The Orchard Blog

Confessions. . . Overcoming Prejudices
Sunday 04.22.07

Setlist:
Majestic – Lincoln Brewster
Everlasting God – Lincoln Brewster
When I Look At The World – U2
From The Inside Out – Hillsong United

Prejudice is pre-judgement… judging someone else because they are different from you. What prejudices do you need to let go of so that you can be more effective as a follower of Jesus?

Posted by Mike Jones

(Originally shown on 4.15.07)

Enjoy!

Posted by Mike Jones

We played a fun game in Wahabu Land this weekend based on NBC’s hit game show DEAL or NO DEAL.

We prepared envelopes to be the “suitcases” by labeling the outsides with numbers 1-10. We randomly fill each suitcase with a number (from 5 – 150) which would indicate how many points a child can win to spend in the Prize Shack. There’s no banker, no Howie, and no beautiful models. But it was a hit with plenty of tension, drama, participation and laughter.

Then Todd Mitchell taught about the friendship between Jonathan and David and how Jonathan gave David some of his most valuable possesions — his sword, his robe, etc. (Todd explained to the kids that this would be like Jonathan giving away his ipod, xbox and laptop these days.)

After the Bible Story, we played another round of DOND, but this time, the winner had to be a “Jonathan” and give all the points he/she won away. The kids were very willing to be Jonathan’s and give away all their points.

This week, look for an opportunity to be a “Jonathan.”

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times. He is there to help with trouble comes.”

Posted by Kathryn Egly

Confessions. . . “Sometimes God doesn’t make sense.”
Sunday 04.15.07

Setlist:
Marvelous Light – Charlie Hall
Awesome Is The Lord Most High – Chris Tomlin
Hallelujah – Hillsong United
Blessed Be Your Name – Passion Band
You Are The One – Lincoln Brewster

Our perception of God can be affected by experiences in our lives. This can affect our understanding of who God is. Three things to keep in mind to help us understand the true character of God:

• God is Good.
• God sees more than I see.
• God redeems.

Check out the podcast from this week to hear what Pastor Scott had to say about this – powerful weekend!

Posted by Mike Jones

Somehow my high school history teacher made American History SOOO boring that I struggled to get a “B.” Yet there are so many amazing things about our country that we never learn in public school!

That is why I am so excited about a new product from Focus on the Family. It’s called “Drive Thru History – America.” You may have heard or seen previous “Drive Thru History’s” about Rome and Greece – and those are EXCELLENT!!

But this new series teaches about the great men and women who formed our country (Ben Franklin, Abigail Adams, George Washington). It also focuses on the values and ideas and decisions that formed our great country. The host, Dave Stotts, is SOO entertaining! He’s funny and informative…you can’t believe your learning!!

I HIGHLY recommend this video series to any family with elementary through college-aged children….or for any of you out there who enjoy a great video! Ted and I LOVE the Drive Thru History series and can’t wait to watch and learn more about the history of America! You’ll love it too, I promise!

You can buy the entire set of videos here: http://resources.family.org/product/id/102744.do

Posted by Kathryn Egly

Confessions. . . “Sometimes I worry too much.”
(Saturday 04.07.07 and Sunday 04.08.07)

Setlist:
Beautiful Day – U2
Marvelous Light – Charlie Hall
How Great Is Our God – Chris Tomlin
The Glory Of Your Name – Watermark
Trust In You – Jeremy Camp

Great weekend!

Posted by Mike Jones

Makin’ Noise 2007 – Commitment Sunday
(Sunday 04.01.07)

Setlist:
The Time Has Come – Hillsong United
Not To Us – Chris Tomlin
Hallelujah – Hillsong United
The Noise We Make (stomp version and unleaded)- Passion Band

Stepping forward to make a joyful noise to the Lord.

Posted by Mike Jones

Wow, what a great evening!  The police have estimated that over 1,200 people were in attendance at our Easter Egg Drop tonight where over 10,000 eggs were dropped from the sky by a helicopter.  (Special thanks to the chopper pilot who really had a challenge with the high winds!)  It was a bit cold (mid-30’s), but certainly a fun time!

Over 700 people attended one of two Easter services tonight as well.  We launched our new series, Confessions of a blue jean wearin’, Starbucks addicted pastor, and had some AWESOME music and videos.

And the cool part is that we get to do this two more times tomorrow!  Can’t wait!

Happy Easter friends!

G’nite.

Posted by Scott Hodge 

It’s coming…

…On Saturday, April 7th…6:00 PM…

……One helicopter…

………dropping 10,0000 eggs…

…………filled with prizes and candy!!

You don’t want to miss the BEST Easter Egg Hunt in the whole state of Illinois!!

Come early or stay after to attend an AMAZING Easter service at 4:30 or 7:00PM. Or come back Sunday morning at 9:00 or 10:45 AM.

We hope to see you there…honestly…you DON’T want to miss out!

(check back next week for PICTURES from this exciting event!!!)

Posted by Kathryn Egly

This is holy week. In the Western church, it is the time we reflect and remember the entrance of our Messiah – Jesus – into Jerusalem.

This week begins with Palm Sunday then takes us to Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) – which remembers the last supper of Christ with his followers.

The next day is Good Friday. What a strange word to use for that day… “Good”? Some believe that “good” has been misplaced over time for the word “God” – in which case the day was known (and is today) in other countries as “God Friday.” Either way – without a doubt, the implications of this day are, indeed, GOOD. It is the day Jesus bore the sins of the world.

And of course, all of this leads us to a great day of celebration – Easter Sunday. The day we rejoice because our King is indeed ALIVE. He has risen.

My friend, Steve Argue, has been posting daily during this Holy Week over at his blog. I’ve been following his posts daily and my heart has been moved and pulled. I would encourage you to follow along as well. Journeying through this week prepares us well for quite the celebration on Sunday. The significance comes ALIVE.

Steve’s Blog