This coming Sunday our brothers and sisters at Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana celebrate their inaugural service as an independent church. Over two years meeting as a small group. Over a year of public services. As of Sunday, they are officially a distinct local church.
Thank you for sending your friends to reach new people in Santa Ana.
Thank you for giving.
Thank you God for establishing a new church in Downtown Santa Ana.
Our “Membership Agreement” outlines the commitments that we, as members of Sovereign Grace Church, make to one another in the sight of God. This is not a mere formality. It’s the backbone of our fellowship with one another.
If you’re a member, take another look at the agreement. Let it renew your appreciation for your brothers and sisters who’ve committed themselves to you. Let it remind you of the commitments you’ve made to them.
If you’re not a member, take a look and get a feel for the kind of church we are. A church committed to the gospel. A church committed to one another. A church committed to being a church.
On Sunday Pastor Dustin shared an opportunity for us to show the mercy of Christ to those approaching the end of their lives. For the past year he has been volunteering for an organization providing hospice care in our neighborhood. Hospice is home care for people whose medical condition means they likely have less than 6 months to live.
These people are often lonely and sometimes hopeless. They are usually confined to their beds. They are in need of a friend who can offer them the comfort of the gospel.
You don’t have to be a professional. You just need to have a big heart.
This is not for everybody. You should prayerfully consider joining if:
You sense the Lord calling you to serve in this way.
You are comfortable dealing with death.
You are comfortable being in a medical environment.
You can work with all kinds of different people in potentially tense situations.
You want to help those who are grieving.
You have 1-2 hours per week to volunteer.
If that’s you, click the link below to fill out the interest form. Pastor Dustin will follow up with you directly.
Thanks for loving those on the margins.
On Sunday night we threw a party to thank all the leaders in our church: Sunday operations, A/V, small groups, and more. Each week they are modeling servant-leadership, giving their time and laying aside their preferences for us. They keep us going. We are grateful.
Marriage is a beautiful picture of the gospel. But marriage takes work. As Christians, one of the best places to grow is with other Christians who’ve been at it longer than us.
In partnership with our sister church, Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana, we are offering a 6-week course through “The Art of Marriage.” It will take place on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of February, March and April of 2019 and will be led and taught by Jim and Angie.
Here are a few more details:
Meetings: February 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, April 8 and 22
Materials: Two study booklets at a cost of $25 per couple.
Each couple is responsible for securing their own childcare. If childcare is a hardship, please contact the pastoral team. We’ll be happy to assist if needed.
Given the relational nature of this course (not simply reading through course materials), this course will be limited to the first 5 couples who register.
Please only register if you’re able to attend at least 5 of the 6 scheduled meetings.
On Sunday, Pastor Eric continued our 4-week series on the culture of our church preaching from Luke 19:1-10. He took us to the story of Zacchaeus to display the transforming power of Jesus. He changes us from greedy to giving. We have everything we need. We spend our lives gladly because we have nothing to lose.
Once a year we offer a course on the biblical principles of financial stewardship. The classes are conducted in a small group setting, using a discussion format and curriculum adapted from Crown Ministries and Money and the Gospel.
Les and Sue lead the class. Check out testimonies from those who’ve been impacted by it here and here.
Materials cost $30 per person or $55 per couple. Scholarships are available. The registration deadline is January 15th.
This Sunday we sing a new song to stoke the fires of our hearts for the spread of the gospel. God is working all over the world to reconcile men and women to Himself through the cross. We are part of His efforts.
Come ready to sing with us.
FOR THE CAUSE
Verse 1
For the cause of Christ the King
We give our lives, an offering
'Til all the earth resounds
With ceaseless praise
To the Son
Verse 2
For the cause of Christ we go
With joy to reap, with faith to sow
As many see
And many put their trust
In the Son
Chorus
Christ we proclaim,
The Name above every name:
For all creation,
Ev'ry nation,
God's salvation
Through the Son!
Verse 3
For the King once lifted high
To cries of rage, of ‘crucify!'
Endured the cross
As every sin was laid
On the Son
Verse 4
To the King who conquered death
To free the poor and the oppressed
For lasting peace
For life and liberty
In the Son
Chorus
Verse 5
Let it be my life's refrain:
To live is Christ, to die is gain;
Deny myself, take up my cross
And follow the Son