February 26- March 4, 2011
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An Urgent Longing
“I want to know Christ…becoming like him…I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:10, 14).
Many years ago, I was walking with some friends in a national forest, Wekiva Springs State Park near Orlando, Florida. I was enjoying the crisp October afternoon celebrating the beauty and variety of trees that surrounded me. Suddenly, one tree stuck out above all the rest. It had a nice trunk but as I glanced higher up the tree its arms or branches were twisted, deformed and growing in all different directions. I had never seen anything like it in my life!
As I expressed my curiosity, my friends told me that I was looking at a Palmetto tree, which loves plenteous sunshine. Palmettos have to have sun and when too much shade covers them because of neighboring trees, they will adjust themselves, twisting themselves so they can reach the sun. They long for the sun and conform themselves to reach it at all costs. That’s knowing what you want in life!
Paul not only knew what he wanted in life, but who he wanted. He had an urgent longing to know Christ. Do we have that kind of a longing? Will we take any measure possible to extend ourselves in His direction?
Perhaps you are extended in many other directions today and need to take a moment to stretch your heart towards Him again. Go ahead – do it! He is waiting to shine on you!
Pressing On, Brother Chris
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Sunday - Pray for Pastor Chris, Tonya, Brady , Connor and Eli. Monday - Praise God for the freedom to worship. Tuesday - Pray for local, state and national leaders. Wednesday - Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear what God would say to you today. Thursday - Pray for opportunities to help lost and hurting people find new life and healing in Jesus Christ. Friday - Pray for those seeking jobs and praise God for jobs found. Saturday - Pray for God in a mighty way as we worship together tomorrow. |
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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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Wednesday Night Dinner/Study February 23 at 6:00 p.m. Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Salad Rolls Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Please see Carol Whitey to put your name on the permanent list if you plan to come each week - then you do not have to do anything but show up unless you need to cancel. If you prefer not to be on the permanent list please see Carol to sign up each week. If you make reservations and are not able to come the church still has to pay for the food we ordered on your behalf. Please cancel or pay as you need to. Acts 2:42 As we continue our study on Contentment in Acts 2:42, please read chapter 6 and be prepared to discuss.
First Sunday Potluck Our next First Sunday Potluck will be held on March 6 immediately following our worship service. Make plans to join your Orchard family around the tables of fellowship and good food. Drive Thru Prayer Our next Drive Thru Prayer opportunity will be this Saturday, February 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Orchard Ministry Center. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate as we "reach out to lost and hurting people with new life and healing in Jesus Chris.
Dates at a Glance Mark your calendars for the following events:
Feb. 26 - Drive Thru Prayer 8:30 a.m. - Noon Mar. 2 - Wednesday Night dinner and study Mar. 6 - First Sunday Potluck
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Inviting lost and hurting people to receive New Life and Healing!
