Join us in the Woman's Club Garden at 10 AM for Sunday School. This week we begin a series loosely based on the material from 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. You don't need to buy anything and there is no homework. Just come and learn with us.
The Card Small Group spend an evening last week in Corona Del Mar. Thank God for friendships that are defined not by hobbies or seasons of life (or sunsets), but rather by our relationship to Christ.
Praise God for the time we had with Jason and Christine. We're sad to say goodbye but very excited to see what God has planned for them next. Jason starts med school and Christine continues on in her field of study (Communication Disorders).
A few weeks ago they shared a testimony:
Most of you know this already, but Christine and I are moving to Northern California in a few days. We honestly can’t believe we are leaving so soon. It was just 8 months ago that we shared our story of becoming members. Now we are leaving.
Much of what we have to say to you today is the same as back then. And honestly, this is one of the biggest compliments we can give to you as a church body - you are the exact same people you appeared to be 8 months ago. We just know you better now.
God used you to keep us in the faith, and to help us find our identity in Christ and His people - not in our jobs and our education. God has used you in our lives in so many ways. There are far too many things for us to mention them all , but a few big ones:
Thank you for greeting us warmly every Sunday, even when we were busy and running out after service. You have no idea how much that helped. When you welcomed us, you were living proof that God had also welcomed us.
Thank you for being open with your lives and sharing them with us. You shared the good and the bad. Through you, God showed us diverse examples of faithful Christian living. You probably didn’t know it, but we were watching you and learning from you.
We are so grateful for our small group. You supported us throughout this year of ups and downs and hard decisions. Your affirmations shed light on God’s work in our lives, even when we aren’t able to see it ourselves.
From Christopher:
I'm so grateful for you, Sovereign Grace Church. Thanks for being the kind of church that equips men to lead, study, and preach the Word. Thank you for your encouragement, both before and after the service. But most of all, thanks for being a church that makes Christ their treasure above all!
Preaching on the topic of the surpassing gift of God Himself is easier when you're preaching to people who do it. And this you do well.
Now they say the way to learn to preach is to preach. Study and observation only go so far and I can confirm this. With one sermon under my belt, I've already learned:
I have a deeper sense for what our pastors do every week. It really is labor. Preaching takes effort, both head and heart. They aren't just enjoying extending "quiet times" in their bible.
Preaching is about shepherding the church and glorifying God. The preacher loves Jesus and then loves the church like he loves Jesus. Humor has it's place, but I learned humor doesn't always serve the sermon. I felt the pull to want to be funny, but that would only have given you more of me.
Paradox alert! Even though preaching has little to do with the preacher, it is a little bit about the preacher. Not that he is the center of attention or anything. But immersing yourself in the Scriptures and preparing to deliver a sermon does a preacher's soul good.
I was also really encouraged by everyone sharing how God spoke to them personally. It made me think that preachers may be those best positioned to benefit from their own sermons. Funny how it works this way.
So thank you. You made learning to preach my first sermon a real blessing. I'm amazed at what God can do with my less-than-perfect attempts at loving you.
This Sunday our very own Christopher Erkelens will be preaching his very first sermon. Thanks for being a church who invests in the future leaders and preachers of Orange County. Your Preachers Club is bearing good fruit.
David started his internship last September and this year has been good on so many levels. We're so grateful to God for him, for all of you who gave financially, and for the leaders who have invested in him.
On account of your generosity, the pastors and the Leadership Counsel have offered to extend David's internship through December 2014. And David said yes!
David is planning on providing us a year-end review and his heart for the future during a Sunday service in September. Until then, pray for wisdom as we plan his work for the next 4 months. Learn more about out internship program here.
"I loved it! It's was a great experience and I hope there will be another retreat next year. Very intensive and personal attention was given to each person. It was such a blessing. Thank you Steve and Vicky." - Hector
"I found this to be a blessing, extremely practical--- but practice alone without a servant's heart would be nothing, and through it all I could see Steve and Vicki (and Bob's) servant heart through their actions and words. Praise God!" - Joseph
“The Trinity is the oxygen of Christian life and joy.” Mike Reeves
“The Trinity makes salvation possible and the Trinity makes salvation sweet.” Mike Reeves
“We clothe ourselves with our first born Brother and with assurance go into the presence of our Father.” Mike Reeves
“We share in precisely nothing less than what the Son of God has.” Mike Reeves
“There is nothing that is qualitatively good that is not God’s.” Bruce Ware
“God does not need us, but he loves us.” Bruce Ware
“The Holy Spirit is God with you and in you.” Jon Payne