News from The Orchard

Don't forget that you should "spring forward" for Daylight Savings Time on Saturday before you go to bed so that you will not be late to church.

March 13-19, 2010

The Weekly Word

Not Bent for Lent

“And whoever does not take his cross
and follow me is not worthy of me”
Matthew 8:38

CrossLent is the spiritual season of preparation leading to Resurrection Sunday. The central symbol of Lent is the cross which reminds us of our call to repentance and self-denial, two things we are not naturally bent towards. It is easier to promote self than die to self.

At one time or another, we will find ourselves in situations of crisis or concern. It may be illness, family issues or even financial difficulties that push us to the brink of despair. In troubled times like these, we are often overwhelmed by our problems and may feel like we just can’t handle our personal burdens alone, no matter how we try. It is then that we reach out for the support and encouragement of our family and friends as well.

It is truly amazing how a kind word can lift our spirits and give us hope. The difference in giving up and going ahead is often caused by simply knowing that someone is in our “corner.” Yes, genuine Christian compassion can contribute greatly to assisting someone in bearing their crosses in life.

Often even strong human support is not enough and we find ourselves weakening in the face of suffering. You may be wavering right now, needing something to keep you on the path of prayer and commitment through a fiery trial. That something is the CROSS. The cross reminds us that Christ was and is in our corner forever through it all.

As you come to worship on Sunday, notice the ten foot cedar cross at the front of our worship space. It is placed before you to uplift and encourage you. It serves as a reminder that our own struggles pale in comparison to what the Lord endured for us. It inspires us to continue to “fight the good fight of faith.”

The CROSS reminds us that genuine celebration often comes through the experience of desperation. The empty tomb will mean less to those who haven’t first known the suffering and way of the cross.

As we move closer to Resurrection Sunday, let’s recommit ourselves to Him: “Lord, no matter the cost, I will follow You.”

Choosing the Cross,

Pastor Chris

 

Weekly Prayer Focus

Each day this week we ask that you pray for one of our 2010 mission partners that their ministry might be vital, that they may reach the lost and that lives will be changed through their work.Prayer Fpcus

Sunday - Gospel for Asia

Monday - Graceworks

Tuesday - La Mission Uruguay/Bart and Katherin Gross

Wednesday - Tim and Di Kenner's ministry in France

Thursday - Lion of Judah Ministry

Friday - Phil and Heather Zimmerman (Global Service Associates)

Saturday - Holt International - international adoption, domestic adoption and programs that enable children to have families of their own.

 


 

 

Weekly Financial Report

Weekly Need: $5,171
Last Week's Giving: $5,885
Over/Under: $714

Actual Weekly Giving Average: $4,315
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under Need: -$856
YTD Total Over/Under Need: -$8,558

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


Branch Out...

Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. is our monthly worship time at Belvedere Commons. All who would like to share the love of Jesus with the residents there please make plans to attend.


Service Opportunity

On the afternoon of March 28 you are invited to travel to Hendersonville for dinner and the sharing of the items that we collected for the homeless at Christmas. We will eat dinner and fellowship with the homeless that evening. Each person who plans to go is asked to contact Tim and Carol Whitey so we will know how many people will be going and you are asked to bring two covered dishes to share.


Spiritual Gifts

Join us this Sunday, 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.


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.


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.


 

The Grand Sweep

Grand Sweep Reading Schedule
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

 

 


Dates at a Glance

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Mar 13 - Family Trivia Night
Mar 14 - Belvedere Commons
Mar 15 - Women's Fellowship
Mar 28 - Homeless Outreach


 

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

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