We are having a church work day on Saturday, Dec 2 from 8am to 4 pm. We will be doing some sprucing up and light chores along with some landscaping in preparation for our first Sunday service at the new location the next day.

We’ll be starting the day with prayer at 8am. Coffee and bagels / donuts will be served in the morning. Join us for any part of the day as you are able. We will also be serving lunch. After lunch, ministry teams will be setting up and running through Sunday morning routines in order to get familiar with the new premises.

Please join us - this is a great time to build together as a church body. Working together is a great friendship building and bonding experience!

We want to extend our condolences to Janice Vessey whose father, Daniel Fuller, passed away on June 21, 2023. Below, please find three articles on Daniel’s life and legacy.

John Piper wrote an article on the Desiring God site titled: My Most Influential Teacher: A Tribute to Daniel Fuller. Please take a moment to click HERE to read about Janice’s father.

An article in the Pasadena Star News: Remembering Daniel P. Fuller: Honoring a Legacy of Scholarship and Vision at Fuller Theological Seminary

And one more from the Gospel Coalition: How Three Friends Dropped Out of Princeton Theological Seminary, Joined the Inaugural Class of Fuller Theological Seminary, and Changed Evangelicalism

On Sunday, May 21st, we will be ordaining Tim Owens as an Elder/Pastor. This is a culmination of over 2 years of praying, planning, and preparation. We are so grateful to God for orchestrating this entire process.

Our Sovereign Grace Regional Director, Eric Turbedsky will be preaching and officiating the service.

If you’re wondering about what Ordination is or why it’s important, we’ve included a section from the Sovereign Grace Ordination Guide below for you to read.

Please join us Sunday, the 21st at 3 pm as we officially welcome Tim as a new Pastor/Elder. There will be a celebration dinner after the service. Please come!

“God’s Word presents the role of a pastor as a high calling and privilege. There is a unique authority and responsibility entrusted to Christ’s under-shepherds. Every pastor is to be a skilled teacher of Scripture and must be capable of feeding the flock from God’s Word. Every pastor is also a governing elder in the affairs of the church, a spiritual overseer, a guardian of sound doctrine, and a refuter of false doctrine.

Therefore, to be ordained as a pastor, a candidate must be a proven student of God’s Word, “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). The candidate must be “able to teach” (1 Tim 3:2). “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). He must be able to protect the flock from falsedoctrine and from wolves (Acts 20:28-30).

The Sovereign Grace Book of Church Order (BCO), following biblical standards for eldership, states that all of our elders must possess an aptitude for sound doctrine: “Elders must possess as aptitude for sound doctrine, which means they understand and believe it and can teach and defend it” (3.5). They must also have an ability to teach: “Such an ability to teach implies a basic ability to organize ideas, accurately exegete the biblical text, and communicate this in a way that encourages, instructs, and even inspires other believers” (3.5.3).

The ordination process for the churches of Sovereign Grace is intended to protect the integrity of our doctrinal commitments and values, to guard against being hasty in the laying on of hands (1 Tim 5:22), and to ensure that called and qualified men are filling our pulpits, leading our church plants, and pastoring our churches. All current elders in the churches of Sovereign Grace have a vested interest in the quality of our future elders. The theological maturity and biblical fidelity of our pastors is fundamental to the health of our union of churches.

For this reason, there must be ordination standards that accurately assess a man’s knowledge and handling of Scripture, his ability to understand and apply sound doctrine, and his fundamental doctrinal commitments. There must be doctrinal standards for eldership that are higher than what is required of church members (Jas 3:1). There should be a process of careful study, preparation, and examination. Candidates should be assessed for their ability to bring God’s Word to bear on a range of theological, pastoral, and contemporary issues. The examination should also cover our Statement of Faith, BCO, and our shared values.

Such a process is faithful to the standards of Scripture, is in keeping with the Sovereign Grace BCO,and promotes the future health of the churches of Sovereign Grace.”

Sovereign Grace Churches Ordination Guide Pg. 3

Pastor’s College Graduation Photo

Sovereign Grace Pasadena and The Chapel of Pasadena are teaming up again this year to bring elementary kids JAM! VBS .  JAM has nothing to do with sticky substances, although sticky substances are never off the table when planning a fun-filled day camp for kids! It just stands for "Jesus and Me." 

Our goal is to help kids develop a deeper trust in Jesus through Bible stories, worship songs, crafts, music, games, and interaction with caring adults and teens. 

This year's JAM will be July 10--14, from 9am to noon at Victory Park in Pasadena. 

It's open to all kiddos entering Kindergarten through 6th grade (or about 5--12 years old) and is entirely free to attend.

Volunteers and junior helpers are needed, welcomed, and appreciated! 

Click here to register or here to email the church office about volunteering.

CLICK HERE to read about the recent graduating class from the Ethiopian Pastor’s College!

Sovereign Grace Churches

Our vision is to build a global denomination comprising biblically faithful, gospel-centered churches that are “self-supporting, self-governing, and self-extending,” who in an interdependent, defined partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches advance the gospel of Jesus Christ together for the glory of God alone.

CLICK HERE to read more about how we are partnering with churches around the world

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

— MATTHEW 28:19

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. - Titus 1:8

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. - Heb. 13:16

We live in an area surrounded by College Campuses: PCC, Providence, Art Center, APU, USC - to mention just a few! While we don’t have a specific, organized College Ministry, we can do a lot to minister to the young adults who attend area colleges just by including them in our lives and in our church.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and is a great opportunity to reach out and invite someone over for dinner with your family. Take the next couple weeks to look around to see who God might be putting in your path to invite to share in God’s goodness with you and your family.

Below is an article that has several ideas on how we can minister to the college students in our midst. Take a look and see how you might be able to bless someone!

Welcoming College Students at Church

Is there a college campus near your church or in your community? Your church can make a big difference in the life of a college student. Here are some fun and easy ways to welcome college students who visit your congregation. They’ll appreciate your efforts and your church will be enriched by their participation.

• Make a point to meet and speak to college students when they come to church. Feeling welcomed is the #1 concern of students who attend a new church.

• Invite students to sit with you during worship so they don’t sit alone.

• Treat a student to lunch after worship. Whether it be at home or a local restaurant, students will appreciate an invitation to talk and eat a meal that was not prepared at the dining hall.

• Bring extra food for after-church potlucks and invite the students to stay for lunch. Most students do not have kitchen facilities to prepare a potluck dish, but they want to participate in church activities.

• Make a personal phone call to a student who attends your church on Sunday morning, and answer any questions they may have about your congregation.

• Take a student for coffee during the week following their visit at church.

• Offer to drive students to worship.

• Send birthday cards, a bookmark, or words of encouragement throughout the year. Students love mail.

• Include college students on your Church Newsletter mailing list.

• Offer Sunday School classes on topics of interest to young adults.

• Organize a fellowship activity for college students.

• Present a plant to every new student who attends worship.

• Include students in worship, inviting them to read scripture, usher, or serve as a communion steward.

• Create “care packages” for students before finals week. Cookies, small toys, pens, sticky notes, stuffed animals, and even a Slinky would be great gifts for stressed out students. Enclose a note wishing them well on their exams.

• Adopt a student for a year, inviting them to meals and calling to be sure they are all right.

• Include students in your family’s holiday activities. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are hard times to be far away from home.

• Design a flier describing your local church and post it in the Student Union on campus. Be sure to include worship times and a map to your church.

~from Building Faith: A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary

PRINT

Joselo Mercado, Emerging Nations Representative to Latin America, and pastor at Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Gaithersburg with his family and friends on a recent trip to Costa Rica to meet with churches that are exploring partnership with Sovereign Grace.

Curious about what SGC does for missions?

Click below for a report on what we’re doing globally - in The Philippines, Croatia, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica

Emerging Nations: Updates from Around the World

“No” on Prop 1 = “Yes” for Life

Abortion has been a hot topic in our nation for longer than any of us can remember and we are again facing an important and historical moment with this important issue. On Nov. 8 Prop 1 will be on the ballet for California voters to decide whether or not to change the State of California’s constitution. This change will expressly include the right to an abortion. This comes in response to a U.S. Supreme court decision this past summer to overturn the almost fifty-year-old “Roe v. Wade” decision which legalized abortion in our country. While abortion is currently legal in the State of California, there are certain restrictions (age of viability and health of the mother) but if Prop 1 passes, these will no longer be in effect and California will become a kind of abortion sanctuary not just for California citizens but for the entire nation.

Realizing that each life was created by God in His own image (Gen. 1:27), and that each life holds distinct value and ought to be protected (Gen. 9:6), this becomes an important opportunity for Christians to express this value both to honor God and for the good or our society. The scriptures often speak specifically about life prior to birth, strengthening the case for protecting the unborn. See Job 31:15 Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? Ps. 139:13 you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. Isa. 44:2 Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you.  And remember Elizabeth when Mary came to visit. Luke 1:43 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

We are dealing with lives that are precious in God’s eyes and we ought to make the most of our right and opportunity to see this expressed in this upcoming election. There is much more that can and ought to be done to protect and save the lives at any age, but certainly not less than simply voting to stop this harmful law from passing. Sitting by while the supposed majority in California simply takes this ground without putting forth the effort to stop this proposition would be a sad testimony for the Christians of California.

As pastors, we recognize that not everyone agrees with this position and that there are many factors that might be helpful to discuss in more depth; something we would welcome if you find yourself either disagreeing or at least wrestling with challenging questions. Please feel free to contact us.

We also recognize that given the long-standing acceptance and practice of abortion, it is possible that some reading this have had an abortion. While we take a stand against abortion, our highest calling and our greatest desire is to see people know the grace of God and know His forgiveness. What Christ did on our behalf is powerful enough for all our sins. We all need the grace of God and our hope would be for you experience this grace and for your soul to be free and healed.

My hope is to encourage all of you to vote in this midterm election and to vote “No” on proposition 1.

If you would like more information about this proposition, here is a website to get you started.

https://www.californiafamily.org/prop-1/

If you would like to get more involved in this important issue, consider subscribing, giving, or volunteer for the following organizations.

1.     www.40daysforlife.com

2.     www.obria.org

3.     www.ijm.org

Here’s a Spotify playlist for your drive up to the mountains of Idyllwild where we will gather to meet together for our California Celebration.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6b9MrelPO7FglKyKSBcxTc?si=2195e7fc22674603

Use this as a way to prepare your hearts to worship God together as 3 Churches for 2 Days with 1 Mission.

If you weren’t able to attend the seminar, The Empowering Ministry of the Holy Spirit, taught by Jeff Purswell, you can watch the video and read the handout by clicking the link below:

https://hub.sgcorange.com/holyspirit

Ron will be in Newport for the next three days, Sept 20-22 attending the Senior Pastor’s Retreat. This is a time for pastors to gather to pray for their churches and to plan for future ministry in our region.

Please be in prayer for Ron and the other pastors - for the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom, discernment, and direction as they meet to pray and plan.

Community Groups are starting up again in September…which one do you belong to?

Our community groups are designed for “one another” ministry.  We meet regularly to love one another, speak truth to one another, pray for one another and counsel one another.

Each group is unique. We invite you to visit as many groups as you need in order to find the one that fits you best.

Click HERE to find out more about our small groups and when and where they meet.

Join us for an evening seminar - at the OC church - with Jeff Purswell, Director of Theology for Sovereign Grace Churches. We will cover the work of the Holy Spirit, drawing from our revised Statement of Faith. Attention will be given to our continuationist convictions, which have been a distinctive part of Sovereign Grace’s history and ongoing theological emphases. CLICK HERE for more information on the seminar! CLICK HERE to find out more about our Statement of Faith.

As we go through our Summer Series on the Psalms of Confidence, here’s a song to accompany us on our journey toward a greater confidence in Jesus. We’ll be singing this tomorrow. Watch video below:

Lyrics:

Verse 1
Jesus, Your mercy is all my plea
I have no defense, my guilt runs too deep
The best of my works pierced Your hands and Your feet
Jesus, Your mercy is all my plea

Verse 2
Jesus, Your mercy is all my boast
The goodness I claim, the grounds of my hope
Whatever I lack it’s still what I need most
Jesus, Your mercy is all my boast

Chorus
Praise the King who bore my sin
Took my place when I stood condemned
Oh how good You’ve always been to me
I will sing of Your mercy

Verse 3
Jesus, Your mercy is all my rest
When fears weigh me down and enemies press
A comfort I cling to in life and in death
Jesus Your mercy is all my rest

Verse 4
Jesus, your mercy is all my joy
Forever I’ll lift my heart and my voice
To sing of a treasure no pow’r can destroy
Jesus, your mercy is all my joy

This fall, we will be joining forces with another gospel-centered church in our area - The Chapel - to build some momentum and provide an opportunity for our youth to build friendships with other Christians their age, receive the benefit of multiple voices encouraging them to grow in Christ, and strengthen our ties with other like-minded churches.

Pastors from both our churches, along with their volunteer youth minister, Brian Anderson, have been incredibly encouraging. Brian enjoyed participating in the JAM Bible Camp this summer with our church, and was excited to hear that there may be more ways for our two churches to serve the Lord together. Brian and I put together a rough draft of a plan to hold joint youth events this Fall (Sept - Nov), and the leadership team / elders from each church have now approved the plan.

One of the benefits of working together with The Chapel is that we will be able to use their facility for meetings. Scheduling is a bit of a challenge trying to fit youth meetings into two church calendars, not to mention fitting these meetings into your busy schedules! In the end, we decided to meet weekly on Wednesday nights at The Chapel. These meetings will alternate between Praise & Worship nights kinda like a mini church service geared specifically toward youth, and “discipleship” nights where youth will split into smaller groups based on age.

Mark your calendars and join us for our first meeting on September 14! This will be a kick-off party / BBQ in the courtyard at The Chapel. More details to come shortly.

Living in Godʼs Loving Protection (part 2)

By Karen Coulter, MA

A couple months back, I described three aspects of Godʼs love and protection as a strong tower, being covered under His wings and as a secret place in Him. Below are three more ways that God expresses His loving care toward us and provides a refuge we can find in Him alone.

My Rock!

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; The Lord lives; blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted (Ps 18:2a, 46). Often I tell counselees that they need to have their lives and identity firmly planted on the Rock. A rock is solid, stable, and unwavering. Life changes; people come and go; circumstances change; sometimes it is stormy and sometimes it is calm. But the rock doesnʼt move; it remains the same.

In this life of uncertainty Iʼm glad I have the Lord Who does not change. I can depend on Him to be there for me. “When I need a shelter, when I need a friend I go to The Rock.” My mom recently went to be with the Lord, which was sad but also a blessing since she is in Heaven and not suffering anymore. During this time I was holding on to my Rock. I remember driving down the road and singing “And though the storms may come, I am holding on, to The Rock I cling.”

Psalm 61:2 says, From the end of the earth, I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Some people hang on to money or other people or things that waver like the sand of the sea. But Psalm 62:6,7 tells a different story where it describes God as my only rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory, the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God. Another great word picture - He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (Ps 40:2). We sing, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground IS sinking sand.” Are you standing on solid ground?

My Shield!

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him (Ps 18:30). A shield is a defensive barrier between you and the enemy, a protective screen that guards you from danger. No matter what Satan or the world throws at you, God is a shield of defense and protection. This doesnʼt mean that you will not have problems. The fact that you need a shield says that you are going to experience trouble. However, God will be with you in your trials. What seems impossible and overwhelming, discouraging and without an answer is suddenly an opportunity to trust God and see what He is going to do! Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield (Ps 33:20). Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him (Pro 30:5).

In counseling we talk about the pieces of armor in Ephesians 6. Without the shield of faith, we are bombarded by Satanʼs darts, lies or tricks and can only duck! Of course we must fight back with Godʼs Word. Psalm 28:7 says that the Lord is our strength and shield and when we trust Him we rejoice and sing praise to Him. We sing, Thou, oh Lord, are a shield about me, Youʼre my glory and the lifter of my head (Ps 3:3) and You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word (Ps 119:114). So when the darts are being thrown at us, our head does not have to hang low. We can sing knowing that He is our shield and hiding place. Do you respond to the enemy with your Shield in place?

My Good Shepherd!

We were like sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1Pet 2:25). Like sheep, we wander from God our Shepherd and go our own way without protection, heading to our death. Yet He loves us so much He sacrificed His life for us so that we could have eternal life. I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep (Jn 10:11). He has redeemed us and brought us back to Himself.

A shepherd guards, defends, protects, leads and cares for His sheep. In Psalms 23, we see God providing for our needs, giving us rest, guiding and directing our path. He promises to be with us even in the threat of death. He corrects us for our own good. He guards and defends us from danger. Isaiah 40:11 says, He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms; He will carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are young. What a tender picture of how God cares for us! He loves us and gently leads us and even carries us when we canʼt go on.

He understands us and knows us individually. I am the good shepherd, and I know my own and my own know me (Jn 10:14). He knows our weaknesses and strengths, and our personality. God made us and knows what is best for us. Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He Who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture (Ps 100:3). Often we think we should be in control and should be able do our own thing. Like sheep we have a mind of our own and go off wandering our own way and do not realize the danger we are in. Our Shepherd gently warns us that we need to change our direction. Do you listen to your Shepherd, or do you continue on your own path?

God is my firm Rock on which I stand, my Shield of defense against the enemy of my soul, and my Good Shepherd Who watches over me until Iʼm Home safe. Do you know my God and have you found your refuge in HIM alone? He is waiting for you with open arms!

Biblical Counseling Center

Biblical Counseling Center publishes eCounselorʼs Weekly guide, to encourage counselors and all believers in discipleship and daily growth

Main Office • 3233 N Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 302 Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Schererville Office • 833 W Lincoln Hwy, Suite 115W Schererville, Indiana 46375
Fox Lake Office • Fox Lake Community Church, 25 W Big Hollow Road Fox Lake, Illinois 60020
Email info@biblicalcounselingcenter.org • Telephone (847) 398-7193
Copyright Biblical Counseling Center © 2011
Permission is granted to reproduce and distribute, in PDF format or paper copies for a group, in its original form.