Drawing from the Well

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3).

Many years have passed since I played in the deep sand and patchy field grass that made up Grandpa’s driveway. In the heat of summer I would fill up the bed of my Toy Tonka, a bright green dump truck with an automatic lift, and practice unloading it near the roots of the giant oak tree which towered over Grandpa’s little four room house. The house was simple – no air conditioning, no fancy furnishings, no indoor plumbing, no modern accoutrements

But there was always plenty of cold water. Oh, the joy of life giving water on a sweaty day! Before I could drink I had to take a trip to the well. I would step up on the rickety front porch, open the screen door, enter the house and walk to the well. Water had to be drawn.

First, the journey downward…I’d let the empty bucket descend almost one hundred feet into the dark until I could feel it hit bottom. After it filled up, I turned my attention to the journey upward. Often my little arm would tire as I turned the crank. I would turn, turn, turn until I heard the hopeful sound of water sloshing over the bucket. Before long, I could see the water shining, almost dancing its way to the top. And then the joyful drink!

I would dip the long handled water ladle right into the bucket. I would dip and sip. Don’t tell anyone, but I slurped when I was really thirsty. I drank until every parched place within seemed satisfied.

How long has it been since you took a trip to the well? Some of us are thirstier than we think. We’ve been living out of our own resources far too long. We are depleted. We must learn how to draw from the wells of salvation deep within us. Jesus says to us, like he said to the thirsty woman, “Ask Me for a drink, My Child” (John 4). “Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1).

He is the eternal, life giving spring of water within. He says, “Whoever drinks this water I give him will never thirst” (4:14a). When we come the soul’s bucket isn’t always filled immediately. Often we find ourselves being plunged into the dark at first. It may feel like we’re hitting rock bottom. That’s where the water is! The inexhaustible supply of the Spirit’s life is underneath the surface. In the low place of humility and dependence our soul will be refilled. We will not go downward without being brought upward again – restored into the light of greater joy and life.

Jesus says, “Indeed the water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life” (John 4:14b The Message).

For More Dipping and Sipping, 

Sunday – Praise God for the privilege  of worshipping freely in the building God has given us.

Monday – Pray for Tim and Di Keener, our missionaries to France.

Tuesday – Praise God for feet to walk and hands to love others.

Wednesday – Pray for Bart and Katherin Gross and La Mission Uruguay.

Thursday – Praise God for meeting the need for housing for the Gross’ in Uruguay.

Friday – Pray for the work of Graceworks and all that are ministered to through there work.

Saturday – Praise God for cooler temperatures.

Weekly Need: $5,386
Last Week's Giving: $9,962.50
Over/Under:  $4,576.50

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

Wednesday Night Small Group and Dinner

Beginning Wednesday, September 8 we will be having catered dinner and small group opportunities each Wednesday evening for the whole family.  Dinner will be $5 for adults/youth and $3 for children 11 and under with a $20 family maximum. Start planning now to spend your Wednesday nights with your church family.  What better place to feed your body and your soul.

The menu for this Wednesday is Baked Spaghetti, Salad, Bread, Jello Cake and Drink.  See Marilyn Knight on Sunday to make your reservation for this week, make a permanent reservation or cancel your reservation.

Congregational Meeting

Thank you for your great participation last week.

We will have a continued discussion in Acts 2:42 this Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m..  We presented a lot of information last Sunday about our Fall Vision and the critical turning point we are not in as a church, but had very little time for discussion.  This Sunday Pastor Chris will give a quick update on where we are and the rest of the time will be committed to family discussion.

It's Coming!!

A Call to Prayer

Don't forget to bring names and addresses of people you know that will pray for The Orchard during the 2010 Prayer Initiative.

Christmas Musical for Children and Youth

Our children and youth have begun rehearsal on a musical for Christmas which will be presented on December 12. All children and youth are encouraged to participate.  Please meet in the elementary classroom for 30 minutes each Sunday.

First Sunday Potluck

Our next 1st Sunday Potluck will be on September 5 immediately following the morning worship service.  Bring enough food for your family and the guests we may have and enjoy the fellowship.

Name our Wednesday Nights

We need a name for the Wednesday night dinner and small group time for our church family.  We are accepting names to be considered...if your name is chosen you will be awarded a $25 gift card.  Give your submissions to Pastor Anita by September 5.

Upcoming Acts 2:42

Starting Sunday, September 12, Bob Sennett will lead a five-week series in Acts 2:42 based on what the Bible shows us about prayer. It will be a time for us to look at God's Word together and be prepared biblically for our Orchard Prayer Initiative this fall. Bring your Bibles and be ready for us to share lots of good passages and
discussion about what happens when God's people pray!

Volunteers Needed

• Nursery volunteers on a rotating basis during worship.
• Pick-up food from the Methodist Church in downtown Franklin by 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday
• Work with the children on Wednesday nights.
  

Dates at a Glance

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Sept. 5- Congregational Meeting continued

Sept. 8 - Wednesday Night Program begins