What Will Remain?

Have you ever driven by a field of gravestones as far as the eye could see and felt like your life was rather insignificant? Have you ever felt the blunt pain of knowing that your time here on earth would soon be forgotten like one of last year’s fallen leaves? In Adam’s fall, we find the death of man. God said, “…for you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). My remains but dust! Every time I drive by a cemetery I can’t help but wonder, “Is that all that will remain of my life when I’m gone?”

As I prayerfully pondered this thought, my thoughts were directed to the parable of the man who buried his talents and never invested what God had given him. I was then gripped with a holy fear at the painful thought of taking what love, wisdom, and testimony God has given me to my grave, never investing it in the lives of others. The claustrophobia I felt at that moment was not in the idea of my remains being locked up in the casket, but HIS – HIS timeless, priceless, life-giving truth and love being locked up inside me, UNINVESTED in the lives of others!

In that moment I was deeply convicted and convinced that all that will remain of my life after I’m gone is what I gave to others. This truth gave me hope and awareness of the “investment opportunities” I have in raising a godly family, living a godly life, and sharing God’s love and truth with others. My physical remains may return to dust, but my eternal investments will remain forever.

Jesus taught the eternal nature of our investments when he said to his disciples, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will remain forever!” (Matthew 24:34). You and I can make the same eternal impact these disciples made with this truth as we live for and give for eternity!

Praying for Greater Remains,

Brother Jason Glasgow

Sunday - Pray for the Orchard children and youth as they share the Good News today with the musical "L.O.S.T. But Now I'm Found."

Monday - Pray that the seeds that were planted in hearts yesterday in worship will be watered, fertilized and grow to bear much fruit.

Tuesday - Praise God for all in the Orchard family who so freely give of themselves in volunteer ministry.

Wednesday - Pray for God's perfect will to be done in the life of The Orchard.

Thursday - Pray for the safety of our children and youth during the summer.

Friday - Praise God for another school year complete and thank God for those who have taught our children and youth well.

Saturday - Pray for registrants and volunteers for "Army of Praise" daycamp.

Weekly Need: $5,171
Last Week's Giving: $6,653
Over/Under: $1,482

Actual Weekly Giving Average: $4,555
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under Need: -$616
YTD Total Over/Under Need: -$11,705

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

Men's Frat

Men's Fraternity will meet on Saturday, May 15 from 6:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. All men please make plans to attend...you'll be glad you did.

Very Special Acts 2:42
THIS SUNDAY!

You don't want to miss this Sunday's Acts 2:42 as we have special guests from Sheperd's Ministries (a home for the mentally disabled) to share with us. Saul, one of the residents will also share his testimony and sing a song before the children do their musical. This is going to be a very inspiring time. They are coming for a Love Offering only, so please come prepared to give.

Children's Musical

The Children's musical "L.O.S.T. But Now I'm Found" is this Sunday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. This would be a great time to invite friends and neighbors to worship with us. Don't miss an opportunity to share the Good News with others through our children and youth.

All participants in the Children's Musical please be at the church on Saturday, May 15 at 3:45 p.m. in costume for dress rehearsal. We will end rehearsal with dinner together and be finished by 6:00 p.m. This is a mandatory rehearsal and your promptness is important.

Church-Wide Yard Sale

The Orchard will be sponsoring a Church-wide Yard Sale on May 21-22 to help us raise money for the church. Please clean out your closets, garage, sheds etc, price the items and bring them to the church ASAP. This is a great way to help you get organized and to benefit the church.

Volunteers are needed to help with the Yard Sale on May 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and on May 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. If you can help please contact Carol Whitey or Pat Shevel.

Day Camp

Army of Praise Day Camp will be held at the Orchard Ministry Center June 21-25 featuring B.B. Angelo, music, drama, sign language, praise dance, art and Stomp (instrumental/percussive praise.) This day camp will be from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day with a Celebration on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. Camp is offered for children who have completed Kindergarten - 5th grades and the cost is $99 for the first child in the family and $75 for each additional child. Camp in open to the first 100 children to register...registrations forms are available from Pastor Anita or on the church website.

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed for the Army of Praise Day Camp. Youth and adult volunteers will be needed. If you are willing to help, please let Pastor Anita know.

ICU Outreach

The snack baskets for the ICU outreach are empty. The response at Williamson Medical Center has been great but we need all children to bring some snacks this Sunday so that we can continue to bless those with family members in the ICU.