LET’S SING A NEW SONG TO OUR SAVIOR THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday we’ll be introducing a new song during our Sunday service. Last Sunday, we focused in on the subject of joy. The application to Sunday’s message included a directive to sing. This week, we’ll open our service by singing a song that gives expression to the joy that we derive from the hope of resurrection because of the resurrection of Christ. Read through the lyrics and listen to the song before this Sunday to get acquainted with it.

JESUS IS ALIVE- LISTEN HERE.

LYRICS

Verse 1

There is now a hope that lasts beyond our days
For the One that once was buried lives again
Now the tomb is bare and empty, and the stone is rolled away
Praise the Risen One who overcame the grave

Verse 2

All you broken-hearted, all you worn and weak
Come find living water, everlasting streams
To the wandering spirit, lost and searching
Wanting something more
Find the Risen King who overcomes the world

Chorus

Let there be dancing in the darkness
And let our song break through the night
Lift your voice and sing that Christ is King
For Jesus is Alive

Verse 4

No more condemnation, no more doubt, and fear
For our sin and shame, they have no power here
In His resurrection, perfect love has set the captives free
Praise the Risen King who stands in victory

WE’RE STARTING WITH AGES 0-2 AND WILL EXPAND WITH TIME

This past year has presented many unique challenges to parents with small children - in virtually every sector of life, the normal routine has been upended. This includes church - there has been no children’s ministry or childcare for nearly an entire year now. We’re thrilled to announce that we’re finally moving toward resuming our children’s ministry programming.

WE BELIEVE PARENTS, NOT CHURCH PROGRAMS, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRIMARY DISCIPLESHIP OF CHILDREN

Thankfully, this hasn’t meant that children have been left without discipleship and age-appropriate teaching from God’s Word entirely. That responsibility rests biblically and primarily with parents. And we’ve seen God’s grace evidenced in the families of our church this past year in this way!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ACTS AS A HELPFUL SUPPORT TO PARENTS

However, children’s ministry often acts as a boon and support of this discipleship. It often also frees parents of infant and toddler children to worship together with the congregation and sit under the preached Word in an undistracted way. In other words, childcare can help parents “fill up” in order to more effectively “pour out” to their kids.

ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WILL BE TAKEN

We’re working on digital check-in options. Surfaces will be sanitized. Adult volunteers will wear masks.

If you have children older than two years, thanks for your patience. We’ll roll out childcare for the next age group soon. Finally, as is always the case, we’ll need volunteers. All parents with children receiving childcare will be asked to volunteer at least once a month. But all others would be welcome to volunteer as well.

Please direct any questions you might have to Pastor Jeff at jeff@crossofgracesa.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.

COVID-19 Community Resources

CGSA Neighbor Relief Program - Neighbor Relief — Cross of Grace Santa Ana 

An emergency relief effort of Cross of Grace Santa Ana, first, for the sake of members of our church and secondarily, for the sake of neighbors who have a connection to our church. Funds have been made available to assist those whose regular income has been affected by the coronavirus to the extent that the provision of food and payment of essential utilities has become an acute hardship. 

Santa Ana 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 

Santa Ana Residents Rental Assistance - https://santaana.211oc.org/ - Enter your information to determine eligibility.

COVID-19 testing at Santa Ana College - https://sna.epiconnector.com/covid ​ or call 800-446-8888

Eviction prevention for low-income residents - https://www.santa-ana.org/SAVES ​ or call 211

Rental assistance and business resources - https://www.santa-ana.org/covid19 

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 an 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

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program for OC Renters - https://era.211oc.org/ - Enter your information to determine eligibility. Excludes residents of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. 

• 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

• 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 - Feed OC - https://www.feedoc.org/get-help/ 

• 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.

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

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

IF YOU’VE BEEN VISITING CROSS OF GRACE SANTA ANA AND HAVEN’T ATTENDED STARTING POINT, REGISTER NOW

Starting Point is a two-hour class for anyone interested in learning more about Cross of Grace Santa Ana. You’ll learn about what we believe and what those beliefs looks like fleshed out in the life of the church. For those wishing to pursue membership in the church, Starting Point is … well … the Starting Point!

The class will take place immediately after the Sunday service at the home of Kyle and Kelsey Houlton. Lunch will be provided and childcare options are available if needed.

REGISTER HERE

7PM AT THE 4TH STREET MARKET PATIO

Our monthly Men’s meetings resume this Thursday in-person (masks required) in DTSA at the Fourth Street Market. This is 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. Feel free to invite friends, family members and neighbors to join the discussion - all men, high-school aged and up are welcome.

NOBODY AND NOTHING CAN STEAL YOUR JOY

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves in prison after enduring a severe beating, an unjust condemnation, harassment from a demon and facing general opposition to their proclamation of the Gospel. Yet what their fellow prisoners and jailer heard resounding from their cell at night was not groaning … but joyful singing. That very night, the same joy they possessed in Jesus was shared with their jailer and his entire household. It’s clear - nothing could steal the joy that Paul and Silas possessed. Do you find yourself struggling for joy? Do you long for the kind of joy that endures even the deepest trials and sorrows? Then listen to last Sunday’s sermon and rediscover the joy of Jesus.

Listen to the sermon here.

STARTING POINT- SUNDAY, June 26

The church is like a body with many members (1 Cor. 12:12). Our lives are connected. We need one another. Church membership is our way of ensuring everyone who belongs to our congregation enjoys the benefits and privileges of being a part of Cross of Grace Church.

We want to make it simple for anyone interested in becoming a member of Cross of Grace Church to pursue the process. If you’ve been visiting for any length of time, this class is for you. If you are interested in this class, register here.

FEBRUARY 1-7

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:

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00am - Meeting Room: Outdoor Courtyard

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5: IN-PERSON SMALL GROUPS

• 7:00pm - Houlton home and Erkelens home

LIZ MADRIGAL WILL BE THE NEW CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

For the past month and a half, we’ve been searching for our new church administrator. Multiple candidates applied and interviewed. We’re thrilled to announce to you that Liz Madrigal has accepted an offer to fill the position. However, given an upcoming maternity leave, Liz will not start in the position until summer of this year.

KELSEY HOULTON WILL BE THE INTERIM ADMIN UNTIL LIZ STARTS

In the interim period, another candidate who applied and interviewed for the position, Kelsey Houlton, will fulfill the responsibilities of the church admin until such a time as Liz is ready to give herself fully to the position.

Please join us in congratulating both Kelsey and Liz and for the time being, please direct any questions, concerns or needs that were communicated to our former church admin to Kelsey.

ABSENCE HAS MADE OUR HEARTS GROW FONDER

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. For the first time since November, our midweek meetings will resume and they’re kicking off with small groups this Friday at 7:00pm. Both the Houlton and Erkelens small groups will be meeting outdoor, with masks and social distancing. Come prepared to receive and serve others with the ministry of God’s Word and prayer.