Ever wonder how to really grow in your faith and help others do the same? Join Pastor Darnell Lodriguss, affectionately known as Mama D, from the St. Bernard campus, as she brings a powerful message from "The Grove" series, titled "Planting the Grove"!

Mama D uses the beautiful metaphor of "oak trees" to describe our spiritual journey – from just starting out to having deep, strong roots in the Lord, becoming an "oak of righteousness." She shares five core values (the 5 E's) that are designed to help us become strong 'oaks' and minister through us to others, because "when it happens in us, it must happen through us":

• Engage: Learn to intentionally and authentically invite people into the kingdom, just like Mama D was invited to church as a sophomore and it changed her life and her family's!
• Encourage: Discover the power of walking with others through distress and caring for them, even by simply being present. Mama D shares how God uses our "valleys" to equip us to minister to others.
• Empower: See how our relationships can help empower people to find freedom and take authority in their lives, remembering that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us!
• Expect: Cultivate an expectation for God to move supernaturally in your life every day, not just at church, and embrace accountability in your walk. No Christian FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) here!
• Enjoy: Reconnect with the joy and celebration of your Christian walk and serving Jesus. Mama D shares her own high school experience of finally finding real friends and where she truly fit in.

This message is packed with personal stories and relatable insights, showing how we can all be the evidence that God is real and good. If you want to have roots so deep they're going nowhere and truly make an impact for God's kingdom, then this message is for you!

Get ready to be inspired to engage, encourage, empower, expect, and enjoy your Christian walk like never before!