STARTING POINT: A CLASS FOR ANY GUEST - OCTOBER 4th

A TWO-HOUR CLASS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU LEARN ABOUT THE LIFE AND BELIEFS OF THIS CHURCH

REGISTER HERE

If you’ve been visiting Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana for any length of time, we’d like to invite you to our upcoming “Starting Point” class. It’s a class that takes place immediately after church where you can learn about what we believe, what those beliefs look like in the life of the church and how you can become a part of the community of Sovereign Grace Santa Ana. Once registration fills up, we’ll coordinate a date for the class.

Lunch will be served. If you’d like to attend, please register here or at the link above.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SERVICE IN THE HOULTON BACKYARD

LUNCH PROVIDED

TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7PM

Our regularly scheduled mid week programs are up and running again, following careful guidelines to ensure the health of all attendees. These meetings will occur outdoors until further notice, with 6 feet of social distance between each member present, masks required and in observance of CA Guidelines. Childcare will not be provided.

DTSA SMALL GROUP: HOULTON’S YARD

"EAST SANTA ANA” SMALL GROUP: ERKELENS’ YARD

We have seating spaced out for families, hand sanitizer available and masks available for those that don’t have one. If you are not quite comfortable joining us in person yet, we will have a “Zoom In” option available for all.

If you have any questions or concerns about small groups or need an address, please send an email to office@sovgracesantaana.org.

SEPTEMBER 14-20

Every Tuesday we will be publishing a blog to share what is going in the life of the church for that week! We hope that this serves you and helps to keep you updated.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: SMALL GROUPS

• Houlton Small Group - 7:00pm. Houlton Home

• Erkelens Small Group - 7:00pm. Erkelens Home

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: OUTDOOR SERVICE AT 10:00AM AT THE EBELL CLUB

• Meeting Room - Outdoor Courtyard

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: FESTIVAL OF NATIONS CELEBRATION

• 5:00pm- Schlieder Backyard; Please bring a dish to share and RSVP to office@sovgracesantaana.org

YOU CAN ARREST ME, BUT YOU CAN’T ARREST MY GOSPEL

How should a Christian respond when he or she encounters opposition from those in government or authority? When their American rights are threatened? When our ability to gather is limited? When it looks like persecution could be down the road? In Acts 4:1-22, Peter and John provide us with a stalwart example which helps us to answer this questions; an example which leads us to the conclusion that because we have everything else firmly secured in Christ, the one thing we should never allow to be wrested from our hands - or mouths - is the message of Jesus Christ.

Listen to this week’s sermon here.

LET’S CELEBRATE THE UNITY CHRIST HAS ACHIEVED IN OUR DIVERSITY

On the evening of Sunday, September 20th, we’ll be hosting our second annual “Festival of Nations”. Coinciding with Fiestas Patrias and Dia De La Independencia, we want to celebrate what God has built in our church through the Gospel - the gathering of people from all different nationalities and heritages into one new family in Christ.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE?

1. Bring a dish (entree, dessert or side) representing your national heritage. Bring your best effort. The results will be judged and the “Best In The World” award will be given to the individual whose dish impressed the most. Multiple dishes per family are ok! 

2. Please - take precautions when preparing or purchasing your dish. We want to be cautious in light of COVID-19.

3. Join us at 5pm on Sunday, September 20th in the Schlieder backyard in the heart of Santa Ana. Masks will be required. We will have hand sanitizer readily available and food will be served by a gloved team. 

4. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs for your family! 

Please RSVP and let us know you are coming to office@sovgracesantaana.org

MEETING IN THE COURTYARD FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, FOLLOWED BY A RETURN TO INDOOR GATHERINGS

This week Orange County was moved to the red tier in the state re-opening plan. What this means for us is that we’re now once again allowed to move back indoors so long as we remain under 100 people or at less than 25% building capacity.

However, the Ebell Club is currently remodeling their kitchen and storing their kitchen appliances in the ballroom, so we’ll wait until the remodel is complete before moving back inside. Until then, we have a forecast of pleasant weather for the next two Sundays and a beautiful courtyard to gather to worship the Lord in.

WE’RE CHECKING WITH THE COUNTY REGARDING CHILDCARE

One of the greatest challenges in our corporate worship times has been the absence of childcare, especially for infants and toddlers. We admire and respect every one of you caring for small children and recognize the challenge that it’s been to manage the heat, to be mindful of the needs of your kiddos, all the while seeking to engage with our corporate worship. With this new phase of reopening, we’re seeking how to best approach restarting childcare according to best practices. Continue to watch the blog for further information.

As we prepare to make the shift back indoors in a couple weeks, please take a minute to refresh yourself on our Health and Safety guidelines, which will still be in effect.

If you have any questions or concerns, please send us a message here.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Keep sending us your prayer requests. We’ll keep sharing them (anonymously) and share other suggestions for how you can be praying during the week. It’s important to know how to pray for one another and to ask the Lord to guide us, sustain us and encourage us each individually in this season.

1. Pray for local churches throughout Santa Ana as they seek wisdom regarding how to resume services indoors

2. Pray for those currently experiencing relational conflict

3. Pray for our city, state and national leaders

4. Pray for the unity and equality achieved by the Gospel to shine brightly in the conversation regarding racial reconciliation

5. Pray for parents, teachers and students and they continue to navigate remote learning

6. Pray for the Lord to protect and bring to full term those who are expecting

7. Pray for those who are ill and those who are caring for their parents and the elderly

8. Pray for Gospel fruit to be borne through the ministries of charities with which Sovereign Grace members are involved

9. Pray for the Lord to continue to save Santa Anans and add to our number

10. Pray that the Lord would conform us to the timeless traits of the Church

11. Pray for the requests of individuals who have shared them on our church Slack prayer channel. If you have questions about how to be added to this, email office@sovgracesantaana.org

    KEEP SENDING PRAYER REQUESTS TO PRAYERS@SOVGRACESANTAANA.ORG.

GOD HAS BEEN MERCIFUL TO US IN CHRIST. WE WANT TO BE MERCIFUL TOWARD ONE ANOTHER AND OUR NEIGHBORS

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.  

Santa Ana CARES - 714-667-2273 - COVID-19 Resources - A one-stop shop for a wide range of community resources for Santa Ana residents 

Blueprint for a Safer Economy - Blueprint for a Safer Economy - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response - Up to date information on “where” we’re at in state re-opening process at the county level. Type in “Orange” in the “County” textbox to check on the status of activities in the county. 

Medical Assistance

• COVID-19 Testing and Screening - FDA Approved testing in OC COVID-19 Testing, 2020 - 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

• Additional Testing in Buena Park, Orange, & San Juan Capistrano - 888-634-1123  COVID-19 Test Registration 

• COVID-19 Hotline - 714-834-2000 

• General questions regarding COVID-19: Health Referral Hotline - 800-564-8448

  • The Orange County Health Care Agency has established a Health Referral Hotline to call if you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms or have questions about the virus.

Financial Assistance

• Protections for Renters - The CARES Acts (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) provides certain protections from eviction and late fees due to nonpayment of rent for most tenants in federally subsidized or federally backed housing.

  • Protections for Renters

• 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

  • Financial Assistance

• Rental/Utility Assistance - Serving People In Need (SPIN) - 714-751-1101

  • Latest News for COVID-19 response; Programs for those in need

• Rental/Utility/Misc. Assistance - St. Vincent de Paul in Orange County - 714-542-0448

  • The Society of St. Vincent De Paul OC

    • 1505 East Seventeenth Street Suite #109, Santa Ana, CA 92705 

    • St. Vincent de Paul provides home visits, hospital visits, food pantries and grocery distribution, financial aid for utilities, medication, household items, rent assistance, temporary housing (motel voucher), transportation (bus passes, gasoline), and clothing. 

For those who have experienced job-layoffs or a reduction in hours/pay:

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

  • Up tp 39 weeks of benefits to Californians who are: business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, or those with a limited work history who are out of business or have significantly reduced their services as a direct result of the pandemic.

• 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: Filing an Unemployment Insurance Claim | California EDD

• 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: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

  • Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 and Your Unemployment - Answers to FAQs 

• Disaster Loans for Small Businesses - disaster loan.sba.gov - Small Business Administration

• District 1 Grant for Small Businesses - Orange County: District 1 Grant Program 

  • Andrew Do’s Economic Support Grant Program is designed to assist eligible small businesses (including home-based businesses and independent contractors) and non-profits within the First District of Orange County (which includes Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, a portion of Fountain Valley, and Unincorporated Midway City) that have been affected by COVID-19. Funding will be allocated in the form of $10,000 grants.

• Labor & Workforce Development Agency – Information regarding: Paid Sick Leave, Disability and Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, Workplace Health and Safety Guidance, Employer Assistance - Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers | LWDA

Additional State-sponsored assistance:

• OC Social Services Agency - How to 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 home - www.mybenefitscalwin.org 

Job Opportunities - for those in need of employment due to lay-offs or temporary furlough

• Santa Ana COVID-19 Bi-lingual Relief Worker - Serving those in our city affected by COVID-19 through community outreach & field work as well as coordinating community services

  • Field Worker - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaana/jobs/2827305/covid-19-relief-worker-bilingual-spanish-or-vietnamese-field-assignment?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

  • Office Worker - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaana/jobs/2827173/covid-19-relief-worker-bilingual-spanish-or-vietnamese-office-assignment?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

• Orange County OneStop- Employment Opportunities

  • Assisting those looking for employment. View their job board.

• OC Virtual One-Stop - 714-480-6420 www.onestop.com 

Childcare Assistance:

• Children’s Home Society of California - Children's Home Society of California

  • 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

Mental Health Assistance

• OC Health Care Agency Mental Health Services - Resources for All | Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 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 - COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide

• Senior Guide to Mental Health During Coronavirus: Senior's Guide to Mental Health During COVID-19 

• OC Mental Health Hotlines - Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources and Services | Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • 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

Community Resources: 

• Gaining Internet Access during COVID-19: Getting Internet Access: Available Plans - Health Services & School Nursing (CA Dept of Education) 

• California Guide for Immigrants: Help for immigrants - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response - A PDF guide for immigrants living in CA during this crisis 

• SAUSD Family & Community Resource Page: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates / Family & Community Engagement Resources

• SAUSD School News - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates / Coronavirus (COVID-19) News & Resources 

Food/Grocery Assistance

• CA Meals for Kids Mobile Application - CA Meals for Kids Mobile Application - Mobile Applications (CA Dept of Education)

  • 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.

• 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 - COVID-19 Updates

  • 9am-Noon, Saturdays throughout COVID crisis. Serving 1-week supply of food.

  • 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 - Find a Pantry Near You – Waste Not OC

  • 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)

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”

• General Services - https://www.211oc.org/

• 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

AUGUST 7th-13th

Every Tuesday we will be publishing a blog to share what is going in the life of the church for that week! We hope that this serves you and helps to keep you updated.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10: MEN’S MEETING

• 7:00pm - Outdoor Front Patio at 4th Street Market

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00am - Meeting Room - Outdoor Courtyard

Coming Up Next Week

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: FALL CLASS SESSION 1

• 7:00pm - Via Zoom. Link will be emailed to all registrants on Sunday. If you have not yet registered, you can do so here.

CHURCH HISTORY - A CLASS TO TEACH US THAT THESE ARE NOT UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

Our 2020 Fall class starts on Monday September 14th. This year’s Fall Class centers on the history and timeless traits of the Church. The format will be 6 class sessions every other week (2nd and 4th Mondays of September, October and November) at 7:00pm via Zoom. Why Zoom? More than anything, because we want as many people possible in our church to be able to participate.

CHILDCARE WON’T BE A HINDRANCE TO PARTICIPATING. WE ENCOURAGE EVERY MEMBER TO REGISTER FOR THIS IMPORTANT CLASS

The usual attendance cap will not be in place. Men and women, English and Spanish speakers alike may join. This class will be a chance for each of us to become acquainted with the controversies of the past that reflect those of today, and how they were resolved; a chance to meet the men and women who stood as pillars of faith in Christ during adversity; a chance to see the depth and sturdiness of the foundation which has been laid under our local church.

REGISTER AND BUY THE BOOK TODAY

In preparation for the class we ask that you purchase a copy of Christian History Made Easy by Timothy Paul Jones. If you are unable to purchase the book due to financial constraints, please send us an email and we will be happy to help you.

REGISTER HERE