Tonight, the men of Cross of Grace will gather together to sit under the word, bear their brother’s burdens, and call out to the Lord in prayer. They’ll talk about the kind of commitment God makes to us and the way it spurs us on in steadfast sacrificial love as men. All guys 15 years and older are welcome to join in at the Robles’ home at 7pm.
Youth ministry is back after the summer break and a new semester of games, fellowship, and reading is underway. The next title is Ten Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin. A book designed to get young people wrestling with tough topics like moral relativism, the problem of suffering and evil, and the biblical ethics of gender and sexuality. Engaging with questions like “can Jesus be true for you and not for me?”, “does God care when I hurt?”, and “can we be good without God?”
No reading is required before this week’s meeting. But youth are encouraged to check out the book and come ready with questions they have on all the topics inside.
See you at Hopper & Burr!
Our family of churches has recently launched a new podcast series all about equipping the ordinary Christian to participate in the extraordinary mission of God. Pastor Jim Donohue from Covenant Fellowship, our sister church in Pennsylvania, offers us encouragement, strategies, and resources for bringing the good news of Jesus Christ into a broken world. Listen to the first episode here and subscribe to stay up to date with latest releases.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on this week:
Basketball in the Park
6:30pm - El Camino Real Park
Reach out to Manny for more info
French Park Run Club
6:30am - French Park
Men’s Meeting
7:00pm - Robles Home
Sunday Gathering at the Ebell Club
10:00am - Sermon: Building Instructions - Exodus 25-31
Youth Ministry
6:30pm - Hopper & Burr in DTSA
Learn more about Youth Ministry here
Each fall, we host The Bridge Course. 10 weeks of wrestling through life's biggest questions, having honest conversations, and exploring the Christian faith. 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 share what they believe, ask any questions they have, or just sit back and listen. No one will be called upon, pressured to talk, or forced to believe anything. Click here to learn more about how it works.
Because the course creates a context for us to befriend our neighbors, show them the joy we have in Jesus, and invite them to receive it for themselves. How great is that! Our goal is that each of us would invite at least one neighbor, family member, co-worker, or friend who is not yet a Christian, not sure what they believe, or is new to the faith and looking to learn more to join in. Who will you bring to Bridge? Start thinking and praying of who this will be and send them the registration link below.
Who is it for?
Anyone seeking answers
Anyone who isn’t sure what they believe
Anyone who is spiritual but not religious
Anyone with doubts about Christianity or wanting to investigate the Christian Faith
New Christians or newcomers to the church
Anyone who wants to “brush up” on the basics
When and where does it take place?
Dates: Mondays from September 14, 2026 - November 16, 2026
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Hopper & Burr, 202 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
How can I participate?
Take the class yourself. Have your questions answered, and be strengthened in your faith.
Invite someone to Bridge (and attend the course with them).
Volunteer to serve with the class.
In Exodus 24 the action of the story resumes. God has been speaking and revealing who he is and what life with him will be like for the past 4 chapters. But now it’s time for Israel to respond. To seal the deal on their special relationship with God. To make it official. This is done through a solemn ceremony that most resembles a wedding. It’s got an altar, vows, and a special symbol which represents the union. And it shows us that the kind of relationship God wants with us calls for the kind of devotion and commitment we find in marriage. A formal, serious, and all-in relationship. And while it’s true that we can be afraid of commitment, God is not. Because the same God who calls for all of us gives us all of him. Through the story of Exodus and gospel of Jesus, we’re invited us to draw near to the God who will never be done with us. To be happily wedded to the Savior who will never withdraw his love.
Small Groups are back after summer break! This week, 4 groups will meet throughout our city to share in the joy of Jesus and apply his gospel to each other’s lives. Outside of Sunday mornings, small groups are the most important moments in the life of our church. Come to one this week ready to catch up with friends, worship the Savior, and spend sweet time together.
On August 28, we’re gathering together with other local churches in our city to worship God and pray for revival. We’ll share in the joy of Jesus together and be freshly fueled to spread it all throughout Santa Ana. We’ll fellowship with other believers. We’ll ask for Christ’s prayer to be realized in us, “that they may all be one…so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (Jn 17:21).
Find the event flyer here. Invite your friends. Reach out to Pastor Jeff if you’d like to be involved with the music.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on this week:
Basketball in the Park
6:30pm - El Camino Real Park
Reach out to Manny for more info
French Park Run Club
6:30am - French Park
Small Groups
6:30pm - Lee home
7:00pm - Mora home
Small Groups
7:00pm - Davis & Erkelens homes
Sunday Gathering at the Ebell Club
10:00am - Sermon: Covenant Ceremony - Exodus 24:1-18
The Book of the Covenant ends with a promise. A promise that God would give his people a place to live out their special relationship with him. To bring them into the land he'd long ago promised Abraham. A land that would be a new sort of Eden. A land to plant this fledgling nation. A land out of which he'd one day bring a blessing that would extend to all nations. But in order for them to enter in, they'd have to be ready for a fight. Yet, just as we saw in the victory over Egypt, the battle belongs to the Lord. Even more, this battle back then has everything to do with our fight of faith here and now. Because we, like Israel, are also on our way to a promised land.
*Due to technical issues, the audio might be hard to hear. We’ve got the sermon manuscript to help you follow along.
