August’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

How are you doing this month?

We’re halfway through August. There’s still plenty of time to complete the challenge for August. Act now, don’t delay.

How to Participate

For memorizing, we recommend you read the verse 10 times then recite it 10 times. Do this each day and within a few days it will stick. Learn more about how to memorize Scripture here and here.

Once you have it memorized, recite it for us before the month is over. You have two options:

1. Record a video and send it to info@sovgraceoc.org. You’re on the honor system. We trust you.
   OR

2. Head to our Welcome Desk on a Sunday morning and recite it to one of the Connect Team members. After you do, send an email to info@sovgraceoc.org letting us know which Connect Team member you recited it to.

A musician and songwriter in one of our sister churches has pulled together a Spotify playlist with gospel-centered songs for younger kids. Get these playing in your home and your car to help your young ones learn core truths about God and His gospel. Have fun singing with them!

Show me the playlist.

“We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin's reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God's provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.”
-Jerry Bridges

The quote above is from The Pursuit of Holiness, the book we’ll be studying in the Men’s Study this Fall.

Pastor Dustin will host and lead our study on the second Tuesday of each month beginning in September. Spots are limited and you must be able to commit to a series of meetings.

This is a place for men to talk like men about God. This is a place for men to grow.

Gentlemen, get yourselves registered.

*Deadline to register is August 31st.

A Bald Prophet, 42 Rude Youths, and Two Angry Bears

This week Sunday School continues its August series “The Bible Says What??” We cover 2 Kings 2:23-24 where a group of teenagers make fun of a prophet and encounter God’s wrath through the sharp teeth and claws of two bears.

What could this possibly have to do with God’s glory or His plan to save?
What does this have to do with Jesus?
What does this have to do with us?

Join us as we wrestle with these questions this Sunday morning at 9:30am in the Woman’s Club garden.

Youth Camp 2019 was a success. Thanks to the youth for going. Thanks to the parents for sending them.

There was paintball. The girls beat the boys in the arm wrestling competition. They studied the doctrine of the trinity. They served the camp by doing a pile of to-do projects around the property.

God is working in the next generation. May Jesus be their greatest treasure.

Only the One who transcends our hearts can change them.

On Sunday church member Jason Roenicke preached from Psalm 37:1-7. He pointed out that it’s easy to become envious of those who “succeed” in life. It seems that the wicked run the world. But that’s not true. God runs the world. We must fight to trust in Him, delight in Him, commit to Him, and wait patiently for Him.

Listen to the sermon.

“…that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” -1 John 1:3

Your Ministry Keeps Growing

Small Groups are the backbone of our community life. They’re where we live out all the “one anothers” of the New Testament. They’re the place where we know others and are known by others. They’re discipleship hubs.

We’re pleased to announce that we’re beginning another small group in Old Towne Orange! Pastor Dustin and his family will host and lead. It’ll be in the evening on 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month beginning September 6th.

Here are a few reasons you may consider joining:

1. You’ve been wanting to join a group but have not yet jumped in. (Regular attenders and those getting to know the church are welcome to join.)

2. You weren’t aware that we had small groups and would like to know more about how and why we do them.

3. You’ve been inconsistent in your current group and need a group that meets on Friday evenings. (Please touch base with your current small group leader first.)

If you’re interested, contact Pastor Dustin for more info.

A Block Party With Tens of Thousands of People

In just a few weekends Old Towne Orange will be overrun with visitors. And we love it. Live music, food, and a whole street just for the kids.

Make the Street Fair part of your plans for Labor Day weekend

You'll need to arrive early that Sunday because parking will be tight. Show up at 9:30am for Sunday School and you'll have no problem.