June 12-18, 2010
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Hunger & Thirst "He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4 "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood." Romans 3:23
How long has it been since we as adults have sat at the foot of the cross hungering and thirsting for what God has for us? Have we ever been so thirsty for God that we just have to sit and drink in all that Jesus did for us on that cross? Obviously, the visual that I saw last Sunday was a physical reminder to me of what I (and we) should be doing spiritually...sitting at the foot of the cross soaking in the forgiveness, healing, redemption, atonement and freedom that Christ offered to us in His shed blood and broken body so that we can walk more fully and effectively in the Body of Christ. I challenge you this week to become as uninhibited as Eli was - eat and drink in the true message of wholeness that we find in the cross of Christ. Thank you, Eli for redirecting my attention from "oh, no there is a child drinking the communion juice" to "Praise God for reminding me to hunger and thirst for You." Pastor Anita
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Last Sunday as I was standing to the right of the worship area after the children had been waving banners during worship I had a startling yet teaching moment. I looked up at the cross to see Eli Carter perched on the platform of the cross with the Communion chalice turned up taking a large gulp of grape juice. Shocked as I was, I walked over and said, "Eli, don't drink that juice." He looked up at me and said in a very matter-of-fact manner, "Well can I have some of that bread?" To which I answered "no." I thought about that experience as I thought of many other memorable moments with children and communion when I got an overwhelming picture from God... |
Sunday - Pray for Dave Knight as he shares God's Word with us today.
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Weekly Need: $5,386 Actual Weekly Giving Average: $4,441 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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CLICK HERE... The Cruciform Life
We will resume The Grand Sweep in the fall. Day Camp
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. Belvedere Commons Don't miss an opportunity to minister to the residents of Belvedere Commons on Sunday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. when we share in another worship service with them.
Dates at a Glance Mark your calendars for the following events: June 13 - Belvedere Commons
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Beginning June 19, we will begin a summer at the cross with a new series called "The Cruciform Life." Both the worship experiences and Acts 2:42 will include times of preaching, teaching, interaction and spiritual conversation, testimony and praying about the meaning of the cross in our lives. We will revisit our values which are cross derived and seek practical ways to live these out within our church family and within our daily lives as a community. The Holy Spirit is stirring my soul and assuring me that He has great plans for The Orchard as we surrender to Him more fully.
Sunday, June 13 will be your last opportunity to sign up for the Army of Praise unless our registration numbers increase significantly. Please invite your friends and neighbors for this wonderful opportunity for our children. Registration forms available on the web site Inviting lost and hurting people to receive New Life and Healing!
