News from The Orchard

March 6-12, 2010

The Weekly Word

NOW Before THEN

“Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say, Rejoice”
Philippians 4:4

Olympic Closing CeremonyThe 2010 Winter Olympics concluded on Sunday night with an elaborate closing ceremony. During an Olympic commercial break, my senses soared when I recognized the familiar tune of the hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” I thought, “Lord, put this cheerful song of joy in the heart of every nation watching!”

I can only imagine believers from every tribe, nation, and generation of the world singing this rejoicing tune at life’s closing. Side by side, heart to heart, we will join the angels along with all of creation in a triumphant song of unbroken praise. We will see like never before that all of life was really a call to rejoice in our Creator and Savior.

But I pray to live this way “Now” and not just “Then.” On this side of heaven, how much do we practice praise? How much do we rejoice now over the big and the small gifts of life?  

Praise the LordLet’s praise the Lord for His patience, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, discipline, the gift of the Holy Spirit, assurance of salvation, daily bread, and His sanctifying and restoring grace that is at work right now transforming our souls.

I also praise Him for my little Honeywell heater that has kept me warm this winter on chilly mornings. And for my children snuggling on my lap, my bride by my side, the taste of a good meal, the gift of a good night’s sleep, the sight and sound of family and friends, the buzz of community, and the quiet of stillness and solitude. The Lord is in it all!

If we do not learn to love and enjoy God now, we never will. Death will not change that for us” (Dorothy Day).

Now before Then,

Pastor Chris

 

Weekly Prayer Focus

Prayer FpcusSunday - Pray for our children as they share "The Lord's Prayer" in worship. May they not only know it in their head but embrace it in their heart.

Monday - Praise God for the people that He places in your life that help guide you along your faith journey.

Tuesday - Pray for people in our church family that struggle with anxiety, depression and physical illness.

Wednesday - Pray for the Elders as they meet together this morning.

Thursday - Praise God for the blessings of home, food, family, church and His amazing grace.

Friday - Pray for those in Haiti and Chile who are overcome by the devastation of earthquakes, loss of home and family.

Saturday - Pray for the worship team, Pastor Chris, Pastor Anita, the technical team and all who will be teaching and caring for our children tomorrow.


To The Orchard Family:

The family of Calvin Stoner wishes to express our deep appreciation for the gifts, cards, phone calls, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for our family. Knowing that you were thinking of us was a blessing and comfort. We cannot imagine how people survive a great loss without the love and caring of a church family. Please know how much you mean to us.

With Great Love and Affection,

Bessie Stoner
Wilma and Charlie Carter
Chris & Tonya Carter & Family
Chad & Sherry Carter & Family


 

The Grand Sweep

Grand Sweep Reading Schedule
March 8 - 14: 2 Kings 6-25
March 15-21: 1 Chronicles 1 - 18
March 22 - 28: 1 Chronicles 19 - 2 Chronicles 9
March 29 - April 4: Break (Catch Up) Resurrection Sunday

 

Weekly Financial Report

Weekly Need: $5,171
Last Week's Giving: $3,077
Over/Under: -$2,094

Actual Weekly Giving Average: $4,141
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under Need: -$1,030
YTD Total Over/Under Need: -$9,272

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.

Church Happenings

CLICK HERE...
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for a full Calendar of Events


Men's Fraternity

Men's Fraternity will meet on Saturday, March 6 at 6:45 a.m. for their time of study, fellowship and prayer. Make this time a priority in your life, men...you'll be blessed by it.family.


Lord's Prayer

The children have spent the last month memorizing "The Lord's Prayer" - they will have an opportunity to recite it to Pastor Anita during Acts 2:42 on Sunday, March 7 to be eligible for the "secret reward." Also, the children will be sharing the prayer in worship on Sunday. Please help your child be prepared and make sure they are present Sunday.


Please & Thank You

Beginning March 7 during Acts 2:42 (9:30 a.m. each Sunday) Pastor Anita will be teaching the Preschool and Elementary children a course in Manners. Please make this a priority for your Sundays followed by a time of worship with your


Acts 2:42

Fearless Study

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 14.)

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The next series for adults during Acts 2:42 will begin on March 14 as Pastor Chris leads several weeks of Biblical information and Q and A about Spiritual Gifts. This is your opportunity to ask questions you've always wanted to ask.


First Sunday Potluck

First Sunday Potluck on March 7 immediately following the worship service. Please bring enough food for your family and a couple more people as we always invite our guests to join us.


Practice Makes Perfect

March 13 all children, youth and adults who have speaking parts in the first 48 pages of the musical will practice at The Orchard Ministry Center from 10:00 - 12:00.


Family Trivia Night

triviaOur next Fellowship Activity will be held on March 13 at 6:00 p.m. when we will have Family Trivia Night at The Orchard. This will be fun for the whole family - children, youth and adults. Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert to share and your competitive spirit.


Women's Fellowship

Women's Ministry Fellowship will be held at The Orchard Ministry Center on Monday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. Corned beef and cabbage will be provided and each lady is asked to bring sides or desserts to go with the meal.


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.


Living Free

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


Friendly?

Do you have a smiling face, warm heart and hand? If so, would you like to serve on the ministry team as Greeters/hosts? If so, please contact: Charlie & Wilma Carter, 931-486-0419 or 423-322-4564.


 

 


Dates at a Glance

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Mar 7 - First Sunday Potluck
Mar 10 - Women's Bible Study
Mar 13 - Family Trivia Night


 

Inviting lost and hurting people to receive New Life and Healing!

Please visit The Orchard website at www.theorchardfranklin.com
www.TheOrchardFranklin.com