GOD’S WILL IN GOD’S TIME

We often pray and live with the expectation that God will - or should - answer us according to our preferred timeline. But in the middle of Mark 4, Jesus tells three parables - one about a lamp, one about a crop and one about a tiny mustard see. What’s Jesus’ point? God’s kingdom will come and it will grow. The seed will sprout and bear fruit - even if it takes time. Even if it begins very small; as small as a mustard seed even. The applications for real life are many. Listen to last Sunday’s sermon to hear more.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

CHRIST EXALTED IS OUR SONG

Christ himself is our song. When we consider who he is and what he’s done it causes our souls to sing. This Sunday, in addition to bringing back some familiar songs we haven’t sung in a while, we’ll be singing a new song as we raise our voices to the Risen Christ. Take a few minutes to listen to the song here and read through the lyrics below so that you’re ready to sing with us.

Verse 1
Christ exalted is our song
Our anthem through eternity
Praises rise and wake the dawn
Heralding His majesty
Christ without a rival reigns
Over all creation
Name above all other names
Enthroned in adoration

Verse 2
Christ exalted is our song
The Sovereign over everything
Left His glorious throne beyond
Stepped into our suffering
Hands that shaped the heaven’s frame
Reached to heal the leper
Mighty God in meekness came
To lead us like a shepherd

Verse 3
Christ exalted is our song
The Man of Sorrows mocked and tried
Bore the judgment for our wrongs
For our sins was crucified
Hear the love in His refrain
‘Father please forgive them’
As He bears the bitter weight
Of guilt and condemnation

Verse 4
Christ exalted is our song
Buried but in vict’ry raised
The keys of death and life belong
To the Firstborn from the grave
Glory, glory to the King!
Crowned with countless praises
Christ exalted we will sing
Throughout unending ages!

THE CLASS STARTS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Do you want to learn how to manage your finances, get out of debt, and build wealth? Then register for our fall 2022 class centered on teaching you Biblical principles to help you manage and get control of your finances for God’s glory. The classes are conducted in a small group setting, using a discussion format and Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover.

6 CLASSES, MONDAYS @ 7PM

Jim and Angie Cunningham will lead the class and host at their home. Their mentorship is invaluable. Each person in the group must purchase the book. The book is available in English and Spanish.

SIGN UP HERE

EVERY 1ST AND 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Outside of Sunday mornings, small groups are the most important moment in the life of our church. They are a context where biblical discipleship happens within the church as we connect the truths of the gospel to every aspect of our lives. Each group meets in a home, splitting their time between singing, praying, and discussion. Some groups include young children in their meetings. All groups welcome guests. Carve this time out in your calendar to be refreshed in the gospel and to serve your friends by pointing their lives to Christ.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SMALL GROUPS, CLICK HERE

MAKE YOUR WAY DOWNTOWN THIS WEEKEND

On September 17 and 18 the city of Santa Ana is putting on the Fiestas Patrias festival recognizing Hispanic and Latino culture and marking the independence of various Latin American countries. They’ll be celebrating with street fair festivities that include live music, food, cultural exhibitors, carnival rides, and more. The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day on Flower Street between Civic Center Drive and Santa Ana Boulevard.

SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 18

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:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: SMALL GROUP

• 7:00 pm - Houlton, Schlieder, and Erkelens Home

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom

WHAT A CELEBRATION IT WAS!

This year marked our 4th annual Festival of Nations celebration. It was a celebration of the beauty of our unity in diversity in and through Christ Jesus. On the same week as our city celebrates Dia De La Independencia, we celebrate our dependence on Christ and what He has created in our small church. See some of the moments we were able to capture on camera. Congratulations to Deanna Curiel, winner of Best Dessert, Truett, Silas and Karsten Houlton, winners of Best Kids Dish and, for the second year in a row, Haiyan Shelton, winner of Best in the World!

SEE THE FULL PHOTO ALBUM HERE

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SEPTEMBER 18

Celebration 2022 is right around the corner. We’re expectant the Lord will meet us as we come together with our sister churches in the mountains. It’s a special event, and no one leaves with regrets. Still on the fence? Don’t be. We’ve got it all covered from financial aid to helping you with any concerns. We’re here to make it work, because we want to see you there! Contact us with any questions.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE

ALWAYS BE SURPRISED BY GRACE

In Mark 4:1-20, the pace of the story slows down and we take our seats along the sea as Jesus teaches from his floating pulpit. And as he teaches, it’s all in parables. Jesus tells stories drawn from the everyday stuff of life that reveal the true nature of the kingdom he’s come to bring and the proper response to it. In the well-known parable of the sower, Jesus explains that though everyone hears him, not everyone truly “hears” him. The four soils represent four responses to the gospel message. Three of these are ultimately a rejection of that message. While one of them is the genuine reception of the gospel by grace through faith, that evidences itself through good fruit. Jesus explains this parable to us so that we would not be surprised or shaken by various types of rejection of the gospel, but would always be surprised by and celebrate grace where it’s found in and around us.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

SINGING A FAMILIAR SONG IN A NEW WAY

The Church is the people of God made up of all those he’s called from every tribe, nation, and tongue (Rev 7:9). Our church is made up of a multi-lingual people who live in a multi-lingual city. We express our love for our city and enjoy our unity in our diversity as we sing songs in both English and Spanish. Last week, we worshipped God as we sang “My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62).” And this week, we’ll sing the Spanish translation, “Mi Alma Esperará” as we worship the One God who’s united us in one family. Listen to the song here and read the lyrics below so that you’re ready to sing along!

VERSE 1
Si me acecha Satanás y desmayo en mi interior,
Si me cubre oscuridad y me agobia el temor;
En silencio esperaré, confiaré en Ti, Señor,
Tu Palabra es mi sostén.

CHORUS
Tú, mi Salvación, mi fortaleza,
Esperanza fiel y roca eterna,
Mi alma, o Dios, esperará por Ti.

VERSE 2
Tú, mi escudo y protección, en peligro y tempestad,
Si prospera el pecador, como un soplo pasará;
Yo sé bien que triunfarás, Satanás vencido está,
Tu poder me guardará.

CHORUS 2
Tú mi salvación, mi fortaleza,
Esperanza fiel y roca eterna,
Mi alma, o Dios, esperará por Ti.
En mi soledad, tú, mi consuelo,
Refugio fiel, mi fundamento,
Mi alma, o Dios, esperará por Ti.

VERSE 3
Cuán inexplicable amor, no merezco tu bondad,
Por tu obra de expiación, encontré en Ti la paz;
La batalla terminó, no hay vergüenza ni temor,
Ya la muerte derrotó.

TAG
Derramamos nuestras almas
Ante Ti, Señor.
Confiaremos en tu gracia
Nuestro Salvador.