PARK IT!

“He will quiet you by His love” - Zephaniah 3:17

Three pictures decorate the walls of my small office at home. Each one reminds me of a special aspect of “life in Christ.” The first one hangs over a comfortable couch. It’s the scene of a horse and buggy parked under a large shade tree on a cobblestone street. A gentleman unhooks his horse from a large wheeled buggy while his young wife strolls among the multicolored spring time flowers in full bloom. They are obviously taking a pleasurable break on the journey.

This scene reminds me in the midst of my busy, list keeping life, to break with Christ, to live a God-breathed life! The Spirit says, “Park your buggy boy, unhook from the heavy things you carry and rest!” “I am your shade tree!” “Walk among the flowers!” “There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected” (George MacDonald). I struggle many times to unhook from the lesser things in life in order to grow in the greater things. But not to park is to eventually lose our spark!  

I can only imagine how long this couple paused in His presence – maybe a few minutes, a few hours or even a whole day. Before they re-boarded the buggy, I envision their roaring hearts had been quieted by the Lord’s love – they go from roaring to soaring again!

Parking in His Pleasure,

Grand Sweep Reading Schedule
February 1 - 7: 1 Samuel 26 - 2 Samuel 15
February 8 - 14: 1 Samuel 26 - 2 Samuel 15
February 15 - 21: Break (time to catch up !)
February 22 - 28: 2 Samuel 16 - 1 Kings 11
March 1 - 7: 1 Kings 12 - 2 Kings 5

Sunday - Pray for the Orchard children and the Orchard's ministry to and through the children and their families.

Monday - Pray for the Ministry Team Leader's meeting tonight that God's vision will be our vision.

Tuesday - Prasie God for the blessings of today.

Wednesday - Pray for the residents of Belvedere Commons as we minister to them today.

Thursday - Praise God for those who lead worship in our church.

Friday - Pray for servant's hearts to touch the lives of those in need.

Saturday - Pray for the Men's Fraternity as they seek God's presence and direction in their lives.

Weekly Need: $5,171
Last Week's Giving: $5,054
Over/Under: -$117 YTD

Actual Weekly Giving Average: $4,301
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under Need: -$807
YTD Total Over/Under Need: -$3,480

All contributions given to The Orchard Church will be used exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with laws governing a tax-exempt organization organized under state law provisions and that of the Internal Revenue Code. In keeping with the foregoing commitment, we reserve the right to distribute all funds contributed to the area of greatest need.

Dates at a Glance

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Feb 3- Women's Prayer Time
Feb 3 - Belvedere Commons Bible Study
Feb 3 - Living Free Women's Bible Study
Feb 6 - Men's Fraternity
Feb 13 - Newlywed/Oldywed Game
Feb 14 - Belvedere Commons Worship Service

CLICK HERE...

for a full Calendar of Events

Men's Fraternity

Men's Fraternity will meet on Saturday, February 6 at 6:45 a.m. for a time of prayer, sharing, learning and fellowship. Now would be a great time to begin making Men's Fraternity an intentional part of your New Year.

Inclement Weather Policy

If we have inclement weather on a Sunday we will make a decision about the safety of having church and if we should deem it necessary to cancel a service there will be an email sent out at the earliest possible time. If in question, please check your email before leaving for church. It is never our intent to cancel a service but the safety of you and your family is of utmost importance.

Health Kits for Haiti

It's hard to get the pictures of the horrific earthquake in Haiti off of our minds. You may wonder what you can do to help? In our feelings of powerlessness we have decided to help by providing health kits through a relief organization, to make an immediate difference. If you can help, please follow (EXACTLY!) the instructions below:

Place the following new items in a sealed one-gallon Zip-Loc bag:

• 1 hand towel (15"x25" up to 17" x 27". No kitchen towels.)
• 1 wash cloth
• 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes.)
• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
• $1.00 to purchase toothpaste (Note: Toothpaste is purchased in bulk to be added to the health kits closer to the time of shipment. Only the items listed here can be shipped - nothing more.)

This Sunday, January 31 will be our last Sunday to collect these kits before they are shipped.

Valentine's Fun

Here it is again, folks! The Orchard's 5th Annual Newlywed (Oldywed) Game, Saturday, February 13th at 6:00 p.m. Please join us for a night of food, fellowship, competition and laughter! There will be prizes!! Everyone is invited, whether you've been married one month or 100 years. If you are single or your spouse cannot attend, please come and be a judge. Please bring an appetizer to share. Childcare will be provided. There will be a sign-up sheet at church on Sunday. For more information contact Rob and Julie Tomsett - 794-5799 or blessedbygrace@comcast.net.

Belvedere Commons

The February opportunities to minister to the residents of Belvedere Commons are on Wednesday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m. for Bible Study and on Sunday, February 14 for a worship service. You are welcome to come be a part of these outreach opportunities.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed on a rotating basis for the Nursery during worship time. If you would be willing to volunteer, please contact Darla Spears or Pastor Anita.

Acts 2:42

Fearless - Imagine Your Life Without Fear - a study based on Max Lucado's book "Fearless" continues Sunday's at 9:30 a.m. Join us for study, discussion and prayer as we seek lives that Fear Less! (If you have the book - read chapter 3.)

Pounds for Papa

The Pounds for Papa group has lost 44 pounds since the beginning of the year. Please pray for focus for the group and praise God for the steps made toward healthier temples for the Holy Spirit.

Ladies Bible Study

Living Free, written by Beth Moore, will begin on Wednesday, February 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Orchard Ministry Center. If you were unable to come to the introductory meeting, feel free to pick up a book at Lifeway, do the homework for the first week and make plans to attend next Wednesday.

Ladies Prayer Group

Every Wednesday at 9:15 a.m at The Orchard Ministry Center.