Orchard Hill Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa: Recent Episodes
Orchard Hill Church
New Perspectives: Reading the Bible with Relational Lens - Jeff Mickey by Orchard Hill Church
New Perspectives: Reading the Bible with Humility - Dave Bartlett by Orchard Hill Church
Build on the Rock: By His Word: Building on Obedience - Nikki Pauli by Orchard Hill Church
Build on the Rock: People of Love (Even To Our Enemies) - Katy Myers by Orchard Hill Church
The Book of Acts: Healing and Courage Amidst Opposition -Dave Bartlett by Orchard Hill Church
The Wilderness: God Leads, God Fights, God Delivers - Brian Steenhoek by Orchard Hill Church
Next Steps: From Holy Moments to Shine On Moments - Rendi Scholten by Orchard Hill Church
Choosing to Believe God is With Us While We Wait - Topher Assell by Orchard Hill Church
Wisdom and Wonder: The Wisdom and Wonder of Dependence - Bradley Rees by Orchard Hill Church
The Book of John Part II: The Voice of the Good Shepherd - Stef Rohler by Orchard Hill Church
The Book of John Part II: Jesus’ Timely Compassion - Topher Assell by Orchard Hill Church
The Book of John Part II: A Magical Moment with Bread - Dave Bartlett by Orchard Hill Church
My Family, My People: Vulnerability in Relationships - Kristin Sauerbrei by Orchard Hill Church
Remain Every Day: Everyday Moments of Standing Firm - Stef Rohler by Orchard Hill Church
Remain Every Day: Everyday Moments of Love and Joy - Dave Bartlett by Orchard Hill Church
Remain Every Day: Everyday Moments With the Holy Spirit - Bradley Rees by Orchard Hill Church
A Season of Waiting: Waiting for Christ to Come Again - Andrea DeCook by Orchard Hill Church
What is the Church? People Living in Committed Community - Kristin Sauerbrei by Orchard Hill Church
What is the Church?: Unity and Diversity in the Body - Rendi Scholten by Orchard Hill Church
Vision: Part 3 - Dave Bartlett with Molly Juza and Molly Shymansky by Orchard Hill Church
Questions Jesus Asked: Are you not much more valuable than they? - Ed Baker by Orchard Hill Church
Questions Jesus Asked: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? - Eric Lins by Orchard Hill Church
Questions Jesus Asked: Do you understand what I have done for you? - Dave Bartlett by Orchard Hill Church
Questions Jesus Asked: Do you want to get well? - Brian Steenhoek by Orchard Hill Church
Million Dollar Questions: Where's Your Treasure? - Dave Bartlett by Orchard Hill Church
Million Dollar Questions: What's the Best Investment - Jeff Mickey by Orchard Hill Church
Following Jesus often creates more questions than answers. Jesus’ disciples asked questions all the time! And, surprisingly, Jesus often answered their questions with more questions of his own!
Questions are at the heart of our faith. Questions are at the heart of Jesus’ teaching style. We believe that questions are good.
So, we are spending the summer asking questions.
Questions like:
What is prayer? What is childlike faith? What is surrender? What is God really like?
And more!
We hope our questions prompt more questions of your own. For often, the deepest truths can be found most often in the questions themselves. And even better, the Source of deep truth can be found most often in the questions.
Following Jesus often creates more questions than answers. Jesus’ disciples asked questions all the time! And, surprisingly, Jesus often answered their questions with more questions of his own!
Questions are at the heart of our faith. Questions are at the heart of Jesus’ teaching style. We believe questions are good.
So, we are spending the summer asking questions.
Questions like:
What is prayer? What is childlike faith? What is surrender? What is God really like? And more! We hope our questions prompt more questions of your own. We can find most often the deepest truths in the questions themselves. And even better, the Source of deep truth can be found most often in the questions.
The book of Ephesians is actually a letter; a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a brand new church in the ancient city of Ephesus. In this letter, Paul fleshes out the mysterious plan of God which lies at the very center of the Universe. This plan is full of joy, energy and grace and it is ALL God’s doing. This plan is about how God is going to redeem the world that has been broken by sin.
After spending the first 3 chapters making every effort to explain this cosmic plan that is beyond words, Paul moves to laying the groundwork for how our knowledge of this plan should impact the way we, as God’s people, are to live.
We no longer live in the darkness of our thinking or as followers of the desires of our flesh or our own selfishness. Instead, we are new people in Christ, And we are empowered to live in new ways - ways that are worthy of the invitation God has given us to join him in his plan to restore and renew all things under Christ’s good and perfect reign.
We invite you to join us for 6 encouraging, compelling weeks of exploring the power of God at work in the world, the church and in our lives.
The book of Ephesians is actually a letter; a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a brand new church in the ancient city of Ephesus. In this letter, Paul fleshes out the mysterious plan of God which lies at the very center of the Universe. This plan is full of joy, energy and grace and it is ALL God’s doing. This plan is about how God is going to redeem the world that has been broken by sin.
After spending the first 3 chapters making every effort to explain this cosmic plan that is beyond words, Paul moves to laying the groundwork for how our knowledge of this plan should impact the way we, as God’s people, are to live.
We no longer live in the darkness of our thinking or as followers of the desires of our flesh or our own selfishness. Instead, we are new people in Christ, And we are empowered to live in new ways - ways that are worthy of the invitation God has given us to join him in his plan to restore and renew all things under Christ’s good and perfect reign.
We invite you to join us for 6 encouraging, compelling weeks of exploring the power of God at work in the world, the church and in our lives.
The book of Ephesians is actually a letter; a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a brand new church in the ancient city of Ephesus. In this letter, Paul fleshes out the mysterious plan of God which lies at the very center of the Universe. This plan is full of joy, energy and grace and it is ALL God’s doing. This plan is about how God is going to redeem the world that has been broken by sin.
After spending the first 3 chapters making every effort to explain this cosmic plan that is beyond words, Paul moves to laying the groundwork for how our knowledge of this plan should impact the way we, as God’s people, are to live.
We no longer live in the darkness of our thinking or as followers of the desires of our flesh or our own selfishness. Instead, we are new people in Christ, And we are empowered to live in new ways - ways that are worthy of the invitation God has given us to join him in his plan to restore and renew all things under Christ’s good and perfect reign.
We invite you to join us for 6 encouraging, compelling weeks of exploring the power of God at work in the world, the church and in our lives.
The book of Ephesians is actually a letter; a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a brand new church in the ancient city of Ephesus. In this letter, Paul fleshes out the mysterious plan of God which lies at the very center of the Universe. This plan is full of joy, energy and grace and it is ALL God’s doing. This plan is about how God is going to redeem the world that has been broken by sin.
After spending the first 3 chapters making every effort to explain this cosmic plan that is beyond words, Paul moves to laying the groundwork for how our knowledge of this plan should impact the way we, as God’s people, are to live.
We no longer live in the darkness of our thinking or as followers of the desires of our flesh or our own selfishness. Instead, we are new people in Christ, And we are empowered to live in new ways - ways that are worthy of the invitation God has given us to join him in his plan to restore and renew all things under Christ’s good and perfect reign.
We invite you to join us for 6 encouraging, compelling weeks of exploring the power of God at work in the world, the church and in our lives.
The book of Ephesians is actually a letter; a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a brand new church in the ancient city of Ephesus. In this letter, Paul fleshes out the mysterious plan of God which lies at the very center of the Universe. This plan is full of joy, energy and grace and it is ALL God’s doing. This plan is about how God is going to redeem the world that has been broken by sin.
After spending the first 3 chapters making every effort to explain this cosmic plan that is beyond words, Paul moves to laying the groundwork for how our knowledge of this plan should impact the way we, as God’s people, are to live.
We no longer live in the darkness of our thinking or as followers of the desires of our flesh or our own selfishness. Instead, we are new people in Christ, And we are empowered to live in new ways - ways that are worthy of the invitation God has given us to join him in his plan to restore and renew all things under Christ’s good and perfect reign.
We invite you to join us for 6 encouraging, compelling weeks of exploring the power of God at work in the world, the church and in our lives.
The book of Ephesians is actually a letter; a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a brand new church in the ancient city of Ephesus. In this letter, Paul fleshes out the mysterious plan of God which lies at the very center of the Universe. This plan is full of joy, energy and grace and it is ALL God’s doing. This plan is about how God is going to redeem the world that has been broken by sin.
After spending the first 3 chapters making every effort to explain this cosmic plan that is beyond words, Paul moves to laying the groundwork for how our knowledge of this plan should impact the way we, as God’s people, are to live.
We no longer live in the darkness of our thinking or as followers of the desires of our flesh or our own selfishness. Instead, we are new people in Christ, And we are empowered to live in new ways - ways that are worthy of the invitation God has given us to join him in his plan to restore and renew all things under Christ’s good and perfect reign.
We invite you to join us for 6 encouraging, compelling weeks of exploring the power of God at work in the world, the church and in our lives.
Friends, neighbors and guests at Orchard Hill Church often ask “What exactly does Orchard Hill believe? As they watch our work with students, other churches, Walnut Neighborhood, Try Pie and Youth Art Team they also sometimes ask how do you as a congregation get involved in the many things you do?
This teaching series entitled This Is Who We Are is meant to answer those questions. We are a local congregation who believe the Apostle’s Creed is a great summary of what we believe from the scriptures. Our Mission Statement: Helping next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world is the focus of most of what we do. For four weeks Stef, Alice, Jeff and Dave will try to paint a picture of who we are and who we desire to be.
Friends, neighbors and guests at Orchard Hill Church often ask “What exactly does Orchard Hill believe? As they watch our work with students, other churches, Walnut Neighborhood, Try Pie and Youth Art Team they also sometimes ask how do you as a congregation get involved in the many things you do?
This teaching series entitled This Is Who We Are is meant to answer those questions. We are a local congregation who believe the Apostle’s Creed is a great summary of what we believe from the scriptures. Our Mission Statement: Helping next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world is the focus of most of what we do. For four weeks Stef, Alice, Jeff and Dave will try to paint a picture of who we are and who we desire to be.
Friends, neighbors and guests at Orchard Hill Church often ask “What exactly does Orchard Hill believe? As they watch our work with students, other churches,Walnut Neighborhood, Try Pie and Youth Art Team they also sometimes ask how do you as a congregation get involved in the many things you do?
This teaching series entitled This Is Who We Are is meant to answer those questions. We are a local congregation who believe the Apostle’s Creed is a great summary of what we believe from the scriptures. Our Mission Statement: Helping next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world is the focus of most of what we do. For four weeks Stef, Alice, Jeff and Dave will try to paint a picture of who we are and who we desire to be.
Friends, neighbors and guests at Orchard Hill Church often ask “What exactly does Orchard Hill believe? As they watch our work with students, other churches, Walnut Neighborhood, Try Pie and Youth Art Team they also sometimes ask how do you as a congregation get involved in the many things you do?
This teaching series entitled This Is Who We Are is meant to answer those questions. We are a local congregation who believe the Apostle’s Creed is a great summary of what we believe from the scriptures. Our Mission Statement: Helping next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world is the focus of most of what we do. For four weeks Stef, Alice, Jeff and Dave will try to paint a picture of who we are and who we desire to be
Families of all shapes and sizes are a gift from God. And family life in all of its stages is equal parts wonder, joy and love and really hard all at the same time. Learning to honor and handle emotions in our families is important work and can be an opportunity for spiritual transformation.But there is almost no other situation in which emotions tend to run so high. How does God want us to navigate our emotional lives in our families? How do we navigate really hard feelings? What kind of wisdom can we glean from the Bible?
We look forward to kicking off the new year with this much-needed teaching series. God wants our families to thrive and we believe this series can help!
Families of all shapes and sizes are a gift from God. And family life in all of its stages is equal parts wonder, joy and love and really hard all at the same time. Learning to honor and handle emotions in our families is important work and can be an opportunity for spiritual transformation.But there is almost no other situation in which emotions tend to run so high. How does God want us to navigate our emotional lives in our families? How do we navigate really hard feelings? What kind of wisdom can we glean from the Bible?
We look forward to kicking off the new year with this much-needed teaching series. God wants our families to thrive and we believe this series can help!
Families of all shapes and sizes are a gift from God. And family life in all of its stages is equal parts wonder, joy and love and really hard all at the same time. Learning to honor and handle emotions in our families is important work and can be an opportunity for spiritual transformation.But there is almost no other situation in which emotions tend to run so high. How does God want us to navigate our emotional lives in our families? How do we navigate really hard feelings? What kind of wisdom can we glean from the Bible?
We look forward to kicking off the new year with this much-needed teaching series. God wants our families to thrive and we believe this series can help!
Families of all shapes and sizes are a gift from God. And family life in all of its stages is equal parts wonder, joy and love and really hard all at the same time. Learning to honor and handle emotions in our families is important work and can be an opportunity for spiritual transformation.But there is almost no other situation in which emotions tend to run so high. How does God want us to navigate our emotional lives in our families? How do we navigate really hard feelings? What kind of wisdom can we glean from the Bible?
We look forward to kicking off the new year with this much-needed teaching series. God wants our families to thrive and we believe this series can help!
In the Incarnation, God, in his perfection and glory, moved toward broken humanity in all of our mess and suffering in order to save us. Our response is learned hopefulness
This is grace in its purest form.
We did nothing, and still do nothing, to deserve it.
This God-initiated movement toward us happened (and still happens today) out of the pure goodness of God’s heart toward his wayward children; his lost world.
Because God has moved toward us in love, we then, though we are weak, are to move toward others in their pain and suffering. God goes with us as we move.
All we have to offer is his love, and it is more than enough.
This is who God is. This is who we, as God’s children, are called to be.
In the Incarnation, God, in his perfection and glory, moved toward broken humanity in all of our mess and suffering in order to save us. Our response is learned hopefulness
This is grace in its purest form.
We did nothing, and still do nothing, to deserve it.
This God-initiated movement toward us happened (and still happens today) out of the pure goodness of God’s heart toward his wayward children; his lost world.
Because God has moved toward us in love, we then, though we are weak, are to move toward others in their pain and suffering. God goes with us as we move.
All we have to offer is his love, and it is more than enough.
In the Incarnation, God, in his perfection and glory, moved toward broken humanity in all of our mess and suffering in order to save us. Our response is learned hopefulness
This is grace in its purest form.
We did nothing, and still do nothing, to deserve it.
This God-initiated movement toward us happened (and still happens today) out of the pure goodness of God’s heart toward his wayward children; his lost world.
Because God has moved toward us in love, we then, though we are weak, are to move toward others in their pain and suffering. God goes with us as we move.
All we have to offer is his love, and it is more than enough.
This is who God is. This is who we, as God’s children, are called to be.
In the Incarnation, God, in his perfection and glory, moved toward broken humanity in all of our mess and suffering in order to save us. Our response is learned hopefulness
This is grace in its purest form.
We did nothing, and still do nothing, to deserve it.
This God-initiated movement toward us happened (and still happens today) out of the pure goodness of God’s heart toward his wayward children; his lost world.
Because God has moved toward us in love, we then, though we are weak, are to move toward others in their pain and suffering. God goes with us as we move.
All we have to offer is his love, and it is more than enough.
This is who God is. This is who we, as God’s children, are called to be.
Key Scripture:
Teaching series summary: What should we do with what we are given? It’s a question Christians ask. Given, that is, by God who is the author of life, and time, and talent, and all creation. Life is God’s gift. So is time, the form in which life passes from cradle to grave, from birth to judgment. How shall we use life and time through the fleeting hours that we have them? What will we do with the talents implanted in each of us by God? Why has He given each of us just that unique combination of skills and potential which makes every human being different from every other? How should we use the goods our efforts acquire? Is all that we earn ours to use as we please? If not, how much may we keep for ourselves? What do we owe the Lord, and our neighbor?
These and similar questions come to focus in the term “stewardship.” We invite you to explore with us the meaning of stewardship as taught by the Scriptures. We urge you to react to what is said, and to search the Bible for yourself to see if what we urge upon you is true. And we suggest that you discuss stewardship with friends, and in Life Groups.
All because we believe that stewardship is what the Christian life is all about.
What should we do with what we are given? It’s a question Christians ask. Given, that is, by God who is the author of life, and time, and talent, and all creation. Life is God’s gift. So is time, the form in which life passes from cradle to grave, from birth to judgment. How shall we use life and time through the fleeting hours that we have them? What will we do with the talents implanted in each of us by God? Why has He given each of us just that unique combination of skills and potential which makes every human being different from every other? How should we use the goods our efforts acquire? Is all that we earn ours to use as we please? If not, how much may we keep for ourselves? What do we owe the Lord, and our neighbor?
These and similar questions come to focus in the term “stewardship.” We invite you to explore with us the meaning of stewardship as taught by the Scriptures. We urge you to react to what is said, and to search the Bible for yourself to see if what we urge upon you is true. And we suggest that you discuss stewardship with friends, and in Life Groups.
All because we believe that stewardship is what the Christian life is all about.
What should we do with what we are given? It’s a question Christians ask. Given, that is, by God who is the author of life, and time, and talent, and all creation. Life is God’s gift. So is time, the form in which life passes from cradle to grave, from birth to judgment. How shall we use life and time through the fleeting hours that we have them? What will we do with the talents implanted in each of us by God? Why has He given each of us just that unique combination of skills and potential which makes every human being different from every other? How should we use the goods our efforts acquire? Is all that we earn ours to use as we please? If not, how much may we keep for ourselves? What do we owe the Lord, and our neighbor?
These and similar questions come to focus in the term “stewardship.” We invite you to explore with us the meaning of stewardship as taught by the Scriptures. We urge you to react to what is said, and to search the Bible for yourself to see if what we urge upon you is true. And we suggest that you discuss stewardship with friends, and in Life Groups.
All because we believe that stewardship is what the Christian life is all about.
What should we do with what we are given? It’s a question Christians ask. Given, that is, by God who is the author of life, and time, and talent, and all creation. Life is God’s gift. So is time, the form in which life passes from cradle to grave, from birth to judgment. How shall we use life and time through the fleeting hours that we have them? What will we do with the talents implanted in each of us by God? Why has He given each of us just that unique combination of skills and potential which makes every human being different from every other? How should we use the goods our efforts acquire? Is all that we earn ours to use as we please? If not, how much may we keep for ourselves? What do we owe the Lord, and our neighbor?
These and similar questions come to focus in the term “stewardship.” We invite you to explore with us the meaning of stewardship as taught by the Scriptures. We urge you to react to what is said, and to search the Bible for yourself to see if what we urge upon you is true. And we suggest that you discuss stewardship with friends, and in Life Groups.
All because we believe that stewardship is what the Christian life is all about.
Questions play an important role in our lives as we follow Jesus. Lots of times, we have urgent and important questions for which we’d love to get answers. One question we’ve heard from some younger people in our congregation goes something like this--Is it worth it anymore? Wrapped up in that question are several questions that our teaching team hopes to answer during this next teaching series: Is it worth it to keep trying to get something out of the Bible? Is believing the gospel of “good news” still worth it? Is supporting and participating in the local church still worth it? Is faith even worth it these days?
God doesn’t get mad at us or disappointed in us when we have questions like these. He knows we are on a journey and questions are a part of that. So, we hope you will join us as our teachers bring God’s answers and their own way of answering these questions.
Questions play an important role in our lives as we follow Jesus. Lots of times, we have urgent and important questions for which we’d love to get answers. One question we’ve heard from some younger people in our congregation goes something like this--Is it worth it anymore? Wrapped up in that question are several questions that our teaching team hopes to answer during this next teaching series: Is it worth it to keep trying to get something out of the Bible? Is believing the gospel of “good news” still worth it? Is supporting and participating in the local church still worth it? Is faith even worth it these days?
God doesn’t get mad at us or disappointed in us when we have questions like these. He knows we are on a journey and questions are a part of that. So, we hope you will join us as our teachers bring God’s answers and their own way of answering these questions.
Questions play an important role in our lives as we follow Jesus. Lots of times, we have urgent and important questions for which we’d love to get answers. One question we’ve heard from some younger people in our congregation goes something like this--Is it worth it anymore? Wrapped up in that question are several questions that our teaching team hopes to answer during this next teaching series: Is it worth it to keep trying to get something out of the Bible? Is believing the gospel of “good news” still worth it? Is supporting and participating in the local church still worth it? Is faith even worth it these days?
God doesn’t get mad at us or disappointed in us when we have questions like these. He knows we are on a journey and questions are a part of that. So, we hope you will join us as our teachers bring God’s answers and their own way of answering these questions.
Questions play an important role in our lives as we follow Jesus. Lots of times, we have urgent and important questions for which we’d love to get answers. One question we’ve heard from some younger people in our congregation goes something like this--Is it worth it anymore? Wrapped up in that question are several questions that our teaching team hopes to answer during this next teaching series: Is it worth it to keep trying to get something out of the Bible? Is believing the gospel of “good news” still worth it? Is supporting and participating in the local church still worth it? Is faith even worth it these days?
God doesn’t get mad at us or disappointed in us when we have questions like these. He knows we are on a journey and questions are a part of that. So, we hope you will join us as our teachers bring God’s answers and their own way of answering these questions.
Jesus’ earliest followers lived in a world even more divided and polarized than ours. Hard to believe, but true!
They faced tremendous pressure from cultural, religious and political leaders to conform to their world views or to simply be quiet and go away.
Neither of these options would help them accomplish what Jesus had asked them to do - help others know and follow him. They had to find another option, a third way.
They chose the way of Jesus -- no matter their cultural, religious or political background. They chose to live as if God’s kingdom had come to earth, and this way of life drew more and more people into God’s kingdom.
This way is the same way Christ followers are called to live today.
In our polarized and divisive society, we are called to be people of the third way - the way of Jesus.
We will still have opinions and views and perspectives. But our views and opinions don’t have our primary allegiance. Jesus and his kingdom has our primary allegiance.
When the world around us tells us there are only two options, two sides, two choices, we remember we are people of the third way, the way of Jesus.
Jesus’ earliest followers lived in a world even more divided and polarized than ours. Hard to believe, but true!
They faced tremendous pressure from cultural, religious and political leaders to conform to their world views or to simply be quiet and go away.
Neither of these options would help them accomplish what Jesus had asked them to do - help others know and follow him. They had to find another option, a third way.
They chose the way of Jesus -- no matter their cultural, religious or political background. They chose to live as if God’s kingdom had come to earth, and this way of life drew more and more people into God’s kingdom.
This way is the same way Christ followers are called to live today.
In our polarized and divisive society, we are called to be people of the third way - the way of Jesus.
We will still have opinions and views and perspectives. But our views and opinions don’t have our primary allegiance. Jesus and his kingdom has our primary allegiance.
When the world around us tells us there are only two options, two sides, two choices, we remember we are people of the third way, the way of Jesus.
Have you ever heard someone at Orchard say, “Everyone’s welcome?” Does the church really mean it? And what exactly does that look like in practice? Or, how about, “pick up your paddle?” That’s kinda weird, especially if you’re somewhat new to the church. However, the reference is decades old and refers to a metaphor of the church as a whitewater raft and the need to have everyone in the raft working together, serving in order to navigate the turbulent water. Come find out what rafting and welcoming have to do with accomplishing the mission God has given our church. Learn how and be inspired to jump in a raft with us and find out what you can expect from the experience and where the adventure is leading us.
Jesus’ earliest followers lived in a world even more divided and polarized than ours. Hard to believe, but true!
They faced tremendous pressure from cultural, religious and political leaders to conform to their world views or to simply be quiet and go away.
Neither of these options would help them accomplish what Jesus had asked them to do - help others know and follow him. They had to find another option, a third way.
They chose the way of Jesus -- no matter their cultural, religious or political background. They chose to live as if God’s kingdom had come to earth, and this way of life drew more and more people into God’s kingdom.
This way is the same way Christ followers are called to live today.
In our polarized and divisive society, we are called to be people of the third way - the way of Jesus.
We will still have opinions and views and perspectives. But our views and opinions don’t have our primary allegiance. Jesus and his kingdom has our primary allegiance.
When the world around us tells us there are only two options, two sides, two choices, we remember we are people of the third way, the way of Jesus.
Have you ever heard someone at Orchard say, “Everyone’s welcome?” Does the church really mean it? And what exactly does that look like in practice? Or, how about, “pick up your paddle?” That’s kinda weird, especially if you’re somewhat new to the church. However, the reference is decades old and refers to a metaphor of the church as a whitewater raft and the need to have everyone in the raft working together, serving in order to navigate the turbulent water. Come find out what rafting and welcoming have to do with accomplishing the mission God has given our church. Learn how and be inspired to jump in a raft with us and find out what you can expect from the experience and where the adventure is leading us.
Have you ever heard someone at Orchard say, “Everyone’s welcome?” Does the church really mean it? And what exactly does that look like in practice? Or, how about, “pick up your paddle?” That’s kinda weird, especially if you’re somewhat new to the church. However, the reference is decades old and refers to a metaphor of the church as a whitewater raft and the need to have everyone in the raft working together, serving in order to navigate the turbulent water. Come find out what rafting and welcoming have to do with accomplishing the mission God has given our church. Learn how and be inspired to jump in a raft with us and find out what you can expect from the experience and where the adventure is leading us.
Have you ever heard someone at Orchard say, “Everyone’s welcome?” Does the church really mean it? And what exactly does that look like in practice? Or, how about, “pick up your paddle?” That’s kinda weird, especially if you’re somewhat new to the church. However, the reference is decades old and refers to a metaphor of the church as a whitewater raft and the need to have everyone in the raft working together, serving in order to navigate the turbulent water. Come find out what rafting and welcoming have to do with accomplishing the mission God has given our church. Learn how and be inspired to jump in a raft with us and find out what you can expect from the experience and where the adventure is leading us.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
At the very center of the Christian faith lies a Community; a loving, self-sustaining, beautiful Community. The Trinity - God as Three-in-One - is the Mystery at the center of it all.
We want to spend the summer exploring the Trinity by looking at each unique person that makes up the Godhead. We will first spend 5 weeks asking: Who is Jesus?
Next, we will move to look at 4 key attributes of God the Father. The fact that God is trustworthy, holy, generous and self-sacrificing.
Last, but not least, we will spend 2 weeks pondering how God the Spirit works in the world and in our lives.
At the heart of our faith, lies a Community. A Community we are invited into because of God’s love for us and God’s desire to bring us into unity with himself.
Jesus’ main message was that the Kingdom of his Father was now available to ALL people, not just religious folks. This was considered the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus.
And both Jesus’ teachings and his life provided clear guidance about how everyday, ordinary people could learn to live in that kingdom both now and in eternity. Jesus proclaimed that his way of living was, and still is, the way of deep and lasting joy and peace.
Our problem arises when we look at Jesus’ narrative about the good life, compare it to our culture’s narrative about the good life, and make the choice to reject Jesus’ ways for the dominant, cultural ways that everyone else seems to live by.
We believe - mistakenly - that our culture’s story is the path to true and abundant life and happiness, even when we are confronted every day with evidence that proves otherwise.
What might it look like to start to live as Jesus calls us to live?
What kinds of heart change will need to happen inside of us?
What kind of trust might we have to place in Jesus in order to live his way?
We hope you will join us as we explore four Kingdom ways of life that Jesus presented in his famous Sermon on the Mount. Each of these stands in stark contrast to what we see around us, and within us. Nonetheless, living Jesus’ way actually leads to deep and lasting joy and peace, even when it appears to be the harder road.
God wants to give us new hearts. God is the master of heart change. If we give God access to our hearts, we can learn to live Jesus’ way.
Jesus’ main message was that the Kingdom of his Father was now available to ALL people, not just religious folks. This was considered the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus.
And both Jesus’ teachings and his life provided clear guidance about how everyday, ordinary people could learn to live in that kingdom both now and in eternity. Jesus proclaimed that his way of living was, and still is, the way of deep and lasting joy and peace.
Our problem arises when we look at Jesus’ narrative about the good life, compare it to our culture’s narrative about the good life, and make the choice to reject Jesus’ ways for the dominant, cultural ways that everyone else seems to live by.
We believe - mistakenly - that our culture’s story is the path to true and abundant life and happiness, even when we are confronted every day with evidence that proves otherwise.
What might it look like to start to live as Jesus calls us to live?
What kinds of heart change will need to happen inside of us?
What kind of trust might we have to place in Jesus in order to live his way?
We hope you will join us as we explore four Kingdom ways of life that Jesus presented in his famous Sermon on the Mount. Each of these stands in stark contrast to what we see around us, and within us. Nonetheless, living Jesus’ way actually leads to deep and lasting joy and peace, even when it appears to be the harder road.
God wants to give us new hearts. God is the master of heart change. If we give God access to our hearts, we can learn to live Jesus’ way.
How to live without judging others… Have you ever felt judged by someone? Have you ever judged someone else? How did that work? Judging others rarely helps anyone. Judging is making a negative evaluation of others without standing in solidarity with them. It’s criticizing without caring. So, why do we do it? Two basic reasons: to fix people and to make us feel better about ourselves. Neither end well. Jesus offers a completely different way to help others change, including ourselves. (Luke 7:1-12) First, don’t judge unless you’re prepared to live under that arrangement yourself. It’s not the way to help. Instead, pray for others, persistently. See them through God’s eyes & heart. Let them know that they are not alone. Be willing to walk with & to understand them. Treat others as you would like to be treated, is Jesus’ final word on the matter.
Jesus’ main message was that the Kingdom of his Father was now available to ALL people, not just religious folks. This was considered the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus.
And both Jesus’ teachings and his life provided clear guidance about how everyday, ordinary people could learn to live in that kingdom both now and in eternity. Jesus proclaimed that his way of living was, and still is, the way of deep and lasting joy and peace.
Our problem arises when we look at Jesus’ narrative about the good life, compare it to our culture’s narrative about the good life, and make the choice to reject Jesus’ ways for the dominant, cultural ways that everyone else seems to live by.
We believe - mistakenly - that our culture’s story is the path to true and abundant life and happiness, even when we are confronted every day with evidence that proves otherwise.
What might it look like to start to live as Jesus calls us to live? What kinds of heart change will need to happen inside of us? What kind of trust might we have to place in Jesus in order to live his way?
We hope you will join us as we explore four Kingdom ways of life that Jesus presented in his famous Sermon on the Mount. Each of these stands in stark contrast to what we see around us, and within us. Nonetheless, living Jesus’ way actually leads to deep and lasting joy and peace, even when it appears to be the harder road.
God wants to give us new hearts. God is the master of heart change. If we give God access to our hearts, we can learn to live Jesus’ way.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
As Christians we follow a living, resurrected Christ. This is at the very core of our faith. Not only that, Jesus was God incarnate; not only that Jesus died on a cross as the Lamb of God for the sins of the world; but that this same Jesus who was crucified, rose from the grave, appeared to his disciples and, according to the Scriptures, almost 500 more people.
Many of us have been taught that the resurrection should mostly influence how we think about life after death.
But what if Jesus’ resurrection - and the hope of our resurrection - is meant to influence and inform how we live every day of our lives now?
And what if resurrection doesn’t solely have to do with me and my body after death, but with all things? With the renewal and the restoration of all things?
What then? How should we live in light of this stunning truth?
Join us as we ponder what it means to be people of the resurrection.
As Christians we follow a living, resurrected Christ. This is at the very core of our faith. Not only that, Jesus was God incarnate; not only that Jesus died on a cross as the Lamb of God for the sins of the world; but that this same Jesus who was crucified, rose from the grave, appeared to his disciples and, according to the Scriptures, almost 500 more people.
Many of us have been taught that the resurrection should mostly influence how we think about life after death.
But what if Jesus’ resurrection - and the hope of our resurrection - is meant to influence and inform how we live every day of our lives now?
And what if resurrection doesn’t solely have to do with me and my body after death, but with all things? With the renewal and the restoration of all things?
What then? How should we live in light of this stunning truth?
Join us as we ponder what it means to be people of the resurrection.
As Christians we follow a living, resurrected Christ. This is at the very core of our faith. Not only that, Jesus was God incarnate; not only that Jesus died on a cross as the Lamb of God for the sins of the world; but that this same Jesus who was crucified, rose from the grave, appeared to his disciples and, according to the Scriptures, almost 500 more people.
Many of us have been taught that the resurrection should mostly influence how we think about life after death.
But what if Jesus’ resurrection - and the hope of our resurrection - is meant to influence and inform how we live every day of our lives now?
And what if resurrection doesn’t solely have to do with me and my body after death, but with all things? With the renewal and the restoration of all things?
What then? How should we live in light of this stunning truth?
Join us as we ponder what it means to be people of the resurrection.
As Christians we follow a living, resurrected Christ. This is at the very core of our faith. Not only that, Jesus was God incarnate; not only that Jesus died on a cross as the Lamb of God for the sins of the world; but that this same Jesus who was crucified, rose from the grave, appeared to his disciples and, according to the Scriptures, almost 500 more people.
Many of us have been taught that the resurrection should mostly influence how we think about life after death.
But what if Jesus’ resurrection - and the hope of our resurrection - is meant to influence and inform how we live every day of our lives now?
And what if resurrection doesn’t solely have to do with me and my body after death, but with all things? With the renewal and the restoration of all things?
What then? How should we live in light of this stunning truth?
Join us as we ponder what it means to be people of the resurrection.
Jesus had just washed his disciples’ feet and had just celebrated the Passover meal in a unique and strange way which focused upon his broken body and his spilled blood. He had just announced to his disciples his betrayal by Judas, his denial by Peter and that all the others would forsake him. The disciples were stunned, discouraged, questioning and in denial about what was coming. They were unable and unwilling to understand what Jesus was talking about. Jesus knew he would be arrested later that evening. As he looked into the faces of his disciples, he knew they needed his words and support in this moment. They needed help with The Way Forward.
In John chapter 16 Jesus makes a statement that is very hard to believe. He says to his disciples, “It’s better for you that I leave.” Jesus has been their leader for three years and soon they will be leaderless. How could it possibly be better? Because when Jesus leaves, He gives them something. What is it? A person whom Jesus describes as a helper, someone “to come alongside and speak truth.” This is what the very best counselors do. Jesus tells his disciples, “I won’t be with you but you will have a counselor. I’m giving you a person.” Everyone needs good counsel, the kind that will change the way we live. That’s why the Holy Spirit’s counsel is so effective. The Spirit of God knows you better than you know yourself. His counsel is truth. Jesus’ truth, to help you, both now and in the way forward.
Jesus had just washed his disciples’ feet and had just celebrated the Passover meal in a unique and strange way which focused upon his broken body and his spilled blood. He had just announced to his disciples his betrayal by Judas, his denial by Peter and that all the others would forsake him. The disciples were stunned, discouraged, questioning and in denial about what was coming. They were unable and unwilling to understand what Jesus was talking about. Jesus knew he would be arrested later that evening. As he looked into the faces of his disciples, he knew they needed his words and support in this moment. They needed help with The Way Forward.
Jesus had just washed his disciples’ feet and had just celebrated the Passover meal in a unique and strange way which focused upon his broken body and his spilled blood. He had just announced to his disciples his betrayal by Judas, his denial by Peter and that all the others would forsake him. The disciples were stunned, discouraged, questioning and in denial about what was coming. They were unable and unwilling to understand what Jesus was talking about. Jesus knew he would be arrested later that evening. As he looked into the faces of his disciples, he knew they needed his words and support in this moment. They needed help with The Way Forward.
Into this moment, Jesus brings these words of comfort, encouragement, instruction and prayer. Then he is arrested, sentenced and murdered upon a cross. The words are the crossroads between their last super together and his arrest and death on a cross. They will watch his words play out exactly as he has said.
How many of you are part of a family, group of friends, or church where everyone always agrees on what’s best for each other and the group, AND knows and does exactly what needs to be done to help each other get there? Sounds awesome, but it’s really unrealistic. Our relationships are filled with disagreements like what’s best and who decides what’s best and what if we disagree, or when do we step in and help someone who’s struggling and when do we step back and let them fail? When and how do I correct someone I love who I think is being misled and when do we accept differences or just agree to disagree? In this series we’re going to look at some great New Testament teaching to help us apply Jesus’ principles for managing this tension in ways that can help us build lasting relationships and environments that help our families, churches and community thrive.
Many of our relationships are filled with tension. We often disagree with our friends, spouses, parents, kids, others we work or attend church with, and complete strangers. While this has always been true, recent events and circumstances have magnified this tension for many of us. Oftentimes the tension is internal. As it spills out of us or others it creates conflict and increases tension in our lives and our relationships. Mature followers of Jesus learn to accept this tension and commit to following Jesus to build relationships that help individuals, families, churches, and communities to thrive. This series will look at several Bible passages from the New Testament that provide practical instructions to help us apply Jesus’ principles for living well in tension and building strong relationships that help us, our family members, friends, strangers, and churches thrive.
How many of you are part of a family, group of friends, or church where everyone always agrees on what’s best for each other and the group, AND knows and does exactly what needs to be done to help each other get there? Sounds awesome, but it’s really unrealistic. Our relationships are filled with disagreements like what’s best and who decides what’s best and what if we disagree, or when do we step in and help someone who’s struggling and when do we step back and let them fail? When and how do I correct someone I love who I think is being misled and when do we accept differences or just agree to disagree? In this series we’re going to look at some great New Testament teaching to help us apply Jesus’ principles for managing this tension in ways that can help us build lasting relationships and environments that help our families, churches and community thrive.
How many of you are part of a family, group of friends, or church where everyone always agrees on what’s best for each other and the group, AND knows and does exactly what needs to be done to help each other get there? Sounds awesome, but it’s really unrealistic. Our relationships are filled with disagreements like what’s best and who decides what’s best and what if we disagree, or when do we step in and help someone who’s struggling and when do we step back and let them fail? When and how do I correct someone I love who I think is being misled and when do we accept differences or just agree to disagree? In this series we’re going to look at some great New Testament teaching to help us apply Jesus’ principles for managing this tension in ways that can help us build lasting relationships and environments that help our families, churches and community thrive.
How many of you are part of a family, group of friends, or church where everyone always agrees on what’s best for each other and the group, AND knows and does exactly what needs to be done to help each other get there? Sounds awesome, but it’s really unrealistic. Our relationships are filled with disagreements like what’s best and who decides what’s best and what if we disagree, or when do we step in and help someone who’s struggling and when do we step back and let them fail? When and how do I correct someone I love who I think is being misled and when do we accept differences or just agree to disagree? In this series we’re going to look at some great New Testament teaching to help us apply Jesus’ principles for managing this tension in ways that can help us build lasting relationships and environments that help our families, churches and community thrive.
It sometimes seems that we know all there is to know about the Christmas story, doesn’t it? We’ve seen Charlie Brown’s Christmas and we’ve heard Linus read the familiar story… but what if - in our familiarity - we’ve been missing things?
What if there is fresh wisdom within the story of Jesus’ birth??
We believe there is and that is what we will explore during our Advent teaching series!
During these 4 weeks, we will think about why Jesus came as “the light of the world” into a time of deep darkness. We will consider why Zechariah was forced to be silent when he learned of his wife Elizabeth’s prophetic pregnancy. We will learn about the wisdom carried to the manger by the three wisemen. And we will ponder, along with Jesus’ mother Mary, some of the deepest mysteries of the faith.
We hope you will join us this Advent season for our teaching series The Wisdom Within.
The Christmas Online Experience is an extended version of our in-person Christmas Eve services. Enjoy an inspiring and beautiful service with scripture, carols, video, and a message of hope.
It sometimes seems that we know all there is to know about the Christmas story, doesn’t it? We’ve seen Charlie Brown’s Christmas and we’ve heard Linus read the familiar story… but what if - in our familiarity - we’ve been missing things?
What if there is fresh wisdom within the story of Jesus’ birth??
We believe there is and that is what we will explore during our Advent teaching series!
During these 4 weeks, we will think about why Jesus came as “the light of the world” into a time of deep darkness. We will consider why Zechariah was forced to be silent when he learned of his wife Elizabeth’s prophetic pregnancy. We will learn about the wisdom carried to the manger by the three wisemen. And we will ponder, along with Jesus’ mother Mary, some of the deepest mysteries of the faith.
We hope you will join us this Advent season for our teaching series The Wisdom Within.
It sometimes seems that we know all there is to know about the Christmas story, doesn’t it? We’ve seen Charlie Brown’s Christmas and we’ve heard Linus read the familiar story… but what if - in our familiarity - we’ve been missing things?
What if there is fresh wisdom within the story of Jesus’ birth??
We believe there is and that is what we will explore during our Advent teaching series!
During these 4 weeks, we will think about why Jesus came as “the light of the world” into a time of deep darkness. We will consider why Zechariah was forced to be silent when he learned of his wife Elizabeth’s prophetic pregnancy. We will learn about the wisdom carried to the manger by the three wisemen. And we will ponder, along with Jesus’ mother Mary, some of the deepest mysteries of the faith.
We hope you will join us this Advent season for our teaching series The Wisdom Within.
It sometimes seems that we know all there is to know about the Christmas story, doesn’t it? We’ve seen Charlie Brown’s Christmas and we’ve heard Linus read the familiar story… but what if - in our familiarity - we’ve been missing things?
What if there is fresh wisdom within the story of Jesus’ birth??
We believe there is and that is what we will explore during our Advent teaching series!
During these 4 weeks, we will think about why Jesus came as “the light of the world” into a time of deep darkness. We will consider why Zechariah was forced to be silent when he learned of his wife Elizabeth’s prophetic pregnancy. We will learn about the wisdom carried to the manger by the three wisemen. And we will ponder, along with Jesus’ mother Mary, some of the deepest mysteries of the faith.
We hope you will join us this Advent season for our teaching series The Wisdom Within.
The Rest of the Pie is a teaching series about how we can steward what remains after we give to God’s work through the church. Giving a part of our money, time, energy and work to the church is a requirement and a joy for those who follow Jesus. We often teach about stewarding the part we give. We might think what is left, after we give, is for us to use however we choose. The scriptures are clear this is not true. All we have is a gift from God and we are called to steward all of it for him. How are we stewarding the Rest of the Pie?
- The Rest of the Pie is a teaching series about how we can steward what remains after we give to God’s work through the church. Giving a part of our money, time, energy and work to the church is a requirement and a joy for those who follow Jesus. We often teach about stewarding the part we give. We might think what is left, after we give, is for us to use however we choose. The scriptures are clear this is not true. All we have is a gift from God and we are called to steward all of it for him. How are we stewarding the Rest of the Pie?
The Rest of the Pie is a teaching series about how we can steward what remains after we give to God’s work through the church. Giving a part of our money, time, energy and work to the church is a requirement and a joy for those who follow Jesus. We often teach about stewarding the part we give. We might think what is left, after we give, is for us to use however we choose. The scriptures are clear this is not true. All we have is a gift from God and we are called to steward all of it for him. How are we stewarding the Rest of the Pie?
The Rest of the Pie is a teaching series about how we can steward what remains after we give to God’s work through the church. Giving a part of our money, time, energy and work to the church is a requirement and a joy for those who follow Jesus. We often teach about stewarding the part we give. We might think what is left, after we give, is for us to use however we choose. The scriptures are clear this is not true. All we have is a gift from God and we are called to steward all of it for him. How are we stewarding the Rest of the Pie?
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus said that life in the Kingdom of his Father is often the polar opposite of how life works in the world around us. This kind of teaching was hard for Jesus’ original listeners to understand, and it is equally hard for followers today. We are always deeply tempted to go-with-the-flow and to live as everyone else lives.
As we approach this season in our country where a pandemic rages, racial strife is rampant and a contentious election looms, it is more important than ever that the church, and all who follow Jesus, revisit Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom ethics. And not just revisit them, but commit to practice them in our everyday lives.
Now, as always, we are called to live out the seemingly nonsensical teachings of Jesus as a sign of faith, as a sign of trust, and as a sign to the world of the beauty and power and sheer goodness of the Kingdom of our God.
Jesus never promised his followers that life on earth would be easy. In fact, he promised exactly the opposite. The uncertainty and turbulence we are facing right now do not shock or surprise God in any way. In fact, the early church started and thrived in turbulent times. We can, too. Followers of Jesus are called to face uncertainty with courage, perseverance, humility and hope. These are not optional; not add-ons to the Christian life. These traits are the very core of our faith. We need them now more than ever.
Jesus never promised his followers that life on earth would be easy. In fact, he promised exactly the opposite. The uncertainty and turbulence we are facing right now do not shock or surprise God in any way. In fact, the early church started and thrived in turbulent times. We can, too. Followers of Jesus are called to face uncertainty with courage, perseverance, humility and hope. These are not optional; not add-ons to the Christian life. These traits are the very core of our faith. We need them now more than ever.
Jesus never promised his followers that life on earth would be easy. In fact, he promised exactly the opposite. The uncertainty and turbulence we are facing right now do not shock or surprise God in any way. In fact, the early church started and thrived in turbulent times. We can, too. Followers of Jesus are called to face uncertainty with courage, perseverance, humility and hope. These are not optional; not add-ons to the Christian life. These traits are the very core of our faith. We need them now more than ever.
Jesus never promised his followers that life on earth would be easy. In fact, he promised exactly the opposite. The uncertainty and turbulence we are facing right now do not shock or surprise God in any way. In fact, the early church started and thrived in turbulent times. We can, too. Followers of Jesus are called to face uncertainty with courage, perseverance, humility and hope. These are not optional; not add-ons to the Christian life. These traits are the very core of our faith. We need them now more than ever.
The days ahead of us this fall look nothing like the days of last fall. The world ahead is not like the world behind us. There is loss, fear, uncertainty, anxiety and grief. Our plans change. But we need not panic. God has not abandoned us. God is with us. Moving forward, we can learn from the early church leaders who were scattered by persecution and suffering. In them - we find vision that can help us let go of the past and embrace new challenges as we learn to adapt and thrive in the life Jesus promises those who will follow him.
The days ahead of us this fall look nothing like the days of last fall. The world ahead is not like the world behind us. There is loss, fear, uncertainty, anxiety and grief. Our plans change. But we need not panic. God has not abandoned us. God is with us. Moving forward, we can learn from the early church leaders who were scattered by persecution and suffering. In them - we find vision that can help us let go of the past and embrace new challenges as we learn to adapt and thrive in the life Jesus promises those who will follow him.
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
Often, when we study people from the Bible, we feel as if we are studying larger-than life figures, people who are not at all like us, people who are extraordinary. Whether or not we recognize it, this can make us feel as if God can’t work through us because our lives are too “ordinary.”
But what if God loves to work through ordinary people?
What if God’s best work is often done in the quiet of our ordinary days, through ordinary activities, ordinary moments, ordinary relationships?
What if the ordinary is actually - in the Kingdom of Jesus - truly extraordinary?
We look forward to exploring many of the ordinary people from the pages of Scripture, through whom God did extraordinary things throughout history. We hope this series, (Extra)ordinary, will inspire each and every one of us that no moment is simply ordinary when God is involved!
We may be ordinary people, but we worship, and are empowered by, an extraordinary God!
The Gospel of Luke highlights Jesus on the road to Jerusalem and the cross. He met all kinds of people along the way. This guy stands out partly because of his audacity in the face of rebuke. Was it desperation or faith? I am going to highlight some of the contrasts in this passage. Be quiet/he shouted all the more - blind/sighted - rebuke and invitation - the crowd and the individual - Jesus of Nazareth vs. Son of David and Lord - those who led the way/beggars Look at all the roles we play in this story all the way from rebuker and onlooker to the blind beggar
Lydia was successful both in her professional work and in her social or spiritual work nurturing the budding Greek church. Most likely the knowledge and connections she cultivated as a trader helped her in her church work, and vise versa. In Lydia we see a woman whose skill and interest is not confined to one limited area. Indeed, we see that both her position in commerce and her knowledge of faith made her uniquely qualified to spearhead the church in Greece.
According to research by the Pew Institute, 94% of Americans have prayed in the last 3 months. Many of us pray when life gets difficult and these are definitely difficult days as we walk through this era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this series called Powerful Prayers, our teachers want to invite us to pray four prayers found in scripture as a next step in our individual journeys of prayer. Each of these prayers when prayed earnestly change us, change our world and honor God.
These prayers are: Give Me Courage I Surrender Speak to Me Your Will, Not Mine
According to research by the Pew Institute, 94% of Americans have prayed in the last 3 months. Many of us pray when life gets difficult and these are definitely difficult days as we walk through this era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this series called Powerful Prayers, our teachers want to invite us to pray four prayers found in scripture as a next step in our individual journeys of prayer. Each of these prayers when prayed earnestly change us, change our world and honor God.
These prayers are: Give Me Courage I Surrender Speak to Me Your Will, Not Mine
According to research by the Pew Institute, 94% of Americans have prayed in the last 3 months. Many of us pray when life gets difficult and these are definitely difficult days as we walk through this era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this series called Powerful Prayers, our teachers want to invite us to pray four prayers found in scripture as a next step in our individual journeys of prayer. Each of these prayers when prayed earnestly change us, change our world and honor God.
These prayers are: Give Me Courage I Surrender Speak to Me Your Will, Not Mine
According to research by the Pew Institute, 94% of Americans have prayed in the last 3 months. Many of us pray when life gets difficult and these are definitely difficult days as we walk through this era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this series called Powerful Prayers, our teachers want to invite us to pray four prayers found in scripture as a next step in our individual journeys of prayer. Each of these prayers when prayed earnestly change us, change our world and honor God.
These prayers are: Give Me Courage I Surrender Speak to Me Your Will, Not Mine
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
According to the Apostle Paul the cross lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. In the letter to the church at Galatia, Paul wrote: “God forbid that I should boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14)
The cross is the centerpiece.
But why? Have you ever wondered that?
Why did Jesus have to die?
And why did Jesus have to die on a cross?
Why did Jesus have to die in such a cruel and inhumane way?
Why did Jesus have to die the death of a common criminal?
Thankfully, God does not leave us without answers.
The biblical writers use multiple metaphors, pictures and images to help us glimpse the majestic power at work on the cross.
Why did Jesus have to die?
The answer is
... bigger than we have been told.
… more beautiful than we can comprehend.
… better than mere words can describe.
Join us during the 4 weeks before Easter as we explore this important question together.
According to the Apostle Paul the cross lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. In the letter to the church at Galatia, Paul wrote: “God forbid that I should boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14)
The cross is the centerpiece.
But why? Have you ever wondered that?
Why did Jesus have to die?
And why did Jesus have to die on a cross?
Why did Jesus have to die in such a cruel and inhumane way?
Why did Jesus have to die the death of a common criminal?
Thankfully, God does not leave us without answers.
The biblical writers use multiple metaphors, pictures and images to help us glimpse the majestic power at work on the cross.
Why did Jesus have to die?
The answer is
... bigger than we have been told.
… more beautiful than we can comprehend.
… better than mere words can describe.
Join us during the 4 weeks before Easter as we explore this important question together.
According to the Apostle Paul the cross lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. In the letter to the church at Galatia, Paul wrote: “God forbid that I should boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14)
The cross is the centerpiece.
But why? Have you ever wondered that?
Why did Jesus have to die?
And why did Jesus have to die on a cross?
Why did Jesus have to die in such a cruel and inhumane way?
Why did Jesus have to die the death of a common criminal?
Thankfully, God does not leave us without answers.
The biblical writers use multiple metaphors, pictures and images to help us glimpse the majestic power at work on the cross.
Why did Jesus have to die?
The answer is
... bigger than we have been told.
… more beautiful than we can comprehend.
… better than mere words can describe.
Join us during the 4 weeks before Easter as we explore this important question together.
According to the Apostle Paul the cross lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. In the letter to the church at Galatia, Paul wrote: “God forbid that I should boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) The cross is the centerpiece. But why? Have you ever wondered that? Why did Jesus have to die? And why did Jesus have to die on a cross? Why did Jesus have to die in such a cruel and inhumane way? Why did Jesus have to die the death of a common criminal? Thankfully, God does not leave us without answers. The biblical writers use multiple metaphors, pictures and images to help us glimpse the majestic power at work on the cross.
Why did Jesus have to die? The answer is ... bigger than we have been told. … more beautiful than we can comprehend. … better than mere words can describe. Join us during the 4 weeks before Easter as we explore this important question together.
We humans are creatures of habit. Sometimes our habits are good, healthy and helpful. Other times, however, our habits are not good, unhealthy and unhelpful and they lead to real problems in our marriages and in our families.
We feel helpless to fix things.
We feel stuck.
We believe that Jesus wants to help us become Unstuck.
We believe that the Bible offers practical help for us in our most intimate, important relationships.
In this 6-week teaching series, we will explore and bring to light unhealthy patterns that tend to plague us in our marriages and in our parenting.
Our teachers will offer practical teaching from the book of Romans, chapter 12, that we believe God will use to help each one of us become Unstuck and to move toward healthy and happy ways of living life together in our families and friendships.
We humans are creatures of habit. Sometimes our habits are good, healthy and helpful. Other times, however, our habits are not good, unhealthy and unhelpful and they lead to real problems in our marriages and in our families.
We feel helpless to fix things.
We feel stuck.
We believe that Jesus wants to help us become Unstuck.
We believe that the Bible offers practical help for us in our most intimate, important relationships.
In this 6-week teaching series, we will explore and bring to light unhealthy patterns that tend to plague us in our marriages and in our parenting.
Our teachers will offer practical teaching from the book of Romans, chapter 12, that we believe God will use to help each one of us become Unstuck and to move toward healthy and happy ways of living life together in our families and friendships.
We humans are creatures of habit. Sometimes our habits are good, healthy and helpful. Other times, however, our habits are not good, unhealthy and unhelpful and they lead to real problems in our marriages and in our families.
We feel helpless to fix things.
We feel stuck.
We believe that Jesus wants to help us become Unstuck.
We believe that the Bible offers practical help for us in our most intimate, important relationships.
In this 6-week teaching series, we will explore and bring to light unhealthy patterns that tend to plague us in our marriages and in our parenting.
Our teachers will offer practical teaching from the book of Romans, chapter 12, that we believe God will use to help each one of us become Unstuck and to move toward healthy and happy ways of living life together in our families and friendships.
We humans are creatures of habit. Sometimes our habits are good, healthy and helpful. Other times, however, our habits are not good, unhealthy and unhelpful and they lead to real problems in our marriages and in our families.
We feel helpless to fix things.
We feel stuck.
We believe that Jesus wants to help us become Unstuck.
We believe that the Bible offers practical help for us in our most intimate, important relationships.
In this 6-week teaching series, we will explore and bring to light unhealthy patterns that tend to plague us in our marriages and in our parenting.
Our teachers will offer practical teaching from the book of Romans, chapter 12, that we believe God will use to help each one of us become Unstuck and to move toward healthy and happy ways of living life together in our families and friendships.
We humans are creatures of habit. Sometimes our habits are good, healthy and helpful. Other times, however, our habits are not good, unhealthy and unhelpful and they lead to real problems in our marriages and in our families.
We feel helpless to fix things.
We feel stuck.
We believe that Jesus wants to help us become Unstuck.
We believe that the Bible offers practical help for us in our most intimate, important relationships.
In this 6-week teaching series, we will explore and bring to light unhealthy patterns that tend to plague us in our marriages and in our parenting.
Our teachers will offer practical teaching from the book of Romans, chapter 12, that we believe God will use to help each one of us become Unstuck and to move toward healthy and happy ways of living life together in our families and friendships.
We humans are creatures of habit. Sometimes our habits are good, healthy and helpful. Other times, however, our habits are not good, unhealthy and unhelpful and they lead to real problems in our marriages and in our families.
We feel helpless to fix things.
We feel stuck.
We believe that Jesus wants to help us become Unstuck.
We believe that the Bible offers practical help for us in our most intimate, important relationships.
In this 6-week teaching series, we will explore and bring to light unhealthy patterns that tend to plague us in our marriages and in our parenting.
Our teachers will offer practical teaching from the book of Romans, chapter 12, that we believe God will use to help each one of us become Unstuck and to move toward healthy and happy ways of living life together in our families and friendships.
God has created us to be in relationships with other people. ALL kinds of other people! So, one of the earliest things we learn is how to get along with other people. Remember that assessment category on your kindergarten report card - “Plays well with others?”
Playing well with others is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult.
People can be difficult!
We can be difficult!
But the truth is, one of the most challenging aspects of life - getting along with others - can also be one of the most rewarding. However, we have to work at it.
How can we get better at being human - being a healthy human - who gets along well with others?
This series will look at four practical ways in which we can improve our relationship skills and our ability to love others well.
This is important stuff for the church. Jesus said to his followers, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)
Followers of Jesus are to be marked by love. It is our ability to know that we are loved by God, as well our love for ourselves, God and others -- even our enemies -- that demonstrates to the world that we have chosen to follow Jesus.
God has created us to be in relationships with other people. ALL kinds of other people! So, one of the earliest things we learn is how to get along with other people. Remember that assessment category on your kindergarten report card - “Plays well with others?”
Playing well with others is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult.
People can be difficult!
We can be difficult!
But the truth is, one of the most challenging aspects of life - getting along with others - can also be one of the most rewarding. However, we have to work at it.
How can we get better at being human - being a healthy human - who gets along well with others?
This series will look at four practical ways in which we can improve our relationship skills and our ability to love others well.
This is important stuff for the church. Jesus said to his followers, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)
Followers of Jesus are to be marked by love. It is our ability to know that we are loved by God, as well our love for ourselves, God and others -- even our enemies -- that demonstrates to the world that we have chosen to follow Jesus.
God has created us to be in relationships with other people. ALL kinds of other people! So, one of the earliest things we learn is how to get along with other people. Remember that assessment category on your kindergarten report card - “Plays well with others?”
Playing well with others is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult.
People can be difficult!
We can be difficult!
But the truth is, one of the most challenging aspects of life - getting along with others - can also be one of the most rewarding. However, we have to work at it.
How can we get better at being human - being a healthy human - who gets along well with others?
This series will look at four practical ways in which we can improve our relationship skills and our ability to love others well.
This is important stuff for the church. Jesus said to his followers, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)
Followers of Jesus are to be marked by love. It is our ability to know that we are loved by God, as well our love for ourselves, God and others -- even our enemies -- that demonstrates to the world that we have chosen to follow Jesus.
God has created us to be in relationships with other people. ALL kinds of other people! So, one of the earliest things we learn is how to get along with other people. Remember that assessment category on your kindergarten report card - “Plays well with others?”
Playing well with others is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult.
People can be difficult!
We can be difficult!
But the truth is, one of the most challenging aspects of life - getting along with others - can also be one of the most rewarding. However, we have to work at it.
How can we get better at being human - being a healthy human - who gets along well with others?
This series will look at four practical ways in which we can improve our relationship skills and our ability to love others well.
This is important stuff for the church. Jesus said to his followers, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)
Followers of Jesus are to be marked by love. It is our ability to know that we are loved by God, as well our love for ourselves, God and others -- even our enemies -- that demonstrates to the world that we have chosen to follow Jesus.
God often turns up unannounced, uninvited, unrecognized. God appears in the Bible as stranger more often than we realize. God also appears in our lives as stranger more often than we recognize. This is true in the Advent story. God appears in this story as both friend and stranger. He comes to earth in ways none of us would ever have dreamed of. His interactions with the people involved are often odd and hard to understand. And all the while, God is at work moving His rescue plan of this world forward and inviting ordinary people, just like us, to join with him in his work.
God often turns up unannounced, uninvited, unrecognized. God appears in the Bible as stranger more often than we realize. God also appears in our lives as stranger more often than we recognize. This is true in the Advent story. God appears in this story as both friend and stranger. He comes to earth in ways none of us would ever have dreamed of. His interactions with the people involved are often odd and hard to understand. And all the while, God is at work moving His rescue plan of this world forward and inviting ordinary people, just like us, to join with him in his work.
God often turns up unannounced, uninvited, unrecognized. God appears in the Bible as stranger more often than we realize. God also appears in our lives as stranger more often than we recognize. This is true in the Advent story. God appears in this story as both friend and stranger. He comes to earth in ways none of us would ever have dreamed of. His interactions with the people involved are often odd and hard to understand. And all the while, God is at work moving His rescue plan of this world forward and inviting ordinary people, just like us, to join with him in his work.
God often turns up unannounced, uninvited, unrecognized. God appears in the Bible as stranger more often than we realize. God also appears in our lives as stranger more often than we recognize. This is true in the Advent story. God appears in this story as both friend and stranger. He comes to earth in ways none of us would ever have dreamed of. His interactions with the people involved are often odd and hard to understand. And all the while, God is at work moving His rescue plan of this world forward and inviting ordinary people, just like us, to join with him in his work.
There are some sections of Scripture that stand out as especially powerful and packed with meaning. Romans chapter 8, is one of those sections. Filled with truth after truth and stuffed chock full of grace, hope and freedom in Christ, our teachers look forward to delving into this chapter with you over the next 4 weeks. Join us as we learn about how there is no condemnation or accusation for those who follow Jesus. Learn how the Spirit and Jesus both pray for us. Listen to how our suffering is nothing compared to what God eventually has in store for us. Learn about how there is nothing in all this world that is powerful enough to ever separate us from the love of Christ. And don’t just rely on the teachers … read Romans 8 for yourself! Live in it with us this month and expect your life to be changed.
There are some sections of Scripture that stand out as especially powerful and packed with meaning. Romans chapter 8, is one of those sections. Filled with truth after truth and stuffed chock full of grace, hope and freedom in Christ, our teachers look forward to delving into this chapter with you over the next 4 weeks. Join us as we learn about how there is no condemnation or accusation for those who follow Jesus. Learn how the Spirit and Jesus both pray for us. Listen to how our suffering is nothing compared to what God eventually has in store for us. Learn about how there is nothing in all this world that is powerful enough to ever separate us from the love of Christ. And don’t just rely on the teachers … read Romans 8 for yourself! Live in it with us this month and expect your life to be changed.
There are some sections of Scripture that stand out as especially powerful and packed with meaning. Romans chapter 8, is one of those sections. Filled with truth after truth and stuffed chock full of grace, hope and freedom in Christ, our teachers look forward to delving into this chapter with you over the next 4 weeks. Join us as we learn about how there is no condemnation or accusation for those who follow Jesus. Learn how the Spirit and Jesus both pray for us. Listen to how our suffering is nothing compared to what God eventually has in store for us. Learn about how there is nothing in all this world that is powerful enough to ever separate us from the love of Christ. And don’t just rely on the teachers … read Romans 8 for yourself! Live in it with us this month and expect your life to be changed.
There are some sections of Scripture that stand out as especially powerful and packed with meaning. Romans chapter 8, is one of those sections. Filled with truth after truth and stuffed chock full of grace, hope and freedom in Christ, our teachers look forward to delving into this chapter with you over the next 4 weeks. Join us as we learn about how there is no condemnation or accusation for those who follow Jesus. Learn how the Spirit and Jesus both pray for us. Listen to how our suffering is nothing compared to what God eventually has in store for us. Learn about how there is nothing in all this world that is powerful enough to ever separate us from the love of Christ. And don’t just rely on the teachers … read Romans 8 for yourself! Live in it with us this month and expect your life to be changed.
Bad religion shrinks and kills our hearts. Bad religion lacks love and puts our focus in the wrong places. Bad religion often raised the ire of Jesus and we find pieces of bad religion in each of our hearts. Jesus came to bring light and hope to us who so easily slip into bad religion.
Bad religion shrinks and kills our hearts. Bad religion lacks love and puts our focus in the wrong places. Bad religion often raised the ire of Jesus and we find pieces of bad religion in each of our hearts. Jesus came to bring light and hope to us who so easily slip into bad religion. In this teaching Brian Steenhoek tells us God is more concerned with our personal health, wealth, and happiness than our holiness.
Bad religion shrinks and kills our hearts. Bad religion lacks love and puts our focus in the wrong places. Bad religion often raised the ire of Jesus and we find pieces of bad religion in each of our hearts. Jesus came to bring light and hope to us who so easily slip into bad religion.
Bad religion shrinks and kills our hearts. Bad religion lacks love and puts our focus in the wrong places. Bad religion often raised the ire of Jesus and we find pieces of bad religion in each of our hearts. Jesus came to bring light and hope to us who so easily slip into bad religion. In this teaching Dave reminds us the ideas God has no time or love for those who are doubting, sinning, failing or giving into temptation are bad religion.
Jesus changed the world as we know it by launching a movement with a simple invitation, “Come and follow me.” He made a lot of promises to those who accepted the invitation, the promise of abundant life, purpose, help in times of trouble… But he also said some pretty demanding things. To follow someone implies that there is a leader, and the followers do things like their leader. Jesus said you will be able to recognize my followers by the way they love one another. In this series we explore how loving one another like Jesus loves us requires surrender, humility, recognizing and listening to his voice, and exchanging the lead role in our own story, for a critical role in His.
Jesus changed the world as we know it by launching a movement with a simple invitation, “Come and follow me.” He made a lot of promises to those who accepted the invitation, the promise of abundant life, purpose, help in times of trouble… But he also said some pretty demanding things. To follow someone implies that there is a leader, and the followers do things like their leader. Jesus said you will be able to recognize my followers by the way they love one another. In this series we explore how loving one another like Jesus loves us requires surrender, humility, recognizing and listening to his voice, and exchanging the lead role in our own story, for a critical role in His.
Jesus changed the world as we know it by launching a movement with a simple invitation, “Come and follow me.” He made a lot of promises to those who accepted the invitation, the promise of abundant life, purpose, help in times of trouble… But he also said some pretty demanding things. To follow someone implies that there is a leader, and the followers do things like their leader. Jesus said you will be able to recognize my followers by the way they love one another. In this series we explore how loving one another like Jesus loves us requires surrender, humility, recognizing and listening to his voice, and exchanging the lead role in our own story, for a critical role in His.
Have you ever heard someone at Orchard say, “Everyone’s welcome?” Does the church really mean it? And what exactly does that look like in practice? Or, how about, “pick up your paddle?” That’s kinda weird, especially if you’re somewhat new to the church. However, the reference is decades old and refers to a metaphor of the church as a whitewater raft and the need to have everyone in the raft working together, serving in order to navigate the turbulent water. Come find out what rafting and welcoming have to do with accomplishing the mission God has given our church. Learn how and be inspired to jump in a raft with us and find out what you can expect from the experience and where the adventure is leading us.
Have you ever heard someone at Orchard say, “Everyone’s welcome?” Does the church really mean it? And what exactly does that look like in practice? Or, how about, “pick up your paddle?” That’s kinda weird, especially if you’re somewhat new to the church. However, the reference is decades old and refers to a metaphor of the church as a whitewater raft and the need to have everyone in the raft working together, serving in order to navigate the turbulent water. Come find out what rafting and welcoming have to do with accomplishing the mission God has given our church. Learn how and be inspired to jump in a raft with us and find out what you can expect from the experience and where the adventure is leading us.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Followers of Jesus across the globe and across the centuries have arranged their lives in certain ways to help them grow closer to God. We need to do the same. And yet we are all unique; each one of us has specific pathways that lead us to growth. As a church, we plan to spend the summer exploring a few important questions related to our spiritual growth:
What does it look like in our ordinary lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? What kinds of things might we include - or not include - in our lives in order to stay close to God? How do we rearrange our lives so that we can grow spiritually? What is the goal of spiritual growth? Practically, in the midst of our very full lives, how do we make room for the things that deeply connect us to God?
Our hope is that as our teachers pull back the curtain on our lives, we will encourage you to continue to engage in certain actions that help you grow. For some of you, we will encourage you to re-engage things you’ve let slide. And for others, we want to encourage you to start - for the very first time - to rearrange your lives with the intention of growing closer to God right in the midst of our ordinary days.
Being a follower of Jesus requires us to be lifelong learners. As we follow Jesus, we need to stay open to all that he wants to teach us. One question this requires us to ask ourselves is this: How wide is the bandwidth of people from whom I am willing to learn? Am I willing to learn from those who are much younger? Or older? Or from those who are very different from me? In this series we will be challenged to become people who are learners and watching for God to surprise us as we learn from many different kinds of people.
Being a follower of Jesus requires us to be lifelong learners. As we follow Jesus, we need to stay open to all that he wants to teach us. One question this requires us to ask ourselves is this: How wide is the bandwidth of people from whom I am willing to learn? Am I willing to learn from those who are much younger? Or older? Or from those who are very different from me? In this series we will be challenged to become people who are learners and watching for God to surprise us as we learn from many different kinds of people.
Being a follower of Jesus requires us to be lifelong learners. As we follow Jesus, we need to stay open to all that he wants to teach us. One question this requires us to ask ourselves is this: How wide is the bandwidth of people from whom I am willing to learn? Am I willing to learn from those who are much younger? Or older? Or from those who are very different from me? In this series we will be challenged to become people who are learners and watching for God to surprise us as we learn from many different kinds of people.
Being a follower of Jesus requires us to be lifelong learners. As we follow Jesus, we need to stay open to all that he wants to teach us. One question this requires us to ask ourselves is this: How wide is the bandwidth of people from whom I am willing to learn? Am I willing to learn from those who are much younger? Or older? Or from those who are very different from me? In this series we will be challenged to become people who are learners and watching for God to surprise us as we learn from many different kinds of people.
Being a follower of Jesus requires us to be lifelong learners. As we follow Jesus, we need to stay open to all that he wants to teach us. One question this requires us to ask ourselves is this: How wide is the bandwidth of people from whom I am willing to learn? Am I willing to learn from those who are much younger? Or older? Or from those who are very different from me? In this series we will be challenged to become people who are learners and watching for God to surprise us as we learn from many different kinds of people.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
He is risen! Really? Even his followers wrestled with the idea that after being crucified and buried Jesus was raised from the dead. It was hard to believe then, and it’s hard to believe now. But the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. If it didn’t happen, we are fools to follow Jesus, but if it did, image the possibilities!
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
Also, you can watch this 7 minute video (https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ) for a break down on the book of Lamentations. Get the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
Also, you can watch this 7 minute video (https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ) for a break down on the book of Lamentations. Get the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
Also, you can watch this 7 minute video (https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ) for a break down on the book of Lamentations. Get the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
Also, you can watch this 7 minute video (https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ) for a break down on the book of Lamentations. Get the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
Also, you can watch this 7 minute video (https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ) for a break down on the book of Lamentations. Get the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. https://youtu.be/p8GDFPdaQZQ
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we find strength to keep going? Where does our faith truly reside? What do we do when God seems absent? How do we find strength in community?
It is not hard to understand why the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament might be one of the most neglected books in all of the Bible. It is a book of poetry written about the most significant catastrophe of the Israelite people - the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
In it, we find language - poetry, metaphor, imagery - for all the grief, pain and confusion the people of God felt. When their world fell apart. The poems use all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to help fully plumb the depths of the people’s pain.
At the very center of this book, however, we find one of the fiercest statements of faith and trust in all of Scripture. A bedrock reminder that even when the bottom falls out, the center can hold, if the center is built on the right foundation.
We will each face hardship, pain, loss and despair. Lamentations teaches us to hold firmly to our faith while giving us grace-filled permission to pour out all of our grief, anger and confusion - from A to Z - to the God who loves us, whose faithfulness is great, and whose mercies are ever-new.
This five week series takes a new look at an old parable told by Jesus (Luke 15: 11-32). In many of our Bibles this story is labeled the Parable of the Lost Son. With our focus upon family during the month of February, a better title for the parable would be: The Parable of the Two Lost Sons.
As we study this parable to learn how God relates to two lost sons, we will also focus upon how we are called to reflect these same virtues within our family and friendships. This practical and challenging series will focus upon how both sons rebelled against the Father--one by being selfish and immoral and the other by being carefully obedient as a strategy for rebelling against the Father. Religious people often live very moral lives but their goal is to get leverage over God so that He owes them and they can control Him.
Our hope and prayer is that this series will help our families experience freedom, unconditional forgiveness, humility and help each of us love deeply within our context.
This five week series takes a new look at an old parable told by Jesus (Luke 15: 11-32). In many of our Bibles this story is labeled the Parable of the Lost Son. With our focus upon family during the month of February, a better title for the parable would be: The Parable of the Two Lost Sons.
As we study this parable to learn how God relates to two lost sons, we will also focus upon how we are called to reflect these same virtues within our family and friendships. This practical and challenging series will focus upon how both sons rebelled against the Father--one by being selfish and immoral and the other by being carefully obedient as a strategy for rebelling against the Father. Religious people often live very moral lives but their goal is to get leverage over God so that He owes them and they can control Him.
Our hope and prayer is that this series will help our families experience freedom, unconditional forgiveness, humility and help each of us love deeply within our context.
This series takes a new look at an old parable told by Jesus (Luke 15: 11-32). They label many of our Bibles the Parable of the Lost Son. With our focus upon family during the month of February, a better title for the parable would be: The Parable of the Two Lost Sons.
As we study this parable to learn how God relates to two lost sons, we will also focus on how we should reflect these same virtues within our family and friendships. This practical and challenging series will focus upon how both sons rebelled against the Father—one selfish and immoral and the other by being obedient as a strategy for rebelling against the Father. Religious people often live moral lives but their goal is to get leverage over God so He owes them and they can control Him.
Our hope and prayer is that this series will help our family's experience freedom, unconditional forgiveness, humility and help each of us love within our context.
This five week series takes a new look at an old parable told by Jesus (Luke 15: 11-32). In many of our Bibles this story is labeled the Parable of the Lost Son. With our focus upon family during the month of February, a better title for the parable would be: The Parable of the Two Lost Sons.
As we study this parable to learn how God relates to two lost sons, we will also focus upon how we are called to reflect these same virtues within our family and friendships. This practical and challenging series will focus upon how both sons rebelled against the Father--one by being selfish and immoral and the other by being carefully obedient as a strategy for rebelling against the Father. Religious people often live very moral lives but their goal is to get leverage over God so that He owes them and they can control Him.
Our hope and prayer is that this series will help our families experience freedom, unconditional forgiveness, humility and help each of us love deeply within our context.
This five week series takes a new look at an old parable told by Jesus (Luke 15: 11-32). In many of our Bibles this story is labeled the Parable of the Lost Son. With our focus upon family during the month of February, a better title for the parable would be: The Parable of the Two Lost Sons.
As we study this parable to learn how God relates to two lost sons, we will also focus upon how we are called to reflect these same virtues within our family and friendships. This practical and challenging series will focus upon how both sons rebelled against the Father--one by being selfish and immoral and the other by being carefully obedient as a strategy for rebelling against the Father. Religious people often live very moral lives but their goal is to get leverage over God so that He owes them and they can control Him.
Our hope and prayer is that this series will help our families experience freedom, unconditional forgiveness, humility and help each of us love deeply within our context.
This five week series takes a new look at an old parable told by Jesus (Luke 15: 11-32). In many of our Bibles this story is labeled the Parable of the Lost Son. With our focus upon family during the month of February, a better title for the parable would be: The Parable of the Two Lost Sons.
As we study this parable to learn how God relates to two lost sons, we will also focus upon how we are called to reflect these same virtues within our family and friendships. This practical and challenging series will focus upon how both sons rebelled against the Father--one by being selfish and immoral and the other by being carefully obedient as a strategy for rebelling against the Father. Religious people often live very moral lives but their goal is to get leverage over God so that He owes them and they can control Him.
Our hope and prayer is that this series will help our families experience freedom, unconditional forgiveness, humility and help each of us love deeply within our context.
The story of the birth of Jesus is beautiful. The story of his life, death and resurrection is the most beautiful story ever told. And the story of Jesus’ followers living as an ongoing expression of his life is meant to paint a picture of beauty and wonder that invites others into new life with Jesus. In his’ introduction to his most famous sermon, Jesus paints a picture of how his life would create beauty and wonder that would rescue and transform the world. More than truth claims, moral assertions, or being nice, followers of Jesus are to remember what is most beautiful about his way of life and live it out. We are to become his beauty and wonder in our broken world.
Jonathan Rogers, Jeff Mickey and Alice Shirey discuss Orchard Hill Church's teaching series, Beauty and Wonder.
The story of the birth of Jesus is beautiful. The story of his life, death and resurrection is the most beautiful story ever told. And the story of Jesus’ followers living as an ongoing expression of his life is meant to paint a picture of beauty and wonder that invites others into new life with Jesus. In his’ introduction to his most famous sermon, Jesus paints a picture of how his life would create beauty and wonder that would rescue and transform the world. More than truth claims, moral assertions, or being nice, followers of Jesus are to remember what is most beautiful about his way of life and live it out. We are to become his beauty and wonder in our broken world.
The story of the birth of Jesus is beautiful. The story of his life, death and resurrection is the most beautiful story ever told. And the story of Jesus’ followers living as an ongoing expression of his life is meant to paint a picture of beauty and wonder that invites others into new life with Jesus. In his’ introduction to his most famous sermon, Jesus paints a picture of how his life would create beauty and wonder that would rescue and transform the world. More than truth claims, moral assertions, or being nice, followers of Jesus are to remember what is most beautiful about his way of life and live it out. We are to become his beauty and wonder in our broken world.
The story of the birth of Jesus is beautiful. The story of his life, death and resurrection is the most beautiful story ever told. And the story of Jesus’ followers living as an ongoing expression of his life is meant to paint a picture of beauty and wonder that invites others into new life with Jesus. In his’ introduction to his most famous sermon, Jesus paints a picture of how his life would create beauty and wonder that would rescue and transform the world. More than truth claims, moral assertions, or being nice, followers of Jesus are to remember what is most beautiful about his way of life and live it out. We are to become his beauty and wonder in our broken world.
Jesus came into our broken world to bless it; to be Immanuel - God with us.
But, as the gospel writer John said, Jesus came into the world and was not recognized for who he really was. But somehow the Magi (we affectionately know them as The Three Wise men) knew who Jesus was. They traveled far to worship him, to bring him gifts, to protect him from Herod. The Magi show us who Jesus was, is and always will be: King, Prophet, Priest, Savior.
Simultaneously, Herod shows us the depth of human brokenness. He demonstrates the damage fear, pride and self-protection cause.
Am I more like the Magi as I relate to Jesus? Or am I more like Herod?
Join us this Advent season as we explore the meaning of the birth of Jesus through the lens of the three gifts the Magi brought the newborn baby Jesus. Each gift will be a springboard to learn more about who Jesus was from his birth.
Jesus came into our broken world to bless it; to be Immanuel - God with us.
But, as the gospel writer John said, Jesus came into the world and was not recognized for who he really was. But somehow the Magi (we affectionately know them as The Three Wise men) knew who Jesus was. They traveled far to worship him, to bring him gifts, to protect him from Herod. The Magi show us who Jesus was, is and always will be: King, Prophet, Priest, Savior.
Simultaneously, Herod shows us the depth of human brokenness. He demonstrates the damage fear, pride and self-protection cause.
Am I more like the Magi as I relate to Jesus? Or am I more like Herod?
Join us this Advent season as we explore the meaning of the birth of Jesus through the lens of the three gifts the Magi brought the newborn baby Jesus. Each gift will be a springboard to learn more about who Jesus was from his birth.
Jesus came into our broken world to bless it; to be Immanuel - God with us.
But, as the gospel writer John said, Jesus came into the world and was not recognized for who he really was. But somehow the Magi (we affectionately know them as The Three Wise men) knew who Jesus was. They traveled far to worship him, to bring him gifts, to protect him from Herod. The Magi show us who Jesus was, is and always will be: King, Prophet, Priest, Savior.
Simultaneously, Herod shows us the depth of human brokenness. He demonstrates the damage fear, pride and self-protection cause.
Am I more like the Magi as I relate to Jesus? Or am I more like Herod?
Join us this Advent season as we explore the meaning of the birth of Jesus through the lens of the three gifts the Magi brought the newborn baby Jesus. Each gift will be a springboard to learn more about who Jesus was from his birth.
Jesus came into our broken world to bless it; to be Immanuel - God with us.
But, as the gospel writer John said, Jesus came into the world and was not recognized for who he really was. But somehow the Magi (we affectionately know them as The Three Wise men) knew who Jesus was. They traveled far to worship him, to bring him gifts, to protect him from Herod. The Magi show us who Jesus was, is and always will be: King, Prophet, Priest, Savior.
Simultaneously, Herod shows us the depth of human brokenness. He demonstrates the damage fear, pride and self-protection cause.
Am I more like the Magi as I relate to Jesus? Or am I more like Herod?
Join us this Advent season as we explore the meaning of the birth of Jesus through the lens of the three gifts the Magi brought the newborn baby Jesus. Each gift will be a springboard to learn more about who Jesus was from his birth.
Jesus wants to lead in all the areas of our lives. He wants to influence the way we think about things and the way we live. He wants us to align our story with His grand story. He said to his followers, “Those who follow me must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”
One of the places where this is difficult for many of us, and where we often make excuses for not following Him, is in the area of our money and resources. Jesus had so much to say about how we save, how we spend and how we give our money. During this series we will be focusing on God’s story of our resources so we can better align with his story.
Beginning in January, Orchard Hill Church will offer Financial Peace University which helps people take necessary practical steps in this important area. Aligning with God’s story of money will help us find peace, joy and generosity.
Jesus wants to lead in all the areas of our lives. He wants to influence the way we think about things and the way we live. He wants us to align our story with His grand story. He said to his followers, “ Those who follow me must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”
One of the places where this is difficult for many of us, and often we make excuses for not following Him, is in the area of our money and resources. Jesus had so much to say about how we save, how we spend and how we give our money. During this series we will be focusing upon God’s story of our resources so that we can better align with his story. Aligning with God’s story of money will help us find peace, joy and generosity.
Jesus wants to lead in all the areas of our lives. He wants to influence the way we think about things and the way we live. He wants us to align our story with His grand story. He said to his followers, “Those who follow me must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”
One of the places where this is difficult for many of us, and where we often make excuses for not following Him, is in the area of our money and resources. Jesus had so much to say about how we save, how we spend and how we give our money. During this series we will be focusing on God’s story of our resources so we can better align with his story.
Beginning in January, Orchard Hill Church will offer Financial Peace University which helps people take necessary practical steps in this important area. Aligning with God’s story of money will help us find peace, joy and generosity.
Jesus wants to lead in all the areas of our lives. He wants to influence the way we think about things and the way we live. He wants us to align our story with His grand story. He said to his followers, “Those who follow me must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”
One of the places where this is difficult for many of us, and where we often make excuses for not following Him, is in the area of our money and resources. Jesus had so much to say about how we save, how we spend and how we give our money. During this series we will be focusing on God’s story of our resources so we can better align with his story.
Beginning in January, Orchard Hill Church will offer Financial Peace University which helps people take necessary practical steps in this important area. Aligning with God’s story of money will help us find peace, joy and generosity.
It’s no secret that our world is broken. Brokenness is one thing EVERYONE has in common. The good news is that God is at work to restore us and our world. This is the work God’s been doing ever since sin entered the world and messed everything up. When God first invited a group of people to be His people He said to Abram, “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." God’s mission is to put us back together and our mission is to join him as we encounter brokenness in our own world. As we learn about - and remember - our own stories of pain and brokenness and God’s story of restoration, we discover the one thing we all have in common - our need for God’s blessing in the midst of our own brokenness. We receive this blessing in Jesus, whose life, death and resurrection undoes our brokenness and gives us new life. But Jesus doesn’t want his blessing to stop with us. He invites us to help pass on this blessing as we encounter brokenness in our world. Join us as we explore this invitation to join God in blessing our broken world by receiving God’s blessing and passing it on as we encounter brokenness in our families, neighborhoods, places of work, and the world.
It’s no secret that our world is broken. Brokenness is one thing EVERYONE has in common. The good news is that God is at work to restore us and our world. This is the work God’s been doing ever since sin entered the world and messed everything up. When God first invited a group of people to be His people He said to Abram, “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." God’s mission is to put us back together and our mission is to join him as we encounter brokenness in our own world. As we learn about - and remember - our own stories of pain and brokenness and God’s story of restoration, we discover the one thing we all have in common - our need for God’s blessing in the midst of our own brokenness. We receive this blessing in Jesus, whose life, death and resurrection undoes our brokenness and gives us new life. But Jesus doesn’t want his blessing to stop with us. He invites us to help pass on this blessing as we encounter brokenness in our world. Join us as we explore this invitation to join God in blessing our broken world by receiving God’s blessing and passing it on as we encounter brokenness in our families, neighborhoods, places of work, and the world.
It’s no secret that our world is broken. Brokenness is one thing EVERYONE has in common. The good news is that God is at work to restore us and our world. This is the work God’s been doing ever since sin entered the world and messed everything up. When God first invited a group of people to be His people He said to Abram, “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." God’s mission is to put us back together and our mission is to join him as we encounter brokenness in our own world. As we learn about - and remember - our own stories of pain and brokenness and God’s story of restoration, we discover the one thing we all have in common - our need for God’s blessing in the midst of our own brokenness. We receive this blessing in Jesus, whose life, death and resurrection undoes our brokenness and gives us new life. But Jesus doesn’t want his blessing to stop with us. He invites us to help pass on this blessing as we encounter brokenness in our world. Join us as we explore this invitation to join God in blessing our broken world by receiving God’s blessing and passing it on as we encounter brokenness in our families, neighborhoods, places of work, and the world.
It’s no secret that our world is broken. Brokenness is one thing EVERYONE has in common. The good news is that God is at work to restore us and our world. This is the work God’s been doing ever since sin entered the world and messed everything up. When God first invited a group of people to be His people He said to Abram, “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." God’s mission is to put us back together and our mission is to join him as we encounter brokenness in our own world. As we learn about - and remember - our own stories of pain and brokenness and God’s story of restoration, we discover the one thing we all have in common - our need for God’s blessing in the midst of our own brokenness. We receive this blessing in Jesus, whose life, death and resurrection undoes our brokenness and gives us new life. But Jesus doesn’t want his blessing to stop with us. He invites us to help pass on this blessing as we encounter brokenness in our world. Join us as we explore this invitation to join God in blessing our broken world by receiving God’s blessing and passing it on as we encounter brokenness in our families, neighborhoods, places of work, and the world.
St. Irenaeus said “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
God wants us to be fully alive, in relationship with him, and participating in the work he is doing in the world. This brings God glory and brings us great joy and purpose. To do this, we need to grow in knowledge of both God and ourselves. These two kinds of knowing are like opposite sides of a balance scale; to have one without other leads to an off-kilter life. To have one without the other can damage our ability to love ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Knowing God can deepen our knowledge of ourselves. The more we know God the clearer we can see what he is doing in the world and we can watch for ways to join in and work with him. The more we know God the more we can trust ourselves to him and to his care.
Knowing ourselves can deepen our knowledge of God. The more we know ourselves the better we understand our unique role in God’s work, the more we can experience God’s love for us and the more we can enjoy who God created us to be.
We invite you to join us for the next 5 weeks while we explore these questions:
Where am I in the spiritual journey?
What kind of story is God writing in and through my life?
How do I uniquely interact with God?
What are my God-given strengths and gifts and how do they help me know God better?
What about my weaknesses - how do they help me know God better?
St. Irenaeus said “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
God wants us to be fully alive, in relationship with him, and participating in the work he is doing in the world. This brings God glory and brings us great joy and purpose. To do this, we need to grow in knowledge of both God and ourselves. These two kinds of knowing are like opposite sides of a balance scale; to have one without other leads to an off-kilter life. To have one without the other can damage our ability to love ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Knowing God can deepen our knowledge of ourselves. The more we know God the clearer we can see what he is doing in the world and we can watch for ways to join in and work with him. The more we know God the more we can trust ourselves to him and to his care.
Knowing ourselves can deepen our knowledge of God. The more we know ourselves the better we understand our unique role in God’s work, the more we can experience God’s love for us and the more we can enjoy who God created us to be. We invite you to join us for the next 5 weeks while we explore these questions: - Where am I in the spiritual journey? - What kind of story is God writing in and through my life? - How do I uniquely interact with God? - What are my God-given strengths and gifts and how do they help me know God better? - What about my weaknesses - how do they help me know God better?
St. Irenaeus said “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
God wants us to be fully alive, in relationship with him, and participating in the work he is doing in the world. This brings God glory and brings us great joy and purpose. To do this, we need to grow in knowledge of both God and ourselves. These two kinds of knowing are like opposite sides of a balance scale; to have one without other leads to an off-kilter life. To have one without the other can damage our ability to love ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Knowing God can deepen our knowledge of ourselves. The more we know God the clearer we can see what he is doing in the world and we can watch for ways to join in and work with him. The more we know God the more we can trust ourselves to him and to his care.
Knowing ourselves can deepen our knowledge of God. The more we know ourselves the better we understand our unique role in God’s work, the more we can experience God’s love for us and the more we can enjoy who God created us to be. We invite you to join us for the next 5 weeks while we explore these questions: - Where am I in the spiritual journey? - What kind of story is God writing in and through my life? - How do I uniquely interact with God? - What are my God-given strengths and gifts and how do they help me know God better? - What about my weaknesses - how do they help me know God better?
St. Irenaeus said “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
God wants us to be fully alive, in relationship with him, and participating in the work he is doing in the world. This brings God glory and brings us great joy and purpose. To do this, we need to grow in knowledge of both God and ourselves. These two kinds of knowing are like opposite sides of a balance scale; to have one without other leads to an off-kilter life. To have one without the other can damage our ability to love ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Knowing God can deepen our knowledge of ourselves. The more we know God the clearer we can see what he is doing in the world and we can watch for ways to join in and work with him. The more we know God the more we can trust ourselves to him and to his care.
Knowing ourselves can deepen our knowledge of God. The more we know ourselves the better we understand our unique role in God’s work, the more we can experience God’s love for us and the more we can enjoy who God created us to be.
We invite you to join us while we explore these questions:
Where am I in the spiritual journey?
What kind of story is God writing in and through my life?
How do I uniquely interact with God?
What are my God-given strengths and gifts and how do they help me know God better?
What about my weaknesses - how do they help me know God better?
St. Irenaeus said “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
God wants us to be fully alive, in relationship with him, and participating in the work he is doing in the world. This brings God glory and brings us great joy and purpose. To do this, we need to grow in knowledge of both God and ourselves. These two kinds of knowing are like opposite sides of a balance scale; to have one without other leads to an off-kilter life. To have one without the other can damage our ability to love ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Knowing God can deepen our knowledge of ourselves. The more we know God the clearer we can see what he is doing in the world and we can watch for ways to join in and work with him. The more we know God the more we can trust ourselves to him and to his care.
Knowing ourselves can deepen our knowledge of God. The more we know ourselves the better we understand our unique role in God’s work, the more we can experience God’s love for us and the more we can enjoy who God created us to be.
We invite you to join us while we explore these questions:
Where am I in the spiritual journey?
What kind of story is God writing in and through my life?
How do I uniquely interact with God?
What are my God-given strengths and gifts and how do they help me know God better?
What about my weaknesses - how do they help me know God better?
Summertime just feels like the right time for the classics. Join us as our teachers dig back into history to re-teach some of their very best teachings! We will - amongst other things - revisit a verse-by-verse analysis of The Lord’s Prayer, hear some favorite teaching stories, learn what to do with regret, and ponder why it seems God answers some prayers and not others. This promises to be a fun, powerful and energizing 5-week series as we move as a congregation toward Fall and our annual Gathering service. In this teaching, Dave says each one of us needs God’s forgiveness for sin, healing from brokeness and cleansing from guilt and shame. When we surrender to Christ and receive God’s forgiveness it changes us forever. When we get stuck and feel unmotivated to serve God, we need to focus upon what He has already done for us instead of beating ourselves up.
Summertime just feels like the right time for the classics. Join us as our teachers dig back into history to re-teach some of their very best teachings! We will - amongst other things - revisit a verse-by-verse analysis of The Lord’s Prayer, hear some favorite teaching stories, learn what to do with regret, and ponder why it seems God answers some prayers and not others. This promises to be a fun, powerful and energizing 5-week series as we move as a congregation toward Fall and our annual Gathering service.
Summertime just feels like the right time for the classics. Join us as our teachers dig back into history to re-teach some of their very best teachings! We will - amongst other things - revisit a verse-by-verse analysis of The Lord’s Prayer, hear some favorite teaching stories, learn what to do with regret, and ponder why it seems God answers some prayers and not others. This promises to be a fun, powerful and energizing 5-week series as we move as a congregation toward Fall and our annual Gathering service. In this teaching, Doug tells us sometimes you get the miracle (the water turns into wine) and sometimes you don’t. It’s easy to believe when you get the miracle, but blessed are those who don’t get the miracle. Blessed are those for whom the water stays water, and they still believe, they still hang on to the hope that there’s a God in this world who means to do them good.
Summertime just feels like the right time for the classics. Join us as our teachers dig back into history to re-teach some of their very best teachings! We will - amongst other things - revisit a verse-by-verse analysis of The Lord’s Prayer, hear some favorite teaching stories, learn what to do with regret, and ponder why it seems God answers some prayers and not others. This promises to be a fun, powerful and energizing 5-week series as we move as a congregation toward Fall and our annual Gathering service. In this teaching, Kurt walks through the Lord’s Prayer learning more about who God is (father, ever present, holy), how we respond to Him, and how he responds to us.
Summertime just feels like the right time for the classics. Join us as our teachers dig back into history to re-teach some of their very best teachings! We will - amongst other things - revisit a verse-by-verse analysis of The Lord’s Prayer, hear some favorite teaching stories, learn what to do with regret, and ponder why it seems God answers some prayers and not others. This promises to be a fun, powerful and energizing 5-week series as we move as a congregation toward Fall and our annual Gathering service. In this teaching, Alice Shirey asks: What do we do with regret, wrong choices and big messes we make? Using the life of Peter as an example we will learn together about the God of the Second Chance.
We live in a culture that loves to maximize everything! Push the limits as far as possible. And then, push some more. This is our standard operating procedure in nearly every area of our lives.
Work hard. Play hard. Crash hard. Repeat
We are overloaded in every arena of life.We’re like minnows caught in a flash flood of good, successful, even unselfish activity. In many ways, we are victims of progress, which “always gives us more of everything faster and faster.” The problem is - most of us don’t need more and we definitely don’t need it faster. What we need is margin. What we need is rest.
REST. It’s exactly what God so generously offers us in the gift of Sabbath.
This series invites you to step into summer and stop to enjoy the rest of God. We’ll explore and attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Sabbath, recall God’s gracious instruction and generous permission to delight in Sabbath, and demonstrate inspiring new ways to open and enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts - the gift of REST.
We live in a culture that loves to maximize everything! Push the limits as far as possible. And then, push some more. This is our standard operating procedure in nearly every area of our lives.
Work hard. Play hard. Crash hard. Repeat
We are overloaded in every arena of life.We’re like minnows caught in a flash flood of good, successful, even unselfish activity. In many ways, we are victims of progress, which “always gives us more of everything faster and faster.” The problem is - most of us don’t need more and we definitely don’t need it faster. What we need is margin. What we need is rest.
REST. It’s exactly what God so generously offers us in the gift of Sabbath.
This series invites you to step into summer and stop to enjoy the rest of God. We’ll explore and attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Sabbath, recall God’s gracious instruction and generous permission to delight in Sabbath, and demonstrate inspiring new ways to open and enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts - the gift of REST.
We live in a culture that loves to maximize everything! Push the limits as far as possible. And then, push some more. This is our standard operating procedure in nearly every area of our lives.
Work hard. Play hard. Crash hard. Repeat
We are overloaded in every arena of life.We’re like minnows caught in a flash flood of good, successful, even unselfish activity. In many ways, we are victims of progress, which “always gives us more of everything faster and faster.” The problem is - most of us don’t need more and we definitely don’t need it faster. What we need is margin. What we need is rest.
REST. It’s exactly what God so generously offers us in the gift of Sabbath.
This series invites you to step into summer and stop to enjoy the rest of God. We’ll explore and attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Sabbath, recall God’s gracious instruction and generous permission to delight in Sabbath, and demonstrate inspiring new ways to open and enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts - the gift of REST.
We live in a culture that loves to maximize everything! Push the limits as far as possible. And then, push some more. This is our standard operating procedure in nearly every area of our lives.
Work hard. Play hard. Crash hard. Repeat
We are overloaded in every arena of life.We’re like minnows caught in a flash flood of good, successful, even unselfish activity. In many ways, we are victims of progress, which “always gives us more of everything faster and faster.” The problem is - most of us don’t need more and we definitely don’t need it faster. What we need is margin. What we need is rest.
REST. It’s exactly what God so generously offers us in the gift of Sabbath.
This series invites you to step into summer and stop to enjoy the rest of God. We’ll explore and attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Sabbath, recall God’s gracious instruction and generous permission to delight in Sabbath, and demonstrate inspiring new ways to open and enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts - the gift of REST.
We live in a culture that loves to maximize everything! Push the limits as far as possible. And then, push some more. This is our standard operating procedure in nearly every area of our lives.
Work hard. Play hard. Crash hard. Repeat
We are overloaded in every arena of life.We’re like minnows caught in a flash flood of good, successful, even unselfish activity. In many ways, we are victims of progress, which “always gives us more of everything faster and faster.” The problem is - most of us don’t need more and we definitely don’t need it faster. What we need is margin. What we need is rest.
REST. It’s exactly what God so generously offers us in the gift of Sabbath.
This series invites you to step into summer and stop to enjoy the rest of God. We’ll explore and attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Sabbath, recall God’s gracious instruction and generous permission to delight in Sabbath, and demonstrate inspiring new ways to open and enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts - the gift of REST.
We live in a culture that loves to maximize everything! Push the limits as far as possible. And then, push some more. This is our standard operating procedure in nearly every area of our lives.
Work hard. Play hard. Crash hard. Repeat
We are overloaded in every arena of life.We’re like minnows caught in a flash flood of good, successful, even unselfish activity. In many ways, we are victims of progress, which “always gives us more of everything faster and faster.” The problem is - most of us don’t need more and we definitely don’t need it faster. What we need is margin. What we need is rest.
REST. It’s exactly what God so generously offers us in the gift of Sabbath.
This series invites you to step into summer and stop to enjoy the rest of God. We’ll explore and attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Sabbath, recall God’s gracious instruction and generous permission to delight in Sabbath, and demonstrate inspiring new ways to open and enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts - the gift of REST.
In this five-week teaching series we want to think more clearly and live more wisely in order to better choose the opportunities to which we say “yes” and to which we say “no”. Doing a better job with our “yes’s” and our “no’s” will make our lives more effective and fruitful. Many different things must be considered as we choose to say yes or no.
As we live our lives (as followers of Jesus) we need wisdom in knowing what to say “yes” to. Our lives are filled with many, many great opportunities: helping others, getting involved in activities, doing purposeful work, enjoying recreation and learning all kinds of things. Every “yes” by definition means that we are also saying “no” to something else. This series will cover topics which will help us say “yes” in healthy and strong ways.
In this five-week teaching series we want to think more clearly and live more wisely in order to better choose the opportunities to which we say “yes” and to which we say “no”. Doing a better job with our “yes’s” and our “no’s” will make our lives more effective and fruitful. Many different things must be considered as we choose to say yes or no.
As we live our lives (as followers of Jesus) we need wisdom in knowing what to say “yes” to. Our lives are filled with many, many great opportunities: helping others, getting involved in activities, doing purposeful work, enjoying recreation and learning all kinds of things. Every “yes” by definition means that we are also saying “no” to something else. This series will cover topics which will help us say “yes” in healthy and strong ways.
In this five-week teaching series we want to think more clearly and live more wisely in order to better choose the opportunities to which we say “yes” and to which we say “no”. Doing a better job with our “yes’s” and our “no’s” will make our lives more effective and fruitful. Many different things must be considered as we choose to say yes or no.
As we live our lives (as followers of Jesus) we need wisdom in knowing what to say “yes” to. Our lives are filled with many, many great opportunities: helping others, getting involved in activities, doing purposeful work, enjoying recreation and learning all kinds of things. Every “yes” by definition means that we are also saying “no” to something else. This series will cover topics which will help us say “yes” in healthy and strong ways.
In this five-week teaching series we want to think more clearly and live more wisely in order to better choose the opportunities to which we say “yes” and to which we say “no”. Doing a better job with our “yes’s” and our “no’s” will make our lives more effective and fruitful. Many different things must be considered as we choose to say yes or no.
As we live our lives (as followers of Jesus) we need wisdom in knowing what to say “yes” to. Our lives are filled with many, many great opportunities: helping others, getting involved in activities, doing purposeful work, enjoying recreation and learning all kinds of things. Every “yes” by definition means that we are also saying “no” to something else. This series will cover topics which will help us say “yes” in healthy and strong ways.
In this five-week teaching series we want to think more clearly and live more wisely in order to better choose the opportunities to which we say “yes” and to which we say “no”. Doing a better job with our “yes’s” and our “no’s” will make our lives more effective and fruitful. Many different things must be considered as we choose to say yes or no.
As we live our lives (as followers of Jesus) we need wisdom in knowing what to say “yes” to. Our lives are filled with many, many great opportunities: helping others, getting involved in activities, doing purposeful work, enjoying recreation and learning all kinds of things. Every “yes” by definition means that we are also saying “no” to something else. This series will cover topics which will help us say “yes” in healthy and strong ways.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
Jonathan talks with Alice and Jeff about the recent teaching series on James at Orchard Hill Church.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
Jonathan Rogers talks with Dave Bartlett and Jeff Mickey about difficult situations in marriages and families.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
In the book of James, Jesus’ brother challenges us to live a life wholly devoted to God. Relying heavily on Jesus’ own teaching, especially drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, James asserts that true faith is more than an intellectual pursuit of ideas; real faith results in action. James faced intense persecution, famine, and poverty as he remained in Jerusalem to build the church after Jesus was crucified. But by following Jesus’ instruction he became known as a courageous leader and wise peacemaker. LIke a bucket of ice water in your face, James will wake you up with a fresh challenge for how you live. James’ writing is different than Paul’s, who wrote many of the other books in the New Testament. Rather than taking on a specific problem the church was facing, James writes a stream of wise teachings. Pay close attention as you read the one liners James uses to prick your heart and mind. More than just summarizing major themes of Jesus’ teaching, the Holy Spirit may be calling you to take next steps to activate your faith, helping you encounter and better follow Jesus to bless a broken world.
Family … For some, the very word strikes fear into the heart. For others, it brings a smile to our face. And for lots of the rest of us we land somewhere in between, depending on the day, the circumstance, or how recently our in-laws came to visit!! For good or bad, we all live in families. No matter our situation, we can experience spiritual growth in these little communities called family. Jesus’ teachings can apply to family life in powerful ways. In John 15:9-15 Jesus tells his disciples (his spiritual “family”) that - above all else - he wants them to love each other in the same manner in which he has loved them: sacrificially. He also - amazingly and perplexingly - calls this rag-tag group of misfits not just his family, but his friends. This friendship is what gives his disciples the power to love each other in supernatural ways. All of this gives us a grounding truth as to how we are to live in our families today - lovingly, sacrificially, as age-appropriate friends, grounded first in God’s sacrificial love for us through Jesus. In our teaching series, Friends and Family, we will explore the topic of family through the lens of friendship. No matter your stage of life, no matter the shape or form of your family, we believe this will be an amazingly helpful series for each of us!
Family… For some, the very word strikes fear into the heart. For others, it brings a smile to our face. And for lots of the rest of us we land somewhere in between, depending on the day, the circumstance, or how recently our in-laws came to visit!! For good or bad, we all live in families. No matter our situation, we can experience spiritual growth in these little communities called family. Jesus’ teachings can apply to family life in powerful ways. In John 15:9-15 Jesus tells his disciples (his spiritual “family”) that - above all else - he wants them to love each other in the same manner in which he has loved them: sacrificially. He also - amazingly and perplexingly - calls this rag-tag group of misfits not just his family, but his friends. This friendship is what gives his disciples the power to love each other in supernatural ways. All of this gives us a grounding truth as to how we are to live in our families today - lovingly, sacrificially, as age-appropriate friends, grounded first in God’s sacrificial love for us through Jesus. In our teaching series, Friends and Family, we will explore the topic of family through the lens of friendship. No matter your stage of life, no matter the shape or form of your family, we believe this will be an amazingly helpful series for each of us!
Alice Shirey and Dave Bartlett sit down with Jonathan Rogers to discuss strategies for parenting young kids and adult children.
Family … For some, the very word strikes fear into the heart. For others, it brings a smile to our face. And for lots of the rest of us we land somewhere in between, depending on the day, the circumstance, or how recently our in-laws came to visit!! For good or bad, we all live in families. No matter our situation, we can experience spiritual growth in these little communities called family. Jesus’ teachings can apply to family life in powerful ways. In John 15:9-15 Jesus tells his disciples (his spiritual “family”) that - above all else - he wants them to love each other in the same manner in which he has loved them: sacrificially. He also - amazingly and perplexingly - calls this rag-tag group of misfits not just his family, but his friends. This friendship is what gives his disciples the power to love each other in supernatural ways. All of this gives us a grounding truth as to how we are to live in our families today - lovingly, sacrificially, as age-appropriate friends, grounded first in God’s sacrificial love for us through Jesus. In our teaching series, Friends and Family, we will explore the topic of family through the lens of friendship. No matter your stage of life, no matter the shape or form of your family, we believe this will be an amazingly helpful series for each of us!
Family… For some, the very word strikes fear into the heart. For others, it brings a smile to our face. And for lots of the rest of us we land somewhere in between, depending on the day, the circumstance, or how recently our in-laws came to visit!! For good or bad, we all live in families. No matter our situation, we can experience spiritual growth in these little communities called family. Jesus’ teachings can apply to family life in powerful ways. In John 15:9-15 Jesus tells his disciples (his spiritual “family”) that - above all else - he wants them to love each other in the same manner in which he has loved them: sacrificially. He also - amazingly and perplexingly - calls this rag-tag group of misfits not just his family, but his friends. This friendship is what gives his disciples the power to love each other in supernatural ways. All of this gives us a grounding truth as to how we are to live in our families today - lovingly, sacrificially, as age-appropriate friends, grounded first in God’s sacrificial love for us through Jesus. In our teaching series, Friends and Family, we will explore the topic of family through the lens of friendship. No matter your stage of life, no matter the shape or form of your family, we believe this will be an amazingly helpful series for each of us!
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus’ birth numerous times in our lives. Sometimes we think we know everything there is to know about the biblical Christmas story.
And yet the truth is this story should take our breath away every time we hear it. God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us. What kind of amazing grace is this?
This Christmas we want to explore what Jesus’ birth reveals to us about God. The bible tells us that Jesus is the very image of the invisible God. If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. The Creator of the world became a human baby so that we would not be afraid to to approach him, to know him, to learn from him and to worship him.
Will you join us this Advent season as we ponder afresh this miraculous story?
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus’ birth numerous times in our lives. Sometimes we think we know everything there is to know about the biblical Christmas story.
And yet the truth is this story should take our breath away every time we hear it. God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us. What kind of amazing grace is this?
This Christmas we want to explore what Jesus’ birth reveals to us about God. The bible tells us that Jesus is the very image of the invisible God. If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. The Creator of the world became a human baby so that we would not be afraid to to approach him, to know him, to learn from him and to worship him.
Will you join us this Advent season as we ponder afresh this miraculous story?
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus’ birth numerous times in our lives. Sometimes we think we know everything there is to know about the biblical Christmas story.
And yet the truth is this story should take our breath away every time we hear it. God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us. What kind of amazing grace is this?
This Christmas we want to explore what Jesus’ birth reveals to us about God. The bible tells us that Jesus is the very image of the invisible God. If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. The Creator of the world became a human baby so that we would not be afraid to to approach him, to know him, to learn from him and to worship him.
Will you join us this Advent season as we ponder afresh this miraculous story?
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus’ birth numerous times in our lives. Sometimes we think we know everything there is to know about the biblical Christmas story.
And yet the truth is this story should take our breath away every time we hear it. God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us. What kind of amazing grace is this?
This Christmas we want to explore what Jesus’ birth reveals to us about God. The bible tells us that Jesus is the very image of the invisible God. If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. The Creator of the world became a human baby so that we would not be afraid to to approach him, to know him, to learn from him and to worship him.
Will you join us this Advent season as we ponder afresh this miraculous story?
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus’ birth numerous times in our lives. Sometimes we think we know everything there is to know about the biblical Christmas story.
And yet the truth is this story should take our breath away every time we hear it. God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us. What kind of amazing grace is this?
This Christmas we want to explore what Jesus’ birth reveals to us about God. The bible tells us that Jesus is the very image of the invisible God. If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. The Creator of the world became a human baby so that we would not be afraid to to approach him, to know him, to learn from him and to worship him.
Will you join us this Advent season as we ponder afresh this miraculous story?
How we think impacts everything about us: the decisions we make, how we raise our children, how we interact with people, how we spend our money, how we use our time - basically how we live our whole lives.
A primary reason there is little difference between followers of Christ and the world around - as far as how we live - is that we do not think differently than those who don’t know Jesus--our minds have not been renewed by God’s Spirit.
God desires to transform us - to help us become more full of life, more healthy, more whole ... more and more like Jesus. And one of the most powerful ways God does this is by changing the way we think; what the Bible calls “the renewing of our minds.”
For this teaching series … we are boiling this whole concept down to one phrase - Change Your Mind.
Allowing God to change our minds - through His Word, through His Spirit, through His community - is one of the most life-transforming things we can do.
How we think impacts everything about us: the decisions we make, how we raise our children, how we interact with people, how we spend our money, how we use our time - basically how we live our whole lives.
A primary reason there is little difference between followers of Christ and the world around - as far as how we live - is that we do not think differently than those who don’t know Jesus--our minds have not been renewed by God’s Spirit.
God desires to transform us - to help us become more full of life, more healthy, more whole ... more and more like Jesus. And one of the most powerful ways God does this is by changing the way we think; what the Bible calls “the renewing of our minds.”
For this teaching series … we are boiling this whole concept down to one phrase - Change Your Mind.
Allowing God to change our minds - through His Word, through His Spirit, through His community - is one of the most life-transforming things we can do.
Join us for the next 5 weeks as we ponder together what God might do in and through us when we allow him to start to change our mind in good, true and powerful ways!
How we think impacts everything about us: the decisions we make, how we raise our children, how we interact with people, how we spend our money, how we use our time - basically how we live our whole lives.
A primary reason there is little difference between followers of Christ and the world around - as far as how we live - is that we do not think differently than those who don’t know Jesus--our minds have not been renewed by God’s Spirit.
God desires to transform us - to help us become more full of life, more healthy, more whole ... more and more like Jesus.
And one of the most powerful ways God does this is by changing the way we think; what the Bible calls “the renewing of our minds.”
For this teaching series … we are boiling this whole concept down to one phrase - Change Your Mind.
Allowing God to change our minds - through His Word, through His Spirit, through His community - is one of the most life-transforming things we can do.
Join us for the next 5 weeks as we ponder together what God might do in and through us when we allow him to start to change our mind in good, true and powerful ways!
How we think impacts everything about us: the decisions we make, how we raise our children, how we interact with people, how we spend our money, how we use our time - basically how we live our whole lives.
A primary reason there is little difference between followers of Christ and the world around - as far as how we live - is that we do not think differently than those who don’t know Jesus--our minds have not been renewed by God’s Spirit.
God desires to transform us - to help us become more full of life, more healthy, more whole ... more and more like Jesus. And one of the most powerful ways God does this is by changing the way we think; what the Bible calls “the renewing of our minds.”
For this teaching series … we are boiling this whole concept down to one phrase - Change Your Mind.
Allowing God to change our minds - through His Word, through His Spirit, through His community - is one of the most life-transforming things we can do.
Join us for the next 5 weeks as we ponder together what God might do in and through us when we allow him to start to change our mind in good, true and powerful ways!
How we think impacts everything about us: the decisions we make, how we raise our children, how we interact with people, how we spend our money, how we use our time - basically how we live our whole lives.
A primary reason there is little difference between followers of Christ and the world around - as far as how we live - is that we do not think differently than those who don’t know Jesus--our minds have not been renewed by God’s Spirit.
God desires to transform us - to help us become more full of life, more healthy, more whole ... more and more like Jesus. And one of the most powerful ways God does this is by changing the way we think; what the Bible calls “the renewing of our minds.”
For this teaching series … we are boiling this whole concept down to one phrase - Change Your Mind.
Allowing God to change our minds - through His Word, through His Spirit, through His community - is one of the most life-transforming things we can do.
Join us for the next 5 weeks as we ponder together what God might do in and through us when we allow him to start to change our mind in good, true and powerful ways!
It was a gathering! Jesus and his disciples had arrived at the home of his friend, Martha, and she was getting things ready for her guests. What hostess wouldn’t want to have things in order? Instead of experiencing the joy of having friends in her home, Martha was “distracted” by everything going on around her (Luke 10:40). Literally, the word for distracted means “pulled apart.” At the same time Martha’s sister, Mary, had a different response. Jesus said of the moment, “few things are needed… indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was pulled apart by the many things, but Mary chose the one thing - the better way.
Leighton Ford says that distraction can “split us down the middle” and even “divide us against ourselves!” Distraction pulls us away from ourselves, our friends, our families and away from God. The distracted life is marked by anxiety, hurry and frantic activity. In this series we want to explore the temptation of distraction, and affirm God’s desire for a better way. We will offer tools to help us navigate the many things going on around us and to choose a life marked by focus, peace and intentionality.
It was a gathering! Jesus and his disciples had arrived at the home of his friend, Martha, and she was getting things ready for her guests. What hostess wouldn’t want to have things in order? Instead of experiencing the joy of having friends in her home, Martha was “distracted” by everything going on around her (Luke 10:40). Literally, the word for distracted means “pulled apart.” At the same time Martha’s sister, Mary, had a different response. Jesus said of the moment, “few things are needed… indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was pulled apart by the many things, but Mary chose the one thing - the better way.
Leighton Ford says that distraction can “split us down the middle” and even “divide us against ourselves!” Distraction pulls us away from ourselves, our friends, our families and away from God. The distracted life is marked by anxiety, hurry and frantic activity. In this series we want to explore the temptation of distraction, and affirm God’s desire for a better way. We will offer tools to help us navigate the many things going on around us and to choose a life marked by focus, peace and intentionality.
It was a gathering! Jesus and his disciples had arrived at the home of his friend, Martha, and she was getting things ready for her guests. What hostess wouldn’t want to have things in order? Instead of experiencing the joy of having friends in her home, Martha was “distracted” by everything going on around her (Luke 10:40). Literally, the word for distracted means “pulled apart.” At the same time Martha’s sister, Mary, had a different response. Jesus said of the moment, “few things are needed… indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was pulled apart by the many things, but Mary chose the one thing - the better way.
Leighton Ford says that distraction can “split us down the middle” and even “divide us against ourselves!” Distraction pulls us away from ourselves, our friends, our families and away from God. The distracted life is marked by anxiety, hurry and frantic activity. In this series we want to explore the temptation of distraction, and affirm God’s desire for a better way. We will offer tools to help us navigate the many things going on around us and to choose a life marked by focus, peace and intentionality.
It was a gathering! Jesus and his disciples had arrived at the home of his friend, Martha, and she was getting things ready for her guests. What hostess wouldn’t want to have things in order? Instead of experiencing the joy of having friends in her home, Martha was “distracted” by everything going on around her (Luke 10:40). Literally, the word for distracted means “pulled apart.” At the same time Martha’s sister, Mary, had a different response. Jesus said of the moment, “few things are needed… indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was pulled apart by the many things, but Mary chose the one thing - the better way.
Leighton Ford says that distraction can “split us down the middle” and even “divide us against ourselves!” Distraction pulls us away from ourselves, our friends, our families and away from God. The distracted life is marked by anxiety, hurry and frantic activity. In this series we want to explore the temptation of distraction, and affirm God’s desire for a better way. We will offer tools to help us navigate the many things going on around us and to choose a life marked by focus, peace and intentionality.
As a church on a mission together – how do we know when our mission is succeeding? Is it when attendance grows? Or when our general offering meets the budget? How about when we add another campus? As someone trying to following Jesus - how do you know you’re actually following him? How do you know it’s working? If we’re going to accomplish a mission together, it’s really important that we know in advance how we’ll determine when it’s being accomplished. We need to understand the “marks” of success. To answer this question we’ve developed a set of Missional Marks. Missional marks represent the outcomes we expect to be experienced by anyone who joins the mission God has given to Orchard Hill Church. What’s more – we think these marks are the measure for the life we all really want to live. For us – success is marked by the following 5 marks present and growing in individual’s lives and the life of our church as a whole: 1. We are receiving God’s love and identifying as His beloved children 2. We are Loving God (back) 3. Loving Ourselves 4. Loving Our Neighbors and 5. Loving Our Enemies When we Love God (back) and love others as ourselves – we not only fulfill what Jesus identified as the most important commandments – we discover the path to abundant life (Luke 10). Over the next few weeks – we’re going to put some skin on these great loves. We’ll consider – What does the mark of God’s love in our lives really look like? What does love require? What does loving God require? What does loving ourselves, neighbors and enemies require? We hope it will inspire you to listen to Jesus’ call to consider and take some next steps on mission with him and Orchard.
As a church on a mission together – how do we know when our mission is succeeding? Is it when attendance grows? Or when our general offering meets the budget? How about when we add another campus? As someone trying to following Jesus - how do you know you’re actually following him? How do you know it’s working? If we’re going to accomplish a mission together, it’s really important that we know in advance how we’ll determine when it’s being accomplished. We need to understand the “marks” of success. To answer this question we’ve developed a set of Missional Marks. Missional marks represent the outcomes we expect to be experienced by anyone who joins the mission God has given to Orchard Hill Church. What’s more – we think these marks are the measure for the life we all really want to live. For us – success is marked by the following 5 marks present and growing in individual’s lives and the life of our church as a whole: 1. We are receiving God’s love and identifying as His beloved children 2. We are Loving God (back) 3. Loving Ourselves 4. Loving Our Neighbors and 5. Loving Our Enemies When we Love God (back) and love others as ourselves – we not only fulfill what Jesus identified as the most important commandments – we discover the path to abundant life (Luke 10). Over the next few weeks – we’re going to put some skin on these great loves. We’ll consider – What does the mark of God’s love in our lives really look like? What does love require? What does loving God require? What does loving ourselves, neighbors and enemies require? We hope it will inspire you to listen to Jesus’ call to consider and take some next steps on mission with him and Orchard.
As a church on a mission together – how do we know when our mission is succeeding? Is it when attendance grows? Or when our general offering meets the budget? How about when we add another campus? As someone trying to following Jesus - how do you know you’re actually following him? How do you know it’s working? If we’re going to accomplish a mission together, it’s really important that we know in advance how we’ll determine when it’s being accomplished. We need to understand the “marks” of success. To answer this question we’ve developed a set of Missional Marks. Missional marks represent the outcomes we expect to be experienced by anyone who joins the mission God has given to Orchard Hill Church. What’s more – we think these marks are the measure for the life we all really want to live. For us – success is marked by the following 5 marks present and growing in individual’s lives and the life of our church as a whole: 1. We are receiving God’s love and identifying as His beloved children 2. We are Loving God (back) 3. Loving Ourselves 4. Loving Our Neighbors and 5. Loving Our Enemies When we Love God (back) and love others as ourselves – we not only fulfill what Jesus identified as the most important commandments – we discover the path to abundant life (Luke 10). Over the next few weeks – we’re going to put some skin on these great loves. We’ll consider – What does the mark of God’s love in our lives really look like? What does love require? What does loving God require? What does loving ourselves, neighbors and enemies require? We hope it will inspire you to listen to Jesus’ call to consider and take some next steps on mission with him and Orchard.
As a church on a mission together – how do we know when our mission is succeeding? Is it when attendance grows? Or when our general offering meets the budget? How about when we add another campus? As someone trying to following Jesus - how do you know you’re actually following him? How do you know it’s working? If we’re going to accomplish a mission together, it’s really important that we know in advance how we’ll determine when it’s being accomplished. We need to understand the “marks” of success. To answer this question we’ve developed a set of Missional Marks. Missional marks represent the outcomes we expect to be experienced by anyone who joins the mission God has given to Orchard Hill Church. What’s more – we think these marks are the measure for the life we all really want to live. For us – success is marked by the following 5 marks present and growing in individual’s lives and the life of our church as a whole: 1. We are receiving God’s love and identifying as His beloved children 2. We are Loving God (back) 3. Loving Ourselves 4. Loving Our Neighbors and 5. Loving Our Enemies When we Love God (back) and love others as ourselves – we not only fulfill what Jesus identified as the most important commandments – we discover the path to abundant life (Luke 10). Over the next few weeks – we’re going to put some skin on these great loves. We’ll consider – What does the mark of God’s love in our lives really look like? What does love require? What does loving God require? What does loving ourselves, neighbors and enemies require? We hope it will inspire you to listen to Jesus’ call to consider and take some next steps on mission with him and Orchard.
Once a year in the fall, we join all of our campus locations and worship together at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI campus. Join us as we kick off a great year of ministry!
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived.
Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him.
He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way.
The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God.
We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus.
We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable:
Why did Jesus teach this parable?
What was the main point?
How did Jesus’ listeners understand it?
How should we understand it?
Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived.
Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him.
He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way.
The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God.
We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus.
We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable:
Why did Jesus teach this parable?
What was the main point?
How did Jesus’ listeners understand it?
How should we understand it?
Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him. He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way. The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God. We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus. We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable: Why did Jesus teach this parable? What was the main point? How did Jesus’ listeners understand it? How should we understand it? Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived.
Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him.
He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way.
The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God.
We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus.
We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable:
Why did Jesus teach this parable?
What was the main point?
How did Jesus’ listeners understand it?
How should we understand it?
Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
So join us this summer! Let’s open Jesus’ greatest stories; each one an invitation to a whole new way of life!
Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived.
Parables - stories Jesus’ told to provoke new thought and new ways of living - were one of the primary ways he imparted truth to the world around him.
He often taught in parables to people who already thought they knew the truth; who already believed they were living “God’s way;” who believed they knew God’s heart and character. It is difficult to teach those who already think they know. Thus, Jesus used arresting stories about everyday life to shock his listeners into seeing God, reality and life in a new way.
The brilliant thing about Jesus’ parables is that though the truths they contain are timeless and deep, most could be understood by the ordinary men and women of his day. At the same time, we can never plumb their depths. However, the purpose of parables was never mere head-knowledge, but always action; always a new way of living in light of who God is and who we are. Parables were (and still are) invitations into life in the Kingdom of God.
We are excited to spend the entire summer exploring the parables of Jesus.
We look forward to asking and answering several questions about each parable:
Why did Jesus teach this parable?
What was the main point?
How did Jesus’ listeners understand it?
How should we understand it?
Jesus did not only die for us; He lived for us, too. His teachings are at the very core of what we believe, and should mark how we live our earthly lives. Their truths are to be imprinted on our hearts.
So join us this summer! Let’s open Jesus’ greatest stories; each one an invitation to a whole new way of life!
God is present and active in our lives and the world around us always. He wants us to know Him intimately and to know what He’s up to in this world. But He never intended for our relationship with Him to be one-sided. He’s also given us some great ways to RESPOND to Him so that our relationship can grow.
God invites us to:
Just “get to God” and sit with Him “Trust” Him when life catches us by surprise or disappoints us “Serve” Him by knowing and using the strengths, talents and spiritual gifts He’s given to us “Worship” Him as our hearts and minds are filled with knowledge and understanding of God Have good conversations with Him through “Prayer” This series is being led by teachers from our student ministry team. Not only will it challenge, encourage and inspire you to consider how to “respond” to God, but it also will give you a glimpse into the high caliber, relevant Biblical teaching our students are hearing on a weekly basis at CHAOS, Big House, and BASIC.
God is present and active in our lives and the world around us always. He wants us to know Him intimately and to know what He’s up to in this world. But He never intended for our relationship with Him to be one-sided. He’s also given us some great ways to RESPOND to Him so that our relationship can grow.
God invites us to:
Just “get to God” and sit with Him “Trust” Him when life catches us by surprise or disappoints us “Serve” Him by knowing and using the strengths, talents and spiritual gifts He’s given to us “Worship” Him as our hearts and minds are filled with knowledge and understanding of God Have good conversations with Him through “Prayer” This series is being led by teachers from our student ministry team. Not only will it challenge, encourage and inspire you to consider how to “respond” to God, but it also will give you a glimpse into the high caliber, relevant Biblical teaching our students are hearing on a weekly basis at CHAOS, Big House, and BASIC.
God is present and active in our lives and the world around us always. He wants us to know Him intimately and to know what He’s up to in this world. But He never intended for our relationship with Him to be one-sided. He’s also given us some great ways to RESPOND to Him so that our relationship can grow.
God invites us to:
Just “get to God” and sit with Him “Trust” Him when life catches us by surprise or disappoints us “Serve” Him by knowing and using the strengths, talents and spiritual gifts He’s given to us “Worship” Him as our hearts and minds are filled with knowledge and understanding of God Have good conversations with Him through “Prayer” This series is being led by teachers from our student ministry team. Not only will it challenge, encourage and inspire you to consider how to “respond” to God, but it also will give you a glimpse into the high caliber, relevant Biblical teaching our students are hearing on a weekly basis at CHAOS, Big House, and BASIC.
God is present and active in our lives and the world around us always. He wants us to know Him intimately and to know what He’s up to in this world. But He never intended for our relationship with Him to be one-sided. He’s also given us some great ways to RESPOND to Him so that our relationship can grow. God invites us to:
Just “get to God” and sit with Him “Trust” Him when life catches us by surprise or disappoints us “Serve” Him by knowing and using the strengths, talents and spiritual gifts He’s given to us “Worship” Him as our hearts and minds are filled with knowledge and understanding of God Have good conversations with Him through “Prayer”
This series is being led by teachers from our student ministry team. Not only will it challenge, encourage and inspire you to consider how to “respond” to God, but it also will give you a glimpse into the high caliber, relevant Biblical teaching our students are hearing on a weekly basis at CHAOS, Big House, and BASIC.
God is present and active in our lives and the world around us always. He wants us to know Him intimately and to know what He’s up to in this world. But He never intended for our relationship with Him to be one-sided. He’s also given us some great ways to RESPOND to Him so that our relationship can grow.
God invites us to:
Just “get to God” and sit with Him “Trust” Him when life catches us by surprise or disappoints us “Serve” Him by knowing and using the strengths, talents and spiritual gifts He’s given to us “Worship” Him as our hearts and minds are filled with knowledge and understanding of God Have good conversations with Him through “Prayer” This series is being led by teachers from our student ministry team. Not only will it challenge, encourage and inspire you to consider how to “respond” to God, but it also will give you a glimpse into the high caliber, relevant Biblical teaching our students are hearing on a weekly basis at CHAOS, Big House, and BASIC.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Listen to stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill.
A love story between each other and God. A journey of understanding Grace vs performance and the approval of others. Am I good enough? Can I trust God?
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. In this series you can listen to real-life stories from people who attend Orchard Hill.
What was it like for people to encounter Jesus immediately after his Resurrection? What is it like for people to encounter Jesus today? Join us for Easter as we explore these questions!
In this series, we are zooming out to get a bird’s eye view of the Story of God contained in the Scriptures. It is so important that we all understand this deep reality we live in. So as we zoom out, we will also zoom in to pay close attention to what we are calling the “chapters” of God’s story - from the beginning of the world to the picture of the world to come. And the theme of this story - which is a real story, a true story - is that God is a God of redemption and restoration -- a God always calling people back to himself, who makes all things new, and who never, ever gives up on His people. God is a God who in Creation made everything that exists, out of love. And even though God gave us everything we need, human beings fell into sin because of our own choices at the Fall. And our relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s good creation was ruptured. But God didn’t give up on us. He called to himself a Chosen People and made of them a great nation. But humans fell into sin again and again and failed to live in God’s good ways, despite kings and prophets and priests whose stories are in the Old Testament. So God himself came to the rescue. In the fullness of time, God became a man - Jesus, and lived among us as a flesh and blood picture of the Father’s love and grace. And Jesus taught humanity how to live, and then he died in our place, to pay once and for all the price for our sin, our failures, our fallenness. And he defeated death. And he lives now and is the leader of the church. Today we live in the Church Age in which God’s new community, formed in Jesus, powered by the Spirit and set free from sin and death, is given one mission - to spread the grace and mercy of Jesus throughout the whole broken world, and to love our neighbors in the same way in which God has loved us. And one day, one great day the New Creation will come … Jesus will come again and call all who follow him to himself and heaven and earth will be one, sin will be finally defeated, and there will be no more war or death or pain or human brokenness. God will restore and renew and repair and redeem all things, for ever and ever. And Jesus will reign. So we hope you’ll join us over the next 6 weeks as we Zoom Out to gain a greater understanding of how big and wide and good God’s story is, and then Zoom In to gain a better understanding of the beautiful chapters of that story.
In this series, we are zooming out to get a bird’s eye view of the Story of God contained in the Scriptures. It is so important that we all understand this deep reality we live in. So as we zoom out, we will also zoom in to pay close attention to what we are calling the “chapters” of God’s story - from the beginning of the world to the picture of the world to come. And the theme of this story - which is a real story, a true story - is that God is a God of redemption and restoration -- a God always calling people back to himself, who makes all things new, and who never, ever gives up on His people. God is a God who in Creation made everything that exists, out of love. And even though God gave us everything we need, human beings fell into sin because of our own choices at the Fall. And our relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s good creation was ruptured. But God didn’t give up on us. He called to himself a Chosen People and made of them a great nation. But humans fell into sin again and again and failed to live in God’s good ways, despite kings and prophets and priests whose stories are in the Old Testament. So God himself came to the rescue. In the fullness of time, God became a man - Jesus, and lived among us as a flesh and blood picture of the Father’s love and grace. And Jesus taught humanity how to live, and then he died in our place, to pay once and for all the price for our sin, our failures, our fallenness. And he defeated death. And he lives now and is the leader of the church. Today we live in the Church Age in which God’s new community, formed in Jesus, powered by the Spirit and set free from sin and death, is given one mission - to spread the grace and mercy of Jesus throughout the whole broken world, and to love our neighbors in the same way in which God has loved us. And one day, one great day the New Creation will come … Jesus will come again and call all who follow him to himself and heaven and earth will be one, sin will be finally defeated, and there will be no more war or death or pain or human brokenness. God will restore and renew and repair and redeem all things, for ever and ever. And Jesus will reign. So we hope you’ll join us over the next 6 weeks as we Zoom Out to gain a greater understanding of how big and wide and good God’s story is, and then Zoom In to gain a better understanding of the beautiful chapters of that story.
In this series, we are zooming out to get a bird’s eye view of the Story of God contained in the Scriptures. It is so important that we all understand this deep reality we live in. So as we zoom out, we will also zoom in to pay close attention to what we are calling the “chapters” of God’s story - from the beginning of the world to the picture of the world to come. And the theme of this story - which is a real story, a true story - is that God is a God of redemption and restoration -- a God always calling people back to himself, who makes all things new, and who never, ever gives up on His people. God is a God who in Creation made everything that exists, out of love. And even though God gave us everything we need, human beings fell into sin because of our own choices at the Fall. And our relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s good creation was ruptured. But God didn’t give up on us. He called to himself a Chosen People and made of them a great nation. But humans fell into sin again and again and failed to live in God’s good ways, despite kings and prophets and priests whose stories are in the Old Testament. So God himself came to the rescue. In the fullness of time, God became a man - Jesus, and lived among us as a flesh and blood picture of the Father’s love and grace. And Jesus taught humanity how to live, and then he died in our place, to pay once and for all the price for our sin, our failures, our fallenness. And he defeated death. And he lives now and is the leader of the church. Today we live in the Church Age in which God’s new community, formed in Jesus, powered by the Spirit and set free from sin and death, is given one mission - to spread the grace and mercy of Jesus throughout the whole broken world, and to love our neighbors in the same way in which God has loved us. And one day, one great day the New Creation will come … Jesus will come again and call all who follow him to himself and heaven and earth will be one, sin will be finally defeated, and there will be no more war or death or pain or human brokenness. God will restore and renew and repair and redeem all things, for ever and ever. And Jesus will reign. So we hope you’ll join us over the next 6 weeks as we Zoom Out to gain a greater understanding of how big and wide and good God’s story is, and then Zoom In to gain a better understanding of the beautiful chapters of that story.
In this series, we are zooming out to get a bird’s eye view of the Story of God contained in the Scriptures. It is so important that we all understand this deep reality we live in. So as we zoom out, we will also zoom in to pay close attention to what we are calling the “chapters” of God’s story - from the beginning of the world to the picture of the world to come. And the theme of this story - which is a real story, a true story - is that God is a God of redemption and restoration -- a God always calling people back to himself, who makes all things new, and who never, ever gives up on His people. God is a God who in Creation made everything that exists, out of love. And even though God gave us everything we need, human beings fell into sin because of our own choices at the Fall. And our relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s good creation was ruptured. But God didn’t give up on us. He called to himself a Chosen People and made of them a great nation. But humans fell into sin again and again and failed to live in God’s good ways, despite kings and prophets and priests whose stories are in the Old Testament. So God himself came to the rescue. In the fullness of time, God became a man - Jesus, and lived among us as a flesh and blood picture of the Father’s love and grace. And Jesus taught humanity how to live, and then he died in our place, to pay once and for all the price for our sin, our failures, our fallenness. And he defeated death. And he lives now and is the leader of the church. Today we live in the Church Age in which God’s new community, formed in Jesus, powered by the Spirit and set free from sin and death, is given one mission - to spread the grace and mercy of Jesus throughout the whole broken world, and to love our neighbors in the same way in which God has loved us. And one day, one great day the New Creation will come … Jesus will come again and call all who follow him to himself and heaven and earth will be one, sin will be finally defeated, and there will be no more war or death or pain or human brokenness. God will restore and renew and repair and redeem all things, for ever and ever. And Jesus will reign. So we hope you’ll join us over the next 6 weeks as we Zoom Out to gain a greater understanding of how big and wide and good God’s story is, and then Zoom In to gain a better understanding of the beautiful chapters of that story.
In this series, we are zooming out to get a bird’s eye view of the Story of God contained in the Scriptures. It is so important that we all understand this deep reality we live in. So as we zoom out, we will also zoom in to pay close attention to what we are calling the “chapters” of God’s story - from the beginning of the world to the picture of the world to come. And the theme of this story - which is a real story, a true story - is that God is a God of redemption and restoration -- a God always calling people back to himself, who makes all things new, and who never, ever gives up on His people. God is a God who in Creation made everything that exists, out of love. And even though God gave us everything we need, human beings fell into sin because of our own choices at the Fall. And our relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s good creation was ruptured. But God didn’t give up on us. He called to himself a Chosen People and made of them a great nation. But humans fell into sin again and again and failed to live in God’s good ways, despite kings and prophets and priests whose stories are in the Old Testament. So God himself came to the rescue. In the fullness of time, God became a man - Jesus, and lived among us as a flesh and blood picture of the Father’s love and grace. And Jesus taught humanity how to live, and then he died in our place, to pay once and for all the price for our sin, our failures, our fallenness. And he defeated death. And he lives now and is the leader of the church. Today we live in the Church Age in which God’s new community, formed in Jesus, powered by the Spirit and set free from sin and death, is given one mission - to spread the grace and mercy of Jesus throughout the whole broken world, and to love our neighbors in the same way in which God has loved us. And one day, one great day the New Creation will come … Jesus will come again and call all who follow him to himself and heaven and earth will be one, sin will be finally defeated, and there will be no more war or death or pain or human brokenness. God will restore and renew and repair and redeem all things, for ever and ever. And Jesus will reign. So we hope you’ll join us over the next 6 weeks as we Zoom Out to gain a greater understanding of how big and wide and good God’s story is, and then Zoom In to gain a better understanding of the beautiful chapters of that story.
In this series, we are zooming out to get a bird’s eye view of the Story of God contained in the Scriptures. It is so important that we all understand this deep reality we live in. So as we zoom out, we will also zoom in to pay close attention to what we are calling the “chapters” of God’s story - from the beginning of the world to the picture of the world to come. And the theme of this story - which is a real story, a true story - is that God is a God of redemption and restoration -- a God always calling people back to himself, who makes all things new, and who never, ever gives up on His people. God is a God who in Creation made everything that exists, out of love. And even though God gave us everything we need, human beings fell into sin because of our own choices at the Fall. And our relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s good creation was ruptured. But God didn’t give up on us. He called to himself a Chosen People and made of them a great nation. But humans fell into sin again and again and failed to live in God’s good ways, despite kings and prophets and priests whose stories are in the Old Testament. So God himself came to the rescue. In the fullness of time, God became a man - Jesus, and lived among us as a flesh and blood picture of the Father’s love and grace. And Jesus taught humanity how to live, and then he died in our place, to pay once and for all the price for our sin, our failures, our fallenness. And he defeated death. And he lives now and is the leader of the church. Today we live in the Church Age in which God’s new community, formed in Jesus, powered by the Spirit and set free from sin and death, is given one mission - to spread the grace and mercy of Jesus throughout the whole broken world, and to love our neighbors in the same way in which God has loved us. And one day, one great day the New Creation will come … Jesus will come again and call all who follow him to himself and heaven and earth will be one, sin will be finally defeated, and there will be no more war or death or pain or human brokenness. God will restore and renew and repair and redeem all things, for ever and ever. And Jesus will reign. So we hope you’ll join us over the next 6 weeks as we Zoom Out to gain a greater understanding of how big and wide and good God’s story is, and then Zoom In to gain a better understanding of the beautiful chapters of that story.
When Jesus came into the 1st century world as a rabbi, the religious leaders had real problems with him. And Jesus, though he loved the religious leaders, had real problems with them. In fact, in the rare times Jesus got angry, it was almost always with this group called the “Pharisees.” They twisted really good things – like the desire to follow God’s ways, live by his laws, and avoid sin – into beliefs and actions that Jesus found offensive, because they hurt people and pushed them away from God. Today, many who regularly attend church often drift into some of the same patterns of the 1st century religious people. Our beliefs and behaviors end up lacking resemblance to Jesus. We don’t mean to … it just happens. Our teaching series - that we are lightheartedly calling Whoops! is about 4 of these beliefs or behaviors that Christians can find themselves sliding toward despite our best intentions. - Join us as we explore what the Pharisees did that made Jesus angry… - Join us as we think about how Jesus lived in contrast to them … - Join us as we consider how we can live more like Jesus today …
When Jesus came into the 1st century world as a rabbi, the religious leaders had real problems with him. And Jesus, though he loved the religious leaders, had real problems with them. In fact, in the rare times Jesus got angry, it was almost always with this group called the “Pharisees.” They twisted really good things – like the desire to follow God’s ways, live by his laws, and avoid sin – into beliefs and actions that Jesus found offensive, because they hurt people and pushed them away from God. Today, many who regularly attend church often drift into some of the same patterns of the 1st century religious people. Our beliefs and behaviors end up lacking resemblance to Jesus. We don’t mean to … it just happens. Our teaching series - that we are lightheartedly calling Whoops! is about 4 of these beliefs or behaviors that Christians can find themselves sliding toward despite our best intentions. - Join us as we explore what the Pharisees did that made Jesus angry… - Join us as we think about how Jesus lived in contrast to them … - Join us as we consider how we can live more like Jesus today …
When Jesus came into the 1st century world as a rabbi, the religious leaders had real problems with him. And Jesus, though he loved the religious leaders, had real problems with them. In fact, in the rare times Jesus got angry, it was almost always with this group called the “Pharisees.” They twisted really good things – like the desire to follow God’s ways, live by his laws, and avoid sin – into beliefs and actions that Jesus found offensive, because they hurt people and pushed them away from God. Today, many who regularly attend church often drift into some of the same patterns of the 1st century religious people. Our beliefs and behaviors end up lacking resemblance to Jesus. We don’t mean to … it just happens. Our teaching series - that we are lightheartedly calling Whoops! is about 4 of these beliefs or behaviors that Christians can find themselves sliding toward despite our best intentions. - Join us as we explore what the Pharisees did that made Jesus angry… - Join us as we think about how Jesus lived in contrast to them … - Join us as we consider how we can live more like Jesus today …
When Jesus came into the 1st century world as a rabbi, the religious leaders had real problems with him.
And Jesus, though he loved the religious leaders, had real problems with them.
In fact, in the rare times Jesus got angry, it was almost always with this group called the “Pharisees.”
They twisted really good things – like the desire to follow God’s ways, live by his laws, and avoid sin – into beliefs and actions that Jesus found offensive, because they hurt people and pushed them away from God.
Today, many who regularly attend church often drift into some of the same patterns of the 1st century religious people. Our beliefs and behaviors end up lacking resemblance to Jesus.
We don’t mean to … it just happens.
Our teaching series - that we are lightheartedly calling Whoops! is about 4 of these beliefs or behaviors that Christians can find themselves sliding toward despite our best intentions. - Join us as we explore what the Pharisees did that made Jesus angry… - Join us as we think about how Jesus lived in contrast to them … - Join us as we consider how we can live more like Jesus today …
We are never alone in our families. God is faithful to us and to our families in every season. And yet, family life is hard. Family life demands faith. During this series, we will explore what it looks like to experience and have faith in every season of family life, whether married, single, with or without children, or empty-nesters.
We are never alone in our families. God is faithful to us and to our families in every season. And yet, family life is hard. Family life demands faith. During this series, we will explore what it looks like to experience and have faith in every season of family life, whether married, single, with or without children, or empty-nesters.
We are never alone in our families. God is faithful to us and to our families in every season. And yet, family life is hard. Family life demands faith. During this series, we will explore what it looks like to experience and have faith in every season of family life, whether married, single, with or without children, or empty-nesters.
We are never alone in our families. God is faithful to us and to our families in every season. And yet, family life is hard. Family life demands faith. During this series, we will explore what it looks like to experience and have faith in every season of family life, whether married, single, with or without children, or empty-nesters.
Since we kicked off the fall with "Risk-Taking Faith" as our theme for the Gathering, for Advent we are focusing on the "risk" that ordinary human beings took (or failed to take) as they trusted God to play their part in the coming of the Messiah. Mary took a huge risk in trusting God to be the mother of Jesus, the irreligious Magi took a huge risk to follow the star to find the Promised One, Simeon took the risk of waiting his whole life in the temple for the one he knew God would send, and King Herod, rarely explored in teaching, refused to take the risk to believe that God was God and he was not. We will explore each person’s story as we walk through the Scriptural account of Jesus’ coming.
We will then challenge ourselves to ponder the risks God might be asking each of us to take during the Advent season - for some, the risk to believe for the first time, for others, the risk to love in hard circumstances, the risk to let Jesus be King over all of our life, the risk to believe God when he asks hard things of us.
An inspiring and beautiful service with scripture, carols, video, candles, and a message of hope.
Since we kicked off the fall with "Risk-Taking Faith" as our theme for the Gathering, for Advent we are focusing on the "risk" that ordinary human beings took (or failed to take) as they trusted God to play their part in the coming of the Messiah. Mary took a huge risk in trusting God to be the mother of Jesus, the irreligious Magi took a huge risk to follow the star to find the Promised One, Simeon took the risk of waiting his whole life in the temple for the one he knew God would send, and King Herod, rarely explored in teaching, refused to take the risk to believe that God was God and he was not. We will explore each person’s story as we walk through the Scriptural account of Jesus’ coming.
We will then challenge ourselves to ponder the risks God might be asking each of us to take during the Advent season - for some, the risk to believe for the first time, for others, the risk to love in hard circumstances, the risk to let Jesus be King over all of our life, the risk to believe God when he asks hard things of us.
Since we kicked off the fall with "Risk-Taking Faith" as our theme for the Gathering, for Advent we are focusing on the "risk" that ordinary human beings took (or failed to take) as they trusted God to play their part in the coming of the Messiah. Mary took a huge risk in trusting God to be the mother of Jesus, the irreligious Magi took a huge risk to follow the star to find the Promised One, Simeon took the risk of waiting his whole life in the temple for the one he knew God would send, and King Herod, rarely explored in teaching, refused to take the risk to believe that God was God and he was not. We will explore each person’s story as we walk through the Scriptural account of Jesus’ coming.
We will then challenge ourselves to ponder the risks God might be asking each of us to take during the Advent season - for some, the risk to believe for the first time, for others, the risk to love in hard circumstances, the risk to let Jesus be King over all of our life, the risk to believe God when he asks hard things of us.
Since we kicked off the fall with "Risk-Taking Faith" as our theme for the Gathering, for Advent we are focusing on the "risk" that ordinary human beings took (or failed to take) as they trusted God to play their part in the coming of the Messiah. Mary took a huge risk in trusting God to be the mother of Jesus, the irreligious Magi took a huge risk to follow the star to find the Promised One, Simeon took the risk of waiting his whole life in the temple for the one he knew God would send, and King Herod, rarely explored in teaching, refused to take the risk to believe that God was God and he was not. We will explore each person’s story as we walk through the Scriptural account of Jesus’ coming.
We will then challenge ourselves to ponder the risks God might be asking each of us to take during the Advent season - for some, the risk to believe for the first time, for others, the risk to love in hard circumstances, the risk to let Jesus be King over all of our life, the risk to believe God when he asks hard things of us.
Since we kicked off the fall with "Risk-Taking Faith" as our theme for the Gathering, for Advent we are focusing on the "risk" that ordinary human beings took (or failed to take) as they trusted God to play their part in the coming of the Messiah. Mary took a huge risk in trusting God to be the mother of Jesus, the irreligious Magi took a huge risk to follow the star to find the Promised One, Simeon took the risk of waiting his whole life in the temple for the one he knew God would send, and King Herod, rarely explored in teaching, refused to take the risk to believe that God was God and he was not. We will explore each person’s story as we walk through the Scriptural account of Jesus’ coming.
We will then challenge ourselves to ponder the risks God might be asking each of us to take during the Advent season - for some, the risk to believe for the first time, for others, the risk to love in hard circumstances, the risk to let Jesus be King over all of our life, the risk to believe God when he asks hard things of us.
Each of us has in our heart and head our story of money. Jesus told many stories about money. Because of its importance in our lives, money was one of his most taught topics. As our teachers disclose their own evolving stories about money they will also focus upon some of the stories Jesus had to tell. The goal of this series is that many of us would re-examine our own stories of money and maybe bring our stories more in alignment with the message of Jesus. Jesus said in John 10: 10, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” A part of this “life to the full” that Jesus wants for us is an accurate story of our money because our story of money affects almost every part of our lives.
Each of us has in our heart and head our story of money. Jesus told many stories about money. Because of its importance in our lives, money was one of his most taught topics. As our teachers disclose their own evolving stories about money they will also focus upon some of the stories Jesus had to tell. The goal of this series is that many of us would re-examine our own stories of money and maybe bring our stories more in alignment with the message of Jesus. Jesus said in John 10: 10, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” A part of this “life to the full” that Jesus wants for us is an accurate story of our money because our story of money affects almost every part of our lives.
Each of us has in our heart and head our story of money. Jesus told many stories about money. Because of its importance in our lives, money was one of his most taught topics. As our teachers disclose their own evolving stories about money they will also focus upon some of the stories Jesus had to tell. The goal of this series is that many of us would re-examine our own stories of money and maybe bring our stories more in alignment with the message of Jesus. Jesus said in John 10: 10, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” A part of this “life to the full” that Jesus wants for us is an accurate story of our money because our story of money affects almost every part of our lives.
In today’s broken world - many things threaten to hold us captive and keep us from living an abundant life of faith. God can sometimes seem distant or absent. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we read about a young man of faith who was held hostage for 70 years in an evil empire that seemed completely devoid of God. His story encourages us and demonstrates how choosing trust, faith, humility, wisdom, and hope can help us not just survive, but thrive in a broken world. By choosing this path of faithfulness to God, Daniel revealed practical ways of shining Jesus’ light and blessing our broken world.
sometimes seem distant or absent. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we read about a young man of faith who was held hostage for 70 years in an evil empire that seemed completely devoid of God. His story encourages us and demonstrates how choosing trust, faith, humility, wisdom, and hope can help us not just survive, but thrive in a broken world. By choosing this path of faithfulness to God, Daniel revealed practical ways of shining Jesus’ light and blessing our broken world.
In today’s broken world - many things threaten to hold us captive and keep us from living an abundant life of faith. God can sometimes seem distant or absent. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we read about a young man of faith who was held hostage for 70 years in an evil empire that seemed completely devoid of God. His story encourages us and demonstrates how choosing trust, faith, humility, wisdom, and hope can help us not just survive, but thrive in a broken world. By choosing this path of faithfulness to God, Daniel revealed practical ways of shining Jesus’ light and blessing our broken world.
In today’s broken world - many things threaten to hold us captive and keep us from living an abundant life of faith. God can sometimes seem distant or absent. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we read about a young man of faith who was held hostage for 70 years in an evil empire that seemed completely devoid of God. His story encourages us and demonstrates how choosing trust, faith, humility, wisdom, and hope can help us not just survive, but thrive in a broken world. By choosing this path of faithfulness to God, Daniel revealed practical ways of shining Jesus’ light and blessing our broken world.
In today’s broken world - many things threaten to hold us captive and keep us from living an abundant life of faith. God can sometimes seem distant or absent. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we read about a young man of faith who was held hostage for 70 years in an evil empire that seemed completely devoid of God. His story encourages us and demonstrates how choosing trust, faith, humility, wisdom, and hope can help us not just survive, but thrive in a broken world. By choosing this path of faithfulness to God, Daniel revealed practical ways of shining Jesus’ light and blessing our broken world.
We were created to belong to God and to other people. If we miss this, we miss everything.
The need to belong, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, is hardwired into the human DNA. Where does this desire come from?
We believe it comes from the truth that we were created by a God who is at his core, a community - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We were created out of community for community. Our deep need to belong displays this truth.
God is at work to create for himself a community through whom he can bless a broken world; that community is his church; God’s people.. We will live in community with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and with each other, for all eternity. Belonging is our destiny!
But in our individualistic and noisy world, true community is hard to find. The truth is, we must initiate it; it will rarely just happen. As followers of Jesus, we must seek community as a primary calling of our faith. But not just any old “community,” it must be community in the way of Jesus, which means laying down our lives for the sake of others; entering into community for others, rather than solely to meet our own needs.
Doing this is hard. It is risky. We all fear rejection. But it is a risk we must take. God encourages us to step out in faith this fall to take “The Risk to Belong!”
We were created to belong to God and to other people. If we miss this, we miss everything.
The need to belong, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, is hardwired into the human DNA. Where does this desire come from?
We believe it comes from the truth that we were created by a God who is at his core, a community - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We were created out of community for community. Our deep need to belong displays this truth.
God is at work to create for himself a community through whom he can bless a broken world; that community is his church; God’s people.. We will live in community with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and with each other, for all eternity. Belonging is our destiny!
But in our individualistic and noisy world, true community is hard to find. The truth is, we must initiate it; it will rarely just happen. As followers of Jesus, we must seek community as a primary calling of our faith. But not just any old “community,” it must be community in the way of Jesus, which means laying down our lives for the sake of others; entering into community for others, rather than solely to meet our own needs.
Doing this is hard. It is risky. We all fear rejection. But it is a risk we must take. God encourages us to step out in faith this fall to take “The Risk to Belong!”
We were created to belong to God and to other people. If we miss this, we miss everything.
The need to belong, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, is hardwired into the human DNA. Where does this desire come from?
We believe it comes from the truth that we were created by a God who is at his core, a community - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We were created out of community for community. Our deep need to belong displays this truth.
God is at work to create for himself a community through whom he can bless a broken world; that community is his church; God’s people.. We will live in community with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and with each other, for all eternity. Belonging is our destiny!
But in our individualistic and noisy world, true community is hard to find. The truth is, we must initiate it; it will rarely just happen. As followers of Jesus, we must seek community as a primary calling of our faith. But not just any old “community,” it must be community in the way of Jesus, which means laying down our lives for the sake of others; entering into community for others, rather than solely to meet our own needs.
Doing this is hard. It is risky. We all fear rejection. But it is a risk we must take. God encourages us to step out in faith this fall to take “The Risk to Belong!”
We were created to belong to God and to other people. If we miss this, we miss everything.
The need to belong, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, is hardwired into the human DNA. Where does this desire come from?
We believe it comes from the truth that we were created by a God who is at his core, a community - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We were created out of community for community. Our deep need to belong displays this truth.
God is at work to create for himself a community through whom he can bless a broken world; that community is his church; God’s people.. We will live in community with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and with each other, for all eternity. Belonging is our destiny!
But in our individualistic and noisy world, true community is hard to find. The truth is, we must initiate it; it will rarely just happen. As followers of Jesus, we must seek community as a primary calling of our faith. But not just any old “community,” it must be community in the way of Jesus, which means laying down our lives for the sake of others; entering into community for others, rather than solely to meet our own needs.
Doing this is hard. It is risky. We all fear rejection. But it is a risk we must take. God encourages us to step out in faith this fall to take “The Risk to Belong!”
Once a year in the fall, we join all of our campus locations and worship together at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI campus.
God honors risk-taking faith! Orchard Hill Church has been on a journey of faith for the past 12 months. Our congregation started a new campus in Waverly and a new building in Grundy County. We have walked with the Bartlett and Whitehill families, and others, through tragedies. Come to remember and be challenged. Maybe it’s time for you to take a risk in your own faith walk.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement.
But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit.
For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall.
True in a marathon. True in the Christian life.
The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement.
But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us?
Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount.
And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy.
And that fuel is grace.
The grace of Jesus…
It’s not just for the start
It’s not just for the final push to the finish
The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey.
Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement.
But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit.
For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall.
True in a marathon. True in the Christian life.
The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement.
But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us?
Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount.
And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy.
And that fuel is grace.
The grace of Jesus…
It’s not just for the start
It’s not just for the final push to the finish
The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey.
Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement.
But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit.
For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall.
True in a marathon. True in the Christian life.
The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement.
But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us?
Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount.
And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy.
And that fuel is grace.
The grace of Jesus…
It’s not just for the start
It’s not just for the final push to the finish
The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey.
Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement. But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit. For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall. True in a marathon. True in the Christian life. The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement. But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us? Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount. And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy. And that fuel is grace. The grace of Jesus… It’s not just for the start It’s not just for the final push to the finish The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey. Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
The starting line of a marathon... a place of enthusiasm and excitement.
But mid-way through the race, runners start to stumble, falter, even quit.
For many, the lack of appropriate fuel is their downfall.
True in a marathon. True in the Christian life.
The beginning of the journey of following Jesus is full of energy and excitement.
But how do we keep going? How do we finish the race God has marked out for us?
Jesus gives his followers the race plan, the way he wants us to run this race we call life. Some of Jesus’ most powerful and demanding instruction about how he wants us to run. We call it the Sermon on the Mount.
And it begins with Jesus providing us the only fuel that can keep us running - the whole race - with power and joy.
And that fuel is grace.
The grace of Jesus…
It’s not just for the start
It’s not just for the final push to the finish
The grace of Jesus is the only energy source powerful enough to propel us through the beginning, middle, and end of our journey.
Only Jesus’ grace can help us run the race.
Our lives can be pictured as two rails. One rail represents the joys set before us as gifts from God. The other rail represents the pains, struggles and disappointments that are part of living in a broken world. We are often on both rails at the same time. Grandpa dies the same week his first grandchild is born. A family feels great joy at a Christmas Eve service and leaves to go visit mom at the hospice house. My marriage is everything I’ve always dreamed but we cannot seem to get pregnant. I’ve just graduated with honors and I cannot find a job. It looks like I’ll be going back home for a time.
Every life gets derailed at some point. The derailment can be a tragedy, a deep loss or even a serious disappointment. The derailment requires a journey to get back on the tracks. The journey may have 6 stages: Shock, Sorrow, Struggle, Surrender, Sanctification and Service. Often people get stuck especially in the gap between struggle and surrender. These six stages of the derailment journey can take years to travel. Each journey is unique.
In this series we want to help people who are on a journey after being derailed and we want to help people who are walking with friends and loved ones who have been derailed. We will bring Biblical principles and real life stories to encourage those on this journey and those walking with them.
Our lives can be pictured as two rails. One rail represents the joys set before us as gifts from God. The other rail represents the pains, struggles and disappointments that are part of living in a broken world. We are often on both rails at the same time. Grandpa dies the same week his first grandchild is born. A family feels great joy at a Christmas Eve service and leaves to go visit mom at the hospice house. My marriage is everything I’ve always dreamed but we cannot seem to get pregnant. I’ve just graduated with honors and I cannot find a job. It looks like I’ll be going back home for a time.
Every life gets derailed at some point. The derailment can be a tragedy, a deep loss or even a serious disappointment. The derailment requires a journey to get back on the tracks. The journey may have 6 stages: Shock, Sorrow, Struggle, Surrender, Sanctification and Service. Often people get stuck especially in the gap between struggle and surrender. These six stages of the derailment journey can take years to travel. Each journey is unique.
In this series we want to help people who are on a journey after being derailed and we want to help people who are walking with friends and loved ones who have been derailed. We will bring Biblical principles and real life stories to encourage those on this journey and those walking with them.
Our lives can be pictured as two rails. One rail represents the joys set before us as gifts from God. The other rail represents the pains, struggles and disappointments that are part of living in a broken world. We are often on both rails at the same time. Grandpa dies the same week his first grandchild is born. A family feels great joy at a Christmas Eve service and leaves to go visit mom at the hospice house. My marriage is everything I’ve always dreamed but we cannot seem to get pregnant. I’ve just graduated with honors and I cannot find a job. It looks like I’ll be going back home for a time.
Every life gets derailed at some point. The derailment can be a tragedy, a deep loss or even a serious disappointment. The derailment requires a journey to get back on the tracks. The journey may have 6 stages: Shock, Sorrow, Struggle, Surrender, Sanctification and Service. Often people get stuck especially in the gap between struggle and surrender. These six stages of the derailment journey can take years to travel. Each journey is unique.
In this series we want to help people who are on a journey after being derailed and we want to help people who are walking with friends and loved ones who have been derailed. We will bring Biblical principles and real life stories to encourage those on this journey and those walking with them.
Our lives can be pictured as two rails. One rail represents the joys set before us as gifts from God. The other rail represents the pains, struggles and disappointments that are part of living in a broken world. We are often on both rails at the same time. Grandpa dies the same week his first grandchild is born. A family feels great joy at a Christmas Eve service and leaves to go visit mom at the hospice house. My marriage is everything I’ve always dreamed but we cannot seem to get pregnant. I’ve just graduated with honors and I cannot find a job. It looks like I’ll be going back home for a time.
Every life gets derailed at some point. The derailment can be a tragedy, a deep loss or even a serious disappointment. The derailment requires a journey to get back on the tracks. The journey may have 6 stages: Shock, Sorrow, Struggle, Surrender, Sanctification and Service. Often people get stuck especially in the gap between struggle and surrender. These six stages of the derailment journey can take years to travel. Each journey is unique.
In this series we want to help people who are on a journey after being derailed and we want to help people who are walking with friends and loved ones who have been derailed. We will bring Biblical principles and real life stories to encourage those on this journey and those walking with them.
Our lives can be pictured as two rails. One rail represents the joys set before us as gifts from God. The other rail represents the pains, struggles and disappointments that are part of living in a broken world. We are often on both rails at the same time. Grandpa dies the same week his first grandchild is born. A family feels great joy at a Christmas Eve service and leaves to go visit mom at the hospice house. My marriage is everything I’ve always dreamed but we cannot seem to get pregnant. I’ve just graduated with honors and I cannot find a job. It looks like I’ll be going back home for a time.
Every life gets derailed at some point. The derailment can be a tragedy, a deep loss or even a serious disappointment. The derailment requires a journey to get back on the tracks. The journey may have 6 stages: Shock, Sorrow, Struggle, Surrender, Sanctification and Service. Often people get stuck especially in the gap between struggle and surrender. These six stages of the derailment journey can take years to travel. Each journey is unique.
In this series we want to help people who are on a journey after being derailed and we want to help people who are walking with friends and loved ones who have been derailed. We will bring Biblical principles and real life stories to encourage those on this journey and those walking with them.
We find true hope at the empty tomb of Jesus. The message of Easter really matters as we face our own death or the death of our loved ones. Join us as we focus upon hope for this life and the next!
The apostle Paul was the original church planter. He established so many churches in the early days, and much of what we call the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to the churches he started and cared for. His letter to the Philippians is one of these letters. Paul writes from a jail cell. Jailed for his Christian faith, he writes to his friends at the church in Philippi and imparts several things: That he loves them and prays for them That he is content and even joyful while in jail because he believes his suffering connects him with Jesus, and while imprisoned he has a “captive” audience as he shares the Gospel of Jesus. That they are to live humbly like Jesus in this world, and therefore, to shine like stars. That they are to trust in Jesus’ goodness alone, and not in their own religious accomplishments. That, through Christ, they can be content, at peace, and full of joy no matter what their circumstances might be. This is Paul’s most joy-filled letter, overflowing with encouragement, tenderness and hope, while at the same time, offering vibrant encouragement to the Philippians and to all Christians to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus.
The apostle Paul was the original church planter. He established so many churches in the early days, and much of what we call the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to the churches he started and cared for. His letter to the Philippians is one of these letters. Paul writes from a jail cell. Jailed for his Christian faith, he writes to his friends at the church in Philippi and imparts several things: That he loves them and prays for them That he is content and even joyful while in jail because he believes his suffering connects him with Jesus, and while imprisoned he has a “captive” audience as he shares the Gospel of Jesus. That they are to live humbly like Jesus in this world, and therefore, to shine like stars. That they are to trust in Jesus’ goodness alone, and not in their own religious accomplishments. That, through Christ, they can be content, at peace, and full of joy no matter what their circumstances might be. This is Paul’s most joy-filled letter, overflowing with encouragement, tenderness and hope, while at the same time, offering vibrant encouragement to the Philippians and to all Christians to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus.
The apostle Paul was the original church planter. He established so many churches in the early days, and much of what we call the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to the churches he started and cared for. His letter to the Philippians is one of these letters. Paul writes from a jail cell. Jailed for his Christian faith, he writes to his friends at the church in Philippi and imparts several things: That he loves them and prays for them That he is content and even joyful while in jail because he believes his suffering connects him with Jesus, and while imprisoned he has a “captive” audience as he shares the Gospel of Jesus. That they are to live humbly like Jesus in this world, and therefore, to shine like stars. That they are to trust in Jesus’ goodness alone, and not in their own religious accomplishments. That, through Christ, they can be content, at peace, and full of joy no matter what their circumstances might be. This is Paul’s most joy-filled letter, overflowing with encouragement, tenderness and hope, while at the same time, offering vibrant encouragement to the Philippians and to all Christians to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus.
The apostle Paul was the original church planter. He established so many churches in the early days, and much of what we call the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to the churches he started and cared for. His letter to the Philippians is one of these letters. Paul writes from a jail cell. Jailed for his Christian faith, he writes to his friends at the church in Philippi and imparts several things: That he loves them and prays for them That he is content and even joyful while in jail because he believes his suffering connects him with Jesus, and while imprisoned he has a “captive” audience as he shares the Gospel of Jesus. That they are to live humbly like Jesus in this world, and therefore, to shine like stars. That they are to trust in Jesus’ goodness alone, and not in their own religious accomplishments. That, through Christ, they can be content, at peace, and full of joy no matter what their circumstances might be. This is Paul’s most joy-filled letter, overflowing with encouragement, tenderness and hope, while at the same time, offering vibrant encouragement to the Philippians and to all Christians to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus.
Jesus began his public ministry proclaiming the good news of God, saying “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15). The "kingdom of God" was Jesus' favorite teaching topic. Join us as we explore Jesus' invitation and vision for living in his Father's world - the good news that Jesus said is not just a future promise but also a present reality. We'll explore what kingdom living looks like, what makes it good news, and how we can best move in by "moving out" into the world to demonstrate, seek and share God's kingdom with others.
Jesus began his public ministry proclaiming the good news of God, saying “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15). The "kingdom of God" was Jesus' favorite teaching topic. Join us as we explore Jesus' invitation and vision for living in his Father's world - the good news that Jesus said is not just a future promise but also a present reality. We'll explore what kingdom living looks like, what makes it good news, and how we can best move in by "moving out" into the world to demonstrate, seek and share God's kingdom with others.
Jesus began his public ministry proclaiming the good news of God, saying “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15). The "kingdom of God" was Jesus' favorite teaching topic. Join us as we explore Jesus' invitation and vision for living in his Father's world - the good news that Jesus said is not just a future promise but also a present reality. We'll explore what kingdom living looks like, what makes it good news, and how we can best move in by "moving out" into the world to demonstrate, seek and share God's kingdom with others.
For most of us, our family is the most important thing in our lives. We love our spouses, our kids, our parents and relatives more than anything else in the world. But our love is not perfect. Often times we do not live in love, but rather fear. And there are real reasons to fear; fear of getting it wrong, fear of our marriage failing, fear of our kids going astray, fear of shame and vulnerability and on and on and on...
For most of us, our family is the most important thing in our lives. We love our spouses, our kids, our parents and relatives more than anything else in the world. But our love is not perfect. Often times we do not live in love, but rather fear. And there are real reasons to fear; fear of getting it wrong, fear of our marriage failing, fear of our kids going astray, fear of shame and vulnerability and on and on and on...
For most of us, our family is the most important thing in our lives. We love our spouses, our kids, our parents and relatives more than anything else in the world. But our love is not perfect. Often times we do not live in love, but rather fear. And there are real reasons to fear; fear of getting it wrong, fear of our marriage failing, fear of our kids going astray, fear of shame and vulnerability and on and on and on...
For most of us, our family is the most important thing in our lives. We love our spouses, our kids, our parents and relatives more than anything else in the world. But our love is not perfect. Often times we do not live in love, but rather fear. And there are real reasons to fear; fear of getting it wrong, fear of our marriage failing, fear of our kids going astray, fear of shame and vulnerability and on and on and on...
But God does not want us to be ruled by fear, but rather love. In 1 John 4:18 John writes, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." It makes sense to us, but yet is difficult to put into practice. God's perfect love casts out fear. But remember, this does not mean our families won't face hard times, or danger or even death. But even in the midst of those hard times, we can still live in God’s power and love.
To live in families without fear, we cannot do it alone. We need others to help us fight our fears, to help us have a safe place to be honest, and to help us find courage. In order for this to happen, we need time with others. We need people ahead of us to help us on our journey, to show us the way.
We hope that's what this series will be for you. Through these real life stories we pray you will be encouraged to live with a spirit of power, love and self discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). And we pray that you're able to lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus and live out of love instead of fear.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear... Psalm 46:1-2
Remember the excitement and the anticipation you felt as a child waiting to tear into the present wrapped up under the tree with your name on it? You’d waited for days, weeks, maybe even all year for one special gift you wanted more than anything and believed would bring happiness, joy, maybe even change your life. Now imagine if you or your family had been waiting for such a gift for 5 years, or 50, or 500. Chances are - you may have forgotten what it was or why you even wanted it in the first place. Two thousand years ago, angels announced “Jesus’ arrival on earth. Many who heard this message had been waiting expectantly for hundreds of years to receive this “good news of great joy.” But many others had long ago lost hope it would ever come, forgotten what they really longed for, or even exchanged their desire for something else. Advent is a season for remembering what it is we most want and why we need so desperately for someone to bring it to us. It’s a time for renewed hope, restored desire and expectant anticipation of the arrival of this most longed for gift. In their message to the people, the angels remind us not only of the gift that God gave us 2,000 years ago, but they remind us of several reasons why this gift was and is so important and precious to us today. Join us as we explore the angel's’ message and what it has to say about why it was so important to Jesus to leave his seat of privilege and power and enter our messed up, broken, violent world and live among us. You’re invited to leave your fear behind and experience the glory of God, His peace and His gift of salvation as we prepare with great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus.
Remember the excitement and the anticipation you felt as a child waiting to tear into the present wrapped up under the tree with your name on it? You’d waited for days, weeks, maybe even all year for one special gift you wanted more than anything and believed would bring happiness, joy, maybe even change your life. Now imagine if you or your family had been waiting for such a gift for 5 years, or 50, or 500. Chances are - you may have forgotten what it was or why you even wanted it in the first place. Two thousand years ago, angels announced “Jesus’ arrival on earth. Many who heard this message had been waiting expectantly for hundreds of years to receive this “good news of great joy.” But many others had long ago lost hope it would ever come, forgotten what they really longed for, or even exchanged their desire for something else. Advent is a season for remembering what it is we most want and why we need so desperately for someone to bring it to us. It’s a time for renewed hope, restored desire and expectant anticipation of the arrival of this most longed for gift. In their message to the people, the angels remind us not only of the gift that God gave us 2,000 years ago, but they remind us of several reasons why this gift was and is so important and precious to us today. Join us as we explore the angel's’ message and what it has to say about why it was so important to Jesus to leave his seat of privilege and power and enter our messed up, broken, violent world and live among us. You’re invited to leave your fear behind and experience the glory of God, His peace and His gift of salvation as we prepare with great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus.
Remember the excitement and the anticipation you felt as a child waiting to tear into the present wrapped up under the tree with your name on it? You’d waited for days, weeks, maybe even all year for one special gift you wanted more than anything and believed would bring happiness, joy, maybe even change your life. Now imagine if you or your family had been waiting for such a gift for 5 years, or 50, or 500. Chances are - you may have forgotten what it was or why you even wanted it in the first place. Two thousand years ago, angels announced “Jesus’ arrival on earth. Many who heard this message had been waiting expectantly for hundreds of years to receive this “good news of great joy.” But many others had long ago lost hope it would ever come, forgotten what they really longed for, or even exchanged their desire for something else. Advent is a season for remembering what it is we most want and why we need so desperately for someone to bring it to us. It’s a time for renewed hope, restored desire and expectant anticipation of the arrival of this most longed for gift. In their message to the people, the angels remind us not only of the gift that God gave us 2,000 years ago, but they remind us of several reasons why this gift was and is so important and precious to us today. Join us as we explore the angel's’ message and what it has to say about why it was so important to Jesus to leave his seat of privilege and power and enter our messed up, broken, violent world and live among us. You’re invited to leave your fear behind and experience the glory of God, His peace and His gift of salvation as we prepare with great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus.
Remember the excitement and the anticipation you felt as a child waiting to tear into the present wrapped up under the tree with your name on it? You’d waited for days, weeks, maybe even all year for one special gift you wanted more than anything and believed would bring happiness, joy, maybe even change your life. Now imagine if you or your family had been waiting for such a gift for 5 years, or 50, or 500. Chances are - you may have forgotten what it was or why you even wanted it in the first place. Two thousand years ago, angels announced “Jesus’ arrival on earth. Many who heard this message had been waiting expectantly for hundreds of years to receive this “good news of great joy.” But many others had long ago lost hope it would ever come, forgotten what they really longed for, or even exchanged their desire for something else. Advent is a season for remembering what it is we most want and why we need so desperately for someone to bring it to us. It’s a time for renewed hope, restored desire and expectant anticipation of the arrival of this most longed for gift. In their message to the people, the angels remind us not only of the gift that God gave us 2,000 years ago, but they remind us of several reasons why this gift was and is so important and precious to us today. Join us as we explore the angel's’ message and what it has to say about why it was so important to Jesus to leave his seat of privilege and power and enter our messed up, broken, violent world and live among us. You’re invited to leave your fear behind and experience the glory of God, His peace and His gift of salvation as we prepare with great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus.
Remember the excitement and the anticipation you felt as a child waiting to tear into the present wrapped up under the tree with your name on it? You’d waited for days, weeks, maybe even all year for one special gift you wanted more than anything and believed would bring happiness, joy, maybe even change your life. Now imagine if you or your family had been waiting for such a gift for 5 years, or 50, or 500. Chances are - you may have forgotten what it was or why you even wanted it in the first place. Two thousand years ago, angels announced “Jesus’ arrival on earth. Many who heard this message had been waiting expectantly for hundreds of years to receive this “good news of great joy.” But many others had long ago lost hope it would ever come, forgotten what they really longed for, or even exchanged their desire for something else. Advent is a season for remembering what it is we most want and why we need so desperately for someone to bring it to us. It’s a time for renewed hope, restored desire and expectant anticipation of the arrival of this most longed for gift. In their message to the people, the angels remind us not only of the gift that God gave us 2,000 years ago, but they remind us of several reasons why this gift was and is so important and precious to us today. Join us as we explore the angel's’ message and what it has to say about why it was so important to Jesus to leave his seat of privilege and power and enter our messed up, broken, violent world and live among us. You’re invited to leave your fear behind and experience the glory of God, His peace and His gift of salvation as we prepare with great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus.
The Bible is clear. God loves it when followers of Jesus Christ give to His work cheerfully, instead of reluctantly or under compulsion. Intentional giving to the work of God on earth is a privilege for those who follow Jesus. This 2 week series will focus upon the “why” and the “how” to get our minds and hearts set for cheerful and generous giving to God and to His church.
The Bible is clear. God loves it when followers of Jesus Christ give to His work cheerfully, instead of reluctantly or under compulsion. Intentional giving to the work of God on earth is a privilege for those who follow Jesus. This 2 week series will focus upon the “why” and the “how” to get our minds and hearts set for cheerful and generous giving to God and to His church.
We were created by God to worship him and to love him above all. But in the Garden of Eden, we broke this natural order and started to worship things other than God. This is what the Bible calls idolatry, and in biblical days it involved worshipping self-created gods, or even a statue of wood, stone or gold. Seems silly to us now …
But we are as much idol worshipers as were our ancestors. We just worship different kinds of idols, things like comfort, control, significance and money. Tim Keller defines an idol as “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
What is so tricky about modern day idols is that they often start out as good things; gifts from God, even. And then we twist them and elevate them and give them a status they were never meant to have. When this happens, they become very dangerous things indeed because they threaten to displace God from his rightful place.
Idols are dangerous because they promise to fill a hole in us that only God can fill.
Idols always over-promise and under deliver.
And most dangerous of all, when we worship idols, we displace God from the center of our heart and we start to depend on those idols for benefits they can never, ever provide. We miss the beautiful opportunity to solely cling to Christ for all things.
As it says in Jonah 2:8 – Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
If idols are so dangerous, why do we have them in the first place?
How do we begin to recognize when something good has turned into an idol?
And how do we begin to put idols back in their rightful place and give God our whole heart again?
Join us for 4 weeks as we explore this critical topic for Christ followers. Come learn how the Gospel helps us to remove idols from our lives and to fix our eyes on Jesus for all that we want and need!
We were created by God to worship him and to love him above all. But in the Garden of Eden, we broke this natural order and started to worship things other than God. This is what the Bible calls idolatry, and in biblical days it involved worshiping self-created gods, or even a statue of wood, stone or gold. Seems silly to us now …
But we are as much idol worshipers as were our ancestors. We just worship different kinds of idols, things like comfort, control, significance and money. Tim Keller defines an idol as “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
What is so tricky about modern day idols is that they often start out as good things; gifts from God, even. And then we twist them and elevate them and give them a status they were never meant to have. When this happens, they become very dangerous things indeed because they threaten to displace God from his rightful place.
Idols are dangerous because they promise to fill a hole in us that only God can fill. Idols always over-promise and under deliver.
And most dangerous of all, when we worship idols, we displace God from the center of our heart and we start to depend on those idols for benefits they can never, ever provide. We miss the beautiful opportunity to solely cling to Christ for all things.
As it says in Jonah 2:8 – Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
If idols are so dangerous, why do we have them in the first place?
How do we begin to recognize when something good has turned into an idol?
And how do we begin to put idols back in their rightful place and give God our whole heart again?
Join us for 4 weeks as we explore this critical topic for Christ followers. Come learn how the Gospel helps us to remove idols from our lives and to fix our eyes on Jesus for all that we want and need!
We were created by God to worship him and to love him above all. But in the Garden of Eden, we broke this natural order and started to worship things other than God. This is what the Bible calls idolatry, and in biblical days it involved worshiping self-created gods, or even a statue of wood, stone or gold. Seems silly to us now …
But we are as much idol worshipers as were our ancestors. We just worship different kinds of idols, things like comfort, control, significance and money. Tim Keller defines an idol as “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
What is so tricky about modern day idols is that they often start out as good things; gifts from God, even. And then we twist them and elevate them and give them a status they were never meant to have. When this happens, they become very dangerous things indeed because they threaten to displace God from his rightful place.
Idols are dangerous because they promise to fill a hole in us that only God can fill. Idols always over-promise and under deliver.
And most dangerous of all, when we worship idols, we displace God from the center of our heart and we start to depend on those idols for benefits they can never, ever provide. We miss the beautiful opportunity to solely cling to Christ for all things.
As it says in Jonah 2:8 – Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
If idols are so dangerous, why do we have them in the first place?
How do we begin to recognize when something good has turned into an idol?
And how do we begin to put idols back in their rightful place and give God our whole heart again?
Join us for 4 weeks as we explore this critical topic for Christ followers. Come learn how the Gospel helps us to remove idols from our lives and to fix our eyes on Jesus for all that we want and need!
Jesus’ early followers were eager to be on mission with him. But before they really got going, Jesus left them. Having spent 3 years with Jesus, they knew they wanted to keep his movement going. But how? And how could they possibly lead others on this journey? There was still so much they didn’t know or understand. Jesus had the answer – the Church. He sent the Spirit and the church was established to lead, equip, encourage, and empower Jesus’ followers to continue advancing God’s mission. The book of Acts tells the story of the beginning of the church. This historical account reveals 4 primary pathways used by the disciples to grow and help others grow in their knowledge and experience of God’s abundant life and love and share that same life and love with others. As members of the church - we are Christ’s hands and feet. This series identifies and explores how we can “Jump In” with the Holy Spirit today, at Orchard, into these same 4 streams and be immersed in God’s river of life and love that is his mission - to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. We’ll unpack these 4 primary ways for you to jump: Engage the Word Belong in Community Invest in Others Worship God If you’ve come to Orchard wanting to know how you can more fully experience God’s abundant love and life and how you can help others discover that love and life – this series is for you! This is Orchard Hill's strategy to help you do this. And we’re encouraging you to think and pray about “jumping in” -- taking one next step -- in one of these 4 streams.
Jesus’ early followers were eager to be on mission with him. But before they really got going, Jesus left them. Having spent 3 years with Jesus, they knew they wanted to keep his movement going. But how? And how could they possibly lead others on this journey? There was still so much they didn’t know or understand. Jesus had the answer – the Church. He sent the Spirit and the church was established to lead, equip, encourage, and empower Jesus’ followers to continue advancing God’s mission. The book of Acts tells the story of the beginning of the church. This historical account reveals 4 primary pathways used by the disciples to grow and help others grow in their knowledge and experience of God’s abundant life and love and share that same life and love with others. As members of the church - we are Christ’s hands and feet. This series identifies and explores how we can “Jump In” with the Holy Spirit today, at Orchard, into these same 4 streams and be immersed in God’s river of life and love that is his mission - to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. We’ll unpack these 4 primary ways for you to jump: Engage the Word Belong in Community Invest in Others Worship God If you’ve come to Orchard wanting to know how you can more fully experience God’s abundant love and life and how you can help others discover that love and life – this series is for you! This is Orchard Hill's strategy to help you do this. And we’re encouraging you to think and pray about “jumping in” -- taking one next step -- in one of these 4 streams.
Jesus’ early followers were eager to be on mission with him. But before they really got going, Jesus left them. Having spent 3 years with Jesus, they knew they wanted to keep his movement going. But how? And how could they possibly lead others on this journey? There was still so much they didn’t know or understand. Jesus had the answer – the Church. He sent the Spirit and the church was established to lead, equip, encourage, and empower Jesus’ followers to continue advancing God’s mission. The book of Acts tells the story of the beginning of the church. This historical account reveals 4 primary pathways used by the disciples to grow and help others grow in their knowledge and experience of God’s abundant life and love and share that same life and love with others. As members of the church - we are Christ’s hands and feet. This series identifies and explores how we can “Jump In” with the Holy Spirit today, at Orchard, into these same 4 streams and be immersed in God’s river of life and love that is his mission - to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. We’ll unpack these 4 primary ways for you to jump: Engage the Word Belong in Community Invest in Others Worship God If you’ve come to Orchard wanting to know how you can more fully experience God’s abundant love and life and how you can help others discover that love and life – this series is for you! This is Orchard Hill's strategy to help you do this. And we’re encouraging you to think and pray about “jumping in” -- taking one next step -- in one of these 4 streams.
Jesus’ early followers were eager to be on mission with him. But before they really got going, Jesus left them. Having spent 3 years with Jesus, they knew they wanted to keep his movement going. But how? And how could they possibly lead others on this journey? There was still so much they didn’t know or understand. Jesus had the answer – the Church. He sent the Spirit and the church was established to lead, equip, encourage, and empower Jesus’ followers to continue advancing God’s mission. The book of Acts tells the story of the beginning of the church. This historical account reveals 4 primary pathways used by the disciples to grow and help others grow in their knowledge and experience of God’s abundant life and love and share that same life and love with others. As members of the church - we are Christ’s hands and feet. This series identifies and explores how we can “Jump In” with the Holy Spirit today, at Orchard, into these same 4 streams and be immersed in God’s river of life and love that is his mission - to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. We’ll unpack these 4 primary ways for you to jump: Engage the Word Belong in Community Invest in Others Worship God If you’ve come to Orchard wanting to know how you can more fully experience God’s abundant love and life and how you can help others discover that love and life – this series is for you! This is Orchard Hill's strategy to help you do this. And we’re encouraging you to think and pray about “jumping in” -- taking one next step -- in one of these 4 streams.
Because of Christ, we are now free… Free from the burden of needing to “keep the law.” Free from fear of God’s judgment, wrath or condemnation. Free from the consequences and the slavery of sin. Free to let our faith express itself in love.
Freedom …
… from sin, guilt, fear, death. … from an eternity without God. … that brings deep peace to our souls.
This is what Jesus came to bring to the world. This is what Jesus came to bring you. This is the essence of the Good News.
And yet, we get confused...
...We get confused about what this freedom looks like and we get confused about whether this freedom is too dangerous or too wild for us. And very often, we end up adding rules, laws and regulations to the Gospel to make it tame, realistic, and more believable.
But Jesus is very clear when he says, “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed! (John 8:36)
Join us for our fall teaching series called “Set Free” as we explore the amazing freedom that Christ came to bring. We will explore the many ways we try to limit that freedom and actually risk denying God’s free offer of grace, without even knowing we are doing it. We will also learn the amazing purpose behind the life-changing freedom of the Gospel.
This series will explore biblical truths that are at the very center of our mission as a church:
To help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world!
We believe this series will help every one of us live a free life with God, with ourselves and with our neighbors.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! (Galatians 5:1)
Freedom …
… from sin, guilt, fear, death. … from an eternity without God. … that brings deep peace to our souls.
This is what Jesus came to bring to the world. This is what Jesus came to bring you. This is the essence of the Good News.
And yet, we get confused...
...We get confused about what this freedom looks like and we get confused about whether this freedom is too dangerous or too wild for us. And very often, we end up adding rules, laws and regulations to the Gospel to make it tame, realistic, and more believable.
But Jesus is very clear when he says, “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed! (John 8:36)
Join us for our fall teaching series called “Set Free” as we explore the amazing freedom that Christ came to bring. We will explore the many ways we try to limit that freedom and actually risk denying God’s free offer of grace, without even knowing we are doing it. We will also learn the amazing purpose behind the life-changing freedom of the Gospel.
This series will explore biblical truths that are at the very center of our mission as a church:
To help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world!
We believe this series will help every one of us live a free life with God, with ourselves and with our neighbors.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! (Galatians 5:1)
Once a year in the fall, we join all of our campus locations and worship together at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI campus. Join us for a special teaching from Dave Bartlett, “When Storms Come.”
The story of Naomi & Ruth is a wonderful story of love. It talks about how the love and kindness of one person becomes contagious and changes the lives of many. It actually changes the lives of everyone, because it leads to birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. This story is an example of how, when love is shared an atmosphere is created in which miracles can occur and God can create good and wonderful things. It’s also a story about God’s love and how he is always present and at work in the lives of his people, whether we recognize it or not. When your heart is filled with love for others, and when that love is expressed, wonderful and miraculous things can happen. Lives can be changed, including our own. There is no better way that God can work in our world today than through the love that we express for those people around us. And don’t forget about God’s love. I believe that God is always there, in every situation, expressing his care and love for his people, for you. He did so hundreds of years ago when he sent his son, Jesus, to live with us, and he does so today. That is one thing that will never change
The nation of Israel attempts to use The Ark of the Covenant as a secret weapon in their battle against their most terrifying enemy, the Philistines. God teaches the nation of Israel that he will not be used as a magic trick, or lucky charm.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Life offers us a choice – we can play leading roles in our own little, meaningless movies about our own lives which will impact only a few people – or we can play supporting roles in God’s epic adventure where Jesus is the lead and impacts lives for eternity.
This summer, we will explore epic Bible stories that will provide an engaging and entertaining worship experience for the whole family and generate excitement for God’s Word. The recounting of these stories will invites us into His epic story, and reminds us that we all have unique roles to play, our character matters to God, but God is the ultimate Hero.
Bible Blockbusters: Joshua and His 3 Unbeatable Weapons - Ed Baker by Orchard Hill Church
In prayerful dependence on God, Nehemiah established a vision and a practical plan for rebuilding the dilapidated wall around Jerusalem. His irrepressible trust in God and brave leadership accomplished in 52 days what hadn’t been done in 92 years, rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. Through his example, we see in Nehemiah that God equips ordinary people with extraordinary gifts to meet out-of-the-ordinary challenges.
Enoch walked with God and then was was no more. How and why did he walk with God? Why don't we walk with God? Why should we walk with God? What does that actually look like in our daily lives? Bottom line when God created us, He created us to be in a relationship that was a walking talking relationship with Him. We read that and we think “oh that's nice” but if we pause long enough to consider the character of God and exactly what He is inviting us into it is a crazy invitation and even crazier thing to say no to! Yet do we actually walk and talk with God? This is how we enter into God's story and how we become a part of inviting others to walk and talk with Him too!
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Jean Bennett is a self-proclaimed over-achiever. Her story includes a painful divorce that led to a deep understanding of God's redemption and grace.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Jean Bennett is a self-proclaimed over-achiever. Her story includes a painful divorce that led to a deep understanding of God's redemption and grace.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Jean Bennett is a self-proclaimed over-achiever. Her story includes a painful divorce that led to a deep understanding of God's redemption and grace.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Jean Bennett is a self-proclaimed over-achiever. Her story includes a painful divorce that led to a deep understanding of God's redemption and grace.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. Jason has a story of radical conversion to Jesus. He has come to understand the deep grace and healing of God, and as a result, he enthusiastically invites friends and family to church.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. The Steenhoek's story includes personal brokenness and restoration; ministry successes and failures.
For more than 50 years Orchard Hill’s mission has been to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Of course, this the mission of most churches. But HOW God does this through Orchard is unique. As we’ve listened to stories of how God has worked here throughout the years - we discovered some unique themes. What we discovered is that God has called, and continues to call Orchard to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. This is the reason God calls us together - his missional mandate to Orchard. This is not new, but it is a sharper focus detailing how we live into His call for us. We believe that God releases His power in amazing ways as His people get clearer and unapologetic about who He wants them to be and how He best works through them. In this series, we are focusing on God’s unique call to Orchard and unpacking what it looks like to live into our Unique Future with greater focus.
For more than 50 years Orchard Hill’s mission has been to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Of course, this the mission of most churches. But HOW God does this through Orchard is unique. As we’ve listened to stories of how God has worked here throughout the years - we discovered some unique themes. What we discovered is that God has called, and continues to call Orchard to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. This is the reason God calls us together - his missional mandate to Orchard. This is not new, but it is a sharper focus detailing how we live into His call for us. We believe that God releases His power in amazing ways as His people get clearer and unapologetic about who He wants them to be and how He best works through them. In this series, we are focusing on God’s unique call to Orchard and unpacking what it looks like to live into our Unique Future with greater focus.
For more than 50 years Orchard Hill’s mission has been to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Of course, this the mission of most churches. But HOW God does this through Orchard is unique. As we’ve listened to stories of how God has worked here throughout the years - we discovered some unique themes. What we discovered is that God has called, and continues to call Orchard to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. This is the reason God calls us together - his missional mandate to Orchard. This is not new, but it is a sharper focus detailing how we live into His call for us. We believe that God releases His power in amazing ways as His people get clearer and unapologetic about who He wants them to be and how He best works through them. In this series, we are focusing on God’s unique call to Orchard and unpacking what it looks like to live into our Unique Future with greater focus.
The Gospels record fascinating stories of people who encountered Jesus. In these encounters we discover more than the power of these encounters, we learn who Jesus is and what he wants for us. We also discover our need for ongoing encounters as well as our role in helping others encounter Jesus.
The Gospels record fascinating stories of people who encountered Jesus. In these encounters we discover more than the power of these encounters, we learn who Jesus is and what he wants for us. We also discover our need for ongoing encounters as well as our role in helping others encounter Jesus.
The Gospels record fascinating stories of people who encountered Jesus. In these encounters we discover more than the power of these encounters, we learn who Jesus is and what he wants for us. We also discover our need for ongoing encounters as well as our role in helping others encounter Jesus.
The Gospels record fascinating stories of people who encountered Jesus. In these encounters we discover more than the power of these encounters, we learn who Jesus is and what he wants for us. We also discover our need for ongoing encounters as well as our role in helping others encounter Jesus.
The Gospels record fascinating stories of people who encountered Jesus. In these encounters we discover more than the power of these encounters, we learn who Jesus is and what he wants for us. We also discover our need for ongoing encounters as well as our role in helping others encounter Jesus.
The Gospels record fascinating stories of people who encountered Jesus. In these encounters we discover more than the power of these encounters, we learn who Jesus is and what he wants for us. We also discover our need for ongoing encounters as well as our role in helping others encounter Jesus.
For more than 50 years Orchard Hill’s mission has been to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Of course, this the mission of most churches. But HOW God does this through Orchard is unique. As we’ve listened to stories of how God has worked here throughout the years - we discovered some unique themes. What we discovered is that God has called, and continues to call Orchard to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. This is the reason God calls us together - his missional mandate to Orchard. This is not new, but it is a sharper focus detailing how we live into His call for us. We believe that God releases His power in amazing ways as His people get clearer and unapologetic about who He wants them to be and how He best works through them. In this series, we are focusing on God’s unique call to Orchard and unpacking what it looks like to live into our Unique Future with greater focus.
For more than 50 years Orchard Hill’s mission has been to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Of course, this the mission of most churches. But HOW God does this through Orchard is unique. As we’ve listened to stories of how God has worked here throughout the years - we discovered some unique themes. What we discovered is that God has called, and continues to call Orchard to help next generations encounter and follow Jesus to bless a broken world. This is the reason God calls us together - his missional mandate to Orchard. This is not new, but it is a sharper focus detailing how we live into His call for us. We believe that God releases His power in amazing ways as His people get clearer and unapologetic about who He wants them to be and how He best works through them. In this series, we are focusing on God’s unique call to Orchard and unpacking what it looks like to live into our Unique Future with greater focus.
The resurrection of Jesus was a total surprise to his followers. On Friday, his crucifixion and death, said to them, “the game is over; our hope has crumbled into ashes, we have no future.” They were lucky to have escaped with their own lives. All was lost.
On that Easter Sunday morning, not a single disciple was expecting a resurrection. In fact, they couldn’t believe it even after it happened. They thought, “this is not possible. No way.”
The entire event was filled with many surprises: a stone rolled away, an empty tomb, Jesus goes first to women, his body was supernatural and yet recognizable--he still ate food and had wounds, his grace and love to Thomas and Peter and he calls Mary by name. Brother David Steindl-Rast has said, “God’s best name is ‘Surprise!’”
God continues to surprise us today--in this life and the next! God is filled with surprises! He takes weak people and does great things. He takes broken people and uses them in mighty ways. He takes hard situations and works his good. He gives gifts that take our breath away. He offers purpose in this life and joy in the next life to those who don’t deserve it!
Why God cares less about our “religious activity” and more about how we treat others … Too often we concern ourselves with trying to please God through religious activity. We get caught up in how often we come to worship, how many Bible studies we attend, how much we give, how authentically we worship. Are these the things God cares most about? If not, what does he want from me? Isaiah tells us … God cares deeply about how we treat our neighbor. Even more than he does about the level of our religious activity. This is so clearly what Jesus taught, too. How does that apply to us today?
God’s Plan: At amazing cost, God paid the penalty of our rebellion and brokenness through his son, the Suffering Servant. Our Need: We are hopelessly lost without the One who will rescue us. We can be reconciled to God through Jesus and we can express our gratitude through a surrendered life.
God cares for the brokenhearted, He states in the Psalms that He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. I believe He cares so deeply about us that it broke His heart to be separated. It propelled Him to act and redeem us (Is. 59:16). This passage is a picture of the coming Messiah, and it is also the mission statement that Jesus announcements in the synagogue in Nazareth during His life… so this is a truth for today. In brokenness, in situations where we are crushed and our spirit… wholeness can come through the Lord’s tenderness. His faithfulness gives us the grace and perspective needed to navigate, survive and even flourish. He us changes by His love and faithfulness… we end up as Oaks of righteousness just as Isaiah foretold.
There’s no CONTENTMENT for us if we keep trying to find lasting/eternal satisfaction in what the world offers us. True contentment only comes when we live in the presence and provision of God, as we live in the JOY of the freedom and salvation he offers us, as we follow God’s plan for our lives. How do we live this way? By letting go of worldly attachments, by recognizing our need—our thirst and dissatisfaction with the alternative, by coming to God humbly and receiving from him.
There are no perfect families. None. Not in the Bible, not in our world, none on our teaching team or in our church. None!
Yet, living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling from God. We want to do our best! Families present us with one of our best opportunities within which to live as Christ-followers making a huge impact on the lives of others. Family members have a huge influence upon each other. There are a few scriptures that relate specifically to family life (ie. Ephesians 5) but almost every page of the Bible describes how we should live as Christ-followers and those are the behaviors we need to take into our family life.
At the same time that living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling it is vitally important for us to understand that there are no perfect families! There are no problem free families described in the Bible and those of us on the teaching team definitely don’t have problem free families. There are no perfect families within our church. We all want to strive to be our very best but we will all always fall short.
In this teaching series, four of our teachers will work to inspire all of us to glorify God through our current family situation and stay out of the ditches that our culture and our own narratives might have for us.
There are no perfect families. None. Not in the Bible, not in our world, none on our teaching team or in our church. None!
Yet, living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling from God. We want to do our best! Families present us with one of our best opportunities within which to live as Christ-followers making a huge impact on the lives of others. Family members have a huge influence upon each other. There are a few scriptures that relate specifically to family life (ie. Ephesians 5) but almost every page of the Bible describes how we should live as Christ-followers and those are the behaviors we need to take into our family life.
At the same time that living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling it is vitally important for us to understand that there are no perfect families! There are no problem free families described in the Bible and those of us on the teaching team definitely don’t have problem free families. There are no perfect families within our church. We all want to strive to be our very best but we will all always fall short.
In this teaching series, four of our teachers will work to inspire all of us to glorify God through our current family situation and stay out of the ditches that our culture and our own narratives might have for us.
- Imperfect Families: In Dark Places
- Imperfect Families: A Group Project
- Imperfect Families: Love and Marriage
- Imperfect Families: Make Room for Joy
There are no perfect families. None. Not in the Bible, not in our world, none on our teaching team or in our church. None!
Yet, living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling from God. We want to do our best! Families present us with one of our best opportunities within which to live as Christ-followers making a huge impact on the lives of others. Family members have a huge influence upon each other. There are a few scriptures that relate specifically to family life (ie. Ephesians 5) but almost every page of the Bible describes how we should live as Christ-followers and those are the behaviors we need to take into our family life.
At the same time that living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling it is vitally important for us to understand that there are no perfect families! There are no problem free families described in the Bible and those of us on the teaching team definitely don’t have problem free families. There are no perfect families within our church. We all want to strive to be our very best but we will all always fall short.
In this teaching series, four of our teachers will work to inspire all of us to glorify God through our current family situation and stay out of the ditches that our culture and our own narratives might have for us.
- Imperfect Families: In Dark Places
- Imperfect Families: A Group Project
- Imperfect Families: Love and Marriage
- Imperfect Families: Make Room for Joy
There are no perfect families. None. Not in the Bible, not in our world, none on our teaching team or in our church. None!
Yet, living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling from God. We want to do our best! Families present us with one of our best opportunities within which to live as Christ-followers making a huge impact on the lives of others. Family members have a huge influence upon each other. There are a few scriptures that relate specifically to family life (ie. Ephesians 5) but almost every page of the Bible describes how we should live as Christ-followers and those are the behaviors we need to take into our family life.
At the same time that living, serving and loving within a family is a high calling it is vitally important for us to understand that there are no perfect families! There are no problem free families described in the Bible and those of us on the teaching team definitely don’t have problem free families. There are no perfect families within our church. We all want to strive to be our very best but we will all always fall short.
In this teaching series, four of our teachers will work to inspire all of us to glorify God through our current family situation and stay out of the ditches that our culture and our own narratives might have for us.
- Imperfect Families: In Dark Places
- Imperfect Families: A Group Project
- Imperfect Families: Love and Marriage
- Imperfect Families: Make Room for Joy
Since the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (recorded in Acts 2), Christ has been building His church. Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “….I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
Acts 2:42 states, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”
We will begin our 2015 year of teaching at Orchard with three weeks focused upon the unique history of God at work in miraculous ways through the history of our local congregation. At a point later in 2015, we will feature a teaching series focused upon A Unique Future that God may have planned for Orchard Hill Church. The focus of these series is to give God glory for what he has and what He may still do.
Alice Shirey will share some of the “unique history” from her life (and our life as a congregation) in the area of God using women teachers and leaders within our church family.
Since the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (recorded in Acts 2), Christ has been building His church. Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “….I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
Acts 2:42 states, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”
We will begin our 2015 year of teaching at Orchard with three weeks focused upon the unique history of God at work in miraculous ways through the history of our local congregation. At a point later in 2015, we will feature a teaching series focused upon A Unique Future that God may have planned for Orchard Hill Church. The focus of these series is to give God glory for what he has and what He may still do.
Dave Bartlett will focus upon “a unique history” of God directing Orchard’s congregation through 30 years of decisions and directions. He will tell stories of God using scriptures and individuals to lead and guide the ministries of the congregation.
Since the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (recorded in Acts 2), Christ has been building His church. Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “….I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
Acts 2:42 states, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”
We will begin our 2015 year of teaching at Orchard with three weeks focused upon the unique history of God at work in miraculous ways through the history of our local congregation. At a point later in 2015, we will feature a teaching series focused upon A Unique Future that God may have planned for Orchard Hill Church. The focus of these series is to give God glory for what he has and what He may still do.
Ed Baker will describe what God has taught him and how God has led him through 33 years of impactful ministry. Ed has recently retired but continues to serve as one of Orchard’s teachers.
It’s been said that music and sports are international languages. Both music and sports communicate and build bridges across the world. We see this in our Five Focus Communities—Mozambique, Haiti, Walnut Neighborhood, Grundy County and the Cedar Valley. When we travel to Mozambique or Haiti two areas that help us engage with young people are singing together, even without knowing the languages and playing soccer, volleyball or kickball.
Psalm 98: 4-6 says this, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Our Christmas Series during December 2014 is called Sing in Exultation and will focus upon the lyrics and history of five traditional Christmas Hymns. Our teachers will bring a fresh perspective to the powerful and good news of the birth of Jesus by focusing upon:
Joy to the World—Dave Bartlett O Little Town of Bethlehem—Ed Baker O Holy Night—Kelly Lantz Go tell it on the Mountain—Alice Shirey Hark the Herald Angels Sing—Kurt VanderWiel
It’s been said that music and sports are international languages. Both music and sports communicate and build bridges across the world. We see this in our Five Focus Communities—Mozambique, Haiti, Walnut Neighborhood, Grundy County and the Cedar Valley. When we travel to Mozambique or Haiti two areas that help us engage with young people are singing together, even without knowing the languages and playing soccer, volleyball or kickball.
Psalm 98: 4-6 says this, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Our Christmas Series during December 2014 is called Sing in Exultation and will focus upon the lyrics and history of five traditional Christmas Hymns. Our teachers will bring a fresh perspective to the powerful and good news of the birth of Jesus by focusing upon these hymns.
It’s been said that music and sports are international languages. Both music and sports communicate and build bridges across the world. We see this in our Five Focus Communities—Mozambique, Haiti, Walnut Neighborhood, Grundy County and the Cedar Valley. When we travel to Mozambique or Haiti two areas that help us engage with young people are singing together, even without knowing the languages and playing soccer, volleyball or kickball.
Psalm 98: 4-6 says this, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Our Christmas Series during December 2014 is called Sing in Exultation and will focus upon the lyrics and history of five traditional Christmas Hymns. Our teachers will bring a fresh perspective to the powerful and good news of the birth of Jesus by focusing upon these hymns.
It’s been said that music and sports are international languages. Both music and sports communicate and build bridges across the world. We see this in our Five Focus Communities—Mozambique, Haiti, Walnut Neighborhood, Grundy County and the Cedar Valley. When we travel to Mozambique or Haiti two areas that help us engage with young people are singing together, even without knowing the languages and playing soccer, volleyball or kickball.
Psalm 98: 4-6 says this, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Our Christmas Series during December 2014 is called Sing in Exultation and will focus upon the lyrics and history of five traditional Christmas Hymns. Our teachers will bring a fresh perspective to the powerful and good news of the birth of Jesus by focusing upon these hymns.
It’s been said that music and sports are international languages. Both music and sports communicate and build bridges across the world. We see this in our Five Focus Communities—Mozambique, Haiti, Walnut Neighborhood, Grundy County and the Cedar Valley. When we travel to Mozambique or Haiti two areas that help us engage with young people are singing together, even without knowing the languages and playing soccer, volleyball or kickball.
Psalm 98: 4-6 says this, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Our Christmas Series during December 2014 is called Sing in Exultation and will focus upon the lyrics and history of five traditional Christmas Hymns. Our teachers will bring a fresh perspective to the powerful and good news of the birth of Jesus by focusing upon these hymns.
· It is OK to find natural and comfortable ways to talk about your faith and answer people’s questions. We don’t need to be experts; we can just be ourselves. We don’t have to accost people awkwardly with the Gospel. This rarely “works” and often backfires.
· At the same time, we need to have courage and step out of our comfort zone sometimes. Take risks! Enjoy asking people about their faith experience and be ready and willing to share yours!
· This is not a formula … sometimes we serve, sometimes we use words right away, sometimes we are present with another person for years before they are ready to learn more … We are to be open to the leading and guiding of God’s spirit as we interact with others, but always be ready to share the reason for the hope in us.
· People hate being “projects.” We are to genuinely love, genuinely serve, genuinely listen to them, learn from them, too. We want to create opportunities for conversation, not sermonizing. Love the people. Look for opportunities to explain the Good News and understand that the final move is God’s. We just sow the seed!
· We need to encourage our people to pray daily, “God, show me how best to share the Good News with the people I meet today.” And then we need to encourage them to listen for the Spirit, who will sometimes say, “Just be with them,” or “Serve them in love today,” or “Ask them if they know Jesus.” We need to be ready to move wherever and whenever the Spirit asks us to.
· It is OK to find natural and comfortable ways to talk about your faith and answer people’s questions. We don’t need to be experts; we can just be ourselves. We don’t have to accost people awkwardly with the Gospel. This rarely “works” and often backfires.
· At the same time, we need to have courage and step out of our comfort zone sometimes. Take risks! Enjoy asking people about their faith experience and be ready and willing to share yours!
· This is not a formula … sometimes we serve, sometimes we use words right away, sometimes we are present with another person for years before they are ready to learn more … We are to be open to the leading and guiding of God’s spirit as we interact with others, but always be ready to share the reason for the hope in us.
· People hate being “projects.” We are to genuinely love, genuinely serve, genuinely listen to them, learn from them, too. We want to create opportunities for conversation, not sermonizing. Love the people. Look for opportunities to explain the Good News and understand that the final move is God’s. We just sow the seed!
· We need to encourage our people to pray daily, “God, show me how best to share the Good News with the people I meet today.” And then we need to encourage them to listen for the Spirit, who will sometimes say, “Just be with them,” or “Serve them in love today,” or “Ask them if they know Jesus.” We need to be ready to move wherever and whenever the Spirit asks us to.
The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus is meant to be shared in powerful and natural ways by all who follow Jesus. This can fit with how God wired us. There is no formula, but there are patterns from Jesus’ life that we can emulate. That pattern is found in these three practices: presence, service and words.
Presence
John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of as a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
Service
Mark 10:45 – For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Words
Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
We should be ready to serve and love in these ways, and then allow the Spirit to guide us as we live our lives in the world
The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus is meant to be shared in powerful and natural ways by all who follow Jesus. This can fit with how God wired us. There is no formula, but there are patterns from Jesus’ life that we can emulate. That pattern is found in these three practices: presence, service and words.
Presence
John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of as a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
Service
Mark 10:45 – For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Words
Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
We should be ready to serve and love in these ways, and then allow the Spirit to guide us as we live our lives in the world
The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus is meant to be shared in powerful and natural ways by all who follow Jesus. This can fit with how God wired us. There is no formula, but there are patterns from Jesus’ life that we can emulate. That pattern is found in these three practices: presence, service and words.
Presence
John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of as a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
Service
Mark 10:45 – For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Words
Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
We should be ready to serve and love in these ways, and then allow the Spirit to guide us as we live our lives in the world
Reframing our lives with God’s Word and keeping God’s perspective is a constant battle in the life of a Christ-follower. As Jesus coached his followers, he was constantly reframing their views and perspectives of life. He called them to live in His kingdom. He spoke in pictures…”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, enter through the narrow gate, do not worry…look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.
God’s Word needs to constantly reframe our thoughts and our lives and is a critical part of following Jesus. This is one reason God’s Word is so critical to our lives. Without this constant reframing of our lives with God’s truth, we begin to think and behave like those without Christ. We lose our way and the joy and purpose within which we are to live.
Each Sunday when people come to our worship services, we are hoping to help them reframe a part of their life in order to experience God’s joy and purpose more fully.
Reframing our lives with God’s Word and keeping God’s perspective is a constant battle in the life of a Christ-follower. As Jesus coached his followers, he was constantly reframing their views and perspectives of life. He called them to live in His kingdom. He spoke in pictures…”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, enter through the narrow gate, do not worry…look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.
God’s Word needs to constantly reframe our thoughts and our lives and is a critical part of following Jesus. This is one reason God’s Word is so critical to our lives. Without this constant reframing of our lives with God’s truth, we begin to think and behave like those without Christ. We lose our way and the joy and purpose within which we are to live.
Each Sunday when people come to our worship services, we are hoping to help them reframe a part of their life in order to experience God’s joy and purpose more fully.
Reframing our lives with God’s Word and keeping God’s perspective is a constant battle in the life of a Christ-follower. As Jesus coached his followers, he was constantly reframing their views and perspectives of life. He called them to live in His kingdom. He spoke in pictures…”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, enter through the narrow gate, do not worry…look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.
God’s Word needs to constantly reframe our thoughts and our lives and is a critical part of following Jesus. This is one reason God’s Word is so critical to our lives. Without this constant reframing of our lives with God’s truth, we begin to think and behave like those without Christ. We lose our way and the joy and purpose within which we are to live.
Each Sunday when people come to our worship services, we are hoping to help them reframe a part of their life in order to experience God’s joy and purpose more fully.
Once a year in the fall we join together all our campus locations and worship together at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI Campus.
Songs used by permission CCLI # 496314 Stream License # CSPL044169
Sing and Shout Jorge Mhondera, Matt Redman, Willie Weeks © 2013 Said And Done Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)Z1 Music (Admin. by Unaffiliated Admin (UA))
This is Amazing Grace Jeremy Riddle, Josh Farro, Phil Wickham © 2012 Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)Sing My Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)WB Music Corp. (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.)Bethel Music Publishing
In Christ Alone Keith Getty, Stuart Townend © 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Forever (We Sing Hallelujah) Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Gabriel Wilson, Jenn Johnson, Joel Taylor, Kari Jobe © 2013 KAJE Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)Bethel Music Publishing
Build Your Kingdom Here Rend Collective © 2011 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
Knowing how to talk with God is hard. We don’t know what to say. We struggle to know what kinds of things we should pray about and what we shouldn’t. We feel like there is a special secret to a dynamic prayer life and we don’t know what it is. Too often, prayer is a source of guilt and shame and misunderstanding. In a strange way, the ancient Psalms offer some answers to our modern concerns. For centuries, people have turned to the book of Psalms to give them words to pray as well as permission to pray boldly and honestly about all kinds of things like fear, pain, confusion, anger, enemies, guilt, a need for guidance … as well as joy, gratitude, hope and faith. Even more importantly, Jesus prayed the Psalms, and quoted them more often than any other Old Testament book. The Psalms formed Jesus spiritually; they were embedded in his heart, mind and soul. This summer, we want to embed some of the Psalms in our hearts, minds and souls. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the teaching team’s favorite Psalms in depth. We promise you will not be disappointed; these ancient prayers are more than relevant to life today! God did not leave us on our own - the Psalms can teach us to pray! And our lives will be changed.
God is faithful! His faithfulness is one of the many, amazing attributes we sing about and lift up as praise every Sunday morning. We talk about His faithfulness with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. But what does it mean exactly that God is faithful? What does His faithfulness look like? What or who exactly is God faithful to? And what about our faithfulness to God? In times of uncertainty, grief, hardship or even great blessing we sometimes struggle to live out our faith. Yet Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "...if we are faithless, he (God) remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Join us as we explore the good news that God is faithful, and try to uncover a deeper understanding of what that faithfulness means for us and how it can help us live more faithfully with God.
God is faithful! His faithfulness is one of the many, amazing attributes we sing about and lift up as praise every Sunday morning. We talk about His faithfulness with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. But what does it mean exactly that God is faithful? What does His faithfulness look like? What or who exactly is God faithful to? And what about our faithfulness to God? In times of uncertainty, grief, hardship or even great blessing we sometimes struggle to live out our faith. Yet Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "...if we are faithless, he (God) remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Join us as we explore the good news that God is faithful, and try to uncover a deeper understanding of what that faithfulness means for us and how it can help us live more faithfully with God.
God is faithful! His faithfulness is one of the many, amazing attributes we sing about and lift up as praise every Sunday morning. We talk about His faithfulness with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. But what does it mean exactly that God is faithful? What does His faithfulness look like? What or who exactly is God faithful to? And what about our faithfulness to God? In times of uncertainty, grief, hardship or even great blessing we sometimes struggle to live out our faith. Yet Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "...if we are faithless, he (God) remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Join us as we explore the good news that God is faithful, and try to uncover a deeper understanding of what that faithfulness means for us and how it can help us live more faithfully with God.
God is faithful! His faithfulness is one of the many, amazing attributes we sing about and lift up as praise every Sunday morning. We talk about His faithfulness with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. But what does it mean exactly that God is faithful? What does His faithfulness look like? What or who exactly is God faithful to? And what about our faithfulness to God? In times of uncertainty, grief, hardship or even great blessing we sometimes struggle to live out our faith. Yet Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "...if we are faithless, he (God) remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Join us as we explore the good news that God is faithful, and try to uncover a deeper understanding of what that faithfulness means for us and how it can help us live more faithfully with God.
God is faithful! His faithfulness is one of the many, amazing attributes we sing about and lift up as praise every Sunday morning. We talk about His faithfulness with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. But what does it mean exactly that God is faithful? What does His faithfulness look like? What or who exactly is God faithful to? And what about our faithfulness to God? In times of uncertainty, grief, hardship or even great blessing we sometimes struggle to live out our faith. Yet Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "...if we are faithless, he (God) remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Join us as we explore the good news that God is faithful, and try to uncover a deeper understanding of what that faithfulness means for us and how it can help us live more faithfully with God.
God is faithful! His faithfulness is one of the many, amazing attributes we sing about and lift up as praise every Sunday morning. We talk about His faithfulness with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. But what does it mean exactly that God is faithful? What does His faithfulness look like? What or who exactly is God faithful to? And what about our faithfulness to God? In times of uncertainty, grief, hardship or even great blessing we sometimes struggle to live out our faith. Yet Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "...if we are faithless, he (God) remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Join us as we explore the good news that God is faithful, and try to uncover a deeper understanding of what that faithfulness means for us and how it can help us live more faithfully with God.
Ready for Summer?
It’s been a long winter and we feel like summer cannot come fast enough. Yet, we need to ask ourselves the question: Are we ready for summer?
Ephesians 5: 15 says, “Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…" In this series we will challenge you to make the most of your summer 2014. Do you have plans that will help you grow spiritually? Do you have time built into your schedule to invest heavily in family and friends? Can you connect more deeply with God during these summer months?
Ready for Summer?
It’s been a long winter and we feel like summer cannot come fast enough. Yet, we need to ask ourselves the question: Are we ready for summer?
Ephesians 5: 15 says, “Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…" In this series we will challenge you to make the most of your summer 2014. Do you have plans that will help you grow spiritually? Do you have time built into your schedule to invest heavily in family and friends? Can you connect more deeply with God during these summer months?
Ready for Summer?
It’s been a long winter and we feel like summer cannot come fast enough. Yet, we need to ask ourselves the question: Are we ready for summer?
Ephesians 5: 15 says, “Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…" In this series we will challenge you to make the most of your summer 2014. Do you have plans that will help you grow spiritually? Do you have time built into your schedule to invest heavily in family and friends? Can you connect more deeply with God during these summer months?
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. After Easter, we celebrate the fact that the risen Jesus is at work impacting ordinary folks in real, and powerful ways! Listen to these stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill and reflect on how you see God at work in your life.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. After Easter, we celebrate the fact that the risen Jesus is at work impacting ordinary folks in real, and powerful ways! Listen to these stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill and reflect on how you see God at work in your life.
We believe that by learning how God works in the lives of others, we more clearly see the way God works in our own. After Easter, we celebrate the fact that the risen Jesus is at work impacting ordinary folks in real, and powerful ways! Listen to these stories from the lives of people who attend Orchard Hill and reflect on how you see God at work in your life.
See Jay Kimble on video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLAXnTXBAik
Stories of God at work in the lives of people.
"Immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine" ...is possible because of Christ's power which is available to us. This truth is evident in the story of the early church in the book of Acts, it's true according to Ephesians 3:20 and it's true when we we see God at work today
See Ed Baker on video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyjPzpvUvrc
"Immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine" ...is possible because of Christ's power which is available to us. This truth is evident in the story of the early church in the book of Acts, it's true according to Ephesians 3:20 and it's true when we we see God at work today
"Immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine" ...is possible because of Christ's power which is available to us. This truth is evident in the story of the early church in the book of Acts, it's true according to Ephesians 3:20 and it's true when we we see God at work today
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
See Alice Shirey on video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdr20XEKgB8
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
See this message on video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO_e9jXCjI4
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
See Dave Bartlett on video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW9SDaXKGr0
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. During the five Sundays of Lent this year, Orchard will be teaching a series called He Set His Face.
Ed Baker will do a video introduction each week describing how Jesus was intentional as He orchestrated the events of these final days of his earthly life. Beginning with Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face for Jerusalem.
Jesus was born to die. And he knew it would happen soon. But make no mistake: Jesus is totally in control of the circumstances surrounding his final days. No one is going to take his life from him. No one can do anything to him unless he allows it. He is still the omnipotent God who could call down legions of angels to defend him if he chose at any point to do so.
Despite the terrible burden that Jesus bore, he could not help but express his love for others along the way.
Much of the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to churches, or to groups of Christians in various parts of the ancient world. Ephesians is one of those letters, and it contains some of the greatest writing ever on the purpose of the church, on God’s overwhelming and unending grace, on why unity matters so much to God, and what living a life worthy of our calling as Christ-followers looks like.
We hope you’ll join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Paul’s letter chapter by chapter. We’ll spend the first three weeks looking at the first chapters 1 through 3, in which Paul lays out in soaring rhetoric what God has done for us in Christ. In them, he lays the groundwork and the reasoning for what he will spell out in chapters 4 through 6, which we’ll explore in the second 3 weeks. It is only in understanding the first 3 chapters that all of Paul’s admonitions to right behavior make sense. We are saved through God’s mighty power, not for ourselves alone, but for the good of the church. And the church plays a pivotal role in God’s bigger picture. The unity and love of the church is what God wants to display to the cosmic powers of darkness and disunity. What a call we have been given! What a role we get to play in God’s amazing work of reconciliation and restoration.
We believe God wants us to develop a bigger, deeper understanding of his grace, and the riches he wants to bestow upon his beloved children. We believe God wants to give us a truer and wider understanding of the purpose of the church and why the church matters so much to Him. And we believe God wants to give us a crystal clear picture of the kind of life he wants us to live in light of all he has done for us, and all he continues to do in and through us for the good of the world.
Our hope is that we will all read through the book of Ephesians over and over during this 6 week series. We’ll be walking through the whole letter in our Daily Scriptures. But, we will also be encouraging each one of us to pick up our own Bibles at home or at work to read for ourselves these magnificent proclamations of God’s goodness to us, and his incredible call on our lives as his “dearly beloved children.” We invite you to join us on our 6-week journey through one of Paul’s most famous letters!
Much of the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to churches, or to groups of Christians in various parts of the ancient world. Ephesians is one of those letters, and it contains some of the greatest writing ever on the purpose of the church, on God’s overwhelming and unending grace, on why unity matters so much to God, and what living a life worthy of our calling as Christ-followers looks like.
We hope you’ll join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Paul’s letter chapter by chapter. We’ll spend the first three weeks looking at the first chapters 1 through 3, in which Paul lays out in soaring rhetoric what God has done for us in Christ. In them, he lays the groundwork and the reasoning for what he will spell out in chapters 4 through 6, which we’ll explore in the second 3 weeks. It is only in understanding the first 3 chapters that all of Paul’s admonitions to right behavior make sense. We are saved through God’s mighty power, not for ourselves alone, but for the good of the church. And the church plays a pivotal role in God’s bigger picture. The unity and love of the church is what God wants to display to the cosmic powers of darkness and disunity. What a call we have been given! What a role we get to play in God’s amazing work of reconciliation and restoration.
We believe God wants us to develop a bigger, deeper understanding of his grace, and the riches he wants to bestow upon his beloved children. We believe God wants to give us a truer and wider understanding of the purpose of the church and why the church matters so much to Him. And we believe God wants to give us a crystal clear picture of the kind of life he wants us to live in light of all he has done for us, and all he continues to do in and through us for the good of the world.
Our hope is that we will all read through the book of Ephesians over and over during this 6 week series. We’ll be walking through the whole letter in our Daily Scriptures. But, we will also be encouraging each one of us to pick up our own Bibles at home or at work to read for ourselves these magnificent proclamations of God’s goodness to us, and his incredible call on our lives as his “dearly beloved children.” We invite you to join us on our 6-week journey through one of Paul’s most famous letters!
Much of the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to churches, or to groups of Christians in various parts of the ancient world. Ephesians is one of those letters, and it contains some of the greatest writing ever on the purpose of the church, on God’s overwhelming and unending grace, on why unity matters so much to God, and what living a life worthy of our calling as Christ-followers looks like.
We hope you’ll join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Paul’s letter chapter by chapter. We’ll spend the first three weeks looking at the first chapters 1 through 3, in which Paul lays out in soaring rhetoric what God has done for us in Christ. In them, he lays the groundwork and the reasoning for what he will spell out in chapters 4 through 6, which we’ll explore in the second 3 weeks. It is only in understanding the first 3 chapters that all of Paul’s admonitions to right behavior make sense. We are saved through God’s mighty power, not for ourselves alone, but for the good of the church. And the church plays a pivotal role in God’s bigger picture. The unity and love of the church is what God wants to display to the cosmic powers of darkness and disunity. What a call we have been given! What a role we get to play in God’s amazing work of reconciliation and restoration.
We believe God wants us to develop a bigger, deeper understanding of his grace, and the riches he wants to bestow upon his beloved children. We believe God wants to give us a truer and wider understanding of the purpose of the church and why the church matters so much to Him. And we believe God wants to give us a crystal clear picture of the kind of life he wants us to live in light of all he has done for us, and all he continues to do in and through us for the good of the world.
Our hope is that we will all read through the book of Ephesians over and over during this 6 week series. We’ll be walking through the whole letter in our Daily Scriptures. But, we will also be encouraging each one of us to pick up our own Bibles at home or at work to read for ourselves these magnificent proclamations of God’s goodness to us, and his incredible call on our lives as his “dearly beloved children.” We invite you to join us on our 6-week journey through one of Paul’s most famous letters!
Much of the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to churches, or to groups of Christians in various parts of the ancient world. Ephesians is one of those letters, and it contains some of the greatest writing ever on the purpose of the church, on God’s overwhelming and unending grace, on why unity matters so much to God, and what living a life worthy of our calling as Christ-followers looks like.
We hope you’ll join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Paul’s letter chapter by chapter. We’ll spend the first three weeks looking at the first chapters 1 through 3, in which Paul lays out in soaring rhetoric what God has done for us in Christ. In them, he lays the groundwork and the reasoning for what he will spell out in chapters 4 through 6, which we’ll explore in the second 3 weeks. It is only in understanding the first 3 chapters that all of Paul’s admonitions to right behavior make sense. We are saved through God’s mighty power, not for ourselves alone, but for the good of the church. And the church plays a pivotal role in God’s bigger picture. The unity and love of the church is what God wants to display to the cosmic powers of darkness and disunity. What a call we have been given! What a role we get to play in God’s amazing work of reconciliation and restoration.
We believe God wants us to develop a bigger, deeper understanding of his grace, and the riches he wants to bestow upon his beloved children. We believe God wants to give us a truer and wider understanding of the purpose of the church and why the church matters so much to Him. And we believe God wants to give us a crystal clear picture of the kind of life he wants us to live in light of all he has done for us, and all he continues to do in and through us for the good of the world.
Our hope is that we will all read through the book of Ephesians over and over during this 6 week series. We’ll be walking through the whole letter in our Daily Scriptures. But, we will also be encouraging each one of us to pick up our own Bibles at home or at work to read for ourselves these magnificent proclamations of God’s goodness to us, and his incredible call on our lives as his “dearly beloved children.” We invite you to join us on our 6-week journey through one of Paul’s most famous letters!
Much of the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to churches, or to groups of Christians in various parts of the ancient world. Ephesians is one of those letters, and it contains some of the greatest writing ever on the purpose of the church, on God’s overwhelming and unending grace, on why unity matters so much to God, and what living a life worthy of our calling as Christ-followers looks like.
We hope you’ll join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Paul’s letter chapter by chapter. We’ll spend the first three weeks looking at the first chapters 1 through 3, in which Paul lays out in soaring rhetoric what God has done for us in Christ. In them, he lays the groundwork and the reasoning for what he will spell out in chapters 4 through 6, which we’ll explore in the second 3 weeks. It is only in understanding the first 3 chapters that all of Paul’s admonitions to right behavior make sense. We are saved through God’s mighty power, not for ourselves alone, but for the good of the church. And the church plays a pivotal role in God’s bigger picture. The unity and love of the church is what God wants to display to the cosmic powers of darkness and disunity. What a call we have been given! What a role we get to play in God’s amazing work of reconciliation and restoration.
We believe God wants us to develop a bigger, deeper understanding of his grace, and the riches he wants to bestow upon his beloved children. We believe God wants to give us a truer and wider understanding of the purpose of the church and why the church matters so much to Him. And we believe God wants to give us a crystal clear picture of the kind of life he wants us to live in light of all he has done for us, and all he continues to do in and through us for the good of the world.
Our hope is that we will all read through the book of Ephesians over and over during this 6 week series. We’ll be walking through the whole letter in our Daily Scriptures. But, we will also be encouraging each one of us to pick up our own Bibles at home or at work to read for ourselves these magnificent proclamations of God’s goodness to us, and his incredible call on our lives as his “dearly beloved children.” We invite you to join us on our 6-week journey through one of Paul’s most famous letters!
Much of the New Testament is made up of letters Paul wrote to churches, or to groups of Christians in various parts of the ancient world. Ephesians is one of those letters, and it contains some of the greatest writing ever on the purpose of the church, on God’s overwhelming and unending grace, on why unity matters so much to God, and what living a life worthy of our calling as Christ-followers looks like.
We hope you’ll join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Paul’s letter chapter by chapter. We’ll spend the first three weeks looking at the first chapters 1 through 3, in which Paul lays out in soaring rhetoric what God has done for us in Christ. In them, he lays the groundwork and the reasoning for what he will spell out in chapters 4 through 6, which we’ll explore in the second 3 weeks. It is only in understanding the first 3 chapters that all of Paul’s admonitions to right behavior make sense. We are saved through God’s mighty power, not for ourselves alone, but for the good of the church. And the church plays a pivotal role in God’s bigger picture. The unity and love of the church is what God wants to display to the cosmic powers of darkness and disunity. What a call we have been given! What a role we get to play in God’s amazing work of reconciliation and restoration.
We believe God wants us to develop a bigger, deeper understanding of his grace, and the riches he wants to bestow upon his beloved children. We believe God wants to give us a truer and wider understanding of the purpose of the church and why the church matters so much to Him. And we believe God wants to give us a crystal clear picture of the kind of life he wants us to live in light of all he has done for us, and all he continues to do in and through us for the good of the world.
Our hope is that we will all read through the book of Ephesians over and over during this 6 week series. We’ll be walking through the whole letter in our Daily Scriptures. But, we will also be encouraging each one of us to pick up our own Bibles at home or at work to read for ourselves these magnificent proclamations of God’s goodness to us, and his incredible call on our lives as his “dearly beloved children.” We invite you to join us on our 6-week journey through one of Paul’s most famous letters!
Impacting Families Genesis 1:27-28, 31 says this,
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the skiy and over every living creature that moves on the ground…..God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”
We believe that God wants people and families of people to flourish
We believe that everyone is a part of some kind of family unit and has been positively or negatively influenced by family situations. In January, our teaching team will focus upon the influence and impact that families have upon individuals and our world.
We believe that God has called us to be impacting families
Families who impact each other in powerful ways that help family members flourish. And families who impact our broken world by being “salt and light” for Christ in each venue where he calls us.
This series will focus upon four family realities—transitions, emotions, planning and applications!
We believe that God wants people and families of people to flourish
We believe that everyone is a part of some kind of family unit and has been positively or negatively influenced by family situations. In January, our teaching team will focus upon the influence and impact that families have upon individuals and our world.
We believe that God has called us to be impacting families
Families who impact each other in powerful ways that help family members flourish. And families who impact our broken world by being “salt and light” for Christ in each venue where he calls us.
This series will focus upon four family realities—transitions, emotions, planning and applications!
We believe that God wants people and families of people to flourish
We believe that everyone is a part of some kind of family unit and has been positively or negatively influenced by family situations. In January, our teaching team will focus upon the influence and impact that families have upon individuals and our world.
We believe that God has called us to be impacting families
Families who impact each other in powerful ways that help family members flourish. And families who impact our broken world by being “salt and light” for Christ in each venue where he calls us.
This series will focus upon four family realities—transitions, emotions, planning and applications!
We believe that God wants people and families of people to flourish
We believe that everyone is a part of some kind of family unit and has been positively or negatively influenced by family situations. In January, our teaching team will focus upon the influence and impact that families have upon individuals and our world.
We believe that God has called us to be impacting families
Families who impact each other in powerful ways that help family members flourish. And families who impact our broken world by being "salt and light" for Christ in each venue where he calls us.
This series will focus upon four family realities—transitions, emotions, planning and applications!
What the new year will bring is unknown, but God tells us how we can step into the new year with confidence and hope.
Time is a gift that our generous God gives to all of us
2014 is the start of the gift of another year. As we step in to the new year its good to remind ourselves of some very important realities God has revealed to us concerning the nature of time and the time He gives us on earth. In doing so we may be moved to step in to the new year with a different attitiude and joy in our hearts than if we hadn't. This message will be a good reminder of the goodness, patience, and generosity of our great God!
What the new year will bring is unknown, but God tells us how we can step into the new year with confidence and hope.
Time is a gift that our generous God gives to all of us
2014 is the start of the gift of another year. As we step in to the new year its good to remind ourselves of some very important realities God has revealed to us concerning the nature of time and the time He gives us on earth. In doing so we may be moved to step in to the new year with a different attitiude and joy in our hearts than if we hadn't. This message will be a good reminder of the goodness, patience, and generosity of our great God!
Fear Not! God is With Us Jesus’ birth ushered in a new era… ...The pivot point in Scripture between "fear" and "fear not" is the birth of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one called Immanuel - which means ‘God with us’ - we pray you'll join us to consider how Jesus' birth speaks directly to our fears this Christmas season. God instructs us to Fear Not… … because He is with us. Our Advent series will look at ways fear keeps us from God; fear of missing out on His plan for us, fear of being asked to do the impossible, fear of our shortcomings and failures, and even a misplaced fear of God Himself. We will explore the message of hope that marked Christ's entrance into the world, and we will seek to understand how the Advent of His birth is filled with God's primary Christmas message, "Don't be afraid."
Fear Not! God is With Us Jesus’ birth ushered in a new era… ...The pivot point in Scripture between "fear" and "fear not" is the birth of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one called Immanuel - which means ‘God with us’ - we pray you'll join us to consider how Jesus' birth speaks directly to our fears this Christmas season. God instructs us to Fear Not… … because He is with us. Our Advent series will look at ways fear keeps us from God; fear of missing out on His plan for us, fear of being asked to do the impossible, fear of our shortcomings and failures, and even a misplaced fear of God Himself. We will explore the message of hope that marked Christ's entrance into the world, and we will seek to understand how the Advent of His birth is filled with God's primary Christmas message, "Don't be afraid."
Fear Not! God is With Us Jesus’ birth ushered in a new era… ...The pivot point in Scripture between "fear" and "fear not" is the birth of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one called Immanuel - which means ‘God with us’ - we pray you'll join us to consider how Jesus' birth speaks directly to our fears this Christmas season. God instructs us to Fear Not… … because He is with us. Our Advent series will look at ways fear keeps us from God; fear of missing out on His plan for us, fear of being asked to do the impossible, fear of our shortcomings and failures, and even a misplaced fear of God Himself. We will explore the message of hope that marked Christ's entrance into the world, and we will seek to understand how the Advent of His birth is filled with God's primary Christmas message, "Don't be afraid."
Fear Not! God is With Us Jesus’ birth ushered in a new era… ...The pivot point in Scripture between "fear" and "fear not" is the birth of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one called Immanuel - which means ‘God with us’ - we pray you'll join us to consider how Jesus' birth speaks directly to our fears this Christmas season. God instructs us to Fear Not… … because He is with us. Our Advent series will look at ways fear keeps us from God; fear of missing out on His plan for us, fear of being asked to do the impossible, fear of our shortcomings and failures, and even a misplaced fear of God Himself. We will explore the message of hope that marked Christ's entrance into the world, and we will seek to understand how the Advent of His birth is filled with God's primary Christmas message, "Don't be afraid."
One of the most important truths about human beings is that we are created in the image of God. And God is a “three-in-one” community; a Trinity. God has existed in this form - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - for all eternity. This is one of the reasons we have a desire to live in community – we image our Father.
We believe that God has us...
... as a church, on a journey toward understanding the potential power of transforming friendships in our lives as followers of Jesus. By “transforming” we mean, intentional friendships designed to help those involved grow in faith and love.
Join us as we spend the next three weeks exploring the power of friendship as part of God’s design for us!
We will flesh out the beauty of the Trinity...
... and what it means for us as God’s creatures. We will explore the fact that though we may be lonely sometimes, we are never really alone. We will look at the power of our culture as it pushes us toward individualism, rather than toward authentic community and friendship. And we will dig into some of the Bible’s most famous friendships in order to discover principles which will help us pursue God’s best in our own friendships.
One of the most important truths about human beings is that we are created in the image of God. And God is a “three-in-one” community; a Trinity. God has existed in this form - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - for all eternity. This is one of the reasons we have a desire to live in community – we image our Father.
We believe that God has us...
... as a church, on a journey toward understanding the potential power of transforming friendships in our lives as followers of Jesus. By “transforming” we mean, intentional friendships designed to help those involved grow in faith and love.
Join us as we spend the next three weeks exploring the power of friendship as part of God’s design for us!
We will flesh out the beauty of the Trinity...
... and what it means for us as God’s creatures. We will explore the fact that though we may be lonely sometimes, we are never really alone. We will look at the power of our culture as it pushes us toward individualism, rather than toward authentic community and friendship. And we will dig into some of the Bible’s most famous friendships in order to discover principles which will help us pursue God’s best in our own friendships.