My friends Paul and Barb Ratkovich are an amazing couple. They have such passionate hearts to serve Jesus and serve people. Here is a snapshot of one of the ways they serve here in Orange County at the OC Rescue Mission (www.rescuemission.org)
Serving Orange County, California in the Name of Jesus in 2013
As followers of Jesus, God calls us to love God and love our neighbor and share the good news (Gospel) about Jesus. "The Great Commandment" (Love God & Love One Another) and "The Great Commission" (Make Disciples) are the bookends of this great calling. Over the past few months here at Calvary Church in Santa Ana (www.calvarylife.org) we have been creating and brainstorming practical ways to carry out this calling. Below are some of the ideas we have created, borrowed, adapted etc. I pray they are useful to you as you consider ways in which you can live out your calling as a follower of Jesus!
1.
Deliver a bowl of soup + crackers to someone you know who is sick or in
need…
8 Simple Ideas
to Reach Orange County For Christ
Adapted by permission from Jonathan Dodson, (www.vergenetwork.org)
1. Eat with Non-Christians. We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite others. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversation. BBQ and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
2. Walk, Don’t Drive. We are so blessed to live here in Orange County, home to the best climate in the world! Make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox, convenience store, or apartment office, walk to get mail, groceries, and stuff. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog or bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people!
3. Be a Regular. Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places. Get to know the staff. Go to the same places at the same times. Smile. Ask questions. Build relationships. Be a Regular.
4. Hobby with Non-Christians. Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try City League sports. Local cycling or softball teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons. Teach sewing lessons, piano lessons, violin, guitar, knitting, tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
5. Talk to Your Co-workers. How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form mom groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
6. Volunteer with Non-Profits. Connect with one of our Reach Local non-profit partners (www.calvarylife.org/reach/local) and take Saturday a month to serve. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
7. Participate in City Events. Instead of playing X-Box, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, clean-ups, summer shows, and concerts. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
8. Serve your Neighbors. Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!
13 Ongoing Ways to Serve Orange
County in 2013
1. Motel Ministry
Join Calvary’s Motel Ministry at the Sunland Motel in Santa Ana (2111 E. 1st St. Santa Ana 92705) at 10am on the 2nd Saturday of each month to distribute grocery boxes and resources from the Orange County Rescue Mission to low-income residents. Contact Pastor Matt Doan at mdoan@calvarylife.org or 714.550.2378 for more info.
Join Calvary’s Motel Ministry at the Sunland Motel in Santa Ana (2111 E. 1st St. Santa Ana 92705) at 10am on the 2nd Saturday of each month to distribute grocery boxes and resources from the Orange County Rescue Mission to low-income residents. Contact Pastor Matt Doan at mdoan@calvarylife.org or 714.550.2378 for more info.
2. Donate a Frozen Food
Box to a Family in Need
Calvary Church sponsors a monthly food box ministry which distributes 21-25 pounds of high quality frozen food and fresh fruits and vegetables for affordable costs. The boxes are available for personal use or to donate to a family in need in our Church or neighborhood. Volunteers are also needed on distribution days (8:30am to 11:30am). To volunteer or donate, contact Jerry or Ann Bennett at annlbennett@ca.rr.com or 949.289.8981 or go to www.goldensharefoods.com
Calvary Church sponsors a monthly food box ministry which distributes 21-25 pounds of high quality frozen food and fresh fruits and vegetables for affordable costs. The boxes are available for personal use or to donate to a family in need in our Church or neighborhood. Volunteers are also needed on distribution days (8:30am to 11:30am). To volunteer or donate, contact Jerry or Ann Bennett at annlbennett@ca.rr.com or 949.289.8981 or go to www.goldensharefoods.com
3. Organize Clothes at
the Sheepfold Thrift Store (*Family Friendly)
All proceeds from the Sheepfold Thrift Store go to support the programs at the Sheepfold (www.thesheepfold.org), which provides shelters and programs for abused woman with children. This is a wonderful opportunity for a group of friends, families or Lifegroups. The duties include moving merchandise from the back of the warehouse to the front of the store, cleaning and organizing the aisles and clothing racks.To volunteer contact DeAnne at (714) 237-1444 or DeAnne@thesheepfold.org
4. Become a Homework Club Instructor for At-Risk Kids at KidWorks
Kidworks (www.kidsworksonline.org) needs 80 volunteers a week to run their after school programs for at-risk kids in Santa Ana. As a Homework Club Volunteer, you will support a child by helping them with their homework, character development and other educational needs. You don't need specific academic knowledge, just a desire to be a consistent presence in a child’s life. Volunteer hours are from 3:30 – 5:30 pm Monday – Thursday. To Volunteer, Contact Donia at 714.834.9400 ext. 111 or donia@kidworksonline.org
All proceeds from the Sheepfold Thrift Store go to support the programs at the Sheepfold (www.thesheepfold.org), which provides shelters and programs for abused woman with children. This is a wonderful opportunity for a group of friends, families or Lifegroups. The duties include moving merchandise from the back of the warehouse to the front of the store, cleaning and organizing the aisles and clothing racks.To volunteer contact DeAnne at (714) 237-1444 or DeAnne@thesheepfold.org
4. Become a Homework Club Instructor for At-Risk Kids at KidWorks
Kidworks (www.kidsworksonline.org) needs 80 volunteers a week to run their after school programs for at-risk kids in Santa Ana. As a Homework Club Volunteer, you will support a child by helping them with their homework, character development and other educational needs. You don't need specific academic knowledge, just a desire to be a consistent presence in a child’s life. Volunteer hours are from 3:30 – 5:30 pm Monday – Thursday. To Volunteer, Contact Donia at 714.834.9400 ext. 111 or donia@kidworksonline.org
5. Mentor a Mom or Dad
in Crisis thru Birth Choice Health Clinics
Every day, Birth Choice (www.bchcdonor.org) serves and cares for pregnant women and their partners in crisis. Men volunteers are needed to care for and mentor Dad’s thru the Birth Choice “Dad’s Project.” Women volunteers are needed to care for and mentor Mom’s in crisis thru the “New Beginning’s” program. For volunteer opportunities contact, Jennifer Wallace at (714) 541-5484 x225 or jen@birthchoiceclinic.org
Every day, Birth Choice (www.bchcdonor.org) serves and cares for pregnant women and their partners in crisis. Men volunteers are needed to care for and mentor Dad’s thru the Birth Choice “Dad’s Project.” Women volunteers are needed to care for and mentor Mom’s in crisis thru the “New Beginning’s” program. For volunteer opportunities contact, Jennifer Wallace at (714) 541-5484 x225 or jen@birthchoiceclinic.org
6. Open Your Home to a
Child in Crisis
Safe Families is a grassroots, local Church based program supported by Olivecrest. This ministry exists to provide temporary housing to children (0-18) whose families are facing a sudden family crisis. You can sign up to offer your home as a temporary place for a child to stay. The average stay for a child is anywhere from 1 to 40 days. Contact Jen McAvaney, Calvary’s Safe Family Volunteer Coordinator for more info at jennmac@mac.com
Safe Families is a grassroots, local Church based program supported by Olivecrest. This ministry exists to provide temporary housing to children (0-18) whose families are facing a sudden family crisis. You can sign up to offer your home as a temporary place for a child to stay. The average stay for a child is anywhere from 1 to 40 days. Contact Jen McAvaney, Calvary’s Safe Family Volunteer Coordinator for more info at jennmac@mac.com
7. Serve with
Calvary’s Convalescent Home Ministry (*Family
Friendly)
Join our brand new convalescent
home ministry on the second Saturday of each month at 10am. Locations vary so contact Bob Browning at
714.345.7435 for more info and locations.
8. Provide New Socks to
Santa Ana Homeless
Mercy House
(www.mercyhouse.net) in Santa Ana is a
non-profit homeless prevention and emergency services provider. Mercy House
hosts the Cold Weather Armory Homeless Shelter in Santa Ana, December thru
March. They are in need of packages of men’s and women’s socks (sizes 6-12).
For more info or to find out when to drop off donations, Contact: Ashleigh at
ashleigha@mercyhouse.net or 714-836-7188 x102.
9. Prepare Food
Backpacks for Homeless Children in OC
Giving Children Hope (www.gchope.org) is looking for volunteers to help with the “We’ve Got Your Back” program to feed the homeless children in Orange County. Volunteers are needed to sort through donated food, stock our shelves and pack the children’s backpacks full of food for the homeless children to take to their families over the weekend. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm. Contact: Drew Bryson at dbryson@gchope.org or 714-523-4454
Giving Children Hope (www.gchope.org) is looking for volunteers to help with the “We’ve Got Your Back” program to feed the homeless children in Orange County. Volunteers are needed to sort through donated food, stock our shelves and pack the children’s backpacks full of food for the homeless children to take to their families over the weekend. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm. Contact: Drew Bryson at dbryson@gchope.org or 714-523-4454
10. Serve at a Teen with
Disabilities Event
Capernaum (www.tustincapernaum.blogspot.com) is part of Young Life, a parachurch organization, which shares the gospel and reaches teenagers with disabilities. Capernaum gives these teenagers opportunities to have fun, try new things, build their self esteem, make new friends, and explore a personal relationship with God through club (regular monthly scheduled meetings), camps (week long in the summer), and other activities (such as karaoke nights and holiday parties). For more info or to volunteer contact Kara Kawanami at kara.kawanami@gmail.com or 408.489.3635.
Capernaum (www.tustincapernaum.blogspot.com) is part of Young Life, a parachurch organization, which shares the gospel and reaches teenagers with disabilities. Capernaum gives these teenagers opportunities to have fun, try new things, build their self esteem, make new friends, and explore a personal relationship with God through club (regular monthly scheduled meetings), camps (week long in the summer), and other activities (such as karaoke nights and holiday parties). For more info or to volunteer contact Kara Kawanami at kara.kawanami@gmail.com or 408.489.3635.
11. Donate Food Items to
the Orange County Rescue Mission
O.C.R.M. (www.rescuemission.org) serves the least, last and lost of Orange County. All food items can be dropped off at the Village of Hope Warehouse (One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782) between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Sat). Contact Mike Martinez at mmartinez@rescuemission.org or (714) 247-4300 with any questions or more info. Most Urgent Food Items needed include: Soups (Top Ramen/Cup of Noodles), juices and healthy snacks for children, Beef, chicken, pork, etc. in bulk, rice, pasta, and mac and cheese, peanut butter/ jelly, cereal, milk, cheeses and eggs in bulk, fresh produce in bulk and miscellaneous such as toilet paper, napkins , 55 gal trash bags, zip lock sandwich baggies, sponges, Comet, furniture polish, laundry detergent, bleach and fabric softener.
O.C.R.M. (www.rescuemission.org) serves the least, last and lost of Orange County. All food items can be dropped off at the Village of Hope Warehouse (One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782) between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Sat). Contact Mike Martinez at mmartinez@rescuemission.org or (714) 247-4300 with any questions or more info. Most Urgent Food Items needed include: Soups (Top Ramen/Cup of Noodles), juices and healthy snacks for children, Beef, chicken, pork, etc. in bulk, rice, pasta, and mac and cheese, peanut butter/ jelly, cereal, milk, cheeses and eggs in bulk, fresh produce in bulk and miscellaneous such as toilet paper, napkins , 55 gal trash bags, zip lock sandwich baggies, sponges, Comet, furniture polish, laundry detergent, bleach and fabric softener.
12. Help
an Elderly Widow with Yardwork (*Family Friendly)
The scriptures tell us as Christians to live out our faith by taking care of Orphans and Widows (James 1:27). You can accomplish this through our Operation Love Ministry, serving Widows through simple tasks of yard work, house repair, errand running etc. Contact John Sherman at jsherman@calvarylife.org or 714.550.2320 for opportunities.
13. Serve at the OC Armory Emergency Shelter (December 2012 - March 2013)
Mercy House’s OC Armory Emergency Shelter hosts 200+ homeless men, women and families nightly. Volunteers needed at the Armory (612 E. Warner, Santa Ana, 92707) and at the Family Emergency Shelter located just a few blocks from Calvary on Grand Ave in Santa Ana. For info or to volunteer, sign up online at www.mercyhouse.net or contact MarissaN@mercyhouse.net or 714-836-7188 ext 112.
The scriptures tell us as Christians to live out our faith by taking care of Orphans and Widows (James 1:27). You can accomplish this through our Operation Love Ministry, serving Widows through simple tasks of yard work, house repair, errand running etc. Contact John Sherman at jsherman@calvarylife.org or 714.550.2320 for opportunities.
13. Serve at the OC Armory Emergency Shelter (December 2012 - March 2013)
Mercy House’s OC Armory Emergency Shelter hosts 200+ homeless men, women and families nightly. Volunteers needed at the Armory (612 E. Warner, Santa Ana, 92707) and at the Family Emergency Shelter located just a few blocks from Calvary on Grand Ave in Santa Ana. For info or to volunteer, sign up online at www.mercyhouse.net or contact MarissaN@mercyhouse.net or 714-836-7188 ext 112.
12
{Out of the Box} Orange County Servant Evangelism Ideas
2. Do a
chore for a neighbor (Take out a neighbor’s garbage cans on Trash Day,
Volunteer to wash their car when you wash yours)
3.
Prepare an extra sack lunch to take to work and share with a co-worker
4. Go to
a laundry mat and pay for someone’s load of laundry (see www.laundrylovesantaana.com)
5. Volunteer to work in the snack bar (for free)
at your local little league field (www.littleleague.org)
6. Write a handwritten thank you card to someone
who serves you on a weekly basis (mailman, custodian, barista, gardener, etc).
7.
Distribute a package of AA batteries or Lightbulbs to the
houses/apartments near where you live
8. Invite a neighbor or co-worker to go walking/jogging with you on a regular basis
8. Invite a neighbor or co-worker to go walking/jogging with you on a regular basis
9. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you
in line at a local coffee shop
10. Hand out a $5 Fast Food Restaurant gift card
along with a Gospel tract to a person holding a cardboard sign at a stoplight
or intersection.
11. Deliver a meal to a family with a child at C.H.O.C. Hospital in Orange. (go to www.ronaldhouseoc.org)
12. Offer to consistently pick-up or drop off a teammate from one of your children’s sports teams.
11. Deliver a meal to a family with a child at C.H.O.C. Hospital in Orange. (go to www.ronaldhouseoc.org)
12. Offer to consistently pick-up or drop off a teammate from one of your children’s sports teams.
Adapted by permission from Jonathan Dodson, (www.vergenetwork.org)
1. Eat with Non-Christians. We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite others. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversation. BBQ and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
2. Walk, Don’t Drive. We are so blessed to live here in Orange County, home to the best climate in the world! Make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox, convenience store, or apartment office, walk to get mail, groceries, and stuff. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog or bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people!
3. Be a Regular. Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places. Get to know the staff. Go to the same places at the same times. Smile. Ask questions. Build relationships. Be a Regular.
4. Hobby with Non-Christians. Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try City League sports. Local cycling or softball teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons. Teach sewing lessons, piano lessons, violin, guitar, knitting, tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
5. Talk to Your Co-workers. How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form mom groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
6. Volunteer with Non-Profits. Connect with one of our Reach Local non-profit partners (www.calvarylife.org/reach/local) and take Saturday a month to serve. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
7. Participate in City Events. Instead of playing X-Box, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, clean-ups, summer shows, and concerts. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
8. Serve your Neighbors. Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!
Barry Zito's Story of Becoming A Christian
It is always encouraging and inspiring to see someone turn their life over to Jesus Christ and receive Him as the Savior and Leader of their lives. Check out SF Giants Pitcher Barry Zito's story of surrendering his life to Jesus Christ as he shared it after a game this past summer in San Fransisco. (sorry the camera work is a bit shaky).
Also - Here is an excerpt from ESPN The Magazine, December issue as Tim Keown interviews Zito on his newfound faith in Jesus.
KEOWN: Your faith seems to enter into your conversation more these days. How did that come about?
ZITO: I was raised so out of the box. From a spiritual side, my grandmother founded a religion [Teachings of the Inner Christ] and a teaching center in the '60s in San Diego, and I was raised on that. That's where a lot of the eccentric, Zen things come from. But I just needed more structure, and sometimes you have to go through difficulty and physical trials to really get broken down. In 2011, I got broken down physically as well as mentally. In August of that year, I committed my life to God. I realized I'd been relying on my own strength for so long and, man, I'd been wearing it. I've been wearing it like no one in my circle. So this was about finding a strength outside of myself. The way I was raised, that's a concept I never would have given any credence.
KEOWN: What was the impetus or the moment that precipitated it?
ZITO: I had this very odd injury in April of 2011. It's mostly a football injury -- Lisfranc ligament tear -- and I came off the field that day after never being hurt in 11 years, and I said, "All right, something bigger is going on here. A message is being sent, and I've got to listen." A few months later, I realized I'd been doing it alone. My best friend told me an old story I really love. A shepherd will be leading his sheep, and one of the sheep will be walking astray from the pack. The shepherd will take his rod and break the sheep's leg, and the sheep will have to rely on the shepherd to get better. But once that leg is completely healed, that sheep never leaves the side of the shepherd ever again. That's a really beautiful metaphor. A lot of things happen to us as people, and we realize we've been relying on our own strength for too long. Last September, I got a tattoo, and it's the only one I have, of a golden calf on the inside of my right bicep. I show people that, and it signifies idolatry and that I was putting things before God. I haven't talked much about this. When I committed with my chaplain, he said, "You don't need to go around telling people this stuff. There will come a time and a place." I guess that's a change for me too. I used to kind of dig attention. Now I'm seeking deeper fulfillment.
Also - Here is an excerpt from ESPN The Magazine, December issue as Tim Keown interviews Zito on his newfound faith in Jesus.
KEOWN: Your faith seems to enter into your conversation more these days. How did that come about?
ZITO: I was raised so out of the box. From a spiritual side, my grandmother founded a religion [Teachings of the Inner Christ] and a teaching center in the '60s in San Diego, and I was raised on that. That's where a lot of the eccentric, Zen things come from. But I just needed more structure, and sometimes you have to go through difficulty and physical trials to really get broken down. In 2011, I got broken down physically as well as mentally. In August of that year, I committed my life to God. I realized I'd been relying on my own strength for so long and, man, I'd been wearing it. I've been wearing it like no one in my circle. So this was about finding a strength outside of myself. The way I was raised, that's a concept I never would have given any credence.
KEOWN: What was the impetus or the moment that precipitated it?
ZITO: I had this very odd injury in April of 2011. It's mostly a football injury -- Lisfranc ligament tear -- and I came off the field that day after never being hurt in 11 years, and I said, "All right, something bigger is going on here. A message is being sent, and I've got to listen." A few months later, I realized I'd been doing it alone. My best friend told me an old story I really love. A shepherd will be leading his sheep, and one of the sheep will be walking astray from the pack. The shepherd will take his rod and break the sheep's leg, and the sheep will have to rely on the shepherd to get better. But once that leg is completely healed, that sheep never leaves the side of the shepherd ever again. That's a really beautiful metaphor. A lot of things happen to us as people, and we realize we've been relying on our own strength for too long. Last September, I got a tattoo, and it's the only one I have, of a golden calf on the inside of my right bicep. I show people that, and it signifies idolatry and that I was putting things before God. I haven't talked much about this. When I committed with my chaplain, he said, "You don't need to go around telling people this stuff. There will come a time and a place." I guess that's a change for me too. I used to kind of dig attention. Now I'm seeking deeper fulfillment.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
It seems like each Christmastime, I come across a Christmas hymn/carol that God uses in my life to renew my heart with. A couple of years ago it was the song, "I Heard the Christmas Bells on Christmas Day"inspired originally by a poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The year after that it was Handel's Messiah, thanks to the Messiah sing-a-long that Marie and I attended at the Walt Disney concert hall.. This year it has been the 1800's hymn composed by Rowland H. Prichard and written by Charles Wesley, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus."
In a year where political parties became even more polarized. In a year where Israel and the middle east is filled with more tension than I can ever remember seeing in my lifetime. In a year where we just witnessed tragedy striking innocent elementary school children and their families. This 19th century hymn speaks with more relevance than ever. Ron Rogalski, a fellow staff member of mine at Calvary Church Santa Ana led our staff through this beautiful hymn this past Tuesday at our staff chapel and ever since, I can't stop thinking about it and humming the simply tune that is packed with such hope and truth!
Here are the lyrics to "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley
In a year where political parties became even more polarized. In a year where Israel and the middle east is filled with more tension than I can ever remember seeing in my lifetime. In a year where we just witnessed tragedy striking innocent elementary school children and their families. This 19th century hymn speaks with more relevance than ever. Ron Rogalski, a fellow staff member of mine at Calvary Church Santa Ana led our staff through this beautiful hymn this past Tuesday at our staff chapel and ever since, I can't stop thinking about it and humming the simply tune that is packed with such hope and truth!
Here are the lyrics to "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley
- Come Thou long expected Jesus
- Born to set Thy people free
- From our fears and sins release us
- Let us find our rest in Thee
- Israel's strength and consolation
- Hope of all the earth Thou art
- Dear desire of every nation
- Joy of every longing heart
- Born Thy people to deliver
- Born a child and yet a King
- Born to reign in us forever
- Now Thy gracious kingdom bring
- By Thine own eternal spirit
- Rule in all our hearts alone
- By Thine all sufficient merit
- Raise us to Thy glorious throne
Check out this version of the Hymn by Red Mountain Music off their "Silent Night" album.
By the way if you like this version, Red Mountain Church out of Alabama, has been at the forefront of the worship movement to bring back rearranged hymns into the modern day evangelical Church. You can find more of their songs at their website.
- Also - I would be amiss, if I didn't mention that my home Church, Calvary Church has been going through a sermon series this December called, "Something to Sing About." We have taken classic Christmas hymns and drilled down a little deeper into the meaning and history of these songs in order to help our people sing this Christmas with more purpose and intentionality on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Check out our sermon series here.
12 Ways to Serve in Orange County, California this Christmas Season (2012)
I am trying to motivate myself this weekend to put up our Christmas lights (it's never too early right?!)...For the Christian, Christmas lights should remind us of the wonderful truth that Jesus came into our world as the 'light of the world' (John 8:12). As followers of Jesus, we are also called to be a light unto our world and our neighborhoods. In fact Jesus gives us this very challenge in Matthew, Chapter 5:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
So with this in mind, if you live in or near Orange County, California, check out the "12 Ways to Reach Orange County This Christmas Season" resource guide we have made available thru Calvary Church for December 2012. Even if you don't go to Calvary, I invite you to join in and serve through one of these opportunities.
Click here to read the guide online
Or read through the opportunities below...
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
So with this in mind, if you live in or near Orange County, California, check out the "12 Ways to Reach Orange County This Christmas Season" resource guide we have made available thru Calvary Church for December 2012. Even if you don't go to Calvary, I invite you to join in and serve through one of these opportunities.
Click here to read the guide online
Or read through the opportunities below...
12 Ways to Reach Orange County this Christmas
Olive Crest | Giving Children Hope | Food Box |Elderly Care |Motel Ministry| CHOC| OC Human Trafficking| Angel Tree| Be The Miracle |
* Indicates a family-friendly volunteer opportunity
1) Olive Crest Group Home Stocking Stuffing*
December 4
| olivecrest.org
Volunteers of all ages are needed to help stuff Christmas stockings for Olive Crest group homes on December 4 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine.Contact Renee at renee-stevenson@olivecrest.org or at 714.543.5437 ext. 1262 to volunteer.
Volunteers of all ages are needed to help stuff Christmas stockings for Olive Crest group homes on December 4 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine.Contact Renee at renee-stevenson@olivecrest.org or at 714.543.5437 ext. 1262 to volunteer.
December 3, 5, 7, 10, 11 | gchope.org
Giving Children Hope is hosting a week of Christmas Toy Wrapping parties to give to homeless students in the “We Got Your Back” program. Join them on December 3, 5, 7, 10, or 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the GCH facility located at 8332 Commonwealth Ave, Buena Park, 90621. Contact Drew at volunteer@godaid.org or 714.523.4454 to sign up for one of these shifts.
Giving Children Hope is hosting a week of Christmas Toy Wrapping parties to give to homeless students in the “We Got Your Back” program. Join them on December 3, 5, 7, 10, or 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the GCH facility located at 8332 Commonwealth Ave, Buena Park, 90621. Contact Drew at volunteer@godaid.org or 714.523.4454 to sign up for one of these shifts.
Donation due Dec. 5 | goldensharefoods.com
Calvary Church is partnering with Golden Share Foods on a monthly basis to distribute discount grocery boxes to members of our church and community. We would love to donate boxes to families in financial crisis in our community this Christmas. Boxes range from $24 - $45 and can feed a family of 3 - 4 for a week.
Calvary Church is partnering with Golden Share Foods on a monthly basis to distribute discount grocery boxes to members of our church and community. We would love to donate boxes to families in financial crisis in our community this Christmas. Boxes range from $24 - $45 and can feed a family of 3 - 4 for a week.
To donate a food box, sign up at the patio table at Calvary on Sunday mornings or contact Ann Bennett at annlbennett@ca.rr.com. You can also donate online by visiting goldensharefoods.com and indicate you are donating your box to Calvary Church.
To view a list of items to donate click here.
December 8
Join our brand new convalescent home ministry on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Park West Care and Rehabilitation Center at 2210 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana, 92705. This is a great outreach for kids too! Contact Bob Browning at 714.228.5698 for more info.
Join our brand new convalescent home ministry on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Park West Care and Rehabilitation Center at 2210 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana, 92705. This is a great outreach for kids too! Contact Bob Browning at 714.228.5698 for more info.
December 8
Join our Motel Ministry team on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 - 11:30am at the Sunland Motel (2111 E. 1st St. Santa Ana, 92705) to distribute food boxes, toiletries and other grocery items to our neighbors living in low income motels on 1st Street. Contact Ben Stripe at bstripe@juno.com or 714.285.0403 for more info.
Join our Motel Ministry team on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 - 11:30am at the Sunland Motel (2111 E. 1st St. Santa Ana, 92705) to distribute food boxes, toiletries and other grocery items to our neighbors living in low income motels on 1st Street. Contact Ben Stripe at bstripe@juno.com or 714.285.0403 for more info.
December 10 | childrengivinggifts.org
Join Calvary's non-profit partner, Children Giving Gifts, as they help over 200 Orange County children, who are spending the holidays in CHOC Hospital, select a free Christmas gift to give to their parents. Volunteers are needed on Monday, December 10 from 9:45 am - 12:00 pm at CHOC Hospital in Orange. Contact Janeen at janeen.childrengivinggifts@gmail.com to volunteer.
Join Calvary's non-profit partner, Children Giving Gifts, as they help over 200 Orange County children, who are spending the holidays in CHOC Hospital, select a free Christmas gift to give to their parents. Volunteers are needed on Monday, December 10 from 9:45 am - 12:00 pm at CHOC Hospital in Orange. Contact Janeen at janeen.childrengivinggifts@gmail.com to volunteer.
Donations due Dec. 12 | ochumantrafficking.org
The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force provides Christmas gifts for those who have recently been rescued from human trafficking in Orange County. Be the hands and feet of Jesus to a victim of human trafficking. To donate items or gift cards, contact Rachel Snyder at rachel@thesnydersonline.com or 714.771.7168.
The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force provides Christmas gifts for those who have recently been rescued from human trafficking in Orange County. Be the hands and feet of Jesus to a victim of human trafficking. To donate items or gift cards, contact Rachel Snyder at rachel@thesnydersonline.com or 714.771.7168.
December 15 - 21 | angeltree.org
Angel Tree serves with Prison Fellowship ministry to show prison inmates the love of Jesus Christ and share the gospel with them and their families. Join us for the annual Angel Tree luncheon at Calvary on Saturday, December 15 from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm. Contact Barb at beaglepeeps@aol.com to volunteer at the luncheon. Volunteers are also needed to help deliver gifts to children. To deliver an Angel Tree gift to a home, contact Devon at devbri@sbcglobal.net
Angel Tree serves with Prison Fellowship ministry to show prison inmates the love of Jesus Christ and share the gospel with them and their families. Join us for the annual Angel Tree luncheon at Calvary on Saturday, December 15 from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm. Contact Barb at beaglepeeps@aol.com to volunteer at the luncheon. Volunteers are also needed to help deliver gifts to children. To deliver an Angel Tree gift to a home, contact Devon at devbri@sbcglobal.net
Donations due Dec. 15 | olivecrest.org
With childhoods shattered by abuse and neglect, many kids at Olive Crest have never grown up in joyful expectation of Christmas. Join “Be the Miracle” by granting a wish or giving a donation. These wishes are more than gifts to open on Christmas. They are opportunities to remind kids they are valued, remembered, and special to God and to us. Visitolivecrest.org and click on ‘Be the Miracle’ to find wish lists and donation requests or call 714-543-KIDS ext. 1119.
With childhoods shattered by abuse and neglect, many kids at Olive Crest have never grown up in joyful expectation of Christmas. Join “Be the Miracle” by granting a wish or giving a donation. These wishes are more than gifts to open on Christmas. They are opportunities to remind kids they are valued, remembered, and special to God and to us. Visitolivecrest.org and click on ‘Be the Miracle’ to find wish lists and donation requests or call 714-543-KIDS ext. 1119.
November 26 - December 23
The OC Toy Collaborative is the primary source for most OC non-profit Christmas toy giveaways. Volunteers are needed daily to unload trucks, sort donated items and pack toys for distribution. Volunteers ages 12 – 17 will be considered if accompanied by a parent or guardian. To volunteer or for info, contact Dee Azevedo at 714.679.3728.
The OC Toy Collaborative is the primary source for most OC non-profit Christmas toy giveaways. Volunteers are needed daily to unload trucks, sort donated items and pack toys for distribution. Volunteers ages 12 – 17 will be considered if accompanied by a parent or guardian. To volunteer or for info, contact Dee Azevedo at 714.679.3728.
December 1 - 23 | rescuemission.org
The OC Rescue Mission ‘Village of Hope’ provides a campus for 200+ men, women, and children to put their lives back together after homelessness. Donations needed for babies and preschoolers include diapers (sizes 4-6), wipes, children’s socks or underwear, boy’s clothing (2T-4T), Goldfish crackers, pretzels, and baby crackers. Donations should be marked ‘Child Development Center’ and dropped off at the Village of Hope Warehouse (One Hope Drive, Tustin, 92782).
The OC Rescue Mission ‘Village of Hope’ provides a campus for 200+ men, women, and children to put their lives back together after homelessness. Donations needed for babies and preschoolers include diapers (sizes 4-6), wipes, children’s socks or underwear, boy’s clothing (2T-4T), Goldfish crackers, pretzels, and baby crackers. Donations should be marked ‘Child Development Center’ and dropped off at the Village of Hope Warehouse (One Hope Drive, Tustin, 92782).
December 2012 - March 2013 | mercyhouse.net
Mercy House’s OC Armory Emergency Shelter hosts 200+ homeless men, women and families nightly. Volunteers needed at the Armory (612 E. Warner, Santa Ana, 92707). For info or to volunteer, sign up online at mercyhouse.net or contact Ashleigh at 714.836.7188 ext. 102.
Mercy House’s OC Armory Emergency Shelter hosts 200+ homeless men, women and families nightly. Volunteers needed at the Armory (612 E. Warner, Santa Ana, 92707). For info or to volunteer, sign up online at mercyhouse.net or contact Ashleigh at 714.836.7188 ext. 102.
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