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.