July 31 - August 7, 2010
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Little by Little "Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land” Exodus 23:30
Two greeting cards sporting animal pictures arrived at our house to encourage Brady’s recovery from recent surgery. One picture was of a spotted puppy trying to climb a large set of stairs. The puppy paused with his tail between his legs with his eyes drooping as he stared at what looked like an impossible ascent. Inside the card it read, “One at a time…you’ll get there.” The other picture was of a turtle wrapped in bandages trying to get to the other side of the road. Inside the card it read, “It’s not the speed that matters. It’s the getting there.” Like puppies and turtles, we are on a trip. Yet, we are pilgrims on a spiritual journey. It can be easy to lose heart if we forget that God is with us as we face big steps and wide highways. He is the One who brings us to big steps and wide highways. We often focus on the getting there over the pilgrimage. We resist the notions of process and slow progress. We want to trade them in for quick satisfaction and arrival. In a hurry, the fruit of impatience grows tall within us and blocks the light of God’s presence with us to strengthen us right where we are. The Psalmist reminds us that “blessed are those whose strength is in the Lord, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage” (84:5). Our journey with God and to God is our true pilgrimage, not whatever else we think we are striving for. Let’s reset our hearts on Him. One writer reminds us that “life by the yard is hard; life by the inch is a cinch.” Although this expression is certainly an overstatement, it reminds us to look to Him right where we are. He is our strength. He is always at work in us to increase us for the journey. But we must remain on the pilgrimage. We cannot quit! If we quit we forfeit the blessings of God given to us only as we stay on the way: “As they pass through the Valley of Baca [tears], they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion” (84:6-7). Take one step at a time. Very soon, you will see Him. As we are on our way, God would say to us, “My children, I will strengthen you and increase you as you come to big steps and wide pathways. Little by little, you will experience my bountiful hand and blessing as I become your true destination.” Strength for the journey,
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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 air conditioning and safe homes.
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Weekly Need: $5,386 YTD Total Over/Under Need: To be updated soon. 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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The Cruciform Life
Don't miss opportunities to learn more about living a cross-centered, Cruciform life each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in Acts 2:42 and at 10:30 a.m. in worship.
August 4 Kidz Blitz Our next Kidz Blitz for children ages 3 - rising 6th grade will be on August 4 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Each child should bring 3 dozen homemade cookies and meet at the church. We will be packaging and delivering the cookies to a senior living facility. Drivers will be needed as the children and youth will be participating in this service opportunity.
Shoes for Orphan Souls Once again this year the Orchard will be collecting new shoes and socks for children who have no shoes or socks. If you would be willing to share with those in need, please bring shoes and socks to the church on August 22. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Prayer Meeting Wednesday, August 4 will be our next Prayer Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orchard Ministry Center.
First Sunday Potluck The August 1st Sunday Potluck will be this Sunday, August 1 immediately following the morning worship service. Bring your favorite foods to share. Be sure to bring enough for your family plus a few guests.
Dates at a Glance Mark your calendars for the following events: Aug 4 - Kidz Blitz
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Inviting lost and hurting people to receive New Life and Healing!
