This week we had a fire flare up on council land not far from the back of the church. We are so thankful for the firefighters who were equipped and responsive to extinguish it quickly. Plus the fire hydrant we installed as a requirement of building the church came in very handy!

Like the firefighters, we also need to be equipped to respond to a fire that is spreading. Not to put it out though, but to help it spread even further. The good news about Jesus is spreading globally, and igniting hearts to follow him. The message can be summed up in John 3:16, that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. 

In our Ephesians series this week, we will learn how God gives gifts to equip and serve others, so the church is built up and faith grows in people of all ages . As each person plays their part, the church is at its best in every way (Eph 4:7-16). 

We have a simple growth pathway at The Grove. Alpha for those exploring faith, Christian Foundations for those new in faith, and Connect Groups where people gather to study the Bible and support one another in life and faith. I encourage everyone to consider taking a step on this path in your plan to grow this year. 

Even with these things in place, as good as they are, it’s still possible to stall in our growth. This can sometimes be related to faith being learned more than lived. Faith is like a muscle which is strengthened when used. It’s important to plan for growth, but also to know the goal of growth is to help others grow in faith. 

Let me suggest some ways you could exercise your faith this year:

God might be calling you to return to the growth pathway not as a participant, but as a contributor. Be equipped to lead in Alpha, Christian Foundations or a new Connect Group. 

We would love more to be equipped to welcome people, so everyone who comes to The Grove experiences the welcome of God. See inside for upcoming training events for both leading discussion groups and our welcome ministry.   

There are others ways you can serve at The Grove. Maybe a couple has a heart to encourage marriages, so we could introduce you to facilitating the Marriage Course. Perhaps you have a heart for Prayer ministry or to get some barista training to make great coffee in our cafe. Talk to one of us Pastors about these and many other opportunities.  

Wherever we serve, know that it’s part of the church helping people grow in their faith, and a bonus is it grows our faith too like nothing else. When our faith is strengthened through exercising our gifts, it also makes a difference in our daily life as we seek to be a witness to Jesus and a light in the darkness. Let’s grow strong in faith in 2026, Marty.