High Mileage

“Your clothes have not worn out on you,
and your sandals have not worn off your feet”
Deuteronomy 29:5

As a traveling salesman, Peter Gilbert put 1,001, 385 miles on his 1989 Super Saab. He retired his beloved car in the Wisconsin Automotive Museum acknowledging it needed rest but contending that it might have gone another million miles.

As the proud owner of two high mileage cars, I’ve been praying for God to preserve my cars like He cared for the Israelites clothes and shoes as they wandered forty years in the wilderness. Of course, I want to do my part – scheduled maintenance check-ups with my favorite mechanic, Tim Weekly, as well as regular oil changes. I’ve even started using high mileage oil hoping to improve the endurance of my VW and Oldsmobile (It told me in its name that it was already an old mobile when I bought it).  

In these days of economic strain, I’ve started thinking more in terms of “renew” than “new.” Just how long can I keep what God has already given me? A better question is just how long can God keep what He has given me? This may be a healthy mindset whether we are talking about our bodies, cars, shoes, clothes, or relationships. So often we begin to worry when we sense wear and tear. Let’s not worry, let’s worship.

Let’s embrace the priestly blessing of the wilderness worn Israelites: “The Lord bless you and keep you” (Numbers 6:24). As we walk into each new day with our old things, let’s celebrate God’s preserving grace.

Who knows, what God has blessed us with may have miles to go before it sleeps?

For More Miles,

Grand Sweep Reading Schedule
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 - Praise God for your friends.

Monday - Pray for the people who will receive the health kits for Haiti that we sent from our church.

Tuesday - Praise God for the leadership team of The Orchard.

Wednesday - Pray for our youth and the Ladies Bible Study as they meet tonight.

Thursday - Pray the Lord's Prayer today and meditate on what it should mean in your life.

Friday - Pray for our children and youth to be shining lights for Jesus in their schools and with their friends.

Saturday - Pray for God to prepare your heart for worship tomorrow.

Weekly Need: $5,171
Last Week's Giving: $7,361
Over/Under: $2,190

Actual Weekly Giving Average: $4,094
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under Need: -$1,077
YTD Total Over/Under Need: -$6,461

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.

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for a full Calendar of Events

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.

Friendship

This Sunday, Pastor Chris' message will be on Friendship and in an effort for us to spend some time with our friends in fellowship we will have breakfast foods available at 9:15 for a time of fellowship prior to Acts 2:42. Make plans to come and enjoy your friends at The Orchard.

Belvedere Commons

Help minister to the residents of Belvedere Commons by attending the Orchard led worship service Sunday, February 14. See Pastor Chris for details.

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Health Kit for Haiti project. We were able to send 24 Health Kits to help those who were devastated by the earthquake. Thank you for "reaching out to lost and hurting people with new life and healing in Jesus Christ."

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 10.)

Musical Rehearsal

Children and Youth involved in the musical will be practicing each week for 30 minutes following the worship service. Please help your children to get to the rehearsal quickly.

Ladies Bible Study will meet on Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 7:30 as they study lesson 3 of Living Free. If you have not yet joined them, you are welcome. Pick up a book at Lifeway.

Ladies Prayer Group

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

Dates at a Glance

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Feb 13 - Newlywed/Oldywed Game
Feb 14 - Belvedere Commons Worship Service
Feb 17 - Women's Prayer Time
Feb 17 - Women's Bible Study