NEWS

Stay completely up-to-date by regularly visiting The Orchard's Calendar of Events at: www.theorchardfranklin.com

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE at Belvedere Commons - This Sunday at 2pm, come share God's love with the residents of this assisted living as we look at the theme "God with us in our loneliness." Let your presence be a reminder to each resident of His presence with them.

If you were unable to turn in your "Everyone Faithfully Giving, Everyone Faithfully Serving" sheet last Sunday, it's not too late. You may bring it and place it in the offering basket on Sunday.

Christmas Dinner at The Orchard following the services on December 20. Ham will be provided, but you may bring another meat of your choice if you wish to do so. Also, plan to bring your favorite Christmas side dishes and desserts.

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 5:00 p.m. at the Orchard Ministry Center.

We ask you as you come to the Christmas Eve service this year to bring items from the following list to place in "care bags" for the homeless of Nashville. We will collect the items on Chrismas Eve and the Sunday following and then prepare bags to take into the streets of Nashville. Would you please provide the following:

toothbrush/toothpaste
soap
wash cloth and towel
blanket
deodorant
New Testament
socks
knit caps
McDonald's gift card for $5

Our children's ministry is collecting "Change for a Change" to buy mosquito nets to help prevent malaria in Africa. Each net costs $10 with a total collection to date of $279.15. Each Sunday from now until the end of the year our children will be at the doors as you leave to collect your "pocket change" to help "change" the life of a child in Africa. Thank you for helping our children make a change.

This Sunday, December 13 during Acts 2:42, we will pray for the many needs of our spiritual family as well as ask God's blessings for our Church.

Beginning Sunday, December 20, Pastor Chris will lead a four week series during ACTS 2:42 on Brother Lawrence's classic book, "Practicing the Presence of God". This will be an interactive time together integrating content, prayer and spiritual conversation. This will be a wonderful way to end 2009 and begin 2010.

Coming in January for Acts 2:42, share with Pastor Anita in a six week study called Fearless! More details to come.

A great big thank you and congratulation to all those who worked on the church float for the Christmas Parade. It was beautiful. Judges must have thought so too since we won the President's Award.

Thanks to Dave Knight and Jason Glasgow for your commitment and excellence in teaching the Book of Ephesians the past 13 weeks during ACTS 2:42. Also thanks goes to Pastor Anita for sharing with our youth during these weeks so that Jason could share with us.

Pounds for Papa... a support group for people who want to lose weight.... we will lose it for God's glory. Each week there will be a short time of sharing Bible verses, weigh in and email encouragement. Pastor Chris or Pastor Anita will help us celebrate our weight loss with announcements. It won't take much of your time as we will weigh in immediately following the worship service each week and share a few minutes - scripture, encouragement and maybe even recipes. Our goal is weight loss and getting our temple in order. If you have questions, please contact Carol Whitey.

It is time for us to begin sign-up for 2010 cleaning of the church. If you or your family would be willing to clean the church for one month during the new year, please contact Pastor Anita or sign-up on Sunday.

The Ladies Prayer Group meets Wednesday at 9:15 a.m and the Men's Prayer Group meets Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at The Orchard Ministry Center.

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Dec 16 - Women's Prayer
Dec 17 - Men's Prayer
Dec 20 - Christmas Lunch
Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Service

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for a full Calendar of Events

This Week's Prayer Focus

Sunday - Pray that God will move mightily in the
time of prayer during Acts 2:42.

Monday - Thursday - Pray for the benefactors of the Manger,
the volunteers and those who have provided resources
for this outreach to the people of Williamson County.

Friday - Pray for Pastor Chris and Pastor Anita as
they seek God's will for the church in 2010.

Saturday - Pray for the Men's Fraternity as they meet and the
Worship Team as they prepare to lead us in worship.