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Beloved Grace Family,
While the Bible is no stranger to miraculous births, no birth was as startling and surprising as the Virgin Birth of Christ.
It only took Matthew one verse to explain it, but it takes us a lifetime to even begin to understand it. We take it on faith. And we must take it to heart.
Deniers of Scripture and it’s authority work overtime to come up with all sorts of inaccurate, outlandish, bizarre stories regarding the Virgin Birth to obscure the reality of Christ’s identity.
Even biblical scholars are often skeptical. The fact remains — it was promised — and it happened. On Sunday, we will see what the Bible reveals and why it is so important to our faith.
In Christ,
Mike
P.S. Check out our December daily devotional that ties into the sermons this month. Find it here.
WOMEN'S EVENT: Favorite Things Gift Exchange
Tonight at 7:00 pm in the MPR! Pick 1 of your favorite items from this year (product or gift card, between $5-$10 value) and bring 3 of them (unwrapped) for a fun gift exchange! More info and sign up here.
INVITING & EVANGELISM SUNDAY 12/11
Join us after third service on Sunday for lunch followed by evangelism and inviting in the neighborhoods around GCO. We will meet in the MPR and be done by 2:00 pm. For more info, contact Connor Hass here.
EL MODENA FAMILY CHRISTMAS GIFT BOXES
We would love your help in providing gifts to El Modena families this Christmas! Stop by the Local Outreach table on Sunday to find out how you can get involved. We have 75 families available! Gifts will be given at the El Modena Christmas Party on 12/18. Contact Brittany for info here.
QUARTERLY MEN'S EVENT
Join us for a morning of encouragement from the Word, fellowship, and breakfast together on Saturday, December 17th from 8:00-11:00 am at GCO! We will hear a message from Josh Petras. Sign up here.
BAPTISMS ON SUNDAY 12/18
We are celebrating believers' baptism on Sunday, December 18th, at 12:30 pm in the sanctuary, followed by a lunch reception on the plaza! If you need to be baptized, let us know here.
CHRISTMAS AT GRACE
Join us for a Christmas Eve Service, 12/24, 4:00-5:00 pm & on Christmas day, 12/25, for regular services at 8:00/9:30/11:00 am, livestream at 9:30 am.
BRING THE BOOK: EPHESIANS
Series in Ephesians starts 1/1. Bring the Book on January 4th, 6:00-7:30 pm. Join us for dinner together, a time of worship & to read Ephesians! Sign up.
WINTER RETREATS: Jr. High, High School, Anchored
Sign up for Winter Retreats! January 6-8th, at Oak Glen Conference Center.
- Jr High Winter Retreat here
- High School Winter Retreat here
- Anchored Winter Retreat here
ZAMBIA/MALAWI MISSIONS TRIP SUPPORT
We are excited to let you know about a wonderful opportunity God has opened up for a team to travel to Zambia and Malawi February 2-17, 2023 to preach, teach, and mutually encourage pastors and churches in Africa. The team consists of Pastor Mike, Connor Hass, Steve Skelly, and Tony Verdecia. View their support letter here. Give online here.
HELP NEEDED
We need volunteers for Connecting Team! Ushers, greeters, parking, and hospitality. If you are interested, please fill out the Serve at Grace form here.
GO WITH GRACE
Progress is being made on the GWG project. We have received feedback on the plans from plan check and are making needed adjustments. We anticipate construction beginning in the first quarter of 2023.
WEEKLY GROUPS
JOIN US THIS SUNDAY!
- We meet in the Worship Center at 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 am. Outdoor seating is available. Livestream on YouTube here at 9:30 am.
- Anclados en Cristo - Servicio en Español 11:00 am.
- Anchored (18-25) Sundays at 11:00 am in A2 & 6:30 pm at the Holbrook's.
- Children's Ministry is available all three services for birth - 2nd Grade.
- Classes for 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, Jr. High, & High School available at 9:30 am.
- Adult Bible classes are available all services. List of classes here.
GET INVOLVED
Join a Bible Class or Home Group! List of Home Groups here.
List of Bible Classes here. This Sunday:
Journey (8:00 am) meets in A2 to study the Book of Nehemiah
Lifebuilders (9:30 am) meets in A1 to study the book of Joshua
Logos (9:30 am) meets in the MPR to study the Book of 1 Samuel
Devoted (9:30 am) meets in A2 for a Biblical study of Parenting Issues
Anchored (11:00 am) college-age meets in A2 to discuss the sermon
SERVE SOMEWHERE!
Consider how to engage your God-given gifts to serve Jesus and bless others! 1st step: Go to our Serve at Grace link (here) to express your interest. A ministry leader will reach out to you.
BIBLICAL COUNSELING
If you or someone you know is in need of Biblical Counseling contact Randy & Susan Clark here for assistance. We have numerous people (men & women) who are ready and glad to bring biblical counsel to those who are desiring help.
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP!
Stay connected with us through the Church Center app! The app is available for free on Android and iOS here.
DIGITAL RESOURCES
GIVING OPTIONS
- Online, give online here
- Mail directly to church - 2201 E. Fairhaven Ave., Orange, CA 92869
- Offering box in the back of the Worship Center
Thank you for your joyful, thoughtful, sacrificial, gracious giving that has enabled us to do so much ministry this year. We are looking forward to what God enables us to do with that which is entrusted to us in the coming year as we continue to joyfully, thoughtfully, sacrificially, and generously give.
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