The 2018 State of Old Towne Orange is a unique opportunity to work with our neighbors for the good of the city God has called us to. Orange's mayor, city manager, and police chief will be speaking to major issues affecting our community. Make sure to register and reserve your spot.
One of our members, Grant, preached from Colossians 4:2-4 this past Sunday. He reminded us that the need for prayer in our mission is unchanging. God calls us to pray. He wants us to pray particular things for particular people in particular places. We make God's mission our own by asking Him to open doors for us to make the gospel known.
Our Sovereign Grace CA Men's Retreat is only 1 month away. It's happening in Idyllwild, CA from April 19-21. The fun begins at 8pm on Thursday night and goes through Saturday afternoon.
Our limited number of spots are filling up. Those of you planning on going should secure yours right away. If you're still on the fence, register anyway. You'll be glad you did.
Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana is partnering with two other churches to host a Good Friday service and you're invited. Spend the evening reflecting on the life-giving death of Jesus Christ and encourage your brothers and sisters who are laboring in Santa Ana.
Seating is limited. Plan to bring a folding chair.
"Christianity means community in and through Jesus Christ."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Christians need one another. There's no way around it. God intends to use other Christians as a primary source of comfort, guidance, friendship, and growth. Community isn't just a buzzword for us.
Small Groups are our concrete expression of community. It's where we focus our attention on the "one anothers" of Christianity. It's where we go to be helped in our Christian walk and where we go to help others. It's not the only way to do it. But it is our way.
If you are already a part of a small group, praise God! But if not, we want to extend an invitation. Come and pursue godly growth with us. Head here and fill out the form. We'll be in touch ASAP.
We are blessed to be in a church where women take the initiative to disciple other women. Our February Women's Retreat was the most recent expression of this commitment.
On Sunday Stephanie shared how the Lord met her at the retreat. Here it is in her own words:
At the end of February, I had the opportunity to attend my first women’s retreat with Sovereign Grace Church and I loved it! It was so nice to spend time in prayer, singing, Bible reading, and fellowship with the women of this church.
The theme was Drawing Near To God and the teaching was centered on a series of activities that could guide our quiet times and devotionals, such as confession, praise, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving.
So when the retreat began with "God is not impressed with our quiet times”, I was really taken aback by this truth. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that somehow quiet times and spiritual disciplines will earn God's favor, but this is so far from the truth.
At the women's retreat, I was reminded that quiet times are a means of grace, not to grace. God is not impressed with our quiet times, but as Hebrews 4:16 says we can “…With confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
We want to train the next generation of pastors and leaders in Orange County. By doing this, we get to play a part in the work that God will do in our county for years to come.
A big part of our training effort is the Theology Course. This is an intense, 18-month theological program. Eight men are currently enrolled. They are reading a bunch, writing, and being stretched intellectually.
Their March meeting is this Thursday via Google Hangouts. Pray that their growth in knowledge would increase their love for God. Pray that they would be better equipped to serve the church.
This Thursday at 7:00pm our youth continue their series on the seven angriest questions about religion. This week they wrestle with the following:
Youth from inside and outside the church are welcome. Email Lisa for more info.