Initiatives for 2026
IMPORTANT AIMS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
As the new year gets under way, here are a few key ways you can spread the joy of our unchanging Savior (Heb 13:8). Opportunities to gather with the church, get shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors, and glorify God in the city he’s called us to - and beyond.
MISSION & EVANGELISM
Here’s “how” you can spread the joy of Jesus in 2026. In addition to participating in city activities and our big events like the Block Party, Bridge Course, and Carols in the Park, here are some important ways to get involved with what Jesus is doing in and through us:
Monthly Prayer Meetings - 9am-11am on the first Saturday of the month. Gather at the Warm’s home to ask the Lord to revive our hearts & revive our city. Kids are welcome. First meeting this Saturday, 1/3 at 9am.
Neighborhood Outreaches - Saturday mornings we’re setting aside throughout the year to go into our city to strike up spiritual conversations, share the gospel with our neighbors, and become equipped and emboldened to make evangelism a part of our everyday lives. Go into our city with us on 1/17 at 10am. RSVP with Robert Lopez & check out the calendar for all the dates.
Weekly Fellowship & Relationship Building - Basketball Nights & the French Park Run Club. Come together with members of CGSA, Santa Ana neighbors, and whoever the Lord may bring to build relationships and give a glimpse of the joy we have in Jesus - one game at a time, one run at a time.
Basketball Nights - Every Tuesday at 6pm at El Camino Real Park in Orange. Come to play, cheer on your friends, and make some new ones.
French Park Run Club - Every Thursday morning at 6:30am. Meet right in the heart of French Park for 3 casual miles followed by coffee. Runners of all skill levels welcome.
Supporting the Mission to Spain - Last summer, we sent Emily Jones to Santander, Spain! She’s living life with the saints of Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Santander & living on mission amongst her neighbors. Here’s how you can partner with Emily this year:
Learn more about here mission to Spain here & join us in praying:
For God to open a door to a meeting place in the heart of Santander. The church currently meets in Renedo (a small suburb 30min outside the city), but feels called to move to a place more conducive to their mission
For growth in Christian maturity, spiritual gifts, and evangelism among this young church
For Pastor Norman Pedd as he completes the Sovereign Grace Churches ordination process, preaches weekly, and leads this budding young church
For more laborers to enter the harvest in Spain
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter here & partner with her financially, by giving here
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Ministry is back! We’re heading into year 2 and couldn’t be more excited for what the Lord will do. All youth ages 12-17 are invited to join in bi-monthly meetings centered around reading good books, enjoying rich fellowship, and maturing in life and faith. First meeting of the year is this Sunday, 1/4 at 6:30pm. Go here to learn more.
PRAYER FOR WHERE WE’RE GOING
Finally, join us in praying about some important next steps and opportunities on the horizon for us in 2026.
We’ve got a new pastoral intern - As of 1/1/26, Robert Lopez has begun a pastoral internship at CGSA. This is arguably the biggest way we’re aiming to advance our mission in 2026. Assessing, equipping, and asking, “Could Robert be our next pastor?” Join us in praying for Robert and his wife Rosie as he takes on this new role, engages in the life of the pastoral team, and prepares to attend the SGC Pastors College in Louisville, KY in fall 2026.
We’re putting down deeper roots in our city - For the first time ever, we’re renting an office space in DTSA! More details to come - but soon you’ll find us right off 4th St! Join us in asking the Lord to use this space for his glory and anchor us in our city for years to come.
We’re praying about some new initiatives - Join us in asking for the Lord’s wisdom and leading as we consider:
A Spring Bridge Course - we’d love to expand the Bridge to 2 courses a year. With the first being a more simple, casual “pedestrian Bridge,” which includes only coffee & dessert and is open only to guests or those who bring guests. Coming March 2026, Lord wiling.
A Recovery Ministry - to serve those within and outside the church seeking seeking freedom from substances and addictions of any kind via Christian discipleship and accountability. Pray the Lord would provide leadership, direction, and everything else we’d need to make these meetings effective.
Would the Lord lead us into a new year with fresh faith and eager expectation for all he has ahead of us. Seizing the opportunities to share in the joy of Jesus and spread it to our Santa Ana neighbors!