Prayer Is The Cry Of The Weak To The Heart Of The Strong

We had the privilege of hosting Mark Prater, Executive Director of Sovereign Grace Churches at Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana this past Sunday. He preached from Ephesians 3:14-21 concerning the priority and gift of prayer. 

Listen To The Sermon Here

The real privilege of having Mark with us wasn't limited to hearing him preach about prayer, but seeing his example of a life dependent on Christ through prayer. We could hardly be more grateful for his leadership and his example to us. 

God Has Given Us Reason To Celebrate

This past Sunday, immediately after the service, we enjoyed great food and great conversation until well after the sun went down. We had the privilege of hosting Sovereign Grace Churches Executive Director, Mark Prater in our church and to mark the occasion, we celebrated with tacos.

Not only did we celebrate God's grace through his leadership, but we celebrated our city. A city rich with cultural and ethnic diversity. A city full of beauty and history. And so we celebrated with a culturally appropriate menu from Tacos El Campesino, which some might regard as the best tacos in Santa Ana. Thanks to all who came and celebrated with us. 

This last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the men of three California Sovereign Grace churches (Santa Ana, Orange, Pasadena) came together in Idyllwild to grow in godliness as men. They enjoyed one another's fellowship and company. They sat under the preaching of God's Word concerning very relevant topics as it relates to their lives as men. They engaged in healthy competition, some of which involved ingesting insects and voluntarily being hit by frisbees. 

May thanks to the wives, children, siblings and parents who stayed behind, prayed and kept regular life moving forward during the retreat. See the pictures below for a glimpse at the fun that was had. 

Take a few minutes to watch the video above detailing the work God is doing among our denomination. Churches are being planted where it's needed most; where people are hurting and hopeless. This what we're doing in Downtown Santa Ana. Be reminded and inspired that we share the mission of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ into new areas through church planting with other Sovereign Grace churches around the world. 

Tacos on the House on 4/22 at 6:30pm in Front of Heninger Elementary

We had so much fun last time that we're doing it again. Tacos for everybody.

This coming Sunday, we have the privilege of welcoming and hearing from Sovereign Grace Churches executive director, Mark Prater. Immediately after service, we'll head out to the street in front of the school for some tacos. Asada, al pastor and pollo are on the menu. Bring a folding chair or something else to sit on, we'll cover the drinks, and Tacos El Campesino will cover the tacos. Our DTSA friends and neighbors are welcome to come and join us as we celebrate the joy of Jesus that God is spreading through Downtown Santa Ana. 

Our Men's Retreat is this week from late Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon. Please be praying with us for the men who are attending from Sovereign Grace Santa Ana, Sovereign Grace Orange and Sovereign Grace Pasadena. 

Below are a number of answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Where is the retreat?
   Camp Marantha Retreat Center in Idyllwild, CA. 
2. What is the schedule?
   Our first session is on Thursday at 8pm. Plenty of time to drive up after work. We wrap up at 3pm on Saturday. 
3. What are the accommodations like?
   We have two bunkhouses. Bunks are first come, first serve. You need to bring with you a pillow, sleeping bag, and sheets.
4. I'm attending and would like to carpool. Can I get a ride with someone?
   Definitely. Contact Pastor Dustin and he will get you connected with a ride.

The Love of Christ, the Peace of Christ and the Word of Christ

Listen to the message here

As we near the end of the book of Colossians, this last Sunday we heard from Colossians 3:12-17 what the local church should look like when Christ is all and in all. 

Send Your Photos to Photos@sovgraceoc.org

Part of the joy of planting a church is watching it grow. God is spreading the joy of Jesus and we want to document it through pictures, capturing the moments in time when God is actively doing just that. All you need is your phone and you can be an official Sovereign Grace Santa Ana freelance photographer. Need some ideas of what to photograph?

• Sunday gatherings
• Small group meetings
• Men's and women's meetings
• Your friends and family members together
• Group photos anytime the church is gathered
• Candid photos and posed photos

Thursday, 7:00pm @ The 4th Street Market Front Patio

This upcoming Thursday (4/12), all men, high school-age and older are welcome to come to our monthly men's meeting. It's a context for men to come together, enjoy one another's company but also talk seriously about life through the lens of what God has said about who we are and the lives we live. It's a great opportunity to be encouraged, to learn, to sharpen and to be sharpened by other men around you. 

Don't Just Change Your Behavior. Become Who You Are

Listen To The Message Here

The new self has already been put on spiritually by God to those who have been raised with Christ. Living the Christian life, then, is "becoming" or the act of "putting on" who you already are in Christ. This is the theme of Colossians 3:12-17, which is being taught as a two-part message. Listen to part I from last Sunday and join us next Sunday to hear part II and further learn what it looks like to live together as a church when "Christ is all" (Col. 3:11).