Outside of Sunday mornings, small groups are the most important moment in the life of our church. Make it a priority to attend small group this Good Friday at 7pm. Each small group will spend the evening reflecting on the crucifixion of Christ and being reminded why Good Friday is called “Good.”
A couple weeks ago we held a Rancho 3M Short Term Missions Trip interest meeting. It is our hope that since then, the Lord has been meeting those that have prayerfully considered their potential role on this team. We’d be thrilled if everyone who expressed interest would be able to attend the trip in October. Though we know there are a lot of variables to consider, such as time away from work, passport acquisition/update and others, we’d like to have an initial headcount by this Sunday so that we can begin planning in earnest.
So, please complete this registration form no later than this coming Sunday (Easter Sunday). If you have any questions at all please contact us here.
You may have noticed some new signs in the Ebell parking lot. Paid-parking will be going live soon to deter unauthorized parking in the Ebell parking lot. However, members and guest don’t have to worry about paying for parking during church. Parking will be free until 12pm on Sundays.
Every Tuesday we publish a blog post to lay out in one place what’s going in the life of the church for the upcoming week. See below for a snapshot of what’s on the calendar this week:
6:30 am - French Park Grass Area
7:00 pm - Houlton, Schlieder, & Erkelens Home
10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom
7:00 pm - Schlieder Home
Every Thursday, since January (weather permitting), we’ve been meeting for a casual run throughout Santa Ana. Thank you to all who have joined, and for all who have helped spread the word about our weekly run club. If you haven’t had a chance to come out on a Thursday morning, this month would be a great time to start, as Santa Ana is hosting a FREE Fun Run on April 22nd.
The City of Santa Ana is hosting their annual Fun Run, which includes a Kid Dash, 5K/10K Fun Run and Fit Festival. This is a great opportunity to grab some friends, and make some new friends while walking/running throughout Santa Ana. Registration is open and ongoing. The event takes place April 21st & 22nd.
On Sunday, we moved from a focus upon Jesus' resurrection to our own. In Mark 12:18-27, Jesus comes into conflict with a group known as the Sadducees, "who say there is no resurrection" (12:18). They deny that the dead will be raised and teach that this life is all there is. What about you? Do you say there is a resurrection from the dead? Do you have hope in life beyond the grave? If it exists, do you have confidence that you'll enter into it? These are very important questions, but an even more important question is, "What does Jesus say?" What does the soon-to-be Risen Christ have to say about what is in store for us? In his response to the Sadducees trick question regarding the nature of marriage "in the resurrection," (12:23) Jesus argues from the OT Scriptures and the very nature of God that the dead will in fact be raised (12:24-27). He says that those who trust in the living God will not be abandoned to death but will be raised to life as he always intended it. All those who trust in the Crucified & Risen Christ will be raised in a resurrection like his to live with him forevermore.
Easter Sunday is less than 2 weeks away! Join us at the Ebell Club at 10:00am Sunday, April 9th to hear the good news of new life in Christ. We’ll celebrate the same gospel we celebrate every Sunday, enjoy coffee & treats, and have a special activity for the kids.
You can help us spread the word of this special service, in the following ways:
Join us for a neighborhood outreach this Saturday, April 1 from 10am-12pm. Meet in the Ebell parking lot. We’ll be passing out flyers and personally inviting our French Park neighbors to service.
Share the digital flyer located here with your friends, family, neighbors and on social media.
Below you will find a selection of resources that will immerse you in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life culminating in his death and resurrection. Take some time this weekend and the week leading up to Easter Sunday, to read, watch, and reflect on the Risen Savior.
Read
Why You Should Reflect On The Final Days Of Jesus by Andreas J. Köstenberger - This is a short article about why you should reflect on the final days of Jesus at this time of year—and any other time for that matter!
Easter Week in Real Time by Russ Ramsey - This is a day-by-day breakdown of what Scripture tells us happened on each day. Use this guide to lead you through Scripture reading this week.
Watch
The Final Days of Jesus by TGC - This is an online course. Each day will include a video, Scripture reading, and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday. A concluding section will recap the week and give the learner time to consider other applications of Christ’s death and resurrection.
We hope this list helps you to reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection.
Every Tuesday we publish a blog post to lay out in one place what’s going in the life of the church for the upcoming week. See below for a snapshot of what’s on the calendar this week:
6:30 am - French Park Grass Area
10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom
This past Sunday not only did we have the privilege of welcoming 5 new members into our midst, but we will also had the privilege of celebrating several baptisms after service on the same day! These are two very important events in the life of our church.
Paul says in Ephesians 4:25 that we are one body, yet “members one of another”. So, think of church membership not so much as “membership in a club” and more as an expression of commitment to the people around you. The Bible is full of “one anothers” - commands toward believers to act in godliness toward other people. What Scripture makes clear is that these “others” refer to a specific group of people and not all people generally. These others are the men and women identified in a particular local church. As members of Cross of Grace Santa Ana, we have the privilege of living out the Christian life with one another. We celebrate and grieve with one another. We build deep relationship with one another. We join arms to advance the joy of Jesus in a particular neighborhood with one another. We help one another pursue holiness. We remind one another of the sweetness of the Gospel.
