From the very first verse of the action-packed gospel of Mark, we are drawn into a story of urgency, power, and purpose. Like a comet from another galaxy, Jesus bursts on the scene and lights up his surroundings. No one had ever experienced anything like him before. He was both familiar and utterly different, electrifying to some crowds and alienating to others. If nothing else, his life makes sense of ours—he is a new beginning.
The Orchard, the place of cultivation and fruitfulness is right in our own hearts! That is the place God wants to grow beautiful - and tasty! - things ... like love, joy, and peace. And that’s just for starters. This summer we are going to do some spiritual gardening by looking at the biblical teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22-23). Be sure to join us when you're in town, and catch up online when you're away. You don't want to leave any "gaps in your garden"!
This spring marks the 25th anniversary of our church’s time under the leadership of Frank Boswell as pastor. How are we to view and understand this quarter century from a spiritual standpoint? What, exactly, has God been doing? How has he grown us? Shaped us as a congregation? Where might He be leading us in coming years? Join us this spring for a once-in-a-lifetime series of messages that reflect on our own collective “story” of God’s dealings in our lives.
This series, which took place prior to the 2016 elections, has spiritual truth and orientation that will help in any election season - The Book of Deuteronomy (which we studied this summer) is addressed to ancient Israelites living in a theocracy, but what is our responsibility to the society in which we live? What does the New Testament have to teach us? What biblical principles can help us understand the proper role of government and how Christians should live as responsible citizens in 21st century America? The election season this fall is the perfect time to seek fresh insight into a challenging but vital topic.
