Thank you for sending photos and videos of your household worshipping and celebrating together to photos@sovgracesantaana.org.
It’s been over two months since we’ve had the joy of seeing one another face-to-face. Get a little bit of a taste of that joy by looking at these pictures of SGSA families worshipping from home.
You and I and everyone else have an innate desire to know. During this season of crisis, that desire is oftentimes intensified. But in a world and in a time when information is more abundant and available for immediate access than ever before, where do you go for the best information?
Since God is the origin and source of truth, we need to limit our information diet as much as possible to whatever comes from Him. In this week’s message from 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, we discover that God speaks through the men and women around you who are filled with His Spirit. We need to listen for God’s voice in them. However, we would all do well to constantly test everything, including social media and the news, against what we know beyond a shadow of a doubt is God’s voice.
Listen to this week’s sermon here.
If you or your neighbors are facing medical, financial, food-related or any other kind of challenges due to the coronavirus outbreak, here’s your one-stop shop of resources available to residents of Santa Ana and throughout Orange County. We will update this list on a weekly basis to keep you up to date on all available resources.
COVID-19 Testing and Screening - FDA Approved testing in OC. By appointment only. No out of pocket cost but your insurance may be billed later.
Santa Ana COVID-19 Testing - AltaMed-Santa Ana Bristol - (888) 499-9303 for appointment
2720 S. Bristol St. #104, Santa Ana; Mon-Sat 9am-3pm
COVID-19 Health Referral Hotline - 833-426-6411
The Orange County Health Care Agency has established a Health Referral Hotline to call if you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms or questions about the virus.
Orange County Healthcare Agency - COVID-19 “What you should know” - http://cms.ocgov.com/gov/health/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus.asp
Contains daily updates on the spread of and response to COVID-19 within Orange County as well as other additional resources and informational graphics and flyers.
Rental/Utility Assistance - Salvation Army of OC - 714-384-0481
Santa Ana Office - 1710 West Edinger Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Other cities served: Fullerton, La Habra, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, Buena Park - 714-451-8080
Anaheim and Villa Park - 714-783-2344
Rental/Utility Assistance - Share Our Selves - 949-270-2100 - https://www.shareourselves.org/services/financial-assistance/
Rental/Utility Assistance - Serving People In Need (SPIN) - 714-751-1101
https://www.spinoc.org/news for COVID-19 response;
https://www.spinoc.org/programs for general programs for those in need
Rental/Utility/Misc. Assistance - St. Vincent de Paul in Orange County - 714-542-0448 http://www.svdpoc.org 1505 East Seventeenth Street Suite #109, Santa Ana, CA 92705
St. Vincent de Paul provides home visits, hospital visits, food pantries and grocery distribution, person-to-person visit for assessment, discernment and encouragement, financial aid for utilities, medication, household items, rent assistance, temporary housing (motel voucher), transportation (bus passes, gasoline), and clothing. available assistance.
For those who have experienced job-layoffs or a reduction in hours/pay:
CA Unemployment - General Number & Website - English 1-800-300-5616 - Spanish 1-800-326-8937 https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/. Representatives are available at the above toll-free numbers, with NEW hours beginning April 20th: Sunday through Monday (7 days a week) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time) except on state holidays.
To file a claim online: https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm
CA Unemployment COVID-19 Specific Resources: Disability insurance for those off due to COVID-19 due to mandatory quarantine or unpaid sick/get better time after having the COVID-19.
To connect to claims: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Frequently Asked Questions: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm
Disaster Loans for Small Businesses - https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Federally funded benefits distinct from UI program for the self-employed, employed individuals who lack sufficient work history, independent contractors, and gig workers.
California Disaster Relief Fund: Will support undocumented Californians impacted by COVID-19 who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief, including the CARES Act, due to their immigration status. Approximately 150,000 undocumented adult Californians will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per household to deal with the specific needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals can apply for support beginning next month.
Labor & Workforce Development Agency – Information regarding: Paid Sick Leave, Disability and Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, Workplace Health and Safety Guidance, Employer Assistance, CA Department of Public Health, & Common Sense Tips for Staying Healthy - https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/
Additional State-sponsored assistance:
OC Social Services Agency - http://ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/apply
To apply for various aid/relief programs such as CalFresh (food stamps), CalWorks (homeless, diversion, and immediate need assistance), and General Relief (temporary cash assistance to adults without children)
Check your eligibility or sign-up for benefits by going to https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/
Job Opportunities - for those in need of employment due to lay-offs or temporary furlough:
Amazon Jobs - https://www.amazondelivers.jobs/?cmpid=PRPRLC0780H6
Amazon is adding 100,000 new full and part-time positions across the U.S. in our fulfillment centers and delivery network to meet the surge in demand from people relying on Amazon’s service during this stressful time, particularly those most vulnerable to being out in public.
Sign-up for job alerts in your area by texting AMAZON to 77088
Walmart Jobs - https://careers.walmart.com/
Walmart is adding 100,000+ jobs nationwide in response to the COVID crisis
Domino’s Jobs -https://jobs.dominos.com/dominos-careers/
Domino’s is adding 1,000s of jobs nationwide in response to COVID crisis
Orange County OneStop- https://www.oconestop.com/employment-opportunities
Assisting those looking for employment. View their job board.
Children’s Home Society of California - https://www.chs-ca.org/
Offering childcare reimbursements for essential workers and referrals for locating childcare
The YMCA of Orange County - https://ymcaoc.org/essential-services-child-care/
Offering childcare for essential workers during COVID-19 crisis
OC Health Care Agency Mental Health Services - https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/resources-all County sponsored resources for anyone struggling to cope with the COVID-19 crisis
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide - https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide
Senior Guide to Mental Health During Coronavirus: Tips for how seniors can stay healthy and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic
OC Mental Health Hotlines: https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/mental-health-support
OC WARM Line: (877) 910-6412 - Confidential 7-day a week telephone support services for anyone struggling with mental health, substance abuse, etc.
Community Counseling - (714) 645-8000 - Short term services, Mon-Fri
OC-Links - (714) 834-2332 - To be linked to county behavioral health services
Suicide Prevention Line - (800) 273-8255 - 24/7 English & Spanish crisis counseling for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts
Gaining Internet Access during COVID-19: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/availableinternetplans.asp
California Guide for Immigrants: https://covid19.ca.gov/guide-immigrant-californians/
A PDF guide for immigrants living in CA during this crisis
SAUSD Family & Community Resource Page: https://www.sausd.us/covid19resources
CA Meals for Kids Mobile Application - https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp
The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices.
The Emergency Meal Sites section may be used during unanticipated school closures due to emergency situations. Download the app and search in your area!
Santa Ana Food Pantries - https://www.211oc.org/food/groceries.html
Serve the People- 714-352-2911 - 1206 East 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
6am-9am
El Sol Academy - 714-543-0023 -1002 North Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Email mercado@elsolacademy.org for detailed information
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana - 714-542-7253 - 600 North Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
10am-3pm, Tuesday-Thursday
Second Harvest Pop-Up Drive Through Distribution - https://www.feedoc.org/covid-19-update/
9am-Noon, Saturdays throughout COVID crisis. At the Honda Center, 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim 92806
Serving 500-1,000 families in a drive-up format with a one-week supplemental supply of bagged food.
Waste Not OC - https://www.wastenotoc.org/pantries/
A cross-county food pantry map to 200+ food pantries across OC
Catholic Charities of Orange County - https://ccoc.org/programs/
See English & Spanish CalFresh Healthy Living Calendar for information on OC food pantries.
So-Cal Grocery Stores Open Early For Seniors and those with Medical Conditions
Northgate Market - 7am-8am (Seniors, Pregnant Women, Disabled)
Big Saver Foods - 7:30am-8am (Seniors)
Stater Bros. - 7:45am-8am (Seniors, Disabled)
Smart & Final - 7:30am-8am (Seniors, Disabled)
Albertsons - 7am-9am (Seniors)
Vons - 7am-9am (Seniors)
Target - Wednesdays, 8am-9am (Seniors, those with medical conditions)
Whole Foods - 7am-8am (Seniors)
Gelsons - 7am-8am (Seniors)
Ralphs - 7am-7:30am (Seniors)
Superior Grocers - 7am-8am (Seniors, Disabled)
Grab & Go Meals - Free lunch and at many locations, even breakfast are offered to all students 18-and-under at multiple school in most Orange County school districts - https://na0.icarol.info/resourceview2.aspx?First=1&country=United%20States&sp=CA&county=Orange&city=-1&org=2287&agencynum=67353452
Additional Resources by City: Select the service from: Food, Food Pantries, or Grab & Go Meals at https://www.211oc.org/ and on the page that loads, search by city in the section that reads, “Search for resources in or near a location”
Additional information by School District (school closure length, grab & go meal times & locations): https://newsroom.ocde.us/these-oc-districts-are-offering-grab-and-go-meals-at-a-campus-near-you
Dial 2-1-1 to be linked to any of the following services:
Women, infants and children (WIC) help
Food and food stamps
Homeless shelters
Substance abuse
Prenatal care
Help with housing assistance
Help with utilities
Emergency housing
24-hour crisis, suicide help and suicide counseling
Mental health services
Food distribution
Access to healthcare
Medical, dental help and vision clinics
Government assistance programs
Transportation assistance
Elder services
Nutrition assistance
Help for low-income families
Other youth and child care issues
Other physical and mental health services
Both the Erkelens and Houlton small groups are meeting via Zoom tomorrow evening at 7:00pm. It’ll be an opportunity to pray for one another and serve one another in as personal a manner as possible as the coronavirus lockdown persists.
Your small group leader will send out the Zoom Call info to you. If you are not yet part of a small group, please email us at office@sovgracesantaana.org
Thank you for responding and sending them. We’re so used to knowing one another’s needs through experiencing regular fellowship. We talk to one another on Sunday morning. We share life together at small group. We host one another in our homes. We can’t do any of that right now. It’s important to know, however, how to pray for one another and to ask the Lord to guide us, sustain us and encourage us each individually in this season. Here are the prayer requests from this past week (anonymity is maintained):
Pray for job opportunities and interviews for Sandi as she seeks to be able to financially provide for herself.
Continue to pray for healing for Krista as she navigates through a returning health issue.
Praise the Lord - The parents of the Erkelens have found a place to live- thank you for your prayers!
Praise God for the provision of a new Sunday meeting space
Pray for the leaders of the church as they navigate how and when to best return to meeting in person
KEEP SENDING PRAYER REQUESTS TO PRAYERS@SOVGRACESANTAANA.ORG.
Since the Lord founded Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana in November of 2017, we have met every Sunday morning at Heninger Elementary School on the southwest end of Downtown Santa Ana. They have been the best kind of community partners. We could hardly be more grateful for that school and its administration.
But then a pandemic happened. The ensuing lockdown created an uncertainty that still looms over schools as meeting locations for groups of any size going into summer and fall of 2020.
But just as is always the case, God knew. And He guided us at just the right time to some brand new friends at the Ebell Club of Santa Ana, a beautiful and historic venue built in 1924 right across the parking lot from Hidden House Coffee. Once we’re able to safely meet again in person, this is where we’ll be singing, fellowshipping, hearing God’s Word, taking communion together, baptizing people and enjoying God’s grace TOGETHER.
We’re sure you have lots and lots of questions. In the next few weeks, we’ll answer a lot of them. But for now, we simply wanted to give you the opportunity to celebrate the good news.
To learn more about the Ebell you can go to their website here or look at some pictures of the venue on Yelp here.
The strength, humility, selflessness and godliness of the mothers in our midst remains constant for those in their care both in adversity and peace. The tumult of a pandemic only highlights how needful we are of maternal comfort. Though we could spend hours and even days singing praises to the Lord for His grace at work in you, we’ve produced a short video to express how grateful we are for you.
In a time where news is coming at you from every direction and from numerous sources, it’s important to ask ourselves- how do we know what to listen to? Check out this article written by Brett McCracken. He has created a “wisdom pyramid” - a helpful tool to use when discerning all the info you’re processing.
Who knew that the little green aliens from Toy Story could ever teach us anything genuinely valuable? Their memorable phrase, “you have saved our lives, we are eternally grateful”, is an accurate reflection of the appropriate disposition of our hearts toward God. The Gospel stands as the foundation of our gratitude - Jesus saved our lives through His death and we, in turn, have reason to be perpetually grateful.
Friend, your life should be characterized by gratitude. And the wonder is that gratitude breeds even more gratitude. Do you want to be more grateful? Do you want to know how such gratitude is possible?
Then listen to this week’s sermon here.
This Sunday, we will gather to hear God's word proclaimed and learn about 1 Thess 5:18. God commands us to be grateful in all circumstances. This Sunday, as we gather we will also be celebrating the mom's in our lives and wishing them a happy Mother's Day.
We are grateful for mom's in all circumstances because their care for their families is constant in all circumstances. In good times, hard times, and even pandemics, the mothers in our lives care for their families and exemplify the love, compassion, and service of Christ.
So as we thank God in all circumstances for the literally millions of things he is doing - all of them working for good for his people - we take care to give a special thanks for the mothers he has placed in our lives.
Join us for our livestream service this Sunday at 10:30am to learn what it means to "give thanks in all circumstances" and how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes that a possibility and have a Happy Mother's Day!
