“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
–Oswald Chambers

Every Tuesday morning from 6:30am-7:15am we gather for prayer in Old Towne Orange. We pray because we are needy and our God is generous. We pray because the Lord invites us to ask persistently (Matt. 7:7-8). God is using our prayers to accomplish His purposes.

We know not everyone is able to attend. But if you can, make this part of your weekly schedule.

Get all the details here.

And if you need a reminder, sign up and get a text message every Monday.

We can’t wait to pray with you.

Sovereign Grace Music has just released a new album. One of our favorites from the album is an updated and expanded version of the hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” The music is beautiful and the lyrics are Christ-honoring and soul-stirring. You can bet we will be singing this one on Sunday mornings in the near future.

Check out the video of “Turn Your Eyes” here.

VERSE 1
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

VERSE 2
Turn your eyes to the hillside
Where justice and mercy embraced
There the Son of God gave His life for us
And our measureless debt was erased

CHORUS
Jesus, to You we lift our eyes
Jesus, our glory and our prize
We adore You, behold You, our Savior ever true
Oh Jesus, we turn our eyes to You

VERSE 3
Turn your eyes to the morning
And see Christ the Lion awake
What a glorious dawn, fear of death is gone
For we carry His life in our veins

VERSE 4
Turn your eyes to the heavens
Our King will return for His own
Every knee will bow, every tongue will shout
‘All glory to Jesus alone!’

Joint heirs of grace with their wives

On Sunday Pastor Eric preached from 1 Peter 3:7. We need not be suspicious of this passage. God’s call to men and women to live out their distinct roles is a good thing. Men who lead their wives well honor them, cherish them, and adore them. for the husband who feels like he is failing, there is grace to grow.

Listen to the sermon.

God calls each of us to be good stewards.

Do you have debt you can’t seem to pay down?
Having trouble creating and keeping a budget?
Stressed by the state of your finances?
Aware that this is an area in your life that needs attention?

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.

9 classes, every other Monday, beginning January 27th.

Les and Sue lead the class. Their mentorship is invaluable. Check out testimonies of those who’ve been impacted by the class here, here, and here.

Materials cost $30 per person or $55 per couple. Scholarships are available. The registration deadline is January 12th.

Sign me up.

Heaven never ceases to worship Jesus Christ. Neither will we. He is so glorious that an endless number of songs will be written and sung about Him.

Today, Sovereign Grace Music has released a new album committed to extolling the glories of our Savior.

These are great songs. We want you to enjoy them. We’ll likely be singing some of them on Sunday mornings, so start listening now.

Get it on iTunes
Listen on Spotify

A few of our favorites are:

1. Turn Your Eyes
   An update and expansion of the classic hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”

2. Christ Our Glory
   An upbeat song that includes lyrics like “Come joy or come sorrow, whatever befalls, the light of the Savior will outshine them all!”

3. See How He Loves Us
   This song is perfect for meditating on Jesus during the Christmas season.

The Emerging Leaders Course

Beginning in January, the west region churches of our denomination are beginning a new class for church members focused on theology and biblical studies.

Pastor Mark Alderton of Sovereign Grace Church of Aurora is leading the class. He will be joined by other pastors who will step-in to cover different parts of the material.

The class is designed for both men and women. The commitment is 5 hours of reading per week and 1 video call per month. You’ll get the chance to hear from teachers outside of our church with specific areas of expertise. You’ll interact with brothers and sisters from our partner churches throughout the western United States.

We can’t encourage you enough to consider joining.

Get more info and sign up for the Emerging Leaders Course.

Your 2019 Challenge

This year we’ve challenged you to the 12 Bible Verses Every Californian Needs to Know challenge. Each month we provide a Bible verse and you commit it to memory. For those who complete all 12 months, we will throw a party celebrating the ways God has strengthened you through His word.

December’s Verse: Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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.

Lead Us In Singing To Our Savior

Our annual Christmas Eve service will be here soon. Each year we invite singers to join our choir to make our songs sound even more beautiful.

To join, all we require is:

1. You love to sing (we welcome singers of all skill levels)

2. You can commit to one rehearsal before Christmas Eve

3. You can arrive early on Christmas Eve

If you meet those requirements then fill out the interest form and we will be in touch.