As we come to Mothers Day, what is likely to be the big prayer of Christian mums? We could imagine it would be for their children to receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, to grow in love with God and fulfill the great purpose he has for their lives. Well that prayer expresses not only the heart of mothers who follow Jesus, but the heart of The Grove and our calling to the next generation. 

In the next couple of weeks, a huge concrete slab will be poured for the children's and youth centre floor of the new building (see pictures below). Central to the call to build is very much the call to share the love, life and hope of Jesus with young people. That space will enable us to grow our next generation ministries and to offer high quality spaces and programs for preschoolers, primary aged kids and teenagers. Its hard to believe that in 2021 we will have that facility fully operational. 

Over the back fence of the church property is a 2000 student High School. We can only imagine the opportunities we will have to connect with many local youth in the years ahead. God chose the property so he must have mighty plans for the next generation of our community. 

So this Mothers Day weekend, let's remember again the heart of a mother and be faith filled about all God will do in the lives of the next generation as we pray, serve and invest finanically in this important vision and mission. Let's continue to give generously knowing that we are sowing into the future of young lives in our church and community. 

For Encounter with God readers, our Joshua readings concluded this week with words from the old leader to the people. 'Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord' (Joshua 24:15). May that be the heart and response from all families and people this very day. God bless.

• Give thanks that Jesus changes lives and for the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth 
• Pray for our Jesus the Game Changer, to the ends of the earth series. May this be a powerful game changing season for everyone who tunes in on Sundays and connects through the week in groups.
• Pray for the messages preached each Sunday. Ask the Holy Spirit to call and empower us as we tune into his word. Pray for those preaching to speak the very words of God to impact lives.
• Pray for connect groups during the week, that the sessions and discussion would stir new passion for the lost and for sharing faith with those yet to beleive. Pray for engaging discussion and wisdom for connect group leaders. 
• Pray for more and more people to tune into our services and join zoom connect groups, and remember our big connect group on Wednesdays
• Ask the Lord to shape the culture of our church to be even more outward during this season. That this series would be preparation for the future of our mission and ministry. 
• Pray for our world, and that Jesus would be a game changer in this pandemic. Pray for those suffering to actually encoutner Jesus and find life in him.
• Name before God people you long for Jesus to change thier lives. Ask for a move of his Spirit to awaken many to the life and hope found in Christ.
• Pray this week for any who are disconnected to find the courage from Jesus to reach out and connect. Pray against the enemy who seeks to isolate people and erode thier faith. May the risen King triumph over our enemies and be a game changer in peoples spiritual battles.

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).