They'll Be in Phoenix Together From 5/3-5/5

Our church is a part of a larger family of churches. Within that family of churches, we're a part of the West region. Every year, the pastors from the west region come together twice for a "Regional Assembly of Elders". They come together to share stories of how God is at work. They come together to encourage one another and build relationships between churches. More than anything, they come together to be led by God in order to lead their churches well. 

Pray that God would accomplish all of these and more and that your pastors would return more equipped to love and lead like Christ. 

Friday, May 4

This year, we'll be spending the first Friday of every month fasting and praying together. Church members who fast for all 12 Fridays (all 11 since we missed January) will be invited to a year-end party to celebrate the answers to our prayers. If fasting is new to you, here are some instructions. 

For the month of May, we'll be praying for the Sovereign Grace Churches in the west region of the United States. This includes churches in Arizona (Tucson, Yuma, Gilbert, Peoria), Colorado (Westminster, Aurora) and California (Pasadena, Orange, Santa Ana). Here are some ways that you can pray:

• Pray for effectiveness for each church in reaching the lost in their own neighborhoods
• Pray for the marriages, families and children in each church
• Pray for the singles in each church
• Pray for those who are suffering
• Pray for leaders to lead well and wisely
• Pray that God would safeguard the Gospel in and through each Church

At The Houlton Casa In DTSA

All ladies high school-age and older are welcome to attend this month's women's meeting. Starting at 7:00pm on Thursday, April 26, the women of Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana will meet together for one of the best meetings every month. Where women grow as women on the foundation of God's Word. It's an opportunity to share life together; both the celebrations and the struggles. It's an opportunity to grow in friendship and make new friends.

Invite any woman you'd like whom you think might benefit. If you're not a woman, pray for the Spirit of God to be at work at this month's meeting. Contact Kelsey Houlton for questions or directions. 

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.