We hope you are being encouraged and challenged by our current sermon series, “Floodlight.” Our hope for this series is that we all would be “freed up” to courageously and joyfully share the gospel with the people God has placed in our lives. While it is important to share the gospel in both word and deed, the focus of this series is on sharing the gospel in word—that is, actually opening our mouths and talking to people about the love of Christ. Since our focus on Sundays will be on sharing the gospel in word, we wanted to post a blog that also acknowledges the important role of our good works in the sharing of the gospel and helps us understand how those good works fit into an overall biblical understanding of evangelism. So, we’ve included an abbreviated chapter of “What Is the Mission of the Church,” by Deyoung & Gilbert, which succinctly explains the value of good works in light of our Gospel mission. We trust you will find this an encouragement . . . Click on the title of this blog to read more.

Second Harvest Food Bank- Once again we have the opportunity to help feed the needy of Orange County by harvesting at the Incredible Edible Park in Irvine on Saturday, May 7 from 9-11:00 a.m. Activities may include planting seeds or smaller plants, picking weeds, and harvesting vegetables and fruits. This is a great opportunity for the entire family to serve together since kids of all ages are invited to help. For more information contact Carole Watson at watsoncarole@att.net. CLICK HERE to sign-up through our website.

Tecate Outreach Trip- Sign up for our next trip to Tecate, Mexico scheduled for May 14 & 15. We’ll be building a latrine, painting homes, hosting a BBQ, and providing crafts and games for the neighborhood children. We lodge at the Rancho La Paloma Ministry Center in Tecate and enjoy the awesome meals they provide. The cost of the trip is $85.00 per person which includes transportation, lodging and meals at the ranch. For more information contact Susie Allen at allenfamily6@cox.net. CLICK HERE to register. Must have a passport to travel.

Birth Choice is looking for volunteers to work with clients, run parenting classes, and serve as male mentors for the "Dad's Project" program. They also have a mobile unit and are looking for volunteers to travel throughout Orange County as they bring services to the streets. The volunteer training is a 3 day intensive course, running May 17th through May 19th from 10am to 5pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Julia Smart at Julia@birthchoiceclinic.org.

The OVERFLOW High School group at Grace is preparing for their outreach trip to the Dominican Republic - where they will be serving for the week of April 10-16th, 2011. They will be working with the poorest of the poor in villages, hospitals and even in the garbage dump. One way we are helping those that live there is by providing them with simple toiletries. If you would like to help by contributing these items, we have provided a list of supplies. Click here to read the full list .

Don't forget about the RUMMAGE SALE fundraiser taking place this weekend. We would appreciate your donated items, which can be dropped off to the High School room on Friday 2/25. The rummage sale is Saturday 3/26 @ 7am in the Grace parking lot.

It's not too late to attend the Live Web Cast event titled: "The Case for Christianity" - this Saturday, March 12th taking place in the Grace Sanctuary. The event begins at 9:30am and ends at 3:30pm with a break for lunch. Listen to best selling authors, Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelburg present the latest scientific and historical evidence for Christianity - and answer the two biggest objections to the faith. We will also have the opportunity to ask our own questions during this compelling interactive telecast. To attend the event, please register by CLICKING HERE.