This Sunday we begin our new preaching series through the book of Acts. Join us as we marvel at the unstoppable advance of the kingdom of God!

Here are two resources to help you prepare for and engage with this book of the Bible:

1. A reader’s version of Acts with no chapters, verses, or headings. Make your way through this piece by piece, letting the book set the tone with no distractions.

2. Acts: An Introduction and Commentary by I. Howard Marshall. This commentary is a great companion resource for our study. Consider grabbing yourself a copy.

Dead to Sin
Alive to Christ

Baptism is the outward sign of an inward change, a heart that has been made alive by the power of God. Baptisms please God, encourage the church, and proclaim the gospel to those who don't yet trust in Christ.

We will be holding a baptism immediately following our Sunday morning service on April 10th, 2022.

If You’re a Christian, Don’t Wait

If you believe in Jesus but have never been baptized then take advantage of this opportunity to confess your faith publicly. Learn more about baptism and fill out the form if you're ready.

Our Communion Service was a joy. Thank you to all who served and attended. It was a beautiful evening as we feasted together at the Lord’s Table.

Below is a prayer from the Valley of Vision that Pastor Eric shared during the service. Let this gospel-saturated prayer nourish your soul and remind you of the glad price that Jesus paid to ransom us.

Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
trodden down as an enemy
that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell’s worst
that I might attain heaven’s best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
bowed his head that I might uplift mine,
experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
closes his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,
expired that I might forever live.
O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore thee by lips and life.

Taken from “Love Lustres at Calvary”, a prayer from the Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions.

Our Annual Communion Feast

Every year on daylight savings Sunday, we cancel our morning service, give you 7 extra hours to sleep in, and then invite you back in the evening for an all-church meal punctuated by reflections on the Lord’s Supper. This is will be our 7th Communion Service and each time memories are made and friendships grow.

Join us at 5:00pm.

It’s a potluck so everyone has a role. Learn more here and read our answers to frequently asked questions.

We look forward to gathering around Christ’s table with you Sunday evening!

Preaching at a Public School

Andrew Maples, our pastoral resident, has been coaching the leaders of a Christian club at Orange High School. They hosted a series of outreaches each day this week. Today, they asked Pastor Dustin to share on the topic of materialism. He invited the students to see Christ as the greatest treasure.

We’re thanking God for this opportunity to share the gospel with students in our city. A big thanks to Andrew for faithfully helping the leaders of this club. There’s more gospel work to do. Join us in praying that God would bear lasting fruit through our efforts. Pray that God would lead some of these students to our church.

Vol. 1 of Sovereign Grace Music’s New Album

Our friends at Sovereign Grace Music have just released seven new songs from the psalms. The melodies are beautiful and singable. The lyrics are God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, biblically-saturated, and emotionally engaging. These songs are a gift to God’s people.

Pastor Dustin had a role in reviewing the songs that made the final cut. Here’s his report on the album: “The driving forces behind these songs are love for Christ, deep theological reflection, excellent musicianship, and a desire to serve the church. I commend this album to you and am planning for us to sing some of these songs at our church in the near future.”

You can listen to the album here.

We Gather Around Christ’s Table as a Family

On Sunday, March 13th, we host our 7th annual Communion Service (see photos from the previous years). We gather for a huge banquet-style meal punctuated by moments of reflection on the broken body and shed blood of our Savior. It’s the privilege of those who have been welcomed into the family of God through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son.

Morning Service is Canceled

The Communion Service begins at 5:00pm at our normal meeting place, the Woman's Club of Orange. It’s a potluck, so we need you to help pull it off!

FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get:

What can I bring?

• Households of 1 or 2, bring a side (green salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, etc.).

• Households of 3 or 4, bring an entree.

• Households of 5 or more, bring a side and an entree.

• We’re looking for volunteers to provide dessert. If you want to bring something sweet to share, then please do!

I have a baby/toddler. Does my household count as a 3-person household? 

If you expect your child to eat the food we are sharing, count them. If not, or not really, err on the side of the smaller household number.

Will there be childcare?

Not this Sunday. Family-style means everybody will be together the entire time. Think Thanksgiving dinner. Kids will get antsy and that's ok. Don't feel bad about getting up and down from your seat with your children.

Who should take communion?

Whether a member or a guest, if you’ve trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins we invite you to take communion with us. Generally speaking, those who are not ready to be baptized should refrain from taking the elements and simply observe. More details about our practice of communion are available here.

How can I keep my dish warm? 

If you bring your food in a crockpot, you will be able to plug it in at the buffet table. 

I have special dietary needs. Will there be food for me to eat? 

This is a potluck, everyone is contributing. Your best bet is to bring something you know you can eat.

Are guests and regular attenders welcome?

Yes, please join us!

Is there anything else I can do to help?

Yep. Contact Rosalind for instructions. 

The Progress of the Gospel Throughout the World

Read the following update from Sovereign Grace Churches’ Director of Emerging Nations, Dave Taylor. Then join us all in praying for the requests he mentions below.

Psalm 139:7-10 declares, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there you hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

There is nowhere we can go where we are outside of God’s presence, nowhere, and that’s one of the many things that makes prayer such an incredible and daily opportunity. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is always present, always with us, and always eager to hear us.

And so here’s some specific things that you can be praying for, and talking with the King about, in the month ahead:

1. Please pray for our Pastors in Belarus - Sergei and Philip. They recently told Kyle Huber (Lead Pastor of Greentree Church, NJ) that it appears Belarusian troops are entering Ukraine, which pierces the heart of the Belarusian people. In addition, the government has begun calling up all men from 18-25 for military service. Beyond the obvious desire for peace, please pray that God gives our Pastors wisdom for how to speak into these issues from their pulpits, understanding that this could be dangerous for all involved. May God graciously guide their steps.

2. Please pray for ARK Church in Dnipro, Ukraine, led by our friend Michael Ostanin. Michael is a dear friend of Jeff Purswell and a graduate of the German Pastors College, hosted by the Arche Church in Hamburg, Germany. In Michael’s own words, “please pray that the Lord will give His peace in the hearts of believers and remove all fear. For the Gospel of Jesus to be a stronghold and a strong foundation in rebellious circumstances. For believers to support one another and keep their eyes on Christ. And for Christians to witness the Gospel to unbelievers and help them find peace in Jesus.” Come, Lord Jesus!

3. Please pray for one of our SG Missionary families as they head back to Thailand this week, after extended furlough in the US. That God would knit them quickly back into the Thai community, graciously watch over their travels, and truly establish the work of the hands.

4. Please pray for Riley Spring (Sovereign Grace Church, Parramatta, Australia) and myself, as we head to Canberra March 10th-12th, to meet with a small group of folk who are expressing an interest in Sovereign Grace planting a Church in their city. Please pray for wisdom and faith as we explore this opportunity together.

5. Please pray for Joselo Mercado, Lead Pastor of Iglesia Gracia Soberana in Gaithersburg, as he heads to Puerto Rico, this month, to take part in a planning retreat for Reformados, a significant work in Puerto Rico.

There’s a big world out there, and He really does hold it in His hands.