To my incredible Grove family,

I pray this email finds you healthy and joyful in the midst of this Christmas season. Are you done shopping yet? Carol and I are just about done and most of the gifts are wrapped (thanks to Carol) and under the tree. We have cut back this year and with the rest of our family are trying to enjoy a “simpler” Christmas, one with less stress and more of enjoying moments with each other and Christ. Why did it take so long to get here, I really don’t know, but I am glad we are making it happen now.

Kid’s Musical

This weekend we have something very special for you as our Grove kids will be in all the services sharing with each one of us their Christmas musical. I think it is critically important for our future that we as a church turn out in mass and totally support our children. They need to know we not only support them 100% but love them deeply as they are the future of The Grove. Here is what we have in store for you:

Our ROCK! The Arts children will be presenting, “The Secret of Snowflake County – Hope in a Humble Stable.” Through this wonderful production, the children will be showing us what is really important during Christmas. The message of Christmas doesn’t need to be dressed up in lights or decorations to shine any brighter: at its simplest is the brilliance of the one true Light, born in a humble stable. As part of the service, Pastor Kerry will be speaking on “Keeping Christ in Christmas” and giving some practical ways to help us stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. It is so easy to get caught up in a month-long frenzy of buying, rushing, decorating, and partying. Sometimes we get caught up in the craving for things that we lose sight of Christ. Kerry will give you some practical ways as a family to keep Christ in Christmas this season.

Dinner Cancelled

Wednesday Night at The Grove’s Dinner in Bethlehem has been cancelled for tonight, December 5. If you want another great Christmas event, please bring your family to one of the Christmas Encounter performances next week on December 11, 12, or 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. You’ll be very glad you did!

Women’s Dinner and Concert

The Women of The Grove have a great dinner and concert next Friday, December 14, called, “A Lamp for Every Corner,” and this is the last weekend to buy tickets ($20). You won’t want to miss Mary James as she shares her music and an amazing testimony, or the delicious Chicken Roulade with cranberry stuffing prepared by Chef Carl Solomko. It promises to be a festive and fun evening.

Online Giving

A couple of weeks ago several of you received an email from The Grove with a subject of "The Grove Has a New Online Giving Tool - Open to Find Out More!". We've heard that at least a few of you didn't open or read the message because it looked like spam. I wanted to take a moment and reassure you that the message was not spam. It was sent to notify those of you who use our existing web-giving system that we have a new and improved web-based online giving system ready for you to try out. Be on the lookout for another email notice about this new system in the next couple of days.

Grove Golf Tournament

The Grove’s Hands Across The Border Golf (HATB) Tournament still has room for more golfers. The golf tournament is this coming Monday, December 10. We will be playing at Victoria Club, a premiere private club here in Riverside. The course has been around since 1903, making it one of the oldest clubs in Southern California. Come join other men and women as we enjoy a day of golf, fellowship, and great food provided by Chick-Fil-A (lunch) and The Hub (dinner). We are raising funds for the men’s HATB Chile Trip. The cost is $125 per player. 

Events in December

If you go to our website at www.thegrove.cc and look at the five main banners on the front page you will see “Christmas at The Grove.” Click on this Christmas banner and you will be able to see all the events and ministries we will be doing during the month of December to make this month special for you, your family, and friends. Make sure to take the time to invite someone to church this Christmas season.

See you all this weekend – let’s all be here to support our kids!

To my Grove family,

Christmas Events

We are ready to start the Christmas season at The Grove in a big way. If you go to our website at www.thegrove.cc and look at the five main banners on the front page you will see “Christmas at The Grove.” Click on this Christmas banner and you will be able to see all the events and ministries we will be doing during the month of December to make this month special for you, your family, and friends. Make sure to take the time to invite someone to church this Christmas season.

Weekend Message

After not preaching for two weekends I am more than ready to return to the pulpit this weekend. My first of four Christmas messages is “When Hope Arrived the Angels Sang.” If you will read Luke 2 you will be ready for the weekend service.

Christmas Season

There is no way any of us will escape all the hurry and rush of the Christmas season and if we are not careful we can get buried in the season and miss its true meaning all together. I think it might be a good thing for all of us in the next couple days to just sit down as a family and decide what we are going to intentionally do to make this season special and honoring to our Savior. You might even pick up a few ideas from my sermon this weekend. Someone once told me if I don’t control my time then time will control me. Maybe it is time to make plans and keep Jesus the focus of the season.

See you all this weekend.  

To my Grove family,

I just got back from a two-day conference with 15 pastors from some of the biggest churches in the country that I meet with twice a year. You know what? You are still the greatest church anywhere. I love The Grove more than ever and when I say that, I mean I love The Grove because I love all you do to make The Grove so special. You allow God to use you in such incredible ways and that is why our church is such a special place. I listened to these pastors talk for two days about their churches and said to myself I wouldn’t trade places with any of them, even for one day. You make being the pastor of The Grove a dream job – thanks! I really do thank God for you each and every day, not just at Thanksgiving time and if I don’t tell you enough, you need to know you are the best and I do love you all. I pray you have an incredible Thanksgiving and the beginning of a wonderful holiday season.

Christmas Season

Speaking of the holiday season, this week in the bulletin we will have an insert showing all we are doing for Christmas. I hope you all take a moment this week to plan out your Christmas season so you won’t be too rushed and can really enjoy this beautiful time we have to reflect on God’s great gift to each of us. The insert will remind you of all you can choose from but will also be a great way for you to think through and invite someone else to come with you. What would happen if everyone at The Grove invited one person to one of the special Christmas services? I can tell you one thing, God’s kingdom would expand. 

Weekend Message

This weekend we are going to be talking about adoption. At Thanksgiving time we thought this would be a perfect weekend for us to think about the orphans all around us and hear how we can all play a part to make their lives different. Please make sure to be here this weekend. The title for Pastor Joe’s message is, “Adoption: Who Am I Now?”

Christmas Events

My sermons and other special programs for the Christmas season will be:

·        December 1-2: “When Hope Arrived the Angels Sang” (communion)

·        December 8-9: Children’s ROCK! the Arts Christmas Performance,

·        December 11,12,13: “The Christmas Encounter” (walk through the Christmas Story)     

·        December 15-16: “When Hope Arrived It Was to Change Our Lives”

·        December 24: “Four Things You Can Do This Christmas” (two candlelight communion services)

I guess you can see from the above that my Christmas message this year is “When Hope Arrived”.

Hope to see you all this weekend,

Grove Family,

This is Pastor Daniel Bishop writing on behalf of Tom Lance. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful week God has given to us. It’s warm enough to hang outside during the day, and cold enough to have the fireplace going at night. This is fantastic! The nights sure are starting to get cold, though. It’s fun bringing out the slippers, the robe, and electric blanket. You don’t have to be a grandparent to have an electric blanket. My wife just put one on our bed this week and we’re still in our 20s. :-) As the nights grow colder remember those in our city who are trying to escape the cold themselves. You could buy an affordable blanket and have it ready in your car to give to someone who may be in need.

In my quiet time this morning I was in Proverbs 14 and was challenged by verse 2 which says, "Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him." Think about how the decisions you are making will reveal what you really think about the LORD. Are the decisions you are making show you fear and honor the Lord, or do they show you despise Him? One of my favorite parts of the day is being encouraged by the Word of God. Make time in your schedule to read God’s Word and be encouraged yourself. A great place to start is in the book of John, James, or Proverbs. Start by reading a chapter and focusing on one verse each day.

Weekend Message

Pastor Matt Furby will be preaching in all of the services this weekend. He will be taking us through Romans 7 in a sermon he is calling, “Changing Direction.” Please read through Romans 7 before this weekend and be prepared to hear a great message. Also, for those of you who are overachievers, Matt encourages you to also read through Galatians 5. See if you can find the connections between Romans 7 and Galatian 5 before the weekend.

Love Offering Update

Some good news to report. Over the last three weeks there has been an additional $128,849 given for the Love Offering. This brings the total so far to $655,883. We are still well short of the $1,000,000 goal and the $824,536 that was pledged for this year but the gap has narrowed some and we expect gifts to continue through the end of the year. Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Love Offering so far this year. Continue to pray that God will provide all that is needed.

Central Asia Fellowship Conference

The Central Asia Fellowship (CAF) Conference happens every January in Thailand. This is a chance for long-term workers in Central Asia (many in Tibetan areas) to have fellowship, refreshing, worship, and training. Helpers to work with their children are always needed. The kids range in age from toddlers to teens. Volunteers are trained and led by experienced leaders. If you love children and would like to serve in Thailand from January 20-26, 2013, please contact the Outreach Department at Ext. 2174.

HATB Golf Tournament

The Grove Golf Tournament to raise funds for HATB (Hands Across The Border) – Chile is coming up. It will be at the Victoria Country Club on Monday, December 10, with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Contact Kendall Brown at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to sign up.

Here at The Grove we are constantly praying for you all. We love you and are so happy you are a part of this family. Hope to see you this weekend!

Much Love in Christ Jesus Our Lord,

Daniel Bishop

High School Pastor

To my Grove family,

WEEKEND MESSAGE
This weekend we move from the City of Hope to the City of Progress. We call it the City of Progress because of momentum. We have come from the City of Sin to the City of Hope and are beginning to look more and more like Christ. This weekend before you come I’d like you to read Romans 6 for a message I am calling, “Dead Bodies Can’t Be Tempted.” I hope to see each and every one of you here this weekend. Sara McCollum will be leading worship through song in all the services. Pastor Daniel Bishop will be preaching at Sunday Night at The Grove where they will be having a free chili and corn bread meal for everyone in attendance.

REVELATION ON CD
Last year during our midweek Bible studies we studied the book of Revelation. We now have put all of the Women’s Bible Study teaching (the Men’s Study lessons were not recorded) with notes into a nice kit and will be selling them at the bookstore for $30. I know many of you have been asking for this series and it is now available for you beginning this weekend.

NEW GROVE CLOTHING
Starting this weekend you can purchase new Grove clothing. Supplies are limited so be sure to stop by the lobby tables to see the new selections. These make great Christmas gifts.

Enjoy the cool weather and I will see you all this weekend as we celebrate Veteran’s Day at The Grove.

To my Grove family,

I forgot to mention the NEW New Members Class in my all church email this week. It is new in that the first two-thirds of the class can be completed in the comfort of your own home and the last 90 minutes is a time where we come together at The Grove to talk about The Grove’s vision, core values, and future. I am very excited about this new format as I think it will be much more convenient for so many. Our first class will be Friday, November 9, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Chapel (snacks included); however, before you come to class you must complete the pre-requisites (watching one DVD, listening to one CD, and reading a small book) which can be completed in under three hours. I look forward to seeing many of you on November 9 for the class. Classes in the future will switch back and forth from Friday nights to Saturday mornings. We will inform you ahead of time on the sessions in which we will be offering childcare. We think with the new format it should be a lot easier for you to get childcare since the classes are no longer over four hours as it was before. Don’t forget to call the church office by noon on Monday, November 5, if you are going to come and you can pick up a membership packet at the Welcome Desk this weekend or at the reception desk in the office area during the week.

Daylight Saving Time ends this Saturday and you get an extra hour of sleep. This should mean everyone will be able to come to church this coming Sunday well rested. Do you know how many would come to The Grove this weekend if everyone who calls The Grove home came? Well over 10,000! If that number comes we will be thrilled and will do whatever it takes to get everyone taken care of during the service. Don’t forget to set your clocks back before you go to bed Saturday night and take advantage of that extra hour of sleep!

See you this weekend.

To my Grove family,

THIS COMING WEEKEND

I hope all of you are enjoying this beautiful fall weather. We need to remember to be praying for our brothers and sisters on the east coast. 

This week we continue the series, Road Trip, and we remain in the City of Hope in our travels. This week I ask you to read Romans 5 in preparation for the message I will be sharing called, “The Day Grace Trumped Sin.” Pastor Trevor Christmas will be speaking from the same text in the Sunday Night Service.

BAPTISM

Congratulations to the 28 people who were baptized last Sunday! That was an exciting and wonderful time as we were able to hear each person explain what Jesus has done in their lives. Nine more people made commitments to the Lord last weekend in the services so very soon we will have another large group of people from our Grove family ready to be baptized.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR SENIORS

Wednesday, November 7, in Room D-3 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., we are having a second senior seminar covering, "Understanding Medicare - Part ll". (It is for those currently covered, thinking about changing coverage, e.g. Medicare Advantage, or those anticipating coverage in the future.) There will be an in-depth discussion of Medicare benefits, Medicare part A, B, D, Medigap coverage, Medicare advantages plans, Medicare Choices, plus the meaning of "medically necessary." Contact John Bowers for more information at 571-9090 Ext. 2235 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE GROVE

Don’t forget Wednesday Night at The Grove has something for every member of the family. This week both the men’s and women’s group will be studying 1 Corinthians 10. We look forward to being together each and every Wednesday night, and for many having “dinner at the HUB” has become a very enjoyable part of the Wednesday night experience. Some of you have told us you will miss this week due to Halloween, so enjoy that time with your family as well.

SATURDAY NIGHT SINGLES

Are you a competitor or are you just interested in having fun? Then come to our Saturday Night Singles for a night of competition and fun. On Saturday, November 3, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel we are hosting the Ultimate Competition Night. This night is for singles who enjoy fellowship and fun. Our night will consist of praising our Lord through worship and playing many different games. If you have a favorite board game, then bring it and we will have more options from which to choose. This event is free for anyone new; otherwise we ask for a small donation to offset the cost of food. Pizza will be served so make sure you RSVP so the leadership knows how many to plan on. You can email Pastor Andy Gibeault at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tell us you are going on Facebook at http://www.thegrove.cc and click on our Facebook button. Once on Facebook click on the events tab and click on the “going” button. Pizza will be ordered based on the emails Pastor Andy receives and the status on Facebook. We hope you can attend and at the end of the night we will crown “The Ultimate Competitor”.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

Take a moment right now to visit our website at www.thegrove.cc and discover new job opportunities, see what is on our prayer wall, check out the Read Through the Bible blog, plus information on all our ministries.

THANK YOU – THANK YOU – ONCE AGAIN

I can’t begin to tell you how great all of you were for Trunk n Treat. It was a tremendous outreach in to our community and many new friendships were started on that evening because of you. You are the best, the most friendly, most generous, and greatest church I know. You do it out of a genuine love for God and all people. You are fantastic – thank you!!!

See you all Wednesday night and this weekend,

To my Grove family,

I’m looking forward to this weekend as we dig in to Romans 4. I am calling my sermon, “Both a Sign and a Seal.” As you read over the chapter you will clearly see how Paul uses Abraham, David, and the sign and seal of circumcision to show that salvation is by grace alone. I really think you will enjoy your own personal study of Romans chapter 4. Pastor Trevor Christmas will be preaching at the Sunday Night Service.

Love Offering

The Love Offering came in right at $527,034 which is a wonderful offering but below the amount we pledged last year for 2012 which was $824,536. We were also down in attendance for the weekend so I am sure we will see more come in within the next few weeks and before the end of the year. I pray each and every family will be a part of this offering and together we can accomplish all God desires through our love and generosity. For those who have already given I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know these are not easy times and for you to step out with your generous hearts shows how much you trust God, how much you love The Grove, and how much you love all people. Thanks for all you do and for all you mean to our ministry.

Trunk n Treat Is Upon Us

All the planning is done and now it is time for action. We are expecting over 10,000 visitors this Friday night for what we hope is a real blessing and fun night for our community. We have hundreds of volunteers already but can still use a few more if you have the time. If you are willing to work a 1 ½ hour shift on Friday night email Pastor Kerry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also, there is still time to drop off a bag of candy if you would like. Thanks in advance for being a part of this “giant night” for The Grove and for our community. Many will begin attending The Grove after being here for the first time at Trunk n Treat. You being The Grove is all they need to make them feel welcome and want to come back.

Don’t Forget Wednesday Night at The Grove

Wednesday Night at the Grove is a fantastic evening for the entire family. Make plans to be here and you may want to come early and have dinner at the Hub. The food is great and the people at The Grove are wonderful to hang out and share a meal with before services.

CBU Will Be Here Two More Times

CBU will be here two more times this Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. and Sunday at 10:15 a.m. to talk with any of you interested in attending Bible classes here on campus through CBU. In 18 months you can receive you upper division college credits for a degree in Christian Studies. They offer significant discounts for Grove members!

Grove Website

Remember on our Grove website you can check out job opportunities (Click Here), the Hub menus (Click Here), the Read Through the Bible blog (Click Here), or post and pray for requests listed on our Prayer Wall (Click Here).

See you all Wednesday, Friday, and this weekend!

To my Grove family,

Are you all excited to be wearing sweaters again? The cooler weather is indeed a nice change for everyone, I assume. Drive safe out there in the first rain; remember the roads will be slick after the first rain of the season which is supposed to come tonight. That is what my dad told me every time it rained and what I told my boys and hey, since you are my family, I now tell you.

Weekend Message

This weekend will be a very special one as we talk about the impact God desires our church to have in the community and the world. My sermon is called “Is There Love in the Offering.” Pastor Trevor Christmas will be preaching in the Sunday night service. If you read 2^nd Timothy 4:6-8, Romans 12:1-2, 2^nd Corinthians 8:7-9, and 1 Kings 17:8-16 you will be ready for this weekend.

Wednesday Night at The Grove

Tonight at “Wednesday Night at the Grove” we will be studying 1 Corinthians 7 which is a very challenging passage. Make Wednesday nights a priority for your family and you might want to try out the HUB as a family outing as well. Carol and I ate there last Wednesday and it was great.

Christian Studies at The Grove

We will also have folks from CBU here tonight at 5:45 p.m. to talk with anyone who wants to pursue a college degree in Christian Studies at The Grove. They will be here tonight and next Wednesday from 5:45-6:30 p.m. to answer any of your questions (you will be done before the Bible Studies begin). They will also be here the next Sunday, October 14, from 10:15-10:40 a.m. (again, you will be out in time for the service). This is a great opportunity for you to pursue your Bible degree at a great price, convenient location (Grove) and you will go through this 18-month program with other people from The Grove. Come and ask questions and see if this is something for you. Click on these links for more information about the program and the classes: CBU Bible Degree Program Announcement and Course List.

Trunk n Treat Fall Festival

Our spectacular Trunk n Treat, Fall Festival, is almost here and your candy donations are still needed. For the next two weekends we will have cars parked in the breezeway entrances to take your donations of individually wrapped candies to give out to the children on Friday, October 26. This event allows us to reach out to our community by providing a safe and fun environment for children. Many will come to The Grove for the very first time. We will have agencies from all over the city participating with us to make this year’s Trunk n Treat the best event yet. We still need nearly 1,000 pounds of candy to pass out, so please continue to bring your candy donations and feed the trunks this weekend. For more information about Trunk n Treat, please call 951-571-9090 Ext. 2425 or check it out on the web.

Apologetics Class

The Apologetics class is meeting in the Chapel at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday through November 11. This week Sam Welbaum will be speaking on “Why Will So Many People Go to Hell If God Is Loving and Merciful?” Join this class as they study and learn together.

Voter Registration

If you have not registered to vote in the November 6 national election you still have time to register this weekend. We will have non-partisan voter registration tables set up in the breezeways with people available to assist you after each service. I encourage you to be praying for our country and the upcoming election and hope you will participate by voting.

Grove Website

Remember on our Grove website you can check out job opportunities (Click Here), the Hub menus (Click Here), the Read Through the Bible blog (Click Here), or post and pray for requests listed on our Prayer Wall (Click Here).

Looking forward to seeing you all here this weekend,

To my Grove family,

This weekend we continue on our Road Trip through Romans and find ourselves in chapter two. If you will read ahead you will be ready for the sermon I am calling, “To Judge or Not to Judge, That Is The Question.” Pastor Daniel Bishop will be speaking at Sunday Night at The Grove which has really been growing and meeting needs each and every week. We look forward to seeing you tonight for Wednesday Night at The Grove and this weekend as well. Before tonight, make sure to read 1 Corinthians 5 though 6:11 for the Men’s and Women’s Bible Study.

CBU WILL BE HERE TONIGHT

We will have folks from CBU here tonight at 5:45 p.m. to talk with anyone who wants to pursue a college degree in Christian Studies at The Grove. They will be here tonight and the next two Wednesdays from 5:45-6:30 p.m. to answer any of your questions (you will be done before the Bible Studies begin). They will also be here the next two Sundays, October 7 and 15, from 10:15-10:40 a.m. (again, you will be out in time for the service). This is a great opportunity for you to pursue your Bible degree at a great price, convenient location (Grove) and you will go through this 18-month program with other people from The Grove. Come and ask questions and see if this is something for you. Click on these links for more information about the program and the classes: CBU Bible Degree Program Announcement and Course List.

HATB

Hands Across the Border is now going to Chile! This multi-faceted trip is February 20-26, 2013. For more information contact Outreach Ministries at Ext. 2020.

APOLOGETICS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Apologetics, Defending the Faith, is a six-week class helping train you to defend your faith and live out the command in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. This series will cover topics that are important for Christians right now such as abortion, homosexuality and gay marriage, reasons for believing the resurrection, and in the truth of the Scriptures. A time of Q&A will follow each teaching so that you can get personal answers to the questions on your own heart. To sign up or for more information please contact Katie Rowntree at Ext. 2133 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Saturday Night Singles

Calling all singles for a night of fun and fellowship! On Saturday, October 6, at 7 p.m. we are having a country-western dance party plus a BBQ in the Chapel. This night will be filled with country music and entertainment with a purpose as we learn to square dance and line dance. Come dressed in your country best as we will crown the best new square dancers. Bring a friend and you both get to eat for free. The BBQ is only $3. If you have any questions call Andy Gibeault at Ext. 2260 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We can’t wait to see you there!

SENIOR ADULTS

Part of our mission as the Legacy Senior Adult Ministry is to improve the quality of life through spiritual growth, education, and advocacy for senior adults in our church and community. Finding solutions for the changing circumstances of older adults (65+) is the purpose of our "Senior Round Table Seminars." Our first meeting will take place Wednesday, October 10, at 10 a.m. in D-3. This first seminar is titled, "Understanding Medicare; Major Changes to Come." This seminar is for those currently covered or anticipating coverage in the future. To register for this or future seminars contact John Bowers at Ext. 2235 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

WE STILL NEED CANDY!

It is that time of year again; time to invite our community to our annual Fall Festival, Trunk n Treat. The Grove is currently taking candy donations for our trunks to pass out to children on Friday, October 26. We are accepting candy donations in the bin located outside of the Children’s building. Candy needs to be individually wrapped. We hope to collect 1,000 pounds of candy for this huge event.

GROVE WEBSITE

Remember on our Grove website you can check out job opportunities (Click Here), the Hub menus (Click Here), the Read Through the Bible blog (Click Here), or post and pray for requests listed on our Prayer Wall (Click Here).

See you all tonight and this weekend,