Our water pressure has always been around half of what it should be for our church property. Not anymore! Thanks to a generous donation, a booster pump was installed at the front of the property, doubling our water pressure. Now we can properly irrigate our gardens, and more importantly, fill up the baptism pool twice as fast!  

The gift of a booster pump is just one of many reasons, big and small, to be thankful to God at the end of 2025. Whenever someone shares a testimony about God’s provision, faithfulness and goodness, the result is joyful praise and growing faith in many. That’s why I would like to encourage everyone to write a note for our thanksgiving booklet to be released on thanksgiving Sunday. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. 

What might your thank-you note say? Maybe you are grateful God brought you back to church this year. Perhaps you are thankful for how He answered a prayer. You might like to write how your life has changed after encountering Jesus in 2025. You could be a parent who is grateful for those who taught your children, or someone thankful for those who came alongside you in a difficult trial. 

Of the many reasons I am thankful for those who serve and invest their lives at The Grove, I was reminded this week of all who follow Jesus calling to their workplaces. I heard a story of someone in our church who was working in a clients home, when tragically their clients partner passed away. They took the opportunity to pray with this person in their great need, and even passed on my name to them. Their client actually phoned me, and through tears told how the worker was sent by God to bring calm and comfort in the hardest of times.  

Most of Jesus work through his church is not seen, but happens everyday through the church living out Jesus call to go; witnessing to his grace, and taking opportunities to share his love as the Holy Spirit prompts. It makes me so thankful for the church whether gathered to worship and serve, or scattered during the week on mission in jobs. 

Whenever we write down a thanksgiving story, we bring glory to God and encourage the faith in us all. In fact, nothing releases joy among us more than thanksgiving. Like our water pressure, may the volume of joy double as we pour out many expressions of thanksgiving to God. See inside for how you can play a part. 

Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. 

Psalms 107:22

Thankful, Marty