Celebrating New Members

I was sitting at my desk reading the faith stories of our new members. Twenty-two of our new members are joining by reaffirmation of faith in Jesus. This generally means that they are coming to Orchard from not having a recent church experience or a spiritual home. Two of our new members are joining by first-time confession of faith in Jesus and one is coming by transfer from Trinity Reformed Church in Allison.

As I read their faith stories, it reminded me that all the work we do is worth it! All the meetings, the planning, the giving and praying, the outreach work is all worth it!

So many of these folks were invited "on the arm of a trusted friend". Many of them are coming back to church because they want their children and teenagers in a strong youth program. Many of them mentioned that they were planning on church shopping but felt welcomed and at home as they visited Orchard. Many of them are in a good place on their spiritual journey. I hope Orchard will continue to be a welcoming and friendly place for those looking to connect more deeply with God.