This Week at Christ Reformed Church: June 15-21, 2020

Sunday, June 21:  Morning worship at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., live-streaming of the first service will be provided.  Dr. Riddlebarger will be preaching on Genesis 1:26-27 and the image of God. 

Note:  Attendance at each service will be limited due to social distancing requirements.  You will be invited to reserve seats for you and your family. 

Wednesday, June 17 (Sanctuary):  Bible Study begins at 7:15 p.m.  Dr. Riddlebarger will conclude our series for this spring, "Reading the Bible with Paul."  We will consider the Apostle's take on the role of the law in the new covenant (Galatians 3:15-25).  Masks, temperature checks and social distancing will be required for all attendees.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church! We Re-Open for Bible Study (June 10) and Worship (June 14)!

Sunday, June 14:  Morning worship returns (9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., live-streaming will be available).  Dr. Riddlebarger will be preaching on Psalm 79 and the lessons which can be learned from a time of exile. 

Note:  Attendance at each service will be limited due to social distancing requirements.  You will be invited to reserve seats for you and your family.  Additional information is listed here on our church website.  

Wednesday, June 10 (Sanctuary):  Bible Study begins at 7:30 p.m. but you need to arrive by 7:15 p.m.  Dr. Riddlebarger will return to our series, "Reading the Bible with Paul."  We will consider the Apostle's take on the role of the law in the new covenant (Galatians 3:15-25).  Masks, temperature checks and social distancing will be required for all attendees.

Bible Study: June 10, 2020

Bible study will resume this Wednesday, June 10 at 7:15 p.m. in the sanctuary.  

Masks, temperature checks and social distancing will be required for all attendees.

The Covid-19 Exile Is Coming to an End! Christ Reformed Church's Re-Opening Schedule

Sunday, June 7: Lord willing, our last Sunday in exile! We will continue our time in Romans, looking at Romans 7:7-13 and the relationship of sin to the law.

Wednesday, June 10 (tentative): Bible Study returns at 7:30 p.m. We'll return to our series, "Reading the Bible with Paul." We will consider the Apostle's take on the role of the law in the new covenant (Galatians 3:15-25). Instructions for admission and social distance guidelines to follow.

Sunday, June 14 (tentative): Lord willing, we will re-open for public worship. The details of our re-opening plan will be made available once the final details are in place.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: May 25-31, 2020

Week Twelve of the Covid-19 Exile.

All Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled for Sunday, May 31, 2020.

Important Update: In light of Governor Newsom's Covid-19 Guidance for Places of Worship (released Monday, May 25), C-Ref staff, consistory, and council are working hard on formulating a plan of compliance so that we can return to public worship. Look for details in the days ahead.

In the meantime, we plan to continue our video series on Romans. On Sunday, May 31, we will take-up Romans 7:1-6, and Paul's discussion of "new life in the Spirit."

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: May 18-24, 2020

Week Eleven of the Covid-19 Exile.

In light of the Governor of California's Stay at Home order, all Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled for Sunday, May 24.

We will continue our video series on Romans and take up Paul's discussion of being set free from sin in Romans 6:15-23

Until worship services can resume, pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained. We encourage you to practice social distancing, regularly wash your hands, and pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: May 11-17, 2020

Week Ten of the Covid-19 Exile.

In light of the Governor of California's Stay at Home order, all Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled for Sunday, May 17.

We will continue our video series on Romans, moving into Paul's discussion of baptism and union with Christ in Romans 6:1-14.

Until worship services can resume, pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained. We encourage you to practice social distancing, regularly wash your hands, and pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: May 4-10, 2020

In light of the Governor of California's Stay at Home order, all Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled for Sunday, May 10, 2020.

Meanwhile, we are continuing our series on Romans and have come to Paul's discussion of the "two Adams" in Romans 5:12-21.

Until worship services can resume, pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained. We encourage you to practice social distancing, regularly wash your hands, and pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: April 27-May 3, 2020

Week Eight of the Covid-19 Exile

At the direction of the Governor of California, City of Anaheim, and in light of the CDC's recommendation to avoid groups and assemblies, and the on-going need for social distancing, all Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled for Sunday, May 3 and 10.

We are continuing our series on Romans and will take up Paul's discussion of "Peace with God" in Romans 5:1-11.

Until our worship services resume, please continue to pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained by staying at home, social distancing, and the regular washing of hands. Pray for your fellow church members.  Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: April 20-26, 2020

Week Seven of the Covid-19 Exile

At the direction of the Governor of California, City of Anaheim, and in light of the CDC's recommendation to avoid groups and assemblies, and the on-going need for social distancing, all Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled for Sunday, April 26.

We are continuing our series on Romans and will take up Paul's discussion of Abraham and circumcision in Romans 4:13-25.

Thankfully, we continue to see light at the end of the tunnel, but until our services resume, please continue to pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained by staying at home, social distancing, and the regular washing of hands.  Pray for your fellow church members.  Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need.  More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church: April 13-19, 2020

Week Six of the Covid-19 Exile

At the direction of the Governor of California, City of Anaheim, and in light of the CDC's recommendation about avoiding groups and assemblies with the need for social distancing, all Lord's Day services and weekly classes are cancelled the next two Sundays (April 19 and 26).
Sunday, April 19, we will return to our series on Romans and consider Paul's amazing assertion that God justified the wicked (Romans 4:1-12).

Thankfully, we do see some light at the end of the tunnel, but in the meantime continue to pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained by such measures as staying at home, social distancing, and the regular washing of hands. Pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

Easter Week at Christ Reformed Church: April 12, 2020

Week Five of the Covid-19 Exile

At the direction of the Governor of California, City of Anaheim, and in light of the CDC's recommendation about avoiding groups and assemblies with the need for social distancing, all Lord's Day services and weekly classes are cancelled until after Easter Sunday, April 12.

This Easter Week (Good Friday, and Easter Sunday) we will focus upon Mark's gospel and his account of the climax of Jesus' messianic mission.

Good Friday (April 10), we will consider Mark's account of Jesus' crucifixion and its meaning for us (Texts: Mark 15:21-41; Psalm 22:1-31)

Easter Sunday (April 12), we will take up Mark's account of our Lord's resurrection in light of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the defeat of death (Texts: Mark 16:1-8, and Isaiah 25:1-12).

Please pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained by such measures staying at home, social distancing, and the regular washing of hands. Pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on any of your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, pray that Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

The Week at Christ Reformed Church: April 5-12, 2020

Week Four of the Covid-19 Exile

At the direction of the Governor of California, the County of Orange, City of Anaheim, and in light of the CDC's recommendation about avoiding groups and assemblies with the need for social distancing, all Lord's Day services and weekly classes are cancelled the next two Sundays (Palm Sunday, April 5, and Easter Sunday, April 12).

Easter Week, April 5-12, (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday) we will focus upon Mark's gospel and his account of the climax of Jesus' messianic mission.

Palm Sunday, April 5: We will consider Jesus' kingly office in connection with his entrance into Jerusalem. (Texts: 2 Samuel 7:4–17; Mark 11:1–11)

Good Friday, April 10: We will consider Mark's account of Jesus' crucifixion and its meaning for us. (Texts: Mark 15:21-41; Psalm 22:1-31)

Easter Sunday, April 12: Dr. Riddlebarger will take up Mark's account of our Lord's resurrection in light of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the defeat of death (Texts: Mark 16:1-8, and Isaiah 25:1-12).

We are asking you to pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained by such measures as staying at home, social distancing, and the regular washing of hands. Pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

Lord's Day Worship: March 29, 2020 - Public Services are cancelled

Our public worship services are cancelled for March 29. All worship services are being recorded via video and audio at this time. Links will be made available on Sunday morning for our online services.

Sunday Morning: Dr. Riddlebarger will continue our series on Romans by video/audio as we move into the "good news section" of Paul's letter to the church in Rome.  Our text will be Romans 3:21-31, "One Is Justified By Faith, Apart from Works."

Afternoon Catechism: Rev. Lenzner will be teaching on 1 Peter 1:3-9, "Guarded by God’s Power While in Exile". Confessional/Catechism texts: Canons of Dort 5:14 and Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 65.

This at Christ Reformed Church: March 29, 2020

Week Three of the Covid-19 Exile

At the direction of the Governor of California, the County of Orange, City of Anaheim, and in light of the CDC's recommendation about avoiding groups and assemblies, and the need for social distancing, all Lord's Day services and classes are cancelled through Sunday, March 29.

Dr. Riddlebarger will continue our series on Romans by video/audio as we move into the "good news section" of Paul's letter to the church in Rome. Our text will be Romans 3:21-31, "One Is Justified By Faith, Apart from Works."

We are asking you to pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus is contained by such measures as staying at home, social distancing, and the regular washing of hands. Pray for your fellow church members. Be sure to check-up on your neighbors who may be in need. More importantly, may Jesus Christ be glorified in all that we say and do during this unprecedented public health crisis.

March 22 Distance Worship Service

Videos of both a liturgical service led by pastor Kim Riddlebarger and a catechism lesson led by pastor Brad Lenzner are posted on “This Week’s Bulletin” page of this website. Bring your family together this Sunday morning and participate in the distance morning worship service and afternoon catechism lesson.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic we have temporarily suspended our worship services for March 22 and March 29.  We will keep you posted when we will be able to resume our gatherings.

Pastor Yi Wang wishes to encourage us to trust in God in these uncertain times and to consider the needs of our neighbors and one another in our congregation with this excerpt from Martin Luther’s tract, Should Christians Flee from a Deadly Plague (1527): 

“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely.”

This is a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God. All things come from the hands of our compassionate heavenly Father. In Christ, death, our greatest enemy, has already been defeated. Death is not the end for a Christian, but instead it leads to the gates of eternal life. We can remain calm while facing every kind of suffering, disease, weapon, and death, because none of these things can separate us from the love of Christ. Whatever we have experienced and will experience will pass away, and God will himself wipe dry all our tears. “And further, that whatever evil He sends upon me in this troubled life, He will turn to my good; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing also, being a faithful Father.” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q.26)

Let us pray and intercede for those who are stricken by this disaster. May the grace, peace, and joy from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you during this time of uncertainty and suffering.

Rev. Yi Wang

Tithes and Offerings

A note from the deacons regarding tithes and offerings.

While the church is not meeting during the current Covid-19 outbreak, you are welcome to mail your contributions to the church address, 900 S Sunkist St, Anaheim, CA 92806. Please mark your envelope “Deacons” to ensure privacy. The Deacons will collect your contributions and deposit them regularly as they accumulate. The church has regular financial needs such as salaries, rent and insurance that will all come due even while we are not meeting.

Christ Reformed Church – Covid 19 Announcement, March 12, 2020

Dear Saints:

In light of Governor Newsom’s call to suspend all public gatherings attended by more than 250 people, Christ Reformed Church is cancelling morning and afternoon worship services this coming Lord’s Day (March 15) and the next (March 22). The Academy will not meet this week (March 13) and will resume in April (after Easter, TBD). The Wednesday night Bible Study, Gems and Cadets, and choir practice will be cancelled on March 18 and 25.

A sermon will be posted on the Christ Reformed Church website (christreformed.org) each Lord’s Day services are cancelled. We encourage you to listen to the sermon on Sunday morning, read through the liturgy, and pray for the needs of our church, as well as for those impacted by Covid-19. The sermon for Sunday 3/15/20 is entitled “Be Still, And Know That I Am God” (Psalm 46) by Dr. Kim Riddlebarger. Click on the title to listen.

Covid-19 presents a significant challenge to public safety–especially to the elderly and those in ill-health. The situation is very fluid and we will update you when regular worship services will resume, as well as the safety precautions we will be taking.

Additional updates will be posted on the church website and Facebook pages as they become available.

The words of Psalm 46 remind us of God’s faithfulness in the midst of trial

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

The Executive Committee

Bible Study and Evening Prayer: March 11, 2020

Join us this Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. for evening prayer and bible study.

This week, Dr. Riddlebarger will discuss Galatians 3:15-25 and consider the
question, "Why the law?  Does Moses supersede Abraham?"

Academy Class: March 13, 2020 - CANCELLED

Our Academy classes have been cancelled until mid April. Please see our announcement regarding COVID 19

Join us for our next Academy class this Friday, March 13, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. 

Dr. Riddlebarger will continue our discussion of Michael Horton's theology text, The Christian Faith.  This week, we will begin a discussion of Christ's three-fold office (Page 492).