Next Sunday we’ll be starting a sermon series in Ephesians. After Sunday service, make sure to grab a free copy of September’s Book of the Month book, which is the ESV Journalling bible of Ephesians, and start reading this book to prepare for the sermon series. Don’t forget to bring the Bible with you every week during our sermon series beginning September 24th.
Outside of Sunday mornings, small groups are the most important moment in the life of our church. Make it a priority to attend small group this Friday at 7pm in order to encourage one another and be encouraged. To care for others and to be cared for. To point your brothers and sisters to Christ and apply his gospel to their lives, and experience the same.
Prayer is central to our mission and, in 2023, our small groups have been taking to French Park on the the first Friday of the month to pray for the good of our neighborhood. Asking Jesus to save Santa Anans, meet our neighbors according to his grace, and open doors for sharing his gospel and spreading his joy.
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:
6:30 am - French Park Grass Area
7:00 pm - French Park Grass Area (Houlton Small Group)
7:00 pm - Schlieder & Erkelens Home
10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom
As a church, we’re committed to extending God’s welcome to all of our neighbors while ensuring the safety of all who gather with us. Recent occurrences have led us to re-examine and expand our Sunday morning security policies to help us better achieve that goal. The pastoral team wants you to know we’re working hard to develop additional measures to serve us as we gather for worship each week. More details to come, but here’s what we’re doing to position ourselves to respond well if and when any future situations arise:
Consulting best practices from sister churches and ministry partners to learn from others who are doing this well
Collaborating with our friends at the Ebell Club to formulate safety measures that benefit our partnership
Implementing a Security Team of trained volunteers who will be equipped to observe and respond to any potential disruptions or safety concerns on a Sunday morning
As the book of Habakkuk comes to a close, complaining gives way to rejoicing. Lament is transformed into praise as the prophet who once saw only bad, perceives his good God by faith. He looks backward so that he can move forward. In the midst of his present trouble, he recounts God's mighty works of old, and resolves to wait upon the Lord to bring justice and salvation once again. Like Habakukk, when we look out on our lives and all seems lost, we're faced with lack, and things aren't as they should be, we need behold the God who saves.
This year, our church’s Fall Class is primarily focused on those who aren’t yet a part of our church. Our goal is to create a context where we can invite our neighbors who are skeptical, seeking, or are brand new to the Christian faith to come and have honest conversations about the most important questions in life. To accomplish this, we’re offering The Bridge Course.
The Bridge Course is a 6-week opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a fun and relaxed way. Each week begins with a meal followed by a talk that addresses common questions about life and God. Afterward there is a small-group conversation where participants can ask questions or sit back and listen. There is no pressure and no one will be forced to believe anything.
Who is it for?
Anyone seeking answers
Anyone with doubts about Christianity
Anyone wanting to investigate the Christian Faith
New Christians
Newcomers to the church
Anyone who wants to “brush up” on the basics
When and where does it take place?
Dates: 2nd & 4th Mondays from September 11, 2023 - November 27, 2023
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Hopper & Burr, 202 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
How can I participate?
Take the class yourself
Invite someone to Bridge (and attend the course with them!)
Volunteer to serve with the class
On Sunday, September 10th, we’ll be hosting our annual “Festival of Nations” Celebration. This year we are excited to announce that we are combining this celebration with our anniversary party, so as to free up our fall calendar. The event coincides with Fiestas Patrias and Dia De La Independencia, we’ll 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.
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!
This year we’re changing the location to Portola Park in Santa Ana. Join us at 3pm on Sunday, September 10th at Portola Park.
Come dressed and ready to play a friendly game of kickball
Bring a picnic blanket or chairs for your family
Please RSVP and let us know you are coming to office@crossofgracesa.org
In lieu of the regular Women’s Meeting tonight, the ladies will be gathering together for their third summer potluck! They’ll be sharing meals and stories of God’s grace. This is a great event to invite your friends, especially friends who aren’t Christians, don’t attend church, or are new Christians.
Each host selects a theme for the food, this month we’re doing a Summer Dish theme - bring a dish to share and make a special note of an earlier start time of 6:30pm.
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:
6:30 am - French Park Grass Area
6:30 pm - Williams’ Home
10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom
