OUR FIRST EVER PC FAMILY

Sunday was a big day. We commissioned the Lopez family for the next chapter of life and ministry: a year in Louisville, KY at the Sovereign Grace Pastors College. A time of being equipped by God’s word through God’s people to come back and serve us in yet greater ways.

We said a temporary “goodbye” believing it would lead to many more gospel “hellos” here in Santa Ana. We honored dear friends. We shared sweet memories and shed a few tears. We thanked God for his great grace. We entrusted him with the future of this family and our church. And we sent the Lopezs out in faith. Because we believe Jesus is in this and we can’t wait to see what he does next. As he works in this family, prepares a man for pastoral ministry, and uses the investment of a year away to bless our church for years and years to come.

Enjoy a few snapshots of this significant moment in our life together. Thank God for all the grace he’s given us through the Lopezs. Then look to the future expectant that he’s got even more grace to give.

MATTHEW 28:16-20

On Sunday, Pastoral Intern Robert Lopez preached the gospel to us one more time before heading off to Pastors College. His parting words were the same the Lord Jesus left with his disciples in Mt 28:16-20. And what the Risen Christ left to them was - and remains - the most extraordinary mission that's ever been given! As he prepared to ascend to heaven, he gave them the task of advancing his Kingdom all across the earth. Making disciples of all people everywhere. Welcoming the world into the goodness of his saving reign and then teaching them how to walk in his righteous ways. And, what’s so amazing about it all, is that he chose the people he did to do it. People like the denying and doubting disciples back then. Ordinary, unimpressive, and struggling people like us now. Yet, far from this overwhelming or discouraging us, it actually brings us hope. Because the success of the Great Commission doesn’t ultimately depend on us. It depends on the Savior who saved us, sent us, and promised always to be with us. He will give us all we need. He will get the job done.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

TONIGHT AT 6:30PM

Every summer, our women’s ministry takes a break from its regular monthly meetings to enjoy a series of potlucks. The ladies of our church gather together to share meals and stories of God’s grace. This is a great event to invite your friends, especially friends who aren’t sure what they believe, don’t attend church, or are new to the faith.

This time around the ladies of Cross of Grace will be gathering at the De La Cruz home. See you tonight for testimonies on the power of prayer and brunch food for dinner!

CONTACT US HERE FOR LOCATION DETAILS

THIS SUNDAY, 7/26

This Sunday marks a milestone moment in the life of our church: sending our first family to the Sovereign Grace Pastors College! God is raising up pastors to serve us and spread the joy of Jesus in yet greater ways. So we're taking the time to celebrate what he's doing to build this church and advance her mission.

In the morning, we’ll hear the gospel preached by Robert and then commission these dear friends for a year of training, growing, and living life in Louisville, Kentucky. After this special service, we’ll gather in the Madrigal Backyard and send them off in style! Digging into a BBQ feast to give the Lopezs a head-start on all the country living that awaits them.

Here are the party details:

• Date: Sunday, 7/26/26

• Time: 1pm (early arrivals ok)

• Location: Madrigal Backyard in Santa Ana

• What to bring: sign-up for the potluck here

Make it a point to be there as we honor dear friends and celebrate what God is doing among us.

REACH OUT HERE FOR LOCATION DETAILS

JULY 20 - JULY 26

Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on this week:

TUESDAY, JULY 21

• Basketball in the Park

  • 6:30pm - El Camino Real Park

    • Reach out to Manny for more info

THURSDAY, JULY 23

• French Park Run Club

  • 6:30am - French Park

• Women’s Potluck

  • 6:30pm - De La Cruz home

    • Reach out to Taylor for more info

SUNDAY, JULY 26

• Sunday Gathering at the Ebell Club

  • 10:00am - Lopez Send-off Sunday - Sermon: Matthew 28:18-20

• Lopez Send-off Celebration

  • 1:00pm - Madrigal home

    • RSVP here & sign-up to bring something to the BBQ feast

MALACHI’S TESTIMONY

From July 10th - 13th, 12 students and 4 leaders from CGSA joined our sister churches in the West for the 2026 Youth Camp! They gathered together in the mountains of AZ for a time of worship, teaching, games, and lip-sync battles, all to the glory of God!

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!

God met them in big ways! This past Sunday, we heard about Malachi’s experience at camp. Read his testimony below and be encouraged that God is at work among the next generation.

Before I went to camp I was worried about my future, super self focused, and trying to navigate relationships (mainly a relationship) from this past year. And I kept praying to God to give me peace, in the midst of all the madness in my head, but i still was worrying and facing the battle of not letting go. So I definitely had a vulnerable heart going into camp. And spending the time at camp really helped take my eyes off of the stresses and worries by just looking at God’s creation and fellowshipping.

One of my favorite moments from camp was the worship. God was showing me through worship that he loves me and that I don’t need to worry about anything. And I think a turning point for me was a sermon that was spoken on Hebrews 12. Which was talking about running the race which God has set for you. And the pastor pointed out that, "God has set a race for you, and you keep resisting because you’re not willing to let go of the past." And for me that was the relationships or even the worries about where I’m gonna end up 10 years from now. And so one note I wrote down was, “Stop clinging to what is keeping you from running to Jesus.” On my notes I wrote a list of things, people, and ideas that are hindering me from following God’s path for me and prayed for him to give me the strength to let these things go.

Coming back from camp, God ultimately showed me I don’t need to worry about anything, all I need to do is pursue Jesus in his word and find joy being in his presence.

Praise the Lord!

EXODUS 20:22-23:19

What do we do with all the rules we find in Exodus 20:22-23:19? A section known as the Book of the Covenant filled with words about altars, bondservants, 3,500 year old criminal codes, unruly oxen, our neighbor’s farm animals, and ancient festivals. Do we hang onto the 10 Commandments and skip over what comes next? Do we assume it doesn’t apply to us and move onto the stuff that seems less removed by time, culture, or differing places in the redemptive storyline? What do we when we come to weird, obscure, or challenging parts of our Bibles (especially the Old Testament laws)? We believe that even if there’s a sense in which these words aren’t directly spoken to us, they are absolutely spoken for us. You should receive all God’s words as words for you.

On Sunday, we took up 3 different laws in the Book of the Covenant and did just that. Considering rules regarding slavery, equity, and sexual intimacy and asking the following questions: 1) What does this law say to do? In that time back then. 2) What does this law say about God? For all time. 3) What does this law say for us? In our time, context, and place in the story on the other side of the cross and enthronement of Jesus Christ.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

THIS SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH

If you’ve been visiting Cross of Grace for any length of time and want to learn more about who we are, what we’re like, or what we believe as a church, this class is for you! Starting Point is a two-hour class designed to help you to get to know us, ask any questions you have, and take the next step in believing in Jesus and becoming part of the Cross of Grace family.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

JULY 19 @12:30PM AT THE SCHLIEDER HOME

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

JULY 13 - JULY 19

Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on this week:

TUESDAY, JULY 14

• Basketball in the Park

  • 6:30pm - El Camino Real Park

    • Reach out to Manny for more info

THURSDAY, JULY 16

• French Park Run Club

  • 6:30am - French Park

SUNDAY, JULY 19

• Sunday Gathering at the Ebell Club

  • 10:00am - Sermon: The Book of the Covenant - Exodus 20:22-23:19

• Starting Point

  • 12:30pm - Schlieder Home

    • Learn more and sign up for Starting Point Here

OUR CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

On Sunday, we announced that after 5 faithful & fruitful years as our Church Administrator, Liz Madrigal would be stepping out of the role. She’ll continue serving us as a deacon, church member, dear sister, and faithful friend, but will be transitioning out of her part-time position by the end of the month. So we took a moment to honor her labor of love, pray for her as she steps into a new season of work and ministry, and hear her heart for us.

Here’s what she had to say:

When I think upon my last 5 years as Admin, I think about what a privilege it has been to serve, and be employed as the church admin, and I want to begin by simply saying “Thank You!” Thank you for praying for me, encouraging me, employing me, and allowing me to serve in this role that has meant so much to me. 

Through this role I have been able to see the inner workings of our church. This has led me to really cherish our church. I got to know how HARD and with HOW MUCH CARE our Pastors shepherd the flock, and just how much they love this church as well. I have been able to see how hard the volunteers work and serve so that God may be glorified. I have seen all the behind the scenes work, and how much our little church does locally and globally to advance the mission. 

I love this church and you all so much, which is why I’m not going anywhere! I’m just stepping away from this role, in faith, knowing that God is building this church and is doing something new. And if He is in it, we know it is good. 

So, thank you, Church!

Amen, amen! We couldn’t agree more. God is in this, God is with us. Building his church, bringing all the right laborers into all the right positions in his harvest-field, and going before us into every new season.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, LIZ!