Our publisher of The O is on the mission trip to Atlanta so you are receiving The O in it's raw form this week!

Weekly Word

"TO BE CONTINUED…"

“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1).

In the early summer of 1998, a dear friend sent me an autographed copy of the book Refresh, Renew, Revive, by H.B. London Jr., cousin of Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family. On the front page, Pastor London wrote me the following personal note: “Pastor Chris, stay the course, and don’t ever give up! Proverbs 3:5-6.”

These words were like a healing balm for an open wound. Many times I have felt weary enough to lose heart and like any exhausted marathon runner, to quit the race. Pastor London’s note has been one source of life giving encouragement to continue. Two Sundays ago, I received another spring of grace from our own ten year old Gianna McGregor. Gianna wrote the following words in her journal during worship time:

“Today, I think my heart fully opened to Jesus. I started singing in worship and I heard God’s voice saying to me, ‘Gianna, I have finally rooted in your heart. I love you forever, Gianna.’ I felt so relieved to have Jesus in my heart and to have him plant a tree of the Holy Spirit in my heart. Now I have no doubt that I am going to heaven. After I thought this, I said, ‘I love you Lord’ back to Him” (3/14/2010).

Gianna’s testimony is but one reminder that God is alive and active producing fruit among us. His Word and Work continue always. Because He continues, we can continue as we abide in Him. As an Orchard, may we continue to grow deep and branch out by His mercy!

Loving the Thought “To Be Continued…”

Brother Chris


Financial Report
Weekly Need $5,171
Last Week's Giving $3,320
Over/Under -$1,851
YTD Actual Weekly Giving Average $4,160
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under -$1,011
YTD Total Over/Under -$12,137

Children's Outreach
The Children's Ministry will begin a new outreach ministry at the Williamson Medical Center ICU Waiting Room soon. We will be placing snacks in the waiting room for the family members of those who are hospitalized in the ICU. We are asking that each child bring a box of snacks (individually wrapped) each week as their offering - Little Debbie's, Snack Crackers, Nuts, Cookies, Chips etc. Each package will be identified as a gift from The Orchard Church Children's Ministry. Children, let's reach out to those in need.

Service to The Homeless
This Sunday afternoon, 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 bring two covered dishes (either sides, salads or dessert - the host church is providing the entree) to share. We will leave the church parking lot at 4:00 p.m.

Spiritual Gifts
Don't miss the Spiritual Gifts study and Q&A on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

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.

Good Friday
On Good Friday, April 2, we will remember the events of that day with a brief service at the Orchard Ministry Center at 6:00 p.m. Come worship our Lord and express your thankfulness for the price He paid for our salvation.

Youth Service Project
On Saturday, April 3, the Orchard Youth will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. to do some Spring Cleaning in preparation for our Easter Sunday Celebration. All youth please make plans to participate in this service opportunity.

Easter Dinner
Sunday, April 4 will be our monthly First Sunday Potluck AND it will be Easter Sunday. What an Easter celebration we will have as we feast together after a great worship experience honoring the resurrection of our Savior. Our dinner that Sunday will be a bit different as the meat and drinks will be provided and we are asking each family to bring TWO dishes to share with our family and the guests that we will have that day. The Fellowship Team will have a sign-up sheet on Sunday where you can sign-up for what you plan to bring.

Prayer Focus (March 28 - April 3)
One week each month we will be praying for the families of The Orchard. Thank you for faithfully lifting these families to the Lord.

Sunday - The Carter family - Chris, Tonya, Brady, Connor and Eli.
Monday - The Cerda family - Deborah, Matt and Zach.
Tuesday - The Davis family - Jerlyn, Kristi, Kam and Kyle
Wednesday - The Gentry family - Angela, Isiah and Donovan
Thursday - The Glasgow family - Jason, Tricia, Christina, Zachariah, Josiah and Annabella
Friday - Arlene Gordon
Saturday - The Haston family - David, Jessica and baby