Impassioned Orthodoxy

May 3, 2012

bulletin

(Click to enlarge.)

See also: Sunday Bulletins Guest Receptions Children’s Ministry

At the top of our bulletin is a summary of the purpose and form of our Sunday Service. Three short sentences intended to put the newcomer at ease.

Our Format

We gather on Sundays to rehearse and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Bryan Chapell wrote in his book Christ-Centered Worship, “Where the gospel is honored, it shapes worship.”

Our Style

Our use of contemporary and traditional elements within our service reflects two things: a deep passion for God and a shared heritage with the historic church.

There are no “worship wars” at our church. The old and new blend together as each person adds their voice to the congregation’s voice. In addition, we benefit from the work and ministry of prior generations, who no longer speak into this world but still stand as testimonies to God’s goodness throughout the ages. We learn from them.

Our Response

We call this impassioned orthodoxy.

Truth that moves hearts. Facts that generate feelings. Religious affections. However you want to describe it, we have a commitment to sound doctrine that results in a deep love for God.

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Children’s Ministry

April 27, 2012

bulletin

(Click to enlarge.)

[Click here for Part 1 and Part 2.]

How do we do Children’s Ministry?

Not much changed when we moved to the Woman’s Club of Orange. We still offer childcare for newborns through Kindergarten during the entire service (located in the lobby).

We also continue to offer an age-targeted, gospel-centered class for children in First through Fifth Grade. This class is optional and begins right after the mid-service break.

The teachers are certified with background checks, the kids are registered, proper security protocols are being practiced, and we are still using the Praise Factory curriculum.

Why do we offer Children’s Ministry?

The short answer is because we can.

There are certainly many good reasons for keeping children in the service with the adults (training, discipleship, worship, etc.). We don’t disagree and everyone is free to keep their children with them during the entire service.

However, not every child is ready to participate in the “big meeting,” and not every parent is ready to endure a squirmy three year old. For these families, we want to make every effort to help them hear the gospel on Sundays.

If caring for children enables a guest or young parent to engage with the sermon, let’s do it.

If we can do more to help our youngest engage with God’s Word on Sundays, let’s do it.

We’re not worried about splitting families up. In the end, what will keep families worshiping together on Sundays will be the miracle of regeneration…not discipline from the pews.

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Guest Receptions

April 18, 2012

[Click here for Part 1 of this series.]
Let’s tackle the easier parts of our new bulletins first. Guest receptions!
Old Format
Our old monthly guest receptions at a home nearby is a thing of the past. Who knows? Maybe we’ll be able to start these up again. We made a lot of good memories and they served [...]

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Sunday Bulletins

April 10, 2012

For a church plant, even the smallest advances are often reason to celebrate. And last Sunday was one of them…
We have bulletins!
Thanks Sovereign Grace Church. You guys are the pioneers. You guys are patient. You guys are willing to trust God even when we don’t have all the usual “churchy” stuff. You’re spontaneous applause last [...]

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Prayer Requests

March 21, 2012

Lots happening at Sovereign Grace Church and we’d appreciate your prayers. Here’s a short list of  church-wide requests.

Pray for an alternative Sunday location for three upcoming services (one Sunday per month over the next three months). The Woman’s Club of Orange has prior agreements for these dates and we need to meet elsewhere. Pray He [...]

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Doing Church Differently

March 6, 2012

Lots of changes coming this Sunday!

New time – 11:00am-12:30pm
New Location – The Woman’s Club of Orange (Tip: There are always open spaces at the Orange Public Library.)
New Liturgy

Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship
Songs of Adoration, Confession, and Assurance
Affirmations, Reports, and Prayers
Songs of Thanksgiving and Petition
Offering
Break
Sermon
Song of Celebration (often w/Communion)
Benediction

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Help Wanted

February 29, 2012

As I mentioned Sunday, there are some new opportunities to serve at Sovereign Grace Church.
Of course, as soon as I sat down (DURING THE SERVICE) my phone started ringing off the hook. Ha!
You got to fight for your right to serve at our church! Wow!
Here’s the current list of volunteers we’ve been praying for. Each [...]

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Dylan’s story

February 22, 2012

Last Sunday we welcomed Dylan publicly as a member of Sovereign Grace Church. Happy 18th Birthday Dylan! You’re official!
He shared the following during the service…
Hello! My name is Dylan and here’s my story of how God has met me through Sovereign Grace: To begin, I got saved when I was 14. I didn’t grown up in a [...]

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Texas-Sized Party

January 3, 2012

There’s nothing like a big party to celebrate God’s gift of friendship. We’re going to miss you Kipsy!

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Member Meeting Recap

December 8, 2011

Last Sunday morning I snapped a photo. Couldn’t resist!
Here are two guys who not long ago were strangers, living in different countries, on different continents, for different reasons. Neither of them were in California. Neither of them had a connection to our church. Just men moving here for school and work, trusting the Lord to [...]

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