We will not be in Plaza after the service this Sunday (11/27). Take advantage of the extra time by spending it with your family or grabbing a few friends and going to lunch. We’ll see you in the Plaza next month!
Each year, we invite singers of all skill levels to join our choir during the Christmas Eve service. If you love to sing, we want to hear from you. All we need you to do is commit to one rehearsal before Christmas Eve and arrive to the service early. Deadline is Sunday, December 18th. Hit the button below to fill out the interest form.
Paul’s critics constantly told him that his gospel message fell short. Surely, there must be more to salvation than faith. Each time his critics pressed him for more, Paul kept giving them a shocking answer—nothing. We are justified freely for God's sake, for God’s glory, and all by faith. Listen as Pastor Eric reveals why this message is so important for us today.
Our November Prayer Service is canceled. However, we still want you to pray. Take a moment tonight to humbly come before the Lord in prayer (2 Chron 7:14). Pray for our church, family, and friends. If you’re not sure how to pray, here’s a list to help you out.
Last Sunday, we prayed for our work at the House of Hope. Great things are happening there. We’re cooking meals, playing games, building meaningful relationships, and proclaiming Christ’s love. It’s all happening right here in Old Towne Orange—and you can be a part of the mission too. All you need to do is sign up below. So, start praying and come see all that the Lord is doing. We’ll be there next Wednesday (11/30).
The question is asked every Thanksgiving: What are you thankful for? For some, it’s easy to answer. For others, the question requires a little more thought. Perhaps you aren’t even used to thinking about thankfulness. Maybe it’s something you only think about once a year. This shouldn’t be the case for Christians.
For the Christian, thanksgiving is not just a holiday—it’s a way of life. God commands us to abound in thanksgiving as we walk in Christ (Col 2:6-7). We are to give thanks for everything (Eph 5:20) and in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:18). How is this possible? Because our attitude isn’t dependent on our situation. We’re always thankful because we have been redeemed from sin, united with Christ, and trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God! This means that a fundamental mark of the Christian is joy expressed through thanksgiving.
So, approach that question differently this year. What are you thankful for? Well, for the Christian, it’s an amazing answer. We’ve been saved through faith, and we have a Father who gives us all we need (2 Cor 9:8; James 1:17). Take a moment and reflect on these truths. There’s plenty to be thankful for.
Our Prayer Service next week is canceled. But we still want you to pray! Make it a priority to set aside a few minutes and spend intentional time in prayer next week. Not sure what to pray for? Here are a few suggestions:
Church members and friends. Just like we mentioned in the Members Meeting, go through the church member roll and pray for each name. Lift up needs as they come to mind. Pray for our regular attenders and guests too.
Family. Pray for the loved ones you’ll be with this week. Pray for and welcome in those who are alone or without family.
Praise God for his goodness. Think of the ways God has provided for you. Think of the gospel. There’s so much to be thankful for. In fact, here’s a great article about gratefulness by Ben Kreps, a Sovereign Grace pastor. We highly recommend that you read it. It gives practical steps to cultivating gratefulness in one’s heart. It will help you see what God is doing in your life more clearly.
We’ll be back next month. Go ahead and mark your calendars for December 27th. Until then, keep praying and praising God.
“In light of this mercy and grace from God, we have endless reasons for profound gratitude in every and any season. In Christ, we may rightly declare, ‘He has raised my soul from death to life! My sins are washed away! I am an adopted child of God! I have been transferred out the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light! My future is glorious!’ How can we not be grateful? “ - Ben Kreps
Last week, the Pastoral Team nominated Bob Gnewuch and Zac Davis for diaconate ministry. These men have faithfully served our church, and we believe that they are qualified for this ministry. Now, the Pastoral Team is asking for your feedback. This process involves the pastors and the church. If you’re a church member, click the button below and fill out the form. You’ll find all the details there.