups like prayer, people may want to stay unmuted if your background noise is minimal. That enables you to respond easily, even with an amen! 

It's super exciting to see the progress on our building project. Some retaining walls have been constructed, footings for the building are being excavated and the actual foundations pour is not too far off now. When we broke ground and began the project with demolition at the end of 2019, our hearts were full of joy. At the same time we had no idea in 2020 we would be building through a global pandemic. It's been a long journey to get to this point as a church, full of God stories, great faith and amazing provision to overcome many obstacles and battles on the way. But it turns out in the year of the build we face our biggest challenge yet. 

Many people are facing tough economic times, which is also the experience of our church. As our project continues to gain momentum the time has come when we are about to draw on our building loan. This necessary step could make us fearful, however our faith in God remains solid. It's always been his work, it's always been way beyond us, and the greater the odds against us, the greater the glory to him. So we press on with obedience and faith, confident that Jesus' words remain true. That when we seek first the Kingdom of God, he will supply all we need (Matthew 6:33). Remember these words God gave us when we began building. 

Don’t be afraid—you’re not going to be embarrassed. 
Don’t hold back—you’re not going to come up short.
(Isaiah 54:4 MSG). 

Back in March, we were praying for Joan Koskela as she set off on a mission to train church leaders in life and counselling skills in Uganda.  Joan was able to train for 7 days out of the scheduled 10 before COVID-19 regulations shut the class down. However, participants were sent home with a USB containing the full 2 weeks of training. Then the miracles for Joan began:

• All modes of transport in Uganda were banned (except for cargo haulage), with flights in and out of the country being the first to go. Mounting tension over the presence of foreigners who were seen to bring the virus to Uganda led the Australian Embassy to advise Joan to lay low and hunker down for between 4-8 months!
• Three flights Joan booked were cancelled until she managed to get one of the last 5 seats on a charter flight organised to ferry American citizens back to USA (Americans were given priority, naturally). This flight would get her to Qatar. But how to get to the airport (an hour’s drive away) to catch that flight with all travel banned unless emergency permission was granted?
• Friends in Samford who were praying for Joan just happened to know a man in Uganda who they contacted about Joan’s situation and he organised a police escort for Joan to the airport!  And the flight to Qatar went ahead despite warnings that it might not.
• After 20 hours of watching flights being continuously cancelled in Doha airport, Joan caught an almost empty plane (only 39 passengers) to Brisbane. The only reason this plane was flying was because there were 250 people that needed to be air-lifted from Brisbane back to Doha.

Joan testifies to feeling the prayers of God’s people carrying her home to safety and stands amazed at God’s miraculous power in orchestrating everything for her good. She thanks everyone for their prayers.

Hi Grove family!

Over the next few weeks, our office staff are doing a call around to check how everyone is going. It’s been almost five weeks since we have gathered as a church, and while there has been various catchups through online prayer meetings and connect groups, we would love to personally talk to everyone for a number of reasons.

1. At The Grove we believe people matter. So our first reason for the call is to simply check how you are going in the current crisis and see if there is anything we can help with, or pray for you about. 
2. We would like to gain a clearer understanding of how the online services and online parts of ministry are connecting with you. There are always some great blessings and benefits, but there are other aspects that may not work as well for everyone. It will be so helpful for our ministry to receive your feedback.
3. We would like to give you an opportunity to ask questions. The person calling may not be able to answer them all, but can connect you with the relevant person or get back to you with the information you need.
4. We also would like to gather information about people in isolation in our church family or connected to us who may need a care package, hamper or some encouragement.  
5. Finally, the call will also provide an opportunity to update communication details with us, like email or mobile numbers.

Ros and Sandy will make the majority of these calls, but may first text you to see when a good time to have a short conversation might be. We pray our church care call will be a blessing to you and us.

Marty