To my Grove family,

Weekend Message

This weekend we will continue our “Hunt for Joy” series as we look at Philippians 1:18-30. Pastor Daniel Bishop's sermon is called "Committed to the Hunt." Paul, who is the author of Philippians, was a great man of influence who found joy in all circumstances. His example will challenge you to not give up in the hunt for joy. His example will challenge our men to be great in all circumstances. We look forward to spending Father's Day with you.

Graduation Pictures

It is our tradition to honor our high school and college graduates by creating a slide show for our services. This year it will happen in the services on June 29 and 30. If you or your graduate would like to be included just email a photo of the graduate to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Tuesday, June 25. We will celebrate with you in this way.

Global Leadership Summit

Join us for the Global Leadership Summit this summer. The Grove Community Church is once again hosting this two-day leadership conference on August 8 and 9. You will be inspired by dynamic speakers like Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, General Colin Powell, and brand new this year Mark Burnett who is the Executive Producer for shows like Survivor, The Voice, and The Bible. To register, go to http://www.thegrove.cc/grove/gls2013.php and sign up. You will need to use the Priority Code of 13Global to get the special Grove price of $79. You can also sign up at our kiosks outside of the Worship Center this weekend. If you have any questions about this conference, contact Andy Gibeault at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We look forward to seeing you in August.

Summer Splash Volunteers

Summer Splash, our annual summer Vacation Bible School, is coming the week of June 24-28 from 9 a.m. to noon. This year we have over 1,100 children registered for this week long adventure into the Bible. The Grove is looking for loving adults to come and join in on the fun. If you can help one day or all week, we would love to hear from you. All training and material is provided. Last year, Summer Splash had over 30 children make decisions to follow Jesus as their Savior. Come and help us make a difference in the lives of even more children this year. To learn how you can get involved and join the Summer Splash family, please visit our Summer Splash web site at www.thegrove.cc/summersplash or call 951-571-9090 x2187. This will be a week you will not want to miss!

“Taking Care of God’s Stuff”

I have been very encouraged with how our church family has been responding to the message two weeks ago, “Taking Care of God’s Stuff”. Many have taken a step of faith and started to give back to God for the first time. Others have moved up the “The Steps to Cheerful Giving” and trusted God at a higher level with their finances. It seems that as a church family we have taken a step forward in this area and are growing spiritually as a result. It is exciting to see God work in our hearts this way and it should encourage all of us. If you missed the message from two weeks ago you can catch it on our website, http://www.thegrove.cc/media/index.php?page=1. 

I hope to see you in church this weekend.

Bob Ellis

Executive Pastor

To my Grove family,

What a beautiful day it is today in Riverside; I pray your day is blessed. We begin a brand new eight-week series this weekend we are calling, “The Hunt.” It is a study in the book of Philippians. If you will read Philippians 1 you will be ready for this weekend. What is the difference between joy, happiness, and fun? Think about that as you read through Philippians; it mentions “joy” 19 times so we need to understand what Paul means when he uses that word about his life even though he is in prison.

Youth Auction

Our Youth Auction was a great success! We raised over $21,000 for scholarships for High School and Junior High summer camps. We want to sincerely thank everyone who donated and bid on our great items this year. We have an extremely generous church family and we are so thankful for all of the support for our youth ministries.

High School and Jr. High Summer Camp

Summer camp is coming up for our youth! Junior High camp will take place July 7-12 and High School camp is July 14-19. Sending your child to summer camp is one of the best things you can do for them as it will allow them to strengthen their relationships with God and with other students and volunteer leaders. For more information on camp and how to sign your student up, you can contact Kristi at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for Junior High or Kelsey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for High School. You won’t want your child to miss out!

High School Summer Meetings

Our High School group will still meet every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room C-100 throughout the summer. The only Wednesday nights they do not meet this summer will be June 12, July 3, and July 17. The High School group will also be hosting lots of activities this summer, so if you have a high schooler in the house, be sure to go pick up a Summer Calendar in Room C-100 during any of the high school meeting times. For more information about our High School group and activities, you can contact Kelsey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Don’t forget the youth are still meeting each Wednesday night even though Family Night is off for the summer. The men are also meeting each Wednesday night at Gus Jr. on Van Buren.

See you all this weekend,

To My Grove Family,

Weekend Message

This weekend my message is called, “Taking Care of God’s Stuff.” If you will read Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 24:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, and Luke 21:1-4 you will be ready for the message this weekend. In the Matthew passage you will see three stewards, or what we would call managers today. Notice they all know what they are supposed to do with the master/owner’s estate and the talents he gave them, but only two actually did what they knew the master wanted. See how the owner responded when the third manager decided he knew what was best to do with the talent given him. In light of Psalm 24:1-2 and Psalm 139:1-17, what does that tell us about taking care of what God has given us, and the way He wants it taken care of? This weekend we will discuss all of this.

Memorial Service for Bud Davy

The service for Bud Davy will be in our Worship Center this Saturday at 10 a.m. Bud was an incredible blessing to The Grove and a strong leader for many years. He will surely be missed. Please continue to pray for his family.

Stacey Syrocki Says:

Wow…what an incredible response we have had for volunteers for the food packaging event on June 1 for Oklahoma! We currently have over 650 people from our church and community signed up for a one-hour shift this Saturday. The organization we are working with said they’ve never seen such an amazing response so quickly, but that is The Grove being The Grove and I totally expected it. We have currently raised about $6,000 of our $25,000 goal to pack 100,000 meals. If we can raise the rest of these funds we will be able to open the additional 150 spots for the many people who are trying to contact us to come and help, but until that time we have had to close the registration. Please help us by directing people to donate finances or supplies by clicking here. If you have any questions, please let me (Stacey) know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

See you all this weekend,

To My Grove Family,

Weekend Message

This week ends the series of “Avoiding Life’s Train Wrecks.” I am so thankful to Pastors Matt and Daniel who preached so well the last two weekends. This week my sermon is titled, “A Train Wreck Called Eli.” If you would read 1 Samuel 1-4 you will be ready for the weekend’s message. Have you ever wondered about your influence; the influence God gave you to use for Him while living on this earth? Eli didn’t take that too seriously and much damage was done to many people because he failed to realize the importance of his influence. This weekend you will see that God is very serious about our lives and expects us to use our talents, abilities, and influence for Him and His glory. Sunday evening Pastor Trevor Christmas has chosen to speak on the life of Samson, closing out this series on train wrecks for the Sunday Night Service.

Speaking of the Sunday Night Service

Stick around after the Sunday Night Service this week for the 4^th Sunday of the month BBQ event. There will be a $5 special dinner of pulled pork sandwiches, roasted corn, and a drink. There will also be a potato/pasta salad cook-off where prizes will be awarded for the best tasting of each, and YOU will be the judge! This is a great event for people of all ages to come and fellowship with one another. There will be music as well as activities for kids. Bring out the whole family and all your friends to this fun evening.

The Global Leadership Summit

The Global Leadership Summit is coming and we’d like to have you join us for this leadership conference. The Grove Community Church is once again hosting the summit on August 8 and 9 as a satellite location. Mark your calendars, sign up, and plan to be here for this leadership conference. You will be inspired by dynamic speakers like Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, General Colin Powell, and brand new this year is Mark Burnett who is the executive producer for shows like Survivor, The Voice, and The Bible. To register, go to our web page and click on the banner labeled Global Leadership Summit and sign up. You will need to use the Priority Code of 13Global. You can also sign up at our kiosks outside of the Worship Center after services. Because we are a host site, the cost of this conference is only $79 for two full days of excellent speakers. If you have any questions about this conference, contact Andy Gibeault at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We look forward to seeing you in August.

Baptism

Our next baptism will be Sunday, June 2, after the 5 p.m. service. If you are interested in being baptized there will be an informational meeting immediately after each service this weekend or call the church office to make an appointment with one of our pastors.

Memorial Day Tribute

We have a special tribute to share with you this weekend as we honor the men and women who have served and even given their lives for our country’s freedom. Come and be a part of this service as we take time to remember all those who have served us and our country.

When coming to church is a priority, and not an option, and if we are in town we come on holiday weekends as well. Don’t allow the holiday to keep you away from church; let’s be in church and worship our King together this holiday weekend.

See you Saturday or Sunday,

To my church family,

Weekend Message
I encourage you this week to prepare for the weekend message by reading Genesis 4:1-16. Pastor Daniel Bishop will be continuing our series, “Avoiding Life’s Train Wrecks” with the story of Cain and Abel as the focus. We will look at the dangers of comparing yourself to those around you. Join us this weekend as we worship God and learn from His Word together in our services.

Homeless Ministries Donations
Donations for the Homeless Ministries at The Grove are needed to help provide nutritious hot meals to the homeless in our community. Click here for the latest list. Bring your items this weekend (the third weekend of every month) and place behind your vehicle. Grove volunteers will collect the donations during services the weekend of May 18/19. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information. As a reminder, this is also the weekend we help the family homeless shelter in Riverside through a benevolence offering. If each person gives a dollar a month, it is a tremendous help to these families. The offering boxes will be in the lobby outside the Worship Center.

Summer Splash Is Coming
The Grove provides a safe and loving environment for your child and reaches more than 1,100 children throughout the Inland Empire with Summer Splash. Follow Dakota Smith as he finds friendships, artifacts, and Jesus, the true tree of life. Join us for a week of summer fun while we dig our way into games, music, and crafts, and discover God’s Word in a whole new way. Summer Splash – Dakota Smith and the Quest For Eden runs Monday through Friday, June 24 to June 28 from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to all children ages 3 years to 6th grade (fall 2013). Cost is $30 through May 19. Registration increases to $40 beginning May 20. Space is limited so don’t delay. To register online please visit www.thegrove.cc/summersplash for more information or to volunteer. Our week-long adventure culminates with The Grove’s annual family night concert with world renowned children’s artist Yancy live in concert on Friday, June 28, at 6:30 pm. Concert is open to the public. Public tickets are $5 each for children 3 to 12.

Small Trailer Needed
A few weeks ago our small single axle open cargo trailer (5’W X 8’L X 2.5’H sides) was stolen from our property. There is a clear need to replace this workhorse of a trailer for our ministries to use, so we are asking if any of you have or know of a trailer of similar size that is no longer needed and could be donated to the church. If so, please contact Pastor Jim Gilbreth at 571-9090 x2230 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Pastor Andy Gibeault at x2260 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to see if your trailer can meet our need. Thank you for your response.

Be Encouraged
I have been encouraged this week as I have spent some time writing. When I journal my thoughts I often see things I would have otherwise missed. This week I have seen God present in the details of my struggles. It was not that He was fixing or resolving my struggles, but He was present. He was with me. Just that knowledge brought me comfort and encouragement. Psalm 46:1 says that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Look for God in the details this week. He is very present.

Bob Ellis

To My Grove Family,

This Weekend

We don’t know if it will be hot or cold this weekend but we do know we are going to love and appreciate all of our “Women of Influence” at The Grove as we celebrate and honor our Grove ladies this Mother’s Day. We have great music, one special song you will just love, and a video that will make you cry, or at least tear up. We also have goodies (substantial goodies) for all our Grove ladies after the service just to say thanks and we love you. This weekend Pastor Matt Furby will be bringing the message and it is one you will not want to miss. We will continue the series “Avoiding Life’s Train Wrecks” and Matt will bring the message form the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk is all about trusting God when things are falling apart around you. If you would read all three chapters of Habakkuk and especially Habakkuk 3:16-19 you will be ready for the message. Ladies of the Grove, I want to thank you for making The Grove great and I pray you are loved and honored all year long but especially this weekend. May you feel blessed.

Max Lucado Quote

Kelly Anderson sent me this cool Max Lucado quote after hearing the message last weekend on truth telling; I think you will like it. 

Many years ago a man conned his way into an orchestra although he could not play a note. He would hold his flute against his lips, pretend to play, but not make a sound. Then one day the leader requested a solo from each musician. The man was panic stricken. On the day of his solo performance, he took poison and killed himself. The explanation of his suicide led to a phrase that found its way into the English language: “He refused to face the music.”

Face the music! Some of us have buried a marriage, parts of a conscience, and even parts of our faith—all because we won’t face the music…we won’t tell the truth. Ask yourself, am I honest in my dealings? Am I a trustworthy student? An honest taxpayer? Do you tell the truth—always?

Proverbs says, “The Lord hates a lying tongue.” (12:19)

Just tell the truth.

Weight Watchers at The Grove

Weight Watchers at The Grove is starting a new 17-week session which begins with an informational meeting on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. in C-200 (the session begins May 16). Come join other successful members from The Grove who want the accountability and great healthy ideas taught by Weight Watchers. For details, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Grove Report Card
Here is the report card (http://www.thegrove.cc/f1/tomsweekly/GroveHealthTest.pdf) I promised I would keep sending out this year. We need to keep filling this out for ourselves to see how we’re improving. These three questions came from my “Grove Health” sermon. I continue to pray this for all of us:

1. God gave you a unique and wonderful story (your testimony), have you shared it with others?
2. Is church attendance optional or a priority with you and your family?
3. Do you trust God enough to give generously and to enjoy Sabbath Rest?

To view the blog for spiritual disciplines (Click Here), prayer wall (Click Here), HUB (Click Here), or job opportunities (Click Here).

See you all this weekend. Be especially nice to all the ladies of The Grove!

To my Grove family,

Weekend Message

This week we will begin a new four-week series we are calling, “Avoiding Life’s Train Wrecks.” This week the train wreck I am going to preach about are the lives of Ananias and Sapphira. If you will read Acts 4 and 5 you will be ready for this weekend. Pastor Trevor Christmas will be preaching on the same topic for the Sunday Night Service. This week I am going to be talking about the damage and fallout from telling lies; how hypocrisy can creep in to anyone’s life; and lastly, what the cost of holding back from Jesus will be when we hold back in any area of our lives. Hope to see you all this weekend. Pastor Daniel Bishop will be leading us in communion in all services this weekend.

Marriage - Communication

To end our marriage series, this Saturday we are hosting a Marriage Workshop on communication on Saturday, May 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This workshop will not only cover the basics, but will have tips that anyone can use to improve their communication. The cost is only $20 per couple. To register, call the Counseling Center at 571-9090 x2221. (Tickets may be purchased at the door.)(A Sign Language interpreter is also provided.)

Children’s Ministry

This coming weekend, May 4 and 5, the Children’s ministries at The Grove will be sponsoring our Catch The Wave campaign. So what is Catch The Wave, you ask? Good question. Our Children’s ministries are growing at a fantastic rate. God is bringing more and more families to The Grove each weekend. We want you to Catch The Wave with us and see how you can help as God moves our church family into a deeper relationship with Him. Stop by our display tables after any weekend service this coming weekend and see all that we have to offer. No matter what your skill level is, there is a place for you. Our Children’s staff would love to talk to you and show you just how easy and fun it is riding the wave of life!

MOPS Consignment Sale
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Consignment Sale is this Saturday, May 4. The sale will be at the church in C-100. You will find gently-used clothes (0-14), shoes, toys, books, diapering and feeding essentials, furniture, nursery décor, bedding, strollers, slings, Pack n Plays, baby gear, maternity, and so much more, all very much below retail prices. Come and shop from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 4. Admission is free. (Consignors and volunteers get to shop our Presale on Friday, May 3.)

Men’s Ministry

Men's Pig-Out is coming up on May 31. Our very own Dr. Carl Wolnisty is going to share about his years of service as the personal physician to President Eisenhower. Invite friends who are interested in history, or just like to eat BBQ'd pulled pork. Tickets are $10 and available at the Men's Counter after services.

Looking forward to seeing you all this weekend. Stay cool tomorrow as it is supposed to reach 100 degrees in good ole Riverside.

So sorry for this late email but I forgot to remind you this is the weekend if you bought some of the supplies for the homeless (remember the insert in the bulletin last week? Click here for the list), to leave your donations behind your cars as you arrive at church and we will pick them all up to stock our food pantry. Thanks so much for your help with this!

See you this weekend,

To my Grove family,

Weekend Message

This weekend Pastor Daniel Bishop and I will team up to preach a message we are calling, “Responsibilities: Band-Aids or Surgery?” If you will read all of Philippians 2 you will ready for this weekend. This message will allow a lot of opportunity to look at ourselves and examine where we are right now in several very important areas. Next weekend Carol and I will teach the final message together in the series, “Band-Aids or Surgery.” The month of May we are going to start a new four-week series called “Avoiding Life’s Train Wrecks.”

E-Bulletin

Remember this is the first weekend we will not be passing out the bulletins in the services. You will receive the message notes as you walk in AND if you want a paper bulletin you can pick one up on the table by the doors as you enter the Worship Center; however, if you subscribed to the e-bulletin you will be receiving it this Friday with all the information of coming events and all the happenings of The Grove. If you still have not signed up to receive the e-bulletin you can simply click here and you will begin receiving it every Friday. Thanks for all who have been so great accepting this change and thanks for helping the Grove save $13,000 a year in printing costs.

Prayers

So much tragedy is happening in our country right now and if you could be part of the pastoral calls you would know so many at The Grove are going through tough times of health right now, too. Would you gather your family together some time in the next day or two and just pray for our country and for our church? As we all do this, it will be so powerful and meaningful. We really don’t have to know all the names to pray, we just need to have compassionate hearts for those who are hurting. If your family is doing well right now it would also be a great time to give God thanks and praise for all He is doing in our lives. It is great when God’s people pray. Let’s hold up our country and our church – Let’s pray!

If you want to view the blog for spiritual disciplines (Click Here), prayer wall (Click Here), HUB (Click Here), or job opportunities (Click Here).

See you all this weekend,

To my Grove family again!

I messed up and told you to read Ephesians 2 for this weekend’s message and it is Ephesians 5 that I need you to read. I was trying to think what or who I could blame for this mistake and I really can’t come up with anything that will deflect it from me – totally me – so I own it. Sorry, please read Ephesians 5 for this weekend.

Love and Respect Class

While I have you here, remember the eight-week video series on marriage called Love and Respect begins this Sunday at 9 a.m. in Room D-2. You don’t need to sign up, you just need come and be blessed.

Subscribe to the E-Bulletin

One more time, if you haven’t yet signed up for the electronic bulletin you can do it so easily. Just CLICK HERE and you are part of the e-club and everyone wants to be part of the Grove e-club, right?

Sunday’s Baptism

Twenty from our Grove family are being baptized after the 10:45 service this weekend. Grab lunch in the HUB after the service and stay for the baptism; you will be glad you did.

Favorite Verse(s)

Send me your favorite verse(s) on communication or marriage from the Bible and if I use them in my marriage/relationship series this month, I will buy you a soda, coffee, or big cookie from the HUB.

Walk/Jog

How many of you will I see at 8 a.m. this Saturday morning for our walk/jog time? Come on now! Do you know how good it feels the very second you are done exercising and you know that you have “won again” over laziness for the day? How cool would it look to our “92508” neighbors to see 250 Grovites walking and jogging and taking care of the bodies God gave us? It’s “fitness/witness,” yes, it is!

See you this weekend,

Ephesians 5 people – Ephesians 5