The Orchard Blog

This is going to be a great weekend at The Orchard – for two reasons…

On Saturday, we are hosting FUEL – which is our leadership gathering for the Orchard leadership community. We’re going to gather to celebrate, share stories and talk about the future. Every time I’m a part of leadership gatherings like these I am reminded that I am a part of something much larger than myself! It will be a great morning.

Then on Sunday I will be continuing our Desperate Households series. We’re in our fourth week and this weekend I’ll be talking about household parenting priorities. Grandparents, parents, future parents, singles and aunts & uncles – don’t miss it!

See you this weekend!

I am so excited about our upcoming First Wednesday featuring Daniel Groves and Band! In case you aren’t familiar with Daniel Groves, go to his website and take a listen.

I don’t know of anyone I connect with better in worship than Daniel. I’m serious… There are times that I will be out on the trails on my bike and I’ll have him blastin’ through my iPod and I just fly through the woods experiencing the presence of God in a big way.

I really hope that you are planning on joining us on Wednesday, October 7th as we welcome Daniel and his band. I have no doubt that it will be a very impacting night in the life of our church community.

We just got word of a great opporunity to get involved with the hurricane relief efforts AND have fun at the same time! Here’s the info:

Hurricane Fundraiser Extravaganza with food, music, silent auction, raffle items, moonwalk and activities for kids. There will also be a car and bike show!

Saturday, Oct. 1, 10:00am – 3:00pm at Core Fitness Club (located south of JC Penny’s at Westfield’s Fox Valley Mall off McCoy Dr.)

For more info, contact 630.499.2565.

All proceeds to Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund.

Andrew Jones (tallskinnikiwi) has some excellent links on Hurricane Rita. The more informed we all stay on what’s happening in the Gulf Region, the more prepared we can be to respond and continually pray for those impacted.

Link

See you this weekend!

Scott

One of my favorite parts of Sunday morning is the time between our two worship services when everyone gathers in the lobby to greet each other and catch up. I see children, students, young families, and seniors socializing together. This is the time when the Orchard looks like a biblical community.

This Sunday, stay for awhile after 1st service or tell yourself that 2nd service starts at 10:00 (so you can be there by 10:15). Take time to get to know your church community.

Who knows, maybe it will become one of your favorite parts of the morning as well.

Happy Saturday! Hope you plan on joining us tomorrow for the 2nd week of our Desperate Households series. It’s going to be a great day!

See you tomorrow! (And sorry, no Beatles songs tomorrow…) 🙂

Scott

Think about the bible for a moment. Do you realize that the bible is on the bestsellers list year after year? It isn’t published as such, but it is. It is so predictable – they don’t even put it on the list. In fact, the library of congress has 17,239 separate books that are devoted to Jesus and his life – wow!

Think about how Jesus is threaded through the fabric of our history, our culture, and our present world. Maybe the Apostle Paul was right when he said that Jesus was ever present, that he is in this very moment. That maybe every moment is an encounter with him and his realities.

Ralph Waldo Emerson made an accurate assessment when he said, “The name of Jesus is not so much written as it is ploughed into the history of the world.”

Jesus is not static – he is dynamic, moving, living and in this very moment.

We have been looking into several opportunities for The Orchard to assist in the recovery effort for the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. In contacting the United Way of Fox Valley, it now appears as though God has provided for this organization in abundance as they are now turning away supplies and instead asking for only for monetary donations to support the relief effort.

The Orchard is still collecting monetary donations that will go to Convoy of Hope. You can drop off your donation during church business hours (Tue-Fri, 9am – 5pm) or give this weekend. Checks should be made payable to “Orchard Valley Community Church.” Please write “KATRINA” in the memo section of your check.

Thank you for partnering with us!

We will continue to monitor local opportunities to help and keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Jack Loane
Katrina Relief Coordinator for The Orchard

Studies confirm that good deeds improve your body’s defense system! Recent survey’s show that people who regularly help others live longer and healthier lives!

If you are looking for ways to improve your health–other than heading to the gym–talk to a staff member this weekend and we will get you plugged in to an area that works with your schedule.

As I finalize my message for the kick-off of our new series, Desperate Households, I can’t tell you how excited and expectant I am for this new series we are beginning this coming weekend! A lot of work has gone into this series and so many of you have gone out of your way to invite your unchurched friends and family members.

In addition, over 6,000 homes have now heard about this series through our neighborhood canvassing efforts. Thank you for all you’ve done to help spread the word and let’s get ready for a life challenging six weeks and beyond!

This weekend we will also give an update on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and how you can continue to make a difference through your giving and donations. So many of you have responded with such compassion and love – which is all a part of our mission of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ!

We will also devote a special time of prayer during our services for those whose lives have been affected by the hurricane.

Before I “sign off”, I want to make mention of how thankful I am to be your pastor. There are days that I almost have to pinch myself to make sure that this is for real! Never in my life have I been a part of a church community that is so focused on reaching its community and turning them into fully devoted followers of Christ. It is truly an honor and privilege to lead and be a part of this church family!

See you Sunday and have a great, great weekend!