Observing the Church in Antioch

To understand where we are today, we must understand where we’ve been. Pastor Eric’s sermon from Acts 11:19-30 takes us to the place where Jesus’ disciples were first called Christians—the church in Antioch. This church was full of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Pastor Eric observes aspects of their leadership, evangelism, and generosity to teach us a bit about who we are as Christians and why we do many of the things we do today. What’s more, we are exhorted to follow their example and remain faithful with steadfast purpose.

Join Us and Invite Others to Our New Course

Evangelism has been a big focus of our church this year. From our Who’s Your One? campaign to our community involvement, we’ve made a push to focus on outreach. Now, we’re providing a context for everyone we’ve met to learn more about Christianity. Christianity 101 is a 4-week introductory course about the Christian faith. We’ll walk through the Bible’s storyline and have plenty of time to answer any questions. Everyone is welcome. It’s a safe, causal setting for anyone seeking answers. Here are the details:

Every Thursday this October
7:00pm-8:30pm
Woman's Club of Orange
121 S Center St, Orange, CA 92866

So, church, what does this mean for you? Of course, we want you there to learn and ask questions. This is a great place to learn more about your faith too. However, make a point to invite unbelievers. Tell your neighbors, send a link to your co-workers, text your friends, and offer to come with them. Don’t miss this opportunity to share about the hope that we have. This is exactly what they need. Details and registration below.

Notes and Recordings Are Up Now

If you missed out on our Holy Spirit seminar, don’t worry. We’ve got everything you need to make you feel like you were there. You can find the notes and a summary of the seminar on last week’s blog post. You can also find the audio and video recordings by clicking the button below. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or want to go back and listen again, we’d strongly encourage you to take a minute and check out these resources. You won’t regret it.

Pray for our Pastors as They Plan for our Future

Today through Thursday, all Sovereign Grace senior pastors in the West Region are coming together for their annual retreat. They’ll be meeting right down the road in Newport Beach. During this time, they cover a wide range of topics. They’ll discuss issues concerning our region, pray for one another and our churches, and plan for the future. We want you to be aware so that you can pray for them too. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom, clarity of mind, and unified spirits. Overall, it’s our desire that this would be a productive and fruitful time that will benefit all of our churches.

Registration Deadline is September 18th

Celebration 2022 is almost here—and we want you there! Join us in Idyllwild, CA from 9/30-10/2. This is a special event, and we believe that the Lord is going to do good things. You’ll build into the church, spend time with your family and friends, and leave with your soul refreshed. We guarantee it’s worth it. Concerned about finances? Financial aid is available. Still have questions? Contact Melissa. Details and registration below.

A Quick and Easy Way to Check In at the Grove

Tired of waiting in line to check in your kids? Feel the stress of getting it all done before the mid-service break is over? Don’t worry. We’re here to make it easy. Beginning this Sunday, you’ll notice a new table in the lobby right when you walk through the main doors. You’ll see a Grove sign, some instructions, and a few QR codes. You can check your kids into the Grove early there. This is what it will look like:

• Scan the QR code on the table.

• Fill out the registration form. We’re switching check in systems, so you’ll need to fill out a new child registration form.

• Your child will be assigned a number for the Grove. This will be your child’s permanent number going forward. Each time you check in your child, always use this number.

• After this, you’re good to go! Just be sure to get your child’s check in sticker at the Greeter’s table during the break, and you’re free to drop off your child.

Overall, this will help make check in easier and give you more time to talk to and meet new people during the break. For the first few weeks, we’ll be there by the pre-check table before the service to help you and answer any questions.

Look for Ways to Get Involved this Year

We had our first club meeting of the 2022-23 school year this week. For those who don’t know, we partner with an organization called Decision Point that works with students in public high schools. The goal is to establish Christian clubs on campus, equip student leaders to run the club, and help bring the gospel to their schools. We saw the Lord move in amazing ways last year from providing opportunities to preach on campus to hosting numerous outreach events.

So, what does this mean for you? Two things. First, we’re looking for ways to connect our church and the students at Orange High. More details are forthcoming. For now, if you’ve got ideas or a desire to help, contact Andrew Maples. Second, we need you to pray! Pray for our student leaders on campus, pray for their club meetings and outreach events, ask God to save students, and ask God to give us favor with the school. This doesn’t work without prayer, so let’s ask the Lord to bless our work here. We can’t wait to see what happens.

Living in the Spirit’s Power and Abounding in Hope

We all know the feeling: so much to do, so little time. From our pile of projects to an endless inbox, there’s always something to do. We’re not just tired. We’re weary. Our souls feel fatigue, and we’re not sure if we’ll ever get a break. If that describes how you feel, Isaiah 40:27-31 is for you. Guest speaker Jeff Purswell walks through this passage in detail to show how God counsels the weary. This passage addresses our hearts, turns our attention to God’s majesty, and teaches us how to live a Spirit-empowered life that is fueled by hope.