OGCC Blog

Maybe It's Not Your Matress

2008-10-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Orchard Grove Family,

No doubt. People are tired. Worried and upset.

Our culture is full of people who are craving some rest.

Commercials abound for better mattresses and sleeping pills.

And yet is seems we haven't totally put our finger on the problem. Something else is keeping us from real rest. Rest that begins on the inside.

Well I have some really great news. Jesus is offering something better than a new mattress. He promised us some "SOUL REST".

In His own words:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls." Matt 11:28-29(NIV)

Wow, the Son of God who spent his first night on earth sleeping in a feeding trough and who confessed later in His adult life, "had no place to lay his head", must know something about true rest.

It is that life of rest and peace that we are going to be exploring this Sunday in our new series: REST!

I hope you will join us and maybe even invite someone you know with a tired soul to tag along.

In the hammock of His hand,

Chris

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;
no one can snatch them out of my hand." ~Jesus
John 10:28(NIV)

Pastor Chris' Newsletter- 9-16-08

2008-09-16T07:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Orchard Grove Family,

I have two pieces of good news for you.

First.

In case you missed the announcement on Sunday, we have an agreement on the purchase of Building A. We hope to close on the property in a few weeks. Renovations have already begun. We hope to move our students in in a couple months! Wow. So thank you to all of you who've helped and all who are joining in our Family Business.

As we always say, its a little about the property and a lot about the people. So its great to have a building, but its all about making room for more. Our building will house the up and coming generation as they learn about God's purpose for their lives.
I can say first hand that our students are growing in their relationships with Christ and with each other.
Just spend a little time around our students and you can see the good work that God is doing. Not only are they personally growing but the group itself is growing larger almost every week.
This could not have come at a better time. Way to go!

Second. Save October 12th on your Calander. That is the day our fall spiritual growth series begins. Its called REST! It will be seven weeks of life changing messages and an opportunity to be involved in classes and small groups as we accept Jesus' invitaton to live the life he has for us.
This Sunday you will learn more about REST! and how you can be involved.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Jesus Matt 11:28(NIV)

Ready for some Rest,

Chris

P.S. We have a special kickoff event on October 4th. A drive in movie right at building C.

Student Ministry - Tijuana Update

2008-07-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Day 1
All 36 of us made it to LA, got our luggage and are now heading to YWAM base. The only problem was Livi screaming when the plane took off, beyond that so far, so good!
Just kidding about Livi, she was just a bit excited for her first flight!

Day 2
Good morning!
Yesterday was a very eventful day! We got up around 7am, had breakfast, quiet (or meditation time), service, games, lunch, mission training, free time, dinner, team meeting and then services again. The evening service included the YWAM staff doing "The Passion" for us.

Everyone fell into bed exhausted by 11pm...in my room, there was no talking by the time I got in there. I thought that was unusual for 4 teenage boys to be that tired. Everybody is still out as I write this.

Overall, everyone is in good spirits, doing everything that's asked of them without complaint, and working in their training groups doing skits, puppets or dance. The various things will be used as we minister to the people in TJ.

Some of the leaders are doing things that I never would have imagined. For being a big guy, Gary Zuk is an amazingly nimble and graceful dancer.

Today and tomorrow we'll have similar routines and we leave for TJ on Friday!! God is alive in the team, challenging and stretching everyone out of their comfort zones. This is shaping up to be a great and powerful trip!

Take care!!

Day 3
The day continued to be full of activities for the team, preparing us for TJ and for an Outreach service at a park in LA Thursday evening. Team members have been split into various groups to practice for their skits (dramas, puppets, dance, etc).

Lauren and I continue to be impressed with every team member. Everyone's heart is in the right place for this trip, there have been no complaints or issues. They all willingly and anxiously do whatever has been asked of them!! Its fun to see the group bond with each other!!

On a personal it's been great to meet and interact with some of the kids that I didn't know very well before the trip, like Shelby, Justine, Taylor, Kendall, Kelly, Sean and many others. I've got many action pictures that will be shared with everyone when we get back!!

Off to dinner....take care!

Day 4
Good Morning!
This morning 6 team members (myself, Dorothy Cornell, Cindy Albaugh, Jon Watkins, Cole Davis and Jordan Grace) got up at 5:30am to go on a 4 mile mountain climbing trek. We walked and climbed high enough to see the sun rising over the mountains. It was beautiful to behold God's splendor in the morning sun.

The 6 of us had fun helping each other as we got dirty and sweaty traversing the trials and sometimes making our own. We took many pictures for all to enjoy. Everyone was happy to have sacrificed sleep for the climb! Perhaps we'll go again tomorrow!?

Today we'll have more services and training and then tonight the team will go to a park to put on a service ourselves. I think the team is excited for tonight and also looking forward to departing for TJ tomorrow morning.

We've been well fed (spiritually and nutritionally) and cared for the entire time we've been here. I believe that God is pushing and stretching all of us to step outside our comfort zones for His purpose.

More to come later!

Day 4
Greetings!
I'm writing this Email as we drive towards TJ.
Yesterday was a very busy day!! Beyond our normal routines of service and eating, we had 2 trips to see doctors. One for an ear ache and the other a kidney infection. Thanks to everyone for dealing with my constant nagging for paperwork, both trips were uneventful! Our sickies are taking their meds as prescribed and under the watchful eyes of of their 35 team members.
It's moving to see how everyone is watching out for each other.

Yesterday evening we went to Sunland park in some LA suburb. We held a small outreach service for about 25 - 30 people.

When we arrived at the park Jess Madau, Lauren, Tori, Kelly, Livi, Niki, Natalie played soccer with a group of kids and adults, while Jordan and Trish played basketball. Others dispersed in groups to talk with the people in the park.
Emily and Cole started our service as the emcees for the events introducing the team/church and the activities.
We started with a spanish puppet show with Natalie, Jon Jen, and Alicia.
They did 3 skits and the we moved into a "signing song" with Dorothy, Pam, Livi, Mogan, Tori and Jess Madau. After the signing we did an interpretative dance with Amy, Gary, Jordan, Jessica Trudeau, Kendall, Jen Wagner.
Following the dance Aly gave everyone her personal testimony about her life with God.
Then we transitioned into a play called "Mask" with Scott Trudeau, Zack, Justine, Cole, Erica and Aly. Justine is the main character and is basically putting on different masks (personalities) for the people coming to her door. At the end Jesus played by Zack comes to the door, I can't give away any more then that.

Following "Masks" was Lauren who gave a short message. We ended the service with the song "From the Inside Out" - Jon and Sean played their guitars as Erica, Taylor and Morgan sang.
Livi and Erica ended the service by thanking everyone for coming. While all of the events were going on Trish, Niki, Kelly, Shelby, Maura, Phillip and others were amongst the crowd interacting with the crowd with face painting, balloons or conversation. Please forgive me if I've missed a name, I was busy producing!

Jennifer Buznowski was busy taking pictures of the events in progress.
Overall, everyone was very "FAT" (Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable). We modified our service as we went and everyone was very accomodating. Thank you team!!

We didn't do all of skits and dramas last night at the park, once we're in TJ - every person will have their chance. Once we were done with the service the team just mingled with kids and teenagers. In my mind's eye I could see God looking down upon us and smiling. Sadly, we packed up at 8:00pm and dragged the team away from the kids to go back to base.

Over the last 3 days I've had the awesome opportunity to watch, talk and work with all of the kids. Each of them are tolerant of my teasing, reminders, lectures, and quirks. They listen, respond and do what's asked with minimal complaint. It's made the trip so easy. Listening to them openly speak to their experiences and feelings about God are personally inspiring and thought provoking.

Well, I should close for now, my thumbs are getting tired from typing on my BlackBerry.
I'm told that my BlackBerry will work in TJ, if it doesn't I'll find an alternate means of communication. Thank you for entrusting your loved ones to God and us for this important mission!
God Bless!

MORE UPDATES
Just an FYI, my memory card was uploaded to the web. The pictures are mainly from our time in LA (and 2 grand daughter pictures before we left).
There are many pics, please check us out on the website:

Web Cams – http://www..ywamsandiegobaja.org/webcam.aspx
Pictures – http://www.ywamsandiegobaja.org/teamphotos.aspx?menu=MA

The team is acclimating to TJ, we hung out on the beach, there were dolphins visible from shore (they're in some of the pics).

Also, several of team members (Kelly, Kendall, etc) are upset that there parents haven't emailed me back. Evidently, we aren't keeping them busy enough!?

Take care!!

Day 5 - Part 1
Greetings!
During our travels from LA we stopped at Walmart to buy whatever we wanted before crossing over to TJ.

It was heartwarming to see so many of the kids wanting to buy gifts for the people we're going to serve. We picked up more soocer balls, face paints, footballs, frisbees and assorted arts and crafts. Everyone was beginning to focus not on themselves, but the people we are to serve. I marvel at team bonding and unity that's occurring amongst us.

We crossed the TJ border without issue and arrived at our base between 2 - 3pm. The teams unloaded their stuff in our housing and the majority of us crossed the street to sit/lay on the beach to enjoy the sun and watch the ocean. There were dolphins in the water just off shore, it's so strange to see them in their natural environment.

Last night's meal was chicken, which was delicious and this morning we had eggs. YUM!
The team is anxious to start building the house this am.

More to follow....

Day 5 - Part 2
Hola!!
This morning at 9:30 the team loaded up on a bus for a 30 minute drive to the build site. Two leaders stayed behind to care for a sick team member (Aly).

The team got back this evening and I'm struggling to put to words the excited conversations coming from everyone. They made great progress on the house today! The walls and drywall are up, most of the house is painted, the roof will go up on Monday.

The resounding comments from the leaders is that the kids were awesome, everyone pitched in to work without complaint. Many worked on the house while others played with the kids in the community. As people got tired they'd switch jobs. It sounds like it was an AWESOME team effort. When the team left at the end of the day, the family was crying tears of joy.

We'll return to the site on Monday to hopefully finish the job. On Tuesday, we'll go back to the worksite if we didn't finish or go to orphanage.

Tomorrow, we'll go to a church to do our skits and dramas, etc. In the afternoon we'll head some place to shop and enjoy the afternoon.

There are a bunch of pictures posted on the web from LA and TJ. The first 20 pages on the site are mostly OGCC (of course more are loading as I write this)!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjmaphotos/
Be proud of your kids, they're doing a fantastic job!! We're blessed to have such a great team!!

Day 6
Good morning!
It's 5:30am and I write this as I sit outside the worship area waiting for the sun to rise. The sound of the waves hitting the shore can be heard over the music from my iPod.

Today is Sunday, we'll be going to church today to perform our skits, dramas, and songs. Several kids will be providing their testimony in front of 100+ members of the congregation. I've been asked to provide a brief message, thus the reason why I awoke at 5am today.

After church we'll have an opportunity to go shopping and swimming in the ocean. The evening will be free time to debrief the week's events.

Since arriving last Monday the team has been pretty regimented in their daily activities without much free time. This will be a great reward for them.

I continue to be struck by the team's attitude and resiliency. They awake around 6:30am to a full day of stuff and lights go out around 10:30. The lodging isn't exactly 5 star...I'm not sure it would make a 1 star rating.

The bunks are 3 tiers high, all of us are in one room, no air conditioning and 1 or 2 fans that seem to make more noise then push air.

My back is sore each morning from an old mattress, while others only have a thick piece of foam. Regardless, everyone gets up does their thing to get ready for another day and off we go. I would have expected complaints or whining by now, but, its not happened thus far!!

I must prepare my message...more later!

Take care!!

Day 6

Hola Amigos!
We went to Centro De Ne Eben-ezery Casa de Dios church today. We arrived early around 10:30am, the team split into 2 groups. One team went to minister and feed people living in the sewer system that borders the US and Mexico. While the second team remained at the church to help clean the church.

The team met Miguel who was living in one of the tunnels of the sewer system. Miguel came back with the team to the church, participated in the services and was prayed over. At the end of the day Miguel was given about $15 to re-pay a debt and promised to enter a drug rehab facility. We pray that our efforts make a difference in his life.

The team staying at the church was mostly women who spent time cleaning, removing trash, re-locating a large gravel pile with one shovel and a variety of make shift tools. It was entertaining to see all of the ladies in their dresses and skirts getting down and dirty in cleaning. Once again there wasn't a complaint or many screams when big spiders and centipedes were uncovered.
Church service started at 12:30 - the band, music, dancing and singing was energizing, even when we didnlt understand the language!! We participated in the service by giving a short message, 3 testimonies by Taylor, Aly and Phil. We prayed for the young people, the team did their "Mask" drama and Erica, Morgan, Taylor sang "From the Inside Out" as Jon and Sean played guitars with Zack on the drums.

The service ended with a long, emotional prayer and laying of hands on several people. It was a beautiful service, the church fed all of us afterwards. The meal was very good. It was en emotional goodbye, especially for those connected with Miguel.

We stopped to shop at Rosaritos before coming back for a pizza dinner at the base.
Spirits remain very high as the team continues to step up to the task of serving God's people. The team is truly reflecting God's love during their time here.

Tomorrow it's back to the build site to hopefully finish and dedicate the house!
We have a debrief team meeting tonight followed by free time.

More again tomorrow...thank you for everyone's prayers, emails and well wishes! If you'd like, send me an email and I'll pass it on to the kids!!

God Bless You!!

Day 7- AM
Good morning!
Just a brief note to touch base and say that everyone is alive and well!

Last night our team grew by one member. Pastor Chris joined us! He arrived on base around 10pm.

PC was surrounded by a bunch of excited people who all wanted to share their story! It was rather funny seeing each person anxiously trying to speak with him...his head was on a swivel as he tried to acknowledge everyone. I have no doubt it will happen again this morning.
We had a team meeting last night - giving everyone an opportunity to share.

I enjoy sitting back and watch the kids and adults all jump in. Just a word of caution...be prepared for our return to listen to a lot of excited stories. You might want to find a place to sit so you can hear all of the stories of how each person was touched.

God is alive and well in all of us!!
Today we return to finish the house...I'm sure the family is anxious for our return!!
God bless us all!

Day 7-PM
Greetings!!
Today was our second day on the worksite. The house is about 95% done. We have some trim and some touch up painting to do. The family has been with us helping every step of the way. I can only imagine that they must be so anxious to move in.

While we were working on the house, a herd of horses with a cowboy driving them. The cowboy was kind enough to come over to the house and let the team ride his horse, it was very cool.
We're making arrangements with YWAM to pay to furnish the house. The furniture includes bunks, table, couch, stove and some other things. The family will go shopping at a store and we'll move in the furniture while they're out. The team can't wait to see to dedicate the house.

The leaders continue to marvel at our youth and the effort and attitude they've exhibited. We're 7 days into this trip and its amazing how resilient and kind everyone's been to each other. No one's had a meltdown, everyone's healthy now!! We're truly blessed with a great team!!

Pictures of the team continue to be posted on the web. There are LOTS of pictures to view of all the teams here, so be patient when looking.

Take care! God bless!

Day 7
Greetings!
Today was a wonderful day. It was to be our last with the family. The family greeted us at the house with fresh mango, pineapple, melon, coconut, papaya and watermelon and some type of juice made from a purple flower. I had a large mango on a stick that had chili pepper and lime on it. My tongue and lips were on fire for about 30 minutes after it eating it, but it was worth it.

We finished the inside trim, cleaned, hung curtains and set up the furniture (bunk beds, stove, kitchen table and chairs) as the family was getting ice cream. We had toys, clothes and other items for the faimly.

We had a dedication ceremony with Lauren reading some scripture first, then the keys were passed from around with each team member sharing their thoughts. Pedro, Juana, Kimberly and Felix were able to keep their emotions in check until they got the keys and entered the house.
We could hear screams of joy from the kids and family as they excitedly looked around. Then we knocked and came in as their first visitors. Emotions were overflowing at that point. It was a fabulous experience to be a part of.

After many pictures and lunch the team departed to serve people who lived in a garbage dump. We fed them and gave out many clothes to some very needy people.

We're back on base showering and then heading off for tacos. Yummm!

Tomorrow we depart to LA and eventually home.

One small reminder please plan to pick up your tired love ones at the airport. Meet us by baggage handling or by the curb. I will send out flight information in an email tomorrow.

Thanks for everyone's love, prayers and support on our journey!!

DAY 9
Good morning!

Last night we went out for tacos, which were delicious and then the team walked back in smaller groups, excitedly reflecting on the house dedication and the last 8 days overall.

We had a great service last night with a team leader and team member speaking about their experiences. Each of the team leaders had similar messages to the kids, they don't just walk away, but, continue to pursue a relationship with God and share their stories and the Good News with everyone they come in contact with.

Not by coincidence, I caught up on some of my devotional emails this am and the verse in one of the emails was appropriate to this team....
Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

My prayer is that we all continue to walk in this world that way. It's amazing how that verse coincides with YWAMs theme from Micah 6:8...
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly
To love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God? (NKJ).

This has been an incredible journey for all of us. The kids and other leaders were awesome. There was no fighting, bickering, etc. We rallied around each other and let God's love flow out of us to others.

I get a bit emotional as I think this is our last day with everyone here.

Yet, we're all excited to come home to the arms of our loved ones, to share our stories, catch up on what's happened at home, and enjoy our beds and bathrooms!

I thank God for the opportunity to have been a part of such a wonderful group of people! Thank you!
See you soon!!

(WRITTEN FROM SCOTT CORNELL)

Good Sense Class/ Money Management

2008-07-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, July 26th we will be holding our Good Sense Class to help with money management and debt reduction. This is a great class to attend as you will receive some very helpful information no matter where you are at financially.

If you are interested in attending, please contact communitylife@orchardgrove.org.

The class will be held from 8:30am-1:00pm in Kids World.

Student Ministry off to Tijuana, Mexico

2008-07-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today 40 of our students will be heading to Tijuana, Mexico to serve a family in the community by building a house for a family in need.

Please take time to pray the team as they will be serving this community physical and sharing Christ with those around them.

The trip will be taking place July 20th- July 31st.

20-Somethings Lend a Hand at Miracle League!

2008-06-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 14th, the 20-somethings got together and helped out at The Miracle League. We were able to help kids with both physical and mental handicaps enjoy an American pastime – their very own baseball game – which they were pretty serious about! Both the volunteers and kids had a great time, and seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces was such a joy. We were also fortunate enough to be at that game when Jeremy Bonderman stopped by to take pictures and sign autographs for the kids. The weather was great and lunch was yummy afterwards – a perfect day!

Note From The President:

On behalf of our league I want to thank you and your church group for coming out to “buddy” with our teams this past weekend.

Please pass on to your group that I have received many complements from players and parents about how great they were. I hope they had as much fun at our field as we had having them.

If anyone would like to volunteer again they can register on our website for specific dates or as a group by emailing Patty Weinrauch. I look forward to meeting you for lunch soon.

Sincerely,
Stephen Peck
President / Executive Director
The Miracle League of Michigan

Pastor Chris' Newsletter- Family News

2008-03-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Orchard Grove Family,
As we prepare for our Easter celebrations this week. I wanted to give you a quick update on our Family Business Series.
As you may remember our goals were to "Make Room for More"
by doubling our current weekend capacity.
Our Plan:
1. Build a Youth Center for our Middle School and High School.
2. Expand the Atruim.
3. Add seats in the worship center.

Our Goal is to double our capacity and delete our debt in the next 24 months.
Our first goal is to raise 1.5 million dollars and our ultimate goal is 2.5 million (to delelete our mortgage on Building C).

I am pleased to tell you that with our first two weeks of collecting pledges we have raised $800,000 dollars in pledges.

I know we will be building on this over the next few weeks and we plan to give everyone an update a few weeks after Easter.

All I can say is thank you for all that you do. You are some of the most selfless and generous people I know. Thanks for helping us make room for more.

Before I close, a quick reminder that this is one of the greatest opportunities to invite someone to join you for our worship services this week. You can even use our new "Evite" from our wesite to invite someone you love.

Make sure you note the special times for Good Friday and Easter.

In the grip of His grace,
Chris

Equip '08

2008-03-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Orchard Grove's first conference was held on March 7th & 8th. With over 200 attendees, it was a great time together.

On Friday night we were able to enjoy a talk with Pastor Chris and a laughter filled night with Comedian, Thor Ramsey.

On Saturday, we enjoyed some general sessions with author, Bill Webb, who spoke on digging deep into the Bible and authors, Jeff & Shaunti Feldhahn who spoke on Men and Women. Throughout the day we enjoyed break-out sessions with many teachers who attend Orchard Grove to others we invited in to take part in the conference. Subjects varied from finances, parenting teens, life transitions, how to make more of your quiet time, study war text in the Bible, and many more.

We look forward to starting to plan for next years Equip '09. You won't want to miss out!!!

Jr High Winter Retreat

2008-03-15T06:58:00.001-07:00

On March 7th - 9th our Jr. High students headed to Spring Hill Camp in Evart, MI for their annual winter retreat. With all kinds of winter sports and lots of friends, the Jr. high students had a great time. Look for pictures soon!!!

Pastor Chris' Newsletter- Since Sunday...

2008-03-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Orchard Grove Family,
Today I'm feeling a good kind of tired. Its been a wonderfully exhausting week. I get to see you on Sunday morning but so much happens between Sundays. Our church family springs into action with a flurry of activities aimed at showing and sharing the love of Christ.

Like this week...
Sunday afternoon as soon as the service ended a small army of volunteers tore the worship center apart and then reset it for our High School Students to have an environment all their own on Sunday night. Then in the late afternoon another team comes in to serve as frontline leaders who give their time to help shepherd our students as they walk their faith through the young adult years. Then late at night another team returns to reset the worship center again. And then they slip into the night...

On Monday night I was invited to accompany our compassion ministry to a home for women who've been battered and abused.
This team of volunteers reached out with such excellence and grace to these broken and beautiful women. I was moved. Our family at its finest, helping women get a fresh start, to find jobs, build resumes, gain confindence, receive a nice set of clothes and an invitation to join our church family. Then again as unsung heros they slipped away into the night...

Later monday night I stopped by the farm house on the 14 mile property and there was yet another team from the family working.
They were painting, pounding and preparing that old tired farm house so it could serve as a home for our new associate pastor coming from Malawi. They had been working for weeks, unnoticed and unconcerned. They wanted an African family to feel at home when they were thousands of miles away. After I visited with them for a while, it was obvious my "talents" were not needed and I left. But they stayed, until the job was done, late into the night...

On Tuesday night as I met at building C with some of my leadership team to pray and strategize about the future direction of our church, I saw even more evidence of the family at work. Teams were setting up the Jr. High Room for our "Side by Side" recovery ministry. A place for people to find help and healing in a safe, loving and Christ-centered environment.
Accross the atrium guys where hauling gear to reset the guest reception room into a makshift practice room for the band. (the other band practices on the main stage in the worship center- with two campuses now we need two practices.)
And then as the snow began to fall these faithful volunteers, made their way into their cars and slipped away into the night...

On Wednesday and Thurday nights I help Pizza with the Pator meetings to share the details of our Family Business Series.
And so many people rearranged their busy lives to hear about how they can support the vision of the chruch to make room for more.
Wow does this family impress me! And then they slipped into the night...

Just want you to know that this is just what I saw this week.
Think of all the amazing things our family was doing that I didn't see! That's a whole lot of good since Sunday.
This week as many of you are considering your participation in the Family Business pledge, I pray God will continue to guide and provide for his Family.
Until Sunday,
Chris

Pastor Chris's Newsletter- Family Business #3

2008-03-03T10:54:00.001-08:00

Dear Orchard Grove Family, Just a reminder today about our week of Prayer. We are focusing this week on Praying for our Family Business emphasis. First pray today for the Sunday messages coming up. These next two Sundays are very crucial as we communicate the vision and direction of our church to the entire family. And even though they are different messages they are very important. In short, I need you to lift me up with your prayers this week. Second please pray for maximum participation. Of all that Jesus taught us about prayer, one clear thing He taught the disciples was to pray for "participation". Because the Family Business is so important and the need is so great, He told the disciples to pray for help with the "harvest": When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt 9:36-38(NIV) People often ask me what they can to do help. Well we can grab an oar and help row, and we can pray that everyone else will grab one too! Why? because people are lost spiritually. As Jesus said like sheep without a shepherd. That's our Family Business. Finally, please pray with me for all who are hurting in our Family. There are so many need among our family, especially I want to pray for those who have lost their jobs or are hurting financially. Let's let them all feel our support at this time. Thanks. You may want to take time in your drive time, around the dinner table or with your small group, but please take a few extra minutes and remember to pray for our Family Business this week. If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ~Jesus Matt 7:11(NIV) Let's just ask Him! Chris "Remember how the Lord your God has blessed you in everything that you have done. He has taken care of you as you wandered through this vast desert. He has been with you these forty years, and you have had everything you needed." Deut. 2:7 (TEV)

Pastor Chris' Family Business Newsletter #2

2008-03-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Orchard Grove Family,
First I want to say thank you to so many for the supportive, and strong feedback from Sunday's message. As our family has grown, so many of you have been rowing so faithfully and now it seems so many more are ready to pick up an oar. Thank you!
As we announced our goals for the next two years to delete our debt and double our capacity the energy and enthusiasm is contagious.
2.5 million dollars is a lot of money for a few but its very "doable" with many. As we begin our week of prayer for this Family Business series will you pray this week that everyone will get involved. Pray that everyone who is part of the family will grab an oar.
I am excited to show more of the details of our expansion plans this Sunday. If you missed last week, you may want to make sure to get a copy of the message. It will really help you get a handle on what our mission is, where we've been and where we are headed.
Three great thing are going to happen following this series:
1. We will delete our debt on Building C and B.
2. We will make room for more by doubling our capacity in our weekend services.
3. We will have a Youth Center for our Middle School, Jr. High and High School students.
I honestly can't wait.
Oh by the way, we won't have to wait much. The beauty of this plan is that we can begin the expansion right away. God has really blessed us.
Details on Sunday.
If rowing means reach one more,
sign me up for another shift!
Chris
"Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
Luke 2:49(NKJ)

Pastor Chris' Newsletter- Family Business

2008-02-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Orchard Grove, This Sunday we talked about the five-star lifestyle. People often assume that a five star lifestyle is about having whatever your heart desires. We associate it with money, fame, being served, pampered and getting things our way. But in our case study we found that while there is nothing wrong with having lots of money or fame per se. It will not guarantee us fulfillment. Solomon already tested it for us. He had the ability to get whatever he saw and wanted. Let his words from Ecclesiastes sink in… I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well-- the delights of the heart of man.I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Eccl 2:7-11 (NIV) We know that God didn’t design us to chase the wind, but to experience true meaning and purpose in life. This is the real five-star lifestyle. Jesus came to show us the way I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. ~Jesus John 10:10 (MES) I believe that these five things are the key to experiencing the life God intended for us to live.

Friendship with God. Everybody is searching to connect with their creator and Jesus came to show us who He is and how to connect to him.

The Biblical Concept: Salvation. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. Rom. 5:11 (NLT)

A Person marked by Love. This is the most important rule in God’s book, the result of living God’s way and the fruit of letting him have his way in our lives. This is the goal of God for all of us.

The Biblical concept: Spiritual Maturity. But what happens when we live God’s way? The Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace… Gal 5:22-23 (MES, NCV)

Being Connected to a Family. We need true human connection that strengthen and support us physically and emotionally. We were built to belong! Not just blood family but the Family of God.

Biblical Concept: Support. There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless-- a miserable business!Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Eccl 4:8-11 (NIV)

Using your life to help others. Simply put we “need” to be a blessing to others. God has given us gifts so we can find others in need and allow God’s gifts to flow through us.

Biblical Concept: Serving. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. 1 Pet 4:10 (NIV, TLB)

Managing God’s Resources. We’ve learned that the true five-star lifestyle is not about owning but managing. Its understanding that we came in this world naked and are going to leave naked. All we have is God’s and we are going to report to him one day on how we took care of His stuff.

Biblical Concept: Stewardship. God says: “Everything under heaven belongs to me.” Job 41:11 (NIV) As we launch into our Family Business series this Sunday, it is important for us to remember that this is what our calling is; to invite others to experience the five-star lifestyle. Jesus to His disciples:“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.” Mt. 28:19 (MES) Jesus at age 12 to his “earthly parents”:Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business? Luke 2:49 (NKJ) This Sunday I am looking forward to sharing more about our calling in our “Family Business” Series. We are going to begin by taking a look back at where God has brought us and then a “look” forward at what lies ahead. LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS! Chris

High School Superbowl Party

2008-02-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Feb. 3rd the High School Students had a Superbowl Party!
The HSM students just hung out with each other, played some guitar hero, watched some good football and ate lots of food!!! You can't have a party without food! Visit the High School webpage for upcoming events!