To my Grove family,

Weekend Message

Make sure to be here this weekend with your family and friends as we will have our special guests Dave and Becki Thompson joining us along with our short-term missionaries who just returned from Gabon, Africa. As I said last weekend, this will be a service you will not want to miss. You will be encouraged and challenged in a way only Dave can do. I promise you that this will be a time you will want your whole family with you as Dave and Becki are really something very special and you will be blessed! We also have some special moments planned to celebrate our freedom on this Memorial Day weekend. Come expecting! And just a reminder, Father’s Day’s is coming on Sunday, June 20, 2010.

Youth Auction

Our annual Youth Auction is almost here and the funds raised through the auction go to help with camps, mission trips and summer activities. The Youth Auction is June 5 and 6 before and after the services. Here are just a few of the fabulous items that will be up for auction:

            $20,000 CBU Scholarship

            $32,000 Simpson University Scholarship

            Arrowhead Cabin Rental

            Mission Inn Overnight Stay

            Angels Tickets

            Restaurants Gift Cards

            And much, much more!

Baptism

Have you recently made a commitment to follow Christ? One of the first steps of obedience that God asks for is for us to follow Christ’s example in baptism. Our next baptism will be on Sunday, June 13, 2010.  Give the church office a call at 951-571-9090 and we will let you know how and when you can take this next important step of baptism.

Devotionals

Don’t forget to check our homepage on The Grove website, www.thegrove.cc, each day and keep up with the devotionals written for our church family by our pastoral team. It is just one small way for us to say we love you and want to encourage you.

Global Leadership Summit

I’d love to see everyone in our church attend the Global Leadership Summit that will be shown at The Grove via satellite from Willow Creek. This is one of the premier leadership conferences in the country and because we are hosting the conference for the Inland Empire and surrounding areas we get a great price for our congregation. On the day of the event the cost per person is $265, but because we are a satellite host the cost per person is $75 if you register before July 23, after that time the price will jump to $105. You can read all about it on our website. Again, it is my hope that you will take advantage of this great leadership training, Thursday and Friday, August 5-6. This will be incredible training for our church right before we head into another church calendar year in September. Don’t wait; sign up today.

Job Opportunities

·        My Learning Studio is looking for a high school junior or senior who would like to work the summer camps starting in June. They would be paid through a grant with the county and there are income requirements. They have to LOVE kids and be very creative and responsible and be available to work Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. If you are interested please submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . My Learning Studio is located at 17072 Van Buren Blvd. near Washington, 951-789-5402.

·        Full- and part-time positions available with financial services firm. Sales and sales management. Commissions and bonuses paid. Willing to train, no experience required. Send resume to the attention of Kenny Hughes via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax to 951-689-1084.

·        Time Warner Cable is hiring for various positions. They offer competitive benefits and require you to at least have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You can search for the positions and apply online at www.TimeWarnerCable.com/careers. If you have any difficulties applying, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

See you this weekend as we will enjoy together our special guests Dave and Becki Thompson.

To my loving Grove family (with emphasis on the loving part),

Wow, you people are incredible! We feel honored, humbled, and a bit embarrassed by all the attention, but thankful for all the love, encouragement, hope and help. I have always said that The Grove is the greatest church in the world and you have proven that again to me and my family. We are indeed blessed and most fortunate. Thank you!

Weekend Message

This weekend I am going to share from Genesis 37 and I’m calling the message “Joseph’s Dreams.” My Pop always said “if you lie down with dogs you will wake up with fleas,” and I can use that line in my message this week. I hope to see you all there as we continue our journey through Genesis. A special thanks goes to Pastor Jim Gilbreth for stepping in with 40 minutes notice and preaching for me last Sunday. He did great and I appreciate him so much for doing that. Dad would expect me to be back in the pulpit this week so that is where I will be.

Summer Splash

Now here is a word from our children’s pastor, Kerry Warren, regarding Summer Splash: “Get ready for full throttle fun in the annual Summer Splash event, The Ultimate Race, July 5–9 from 9 a.m. to noon for all children ages 3 to 6th grade (fall 2010). This year’s action packed week includes amazing Bible stories as we join race drivers Saul Unser, Jr., Crash N Burns, Mario Barnabas, Gail Goodrich and Stefanisimo Cargo as they learn about Knowing Jesus, Following Jesus, Fellowshipping with Jesus, Serving Jesus and Telling Others. Each day has incredible high-speed action, games, music, crafts and a whole lot more. There is nonstop racing action, high speed twists and turns as we see our racing teams learning about what it means to truly race for God. Don’t miss out on the fun! Registration cost for the entire race week is $25 (until June 6, cost goes up to $35 after that). Our big race day finale is on July 9 with world famous children’s music artist Jana Alayra in concert at 6:30 p.m. (concert included with paid registration). For more information please call 951-571-9090 Ext. 2425. Register on-line by CLICKING HERE for elementary, CLICKING HERE for ages 3 to Kindergarten, stop by the church office Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or after any of our weekend services. We will see all you race fans July 5–9 at The Ultimate Race!”

Job Opportunities

• Immediate opening for a bilingual (English/Spanish) assistant to a real estate executive. Needs to be an organizer, a fast learner, a positive person and a good communicator with good word processing and computer skills. This is not an entry level position. Starting at 20-30 hours/week. F/T by summer. Email your resume to Kevin H. Allen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Riverside County Workforce Development Center is hiring a Contract Administrator. Pay is $15 to $17/hour, 40+ hours per week. Associates degree and four years experience required. Please send resume with CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR in subject line of email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The job listing # is CA10703680.
• Time Warner Cable is hiring for various positions. They offer competitive benefits and require you to at least have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You can search for the positions and apply online at www.TimeWarnerCable.com/careers. If you have any difficulties applying, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thanks again for all you have done for our family at my Dad’s graduation to eternity. You have outdone yourselves. I promise to return every one of your e-mails as I get time. I have spent over three hours so far trying to do that but have received hundreds and hundreds so it will take some time to say how much each one meant and how loved we feel. Thanks for taking care of your old pastor, I feel incredibly blessed and loved by all of you.

See you at Pop’s service tomorrow or this weekend.

To my loving church family,

On behalf of my sister Lindy, my brother Bob, his wife Janice, Carol and me and all of our kids, we say Thank You! You have blessed us, loved us and we feel cared for in an incredible way. As always “You are The Grove,” and that is not a hollow statement; it means everything!

Today Dad begins eternity in heaven; how cool is that. He left earth yesterday at 8:15 a.m. so he could make sure Mom was ready and on time for his first church service in heaven. I know those two are really happy.

Our families are doing well. We had 86 years of the best dad in the world so what more could we ask for? I know my dad felt truly loved by his family, his friends and his church. He loved his family and loved The Grove. He and mom took us there when I was fourteen and they never left, never wavered, and were always faithful. The Grove was his church. He was a great hero to his family. I had no sports hero, no preacher hero, and no hero in life other than my dad. I am who I am because of him and he will always be my “Pop.”  He was no ordinary guy!  I know my brother and sister feel the very same way.

The service for his life will be this Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Chapel with a light lunch following. If I don’t see you there I will see you next weekend as I will be back in the pulpit just like Dad would want me to be.

Thanks again for blessing and loving us. Thanks also to Pastor Jim who filled in for me preaching on Sunday with only 40 minutes notice before service began. You are a champion, Jim. Thank you.

We love you all and my family says thanks to all of you.

Your friend,

To my Grove family,

I am still smiling and it has been week and a half since we received the Love Offering. You are a wonderful church and you made it so clear that you want to not only be mature in all parts of your Christian walk, but you also want to be obedient to God. For those who weren’t here to hear the good news last week, we raised over $800,000 in our Love Offering on May 1 and 2, which did not include the weekly offering. God used the people of The Grove in a mighty way to demonstrate His power and the truth of what can happen when all of God’s people join together. We are still receiving Love Offerings from those who missed the service (if you have not given yet, I pray you join The Grove team and not miss the blessing of accomplishing something for God together we could never do alone). I feel certain we will reach our goal and close the $1.25 million gap through these Love Offerings that continue to come in, plus the revenue from the lease or rent of the corner building and from the increase of the weekly tithe. Another exciting thing that has happened is many have chosen to be cheerful, consistent and first fruits givers by choosing a percentage from the Steps to Cheerful Giving Ladder. (http://thegrove.cc/pdf/tomsweeklyletter/Cheerful%20Giving%20with%20background.pdf).  As we continue to do this we will see a remarkable difference in our giving which is the most significant way to make a difference and do what God desires for us to do for His kingdom. 

This Weekend

This weekend I am calling my message, “Brothers” and the reading is a bit longer than normal. I would like you to read Genesis 30-33 with emphasis on chapters 32-33. I also want to thank Becky for her great message this past Mother’s Day weekend and ask that you pray for her right now. She is in a lot of pain with a kidney stone and they are hoping she can pass it without surgery.

Men’s Pig Out

Men, don’t forget you can still buy tickets to the Pig Out on Friday, May 21, in C-100 at 7 p.m. This is always a great event and we should make every effort to be there. Iron sharpens iron and that is exactly what happens when The Grove men meet together. Congratulations to The Grove women who sold out for their Spring Tea with over 350 ladies planning to attend this wonderful event this coming Saturday!

Daily Devotions

Please go to our website (www.thegrove.cc) and check out the daily devotions, written by someone from our pastoral team. We figured it would be a great way for you to start your day. I am thankful to our staff for doing this each and every day. Together we are better and this is just one more way to grow together.

The last weekend of this month we will have Dave and Becky Thompson with us speaking in the service. Dave and Becky are from Gabon, Africa, where they head a medical team and facility for the people of Gabon. Dave is an incredible speaker and is never short on stories that will long be remembered. Make sure to be here. This would be a great service to attend with your children especially those with hearts towards outreach and missions, and don’t all Grove kids have that kind of heart?

Hand Surgery

I had a tumor removed from my right hand this morning and it is going make me a lefty for at least two weeks. I am sure I will be fine and back to normal (whatever that means for me) soon, but I would appreciate your prayers. This also means that I will not be able to use the computer so if you email me, please know I won’t be able to respond back.

Prayer Huddles

For your prayer huddles this week, would you take time just to praise God for what He has done in the life of The Grove and would you continue to ask Him to lead and direct everyone who calls The Grove home. God has been at work and we need to thank Him for what He’s done and wait expectantly for what He will continue to do.

Summer Time

Before I sign off for this week let me remind you to plan some time off this summer. Whether you stay at home in beautiful Riverside or take a trip some place, it is always good to re-charge your batteries and just get away. I pray that for each one of you, as I know you need it. Carol and I have a timeshare in Scottsdale and will be heading out there sometime in June. Pray for hot weather!

You know I love you and consider myself blessed to be your pastor. Continue being the people God created you to be and let’s see what we can do together for Him as we live out the unique calling of The Grove Community Church.

Job Opportunities

·        Immediate opening for a bilingual (English/Spanish) assistant to assist real estate executive. Needs to be an organizer, a fast learner, a positive person and a good communicator. Should have good word processing and computer skills. You’ll work in a fast-paced real estate office in Riverside. This is not an entry level position. Starting at 20-30 hours/week. F/T by this summer. Email your resume to Kevin H. Allen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        Riverside Personnel Services is currently seeking a receptionist and general office clerk for two companies located near the Riverside Plaza. Positions require you to reside near the Plaza, have flexible availability for Team Encore (part-time or full-time), 1 - 2 years recent, stable office experience, stellar attitude, good communication skills, excellent references, proficient with MS Office. Call (951)788-7900 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        Pharaoh’s Adventure Park is hiring. They will be hosting a job fair at their facility on May 15, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Do you like water slides, go-carts, bumper boats and a variety of fun foods? Then a position here is what you are looking for. Part-time positions or a full-time job for the summer. Come dressed for an interview and prepared to submit an application. For more information, please call 909-335-7275.

·        Riverside County Workforce Development Center is hiring a Welder Helper for $13 an hour, 31-40 hours per week. No experience required. Please send resume with WELDER HELPER in subject line of email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The job listing # is CA10700156.

·        Riverside County Workforce Development Center is hiring:

1.    A warehouse worker for $8 an hour, 31-40 hours per week. One year experience required. Please send resume with WAREHOUSE WORKER in subject line of email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The job listing # is CA10700072.

2.    A Welder - Production Line/Field Welder for $13 an hour, 31-40 hours per week. One year experience required. Please send resume with WELDER - PRODUCTION LINE/FIELD WELDER in subject line of the email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The job listing # is CA10700153.

3.    Part-time bus driver for the RTA. For consideration an original, current (within past 30 days) DMV H6 printout and completed RTA application are required. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 18 at 5 p.m. RTA applications and job announcements are available at 1825 Third St., Riverside, or apply on-line at www.RiversideTransit.com.

4.    Motorcycle Mechanic for $15 an hour, 31-40 hours per week. One year experience required. Please send resume with MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC in subject line of email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The job listing # is CA10700066.

·        Georgette Kell is in need of a housekeeper for two houses. Size of homes are 3500 and 4500 sq. ft. You can contact her at (951) 653-7178.

·        The Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Future Job Fair and Resource Committee is having their 2^nd Annual event. The focus will be on youth between the ages of 15 and 23; however, the general public is welcome to attend. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday June 12. San Bernardino Valley Community College will host the Job and Resource Fair. The college is located at 701 South Mount Vernon Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92410.  For more information, please contact Sylvia Quintanar at (909) 382-0436 or by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        Ag Innovations Network is now hiring a Program Director to serve as the lead coordinator, project manager, and communications representative of the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops.  Use the following link for more information, http://aginnovations.org/images/uploads/SISC_Position_Announcement.pdf

See you this weekend,

To my friends at The Grove,

Happy early Mother’s day to all of you women of influence at The Grove. We are going to have a really special time for you this weekend so I hope you can make it, and more than that, I pray you all feel very loved and appreciated. You make such a difference for The Grove and the kingdom and we hope to let you know that this weekend. 

To be ready for this weekend’s sermon please read Ecclesiastes 7:8; 2 Samuel 6:21 and Psalms 34:15 & 51:17. Also, don’t forget the concert on Saturday night. If you come to Saturday night service then you can see the headliners Leeland and Phil Wickham for ONLY $10 rather than the $25 price for everyone else. Here are some details from Pastor Jim to remember regarding parking:  Please park in the South lot, nearest Grove Community Drive.  The north lot is exclusively for the concert parking.  Thanks!

Let me end by saying thank you a million times over. The love offering last week was incredible. I won’t share the amount here but will take a few moments this weekend to share with you how The Grove has matured instantly in this area. We did not reach our $1.25 million goal but are very close and are still receiving checks and pledges through the week. I believe we will have many who will give their love offering or pledge this weekend as some weren’t able to be here last weekend. It was also amazing to see the number of new givers to The Grove, the many who have chosen a percent to begin giving on the “Steps to Cheerful Giving Ladder.” That giving will begin to make a giant difference each week. We are getting closer to a lease or rent of our corner property which will help us as well in the effort to close our budget gap. All of this to say this – God provided a miracle for our church through your generous and sacrificial giving and what was given made this old pastor smile all week long. It proves we are united; it proves we are “all in” and in this together for the long haul; it proves we love our church and will do whatever we can to do our part; it proves we have put God first and that is what really matters. I can’t wait to share the numbers with you this weekend; you are incredible and much loved. Thanks for allowing The Grove team to thrive and not just survive.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

·        Security Officers Training Academy Job Fair.  Great opportunity to find a job in the security industry, multiple companies onsite who are currently hiring for the security industry. No experience necessary.  Bring your resume, dress to impress.  May 19th 2010, 10:00am-2:00pm, 620 W. Mill St., San Bernardino, CA 92410.  Larissa Litras at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or (909) 888-3143 x107

·        My Learning Studio is looking for an experienced Reading Specialist/ Teacher to work Monday - Thursday starting May 13 from 3 - 7 p.m. If you are interested please submit your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  My Learning Studio is located at 17072 Van Buren Blvd. near Washington. (951) 789-5402

·        Central Transport is seeking part-time handlers for terminal in Rialto. Forward resumes to Greg Jukic at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        Chick-fil-A located at 24180 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita, is hiring for part-time and full time positions. Offers competitive pay. Fun place to work, Sundays off, and scholarship opportunities.  Accepting applications starting May 5, 2010.

·        Time Warner Cable is hiring for various positions. They offer competitive benefits and require you to at least have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You can search for the positions and apply online at www.TimeWarnerCable.com/careers. If you have any difficulties applying, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        San Diego North Economic Development Council is hosting an event to help the small business contractor find work!  Building North County Construction Jobs is a complimentary, half-day event dedicated to bringing small business contractors viable work opportunities offered through local organizations with projects and funding, including the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, Camp Pendleton, Caltrans and SANDAG.  The event is May 13, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. located at Sheraton Carlsbad, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. For more in formation you can contact Gary Knight at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 760 598-931.  You can register at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2v5bl6e593c92b9&oseq=a01mrg73u2fvq.

See you all this weekend,

To my Grove family,

I am so excited about this weekend as I know God is willing and desires to do great things through us as we hear His voice and obey His leading. Thank you so much for being faithful to our 30 days of fasting and prayer. As I have said, we can become a mature church in one weekend as we step out together and trust God with the finances He has so graciously blessed us with to use for His glory. Please take some time to think over the “Steps to Cheerful Giving” ladder that you will receive this week in the mail from me. I have heard from countless people already how this will allow them to get on track with tithing once again and be obedient to God in this area of their life.

My message this week as we conclude the three-week series of, “We are The Grove” is called, “We are Challenged.”  Please take time to read the following scriptures to be ready for this weekend. Philippians 4:10-20; Matthew 6:25-34 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

If for some reason you missed last weekend’s services you can go to our website, www.thegrove.cc and listen to the message. I would love to have all of us on the same page as we enter into this weekend, which could surely be the weekend God changes The Grove forever in a great and positive way. I would also ask that you take a moment to look over the 30 days of devotions I have written this month. You can find the link to the devotions on the homepage of our website under Fasting & Prayer Devotions. It is my prayer that these devotions will allow you to hear God’s voice more clearly about this weekend and challenge you to come to church all prayed up and expecting to see God do amazing things among us.  

Prayer Huddles

I want to thank you again for taking time with your families and friends each week to pray together all around Riverside; it is making a huge difference. This week will you pray for:

·        This weekend’s love offering. Pray that all of us will hear from God and do exactly what He says -- nothing more and nothing less.

·        Pray for children in foster care and group homes all over the Inland Empire, that they would find loving Christian “forever families.” Is God speaking to you about this?

·        Pray for our young adult team led by Sarah Bourns who will be heading out for Uganda this coming Monday. Pray that God will open their eyes to all he has for them and the love He has for all people.

·        Pray for our two most recent missionaries, Fiona Luke and Stacey Syrocki, who have headed off to full-time mission work and are getting settled into their new homes. 

Job Opportunities to Consider

·        2 part-time caregivers. Need experience with the elderly, compassion, patience and ability to cook. Will need fingerprinting/background check and to attend a first-aid class. Evening and weekend shifts to be filled. Please contact Chandra Concannon at 951-764-8055.

·        Time Warner Cable is hiring for various positions. They offer competitive benefits and require you to at least have a high school diploma or equivalent. You can search for the positions and apply online at www.TimeWarnerCable.com/careers. If you have any difficulties applying, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        Arrowhead Credit Union is hiring for various positions. Please visit their website at www.arrowheadcu.org for a complete job description and to apply online.

·        Subway at the Mission Grove Plaza is hiring. You can apply at Subway.com or at the Mission Grove Subway. For more information you can call 951-780-9828.

Looking forward to seeing each and every one of you this weekend.  Come expecting a miracle!

To my Grove family,

Weekend Message

This weekend I am calling my message, “We are Called.” It is the second of three messages in a series we are calling, “We are The Grove.” If you would read and study the following passages you will be ready for this weekend’s service: Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 10:38, Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 5:11-14, Romans 12:3-8 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. When God called you to follow Him, in your mind what did that calling personally mean to you in your daily life. How do you see your life and behavior differently as a called person to follow Christ, opposed to someone who has not answered the call to follow Him?

Grove KIDS Special Performance

This weekend we will also be blessed to have our Grove kids give us a special performance from their upcoming production, “Simon Says: The Rockin’ Trial of Simon Peter.” The actual performance will be April 30 at 7 p.m. in the Worship Center. Tickets will be on sale at the KIDS Desk, the church office and at the door for $5. Come early as you will not want to miss this wonderful time.

Baptism

Do you want to be baptized? Do you know there is not one account of someone in the New Testament who accepted Jesus and was not baptized? Baptism did not originate with the early church, but many groups and cultures baptized before Christians began doing so. In fact, the people of Rome were baptized and did so to show their allegiance and devotion to Caesar and to Rome. It was well known that if you were baptized you made a bold statement of allegiance. You can only imagine in a culture surrounded by Roman power and authority, when believers were baptized and swore their allegiance and love to Jesus with Rome looking on, what a very brave and bold statement this was. Baptism to the early church was critical and of the highest importance, as it should be for us today. If you have not been baptized, now is the time. Our next baptism is scheduled for May 2. Give the church office a call to make a preparation appointment and we will let you know how and when you can be baptized. 

Mike Davinroy’s E-Mail

I received an e-mail today from Mike Davinroy, one of our members and Little Church leaders. Mike shared some thoughts with his Little Church which I thought were perfect and so very true for us today. I asked Mike if I could share that e-mail with all of you and he said it would be fine. These are important words for us to understand. Being a part of The Grove means many things and at times we can forget and take those things for granted. I am grateful to Mike for these words:

You Are The Grove!

The Grove isn’t some abstract entity, it’s you and me, our kids, and the people we know and worship with each week.

I especially loved Tom’s message this week, but maybe that’s just because he spent a good bit of time talking about his kids – and grandkids. Everyone in our group regularly keeps their kids and family members in prayer; and like so often in Tom’s messages to us, all of us can personally relate to what he was saying. I realize that –

The Grove is an amazing place to worship. Week after week in several different studies we hear messages that bring God’s words that were written thousands of years ago – to be just as applicable in dealing with life’s trials for tomorrow as they were on the day they were written.

The Grove is a place of fellowship, beyond a Sunday morning service. I see us as a community of believers who share a common faith in Jesus, and who have a sincere belief that we will be together eternally. Who often and eagerly spend time in fellowship with each other outside of structured services, hiking, surfing, fishing, or working on a special project or ministry.

The Grove is a place we take our kids to supplement the teachings we give them in our homes – regardless of their age, or our own.

The Grove is a place where imperfect and broken people can come to center their lives.

The Grove is a place where we pray together; holding each other accountable, sharing our fears, trials, and the successes and yes, even blessings and miracles God has given each of us.

Like many of us, The Grove is now being challenged in tough financial times. Besides our fellowship, praying, and worship, I have worked side by side with everyone in our group and know each one of you to be generous and giving people at The Grove, and elsewhere. I know that if everyone in The Grove were doing as much as you – there wouldn’t be a financial problem. But the fact is, not everyone is proportionally contributing the same amount of money, love and talents, and The Grove needs us now – each of us. I believe that The Grove is above all else, a church belonging to God – and feel honored that I and a group of my friends can pray together, asking for God’s guidance in what each of us can do to make a difference and strengthen The Grove for all those souls who will be attending His church in the future. I get a lot of inspiration from being with such dedicated followers – and know that for those in our group who can give more in this difficult time – they undoubtedly will.

Mike

Free Medical Clinic

A free medical clinic is being offered for everyone on Saturday, April 24. The clinic is being held by Dr. Vinod C. Patwardhan, M.D. (over 25 years of experience in Internal Medicine & Oncology), at Sambuddaloka Buddhist Vihara, 23916 Hemlock Avenue, Moreno Valley, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. This clinic is absolutely free and is open to everyone. Walk-ins are welcomed. Patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis and no insurance is necessary. This is a thorough and confidential medical exam, which includes weight check, blood pressure, blood sugar check, and other medical concerns. It takes about 30 minutes per patient. 

Job Opportunities

The County of Riverside Temporary Assignment Program is seeking a qualified Part-Time Gate Services Assistant. Salary: $11.65 per hour. Job Description: Under general supervision, to assess and collect user fees at landfill sites; to enforce District rules, regulations, and policies regarding the operation of landfill sites; to keep records of waste collected and revenue received; and to do other work as required. Apply at http://www.rc-hr.com/resumebuilder/resume_submit.asp to build your resume online with the County of Riverside and attach a Word document for immediate review.

Opening for Full-Time Contract Administrator for the City of Perris. Four years experience required and an Associate’s Degree. Salary: $15.00 to 17.00/hour, depending on experience. To apply send resume with CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR in subject line of email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include your salary history and a summary of how your experience qualifies you for this position.

Nutrilite, a division of Alticor, is a manufacturer of vitamins, minerals, food bars/drinks and nutritional supplements. They are hosting a Job Fair on Friday, April 23, and Friday, May 7, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. They are looking to staff a variety of positions. Location: Nutrilite, in the Visitor Center,19600 6^th St., Lakeview, CA 92567. Ask for Maria and/or Carmen. Dress and be ready for an interview. Please bring a copy of your resume or be prepared to fill out a short questionnaire (must note two years of work history). For more information, please contact Courtney Buddemeyer at (562) 402-3432.

See you all this weekend for the message, “We are Called.”

To my Grove family,

Greetings on another beautiful day in Riverside; we are blessed indeed! This weekend we begin a new three-week series called, “We Are The Grove” and this week my message is, “We Are Committed.” If you would take some time to read over Mark 12:28-34 and Joshua 24:14-24 you will be ready for this weekend.

Did you pick up your wristbands last week to remind you that we are all in this 30-days of Fasting and Prayer together? Good things are happening as we walk through this month as a united church family. I am hearing many reports from people who are sensing a deeper time of Bible study and prayer than ever before because of their time of fasting.  As I said before when we fast (however we fast) it is simply saying no to something in order to spend more time with God. This month Carol and I are fasting from food--drinking water and juice, but fasting from food.  Now, it would not be fasting if we worked through those times when we would normally eat a meal. Fasting is not a diet. During those times we normally would enjoy a meal we instead spend time in prayer seeking God for direction and asking Him for a miracle for The Grove. If you fast from the computer or TV, it is fasting if during those times you normally spend on the computer or watching TV you spend seeking God. I hope that helps. Fasting is saying NO to something we enjoy and saying YES to God; drawing closer to Him and hearing His voice for leading and direction.

Please check our website each day, www.thegrove.cc,  and you will notice on the homepage a place where you can click “Fasting & Prayer Devotional.” If you do that you will see the daily devotionals I have been writing to spur us along during this month as we seek God’s face together.

Thanks for taking time each week for “Family Prayer Huddles.”  With all of our busy schedules it is next to impossible to get us all together as a church to pray, but by joining our hearts together in the 2,500 plus homes that call The Grove home we can really make a difference through prayer.

This week will you remember?

·        All the people who are suffering from the earthquakes all around the world. I just got a call from our missionary in China as another earthquake hit there yesterday. She is okay, but again much damage was done and people were killed and displaced.

·       Continue to remember those in our church family who are out of work and are desperately seeking employment.

·        Take a moment and pull from last week’s bulletin.  Please pray for people from our prayer list.  Pray for the many people from our church family that are sick.

·        Pray and expect a miracle for The Grove on May 1-2.

Here are a few more job opportunities:

·        Position:  2 part-time caregivers. Need experience with the elderly, compassion, patience and ability to cook. Will need fingerprinting/background check and to attend a first-aid class. There are evening and weekend shifts to be filled. Please contact Chandra Concannon at 951-764-8055.

·        Time Warner Cable is hiring for various positions. They offer competitive benefits and require you to have at least have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You can search for the positions and apply online at www.TimeWarnerCable.com/careers. If you have any difficulties applying, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·        UCR is in need of a temporary executive assistant for the School of Business Dean. The position is for between four and six weeks. They are looking for someone who has some higher level experience with the following: Strong word processing, Excel and Outlook skills, strong interpersonal skills, professional individual to handle Dean’s calendar, scheduling events, drafting correspondence, taking minutes at department meetings, and following through with special projects. Salary is commensurate with experience. Contact Tamra Johnson at 951-827-7881 on how to apply.

·        Summer Work Experience Program through the City of Riverside is a grant-funded program designed to provide low-income City of Riverside residents between the ages of 14-24 an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and serve their city. Participants may work up to 240 hours during the course of the program, performing various routine, clerical, recreational, and/or manual duties.

See all of you this weekend,

To my Grove family,

We are entering the second week of our four week fast and I would like to say thank you for taking the needs and concerns of The Grove seriously.  In trying to help us as we walk through  this 30 Day Fast together I have provided a devotional for us to consider each day (you can find it on the home page of our website www.thegrove.cc ).  Would you please make it a point to read the devotional over daily and talk it over with your family or friends?  We are asking God for a miracle and I feel if we are all on the same page each day God can speak to us as a group more clearly.  We will learn a lot about ourselves and our church during this 30 Day Fast.  It is my prayer we are not only open to God’s leading but obedient to His desire and direction for each of us.

God bless you today.




Tom