All Junior and Senior High students are invited. Bring your friends and beat them at board games. Because that's what friends are for.
Nobody needs to bring anything. Just show up at the Davis house. Contact the church office if you need more information.
Every year we set aside the last Sunday of October to thank God for his faithfulness. We call it Reformation Sunday. A day to celebrate the answer to the Apostle Paul's prayer...
"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you..." (Ephesians 1:16ff ESV)
Inevitably, our reflections always turn towards a period of church history we call The Reformation. We read creeds and remember and reflect on the truths that were guarded and promoted during this time. We acknowledge that we stand on the teachings and work of generations of godly men and woman.
This month we are celebrating all month long. Each Sunday will include an element from the Reformation (ex. creed, confession of faith, etc.). And mark your calendars for the big church picnic at the end.
Sunday, October 26th immediately following the service. Instructions coming soon.
Pastor Eric is in Phoenix, AZ this week to participate in an Adjudication Training Conference. In cooperation with Ambassadors of Reconciliation, our denomination is equipping pastors to serve as adjudicators.
Adjudicators serve as judges, making decisions on behalf of the parties. They cannot make decisions on relationship issues such as confession, forgiveness, and love. An adjudicator is limited to making decisions only on substantive issues.
Adjudication provides a private, God-honoring alternative for Christians seeking a just decision on matters of dispute with another Christian. This process can protect relationships and protect the church's gospel witness.
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! (1 Corinthians 6:1-8 ESV)
This Friday night three new small groups begin.
The members of Sovereign Grace are making room for you. We want to share our life with God with you. Learn more and visit a group this Friday.
Sundays are the best! We have Pastor Mike teaching Sunday School (the topic is Church Discipline), Pastor Eric teaching Starting Point (covering lessons on our doctrine and the work of the Holy Spirit), Roger Servin is leading worship, Pastoral Resident Lucas Enge is delivering our affirmation, Intern David is on the offering, Chris Benner is on bass, Erkelens has the Call to Worship, and the list goes on and on. You get the point.
Pastor Eric will be preaching from The Gospel According To Mark, 6:30-44. The feeding of the 5000 and the "normalization of creation."
We have been adopted by the Father, united to the Son, and filled with the Spirit. God has invited us into his life...into the dance of the Trinity. But it doesn't stop there.
We have also been reconciled to one another, united together as brothers and sisters, and called out to be a people for God. We are collectively called the church.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5)
One of the ways we live this out at Sovereign Grace is by meeting together regularly in our homes. It's not a rule of faith...you won't find "Small Groups" in the bible. However, you will find a long list of "one another" commands. We go to small group because small groups are an opportunity to be what God has made us to be.
We are making room for friends and members. There are new groups forming in Irvine, Orange, and Santa Ana this October. Consider this your invitation.
Check out the list and visit a group soon.
Join us at Hart Park every Tuesday afternoon, 3-5pm. The kids play while we enjoy time together. Guests are welcome. Check Facebook for updates.