You are the funnest church in the whole wide world. Thank you Sovereign Grace for making this celebration epic.
Last Sunday Angel stood up and shared a brief testimony...which was followed by a long, unplanned, standing ovation. A blog post won't do the moment justice. You had to be there.
My mother was an addict.
She went to prison.
She OD'd.
Then I became an addict.
Had a son.
Trusted Christ.
And was saved.
The enemy tormented me. Jesus forgave me.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)
Guest Luncheon this week after the service. Directions to the Smetona Cottage will be available in the lobby. This is a great opportunity for newcomers to get to know us better in a low pressure, come and go as you please, kid-friendly, yummy context.
Have you been visiting Sovereign Grace for a while? Are you looking to get more involved in the life of our church? Get to know us better by attending Starting Point.
The next class begins Sunday, October 13th.
1. Small Groups - If you are currently not in a Small Group, and are considering making this church your home, we encourage you to explore finding a group to call your own! We offer a variety of evenings in different member's homes. Our purpose is to build meaningful, lasting relationships in the context of the church. To find one that fits your need/location/time visit our web page and sign-up for more information.
2. Baptisms - Our next baptism will be October 13th out in the garden.
Learn more about Baptism and complete the interest form.
3. Starting Point - This is a class for those wanting to learn more about our church: what we believe, our vision, our practices. Classes begin mid-October and run for five consecutive Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour. Visit us online to sign-up and download the curriculum.
Listen again as Steve Shank taught us about forgiveness from Matthew 6:14-15.
Last week Dustin Smetona wrapped up his year long internship with us. He's not going anywhere and everyone was very pleased with all that we learned this past year. Dustin is a great guy with a good chance of Pastoral Ministry in his future. We couldn't be more grateful to God for the Smetonas!
Dustin shared the following testimony during our service...
I have so many people to thank for this internship.
There’s my wife whose sacrificed time and effort to free me to do this. There’s family, friends, and others outside the church who gave financially. There are former church leaders and professors who invested in me. The list goes on. And my gratitude overflows to them all.
And then there’s you, Sovereign Grace. You have labored to train and assess me for ministry. You offered me the opportunity to explore my calling. You patiently lent your ears as I learned to preach. You encouraged me as I’ve learned to lead.
You made my internship a delight.
Thank you Leadership Council members (Nate, Lucas, Les, Roger). You took the time to formally encourage, assess, and critique me.
Thank you members of our small group. You supported Kristin and I personally this past year and we need you now more than ever.
Thank you Worship Team. You’re the undisputed best Christian group on the planet...not only because of your talent, but because of your love for one another and example of loving God more than music.
And our Pastors (Eric and Mike). Thank you. Your commitment to training men for ministry is a wonderful display of God’s character. I count it an honor that you shared the important responsibilities of shepherding this church with me, that I might grow and be trained, and hopefully one day, become a pastor after the example you two have set.
What’s next for you Dustin?
The answer is simple. I’m not going anywhere. My role with Smetona Photo is evolving and the church leaders have expressed their commitment to help keep me moving towards pastoral ministry. They have encouraged me to continue orienting my life around that calling and around you, my church.
And so with that, we will still be here growing and serving with all of you. And that brings us great joy.
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"God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation."
Charles H. Spurgeon
Our 'holy exultation' will be expressed through the following songs this week:
- Come Praise and Glorify
- Come Thou Fount
- Shine Into Our Night
- Stronger
- Jesus Paid It All
1. Youth Ministry - Big changes are happening and we hope this will help us to make greater strides in effectively disciplining and evangelizing our junior and senior high schoolers. David Christensen will lead us as we reorganize this ministry with your help! Watch the website for more details.
2. One Ministry - Several Sovereign Grace members were on Chapman’s campus this week to serve and meet a Christian fellowship called Revive. We have been in Old Towne for about 2 years and for 2 years we have been praying for opportunities to reach Chapman College. Keep praying as Dustin will be meeting with their leaders again to lend our future support and as he continues to direct our One Ministry.
Want to hear Revelation 11 again? Here it is for your enjoyment!