Say a prayer of thanks this Memorial Day!

In May of 1868, General John Logan first proclaimed Memorial Day as a day to remember those who had died in our nation's service.  By 1890 many individual states had declared Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, a holiday.  In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act which included Memorial Day as a national holiday and an annual three day weekend for federal employees.

My Confession
I keep forgetting the ultimate purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who have died in service to our country.  I wonder if maybe people in our congregation also forget.  This three day weekend is busy and filled with so much fun, family, and travel.

Prayer of Remembrance
On Sunday we will say a special prayer of remembrance for those who have died serving our country--thanking God for their service and sacrifice.  Maybe, you could remember to say a similar prayer on Memorial Day.  It is such a privilege to live in a free and prosperous nation.  This is an incredible gift of God for us!

Taylor Morris
This reminds me to pray also for Taylor Morris, who is a friend to many in our congregation.  Taylor was was seriously injured in Afganistan recently when he stepped on an IED during a Green Beret Patrol.  He is the grandson of Sid Morris, the son of Dan and Julie Morris and his sister Claire often attends our 11:01 service.

Read more...

All this in only two days!

So many good things happen in a couple of days!  God is at work in many different ways and I want to be sure to celebrate God and all He does.

On Saturday a team of 7 returned from Atlanta inspired to make a difference in our families.  We had attended the Orange Conference at a Civic Center there.

Below is a picture of 5 guys who were baptised in the Cedar River on Sunday afternoon by Jeff Mickey, our college director.  Yes, it was cold!  But they did it anyway.  Their testimonies were strong and amazing.  This was a symbol of their new life in Christ.

 Following a cold baptism!

That same night we had a prayer sendoff for this year's mission team to Gorongosa, Mozambique.  This is a talented, faithful team of people who will serve within our target community and many will visit the children that they sponsor there.  Orchard families support almost 300 children in this area of Africa.  This support provides education, faith encouragement, medicine and strengthening of the entire community.  It's powerful!

Go Mozambique Team 2012!

On the same Sunday we finished our teaching series, Stories from the Seats!  Such authentic stories by regular people whose lives are touched by God.  You can find these by clicking on Orchard's Home Page--Listen to teaching.  

On Monday we had a work day with more than 50 people serving to spruce up our Cedar Falls campus--we saw commitment, joy, fellowship and great skills.

On Monday evening, we had our second meeting with New Members and about 35 people desire to join our mission of ....Helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ!

Like I said, so many good things that God does in only two days!  Yea God!

Read more...