Connect with us! Groups!

You know it's true.  You want to feel more connected.  You love the idea of friends and more times with friends.  But it just doesn't happen.  Life is too busy - too crazy.  You end up spending time staying busy but not feeling connected. 

There's no way around it.  You have to choose.  You have to schedule it.  That's the beauty of Life Groups!  They are already scheduled for you.  You just need to show up.  You can do it.  We can't guarentee connectedness but our Life Groups are great opportunities for it to happen.   

Take a risk.  What you could gain is sooo worth it.  There are times when we ALL don't feel like showing up--but MOST times we are sooo glad we did.  You will too!  Try a group for a few weeks and if you learn "these are not my people" - you can try another one- no questions asked.  

ONE step can change everything.   It's not complicated.  The best way to begin is to decide that no matter what --you will make it to the FOOD TRUCK SOCIAL -  at Gravel Pit Park on Sunday, Sept. 20th (this Sunday) at 5 PM.  You don't have to decide anything else.  Just decide to show up (with some funds for some food :) .  We'll help you from there.   

We believe GROWING PEOPLE GET WITH PEOPLE.  Also, Jesus followers need Jesus followers to be great Jesus followers.  Personally, I truly believe this could be one of the best decisions you ever make.  Just show up!

--

Orchard Beach Update

September 4, 2020

School has started.  May God give you grace as you make all the needed adjustments this year!  Be patient as bugs are being worked out and new routines are being established.  It's gonna be ok!  I encourage you- pray with your child(dren).

Orchard Beach is open 10:30am.  Our first week back - 40% of average attendance.  Our second week - 57%.  I'm told nationwide churches are expereincing 10-40% return.    Volunteers are coming back into place and all Life Groups begin the week of 9/20!!!.  For questions on groups, contact us: https://www.orchardbeach.church/contact/   Our online service is progressing as we are overcoming technical difficulties, purchasing equipment, and building teams.  (if you have photography, videography, or editing experience, or interested in learning, we'd love for you to join the team!).   Last weeks service will be posted online this Sunday. (For now, each week will be one week behind our in person service)   You won't want to miss June Peterson's story!   

It's Labor Day Weekend.    God bless you and your family on this holiday weekend.

Satan is scared.  "He (satan) knows his time is short, and he is very angry."  Rev. 12:12   His complete defeat is certain!  While we STRONGLY recommend each individual take their own needed safety precautionss and stay home if you don't feel safe, we also STRONGLY reccommend heeding the instructions:  "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."  Hebrews 10:25 

We are ready for you -when you are ready!  Whether coming in person or watching online, let's be united as we exist to REACH peopel far from God and TEACH them how to follow Jesus- step by step!

--

ORCHARD BEACH UPDATE 

AUGUST 27, 2020

Hello Orchard Beach Friend

We're back!  For those who felt safe enough, we had our first in-person gathering this past Sunday.  It was great to see so many of you, to worship together, and to fellowship around some tasty ice cream!  Our current focus is making Jesus our best friend and we walked through the highlights of Jesus' trial being reminded that he came to reveal the TRUTH. . 

Here's are some things we learned and some updates on where we are:

1.  About 40% of our normal average attendance came to the building.  This is outstanding and includes 20 children and 15 middleschoolers.  I'm told, nation wide, churches are experincing 20-40% returns.  

2.  We had 5 first time guests! 

3.  Masks:   While some wore them and others didnt'--we "highly recommend" wearing them for your safety and others.  

4.  We're working out technical problems.  Our attempt at recording the service this past Sunday didn't work out.  So, for those checking in online--hoping to see this past service posted this coming Sunday--only an audio podcast will be available. Understandably, without 60% of our congregation in the buidling, we are short on volunteers.  We will continue to do what we can and expect to have things worked out for the following week.  .   

5.  Our worship team is awesome!  FYI- several of them are insurance adjusters and will be away much during hurricane season.  While the whole team can't be available--those of us who come can still sing our hearts out for God's glory!  Let's pray for our team's safety as they will be helping so many in catestrophic situations.  

6.  You are needed.  Yes -YOUI   If you are not in the high risk category and you do feel safe to come in pesron, we need you.  Here are our some of our top needs.  

--Teen small groups.--while we are excitedly pursing a youth pastor, we need small group leaders for our teenagers          

--Guest Services:  Join the greeter/usher team.   Cafe:  pick up donuts at Sanders Sunday AM and/or help distribute as individuals arrive.                --Help with media team- computer, sound, lights, video camera,                                                                                            

--Video editing                                                                                                                                                                          

--drummer, electric guitar                                                                                                                                                        

For more nformation on getting involved, contact us here:

https://www.orchardbeach.church/contact/

Believe it or not, this isn't simply about what we want from you.  It's about what we want for you.  You already know this.  One of the greatest ways to get through difficult times is to get our focus off ourselves and on how we can help someone else.  This is one of the most important times to stand up and step out into your God given purpose.  This is the way to avoid complaining about the way things are and to become part of the solution!  :)  You can do this!. 

And if you feel like you don't have what it takes, check this out:    https://www.facebook.com/OrchardBeachAssembly/photos/a.524371837692808/1895866113876700

Have a great weekend! 

--

ORCHARD BEACH UPDATE:

August 19, 2020

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REGATHERING 

 Our leadership team is united in this decision.  We've prayed.   We've consulted.  We  decided together that it's time to open the building for worship services.

We're being cautiously optimistic.  We are taking strong safety precautions and choosing to  be open to change if necessary.   As new information and data become available we will adjust.   Someone in our church coming down with Covid-19 is likely a matter of "when"            rather than a matter of "if".   We're prepared to respond appropriately. 

We respect differences of opinion.  For those who don't feel safe enough to re-gather yet, we  completely understand and would respect your decision not to attend until you feel safe.    

 WHEN ARE WE REGATHERING?

The first week that our building will be open is Sunday, August 23rd   -  One service at 10:30 AM.  All children's ministries will be available.  See details below.   

WHAT ABOUT MASKS?

While indoors, we "highly recommend" wearing masks and hope you do, to show safety concerns for yourself and others.   However, this will not be policed by staff or volunteers or be expected while outside.  It's important to understand there are a variety of reasons why some may come and are not able to wear a mask.  Let's keep the spirit of unity and respect any differences.  Staff and volunteers will be wearing masks while serving except for speakers and the worship team while leading from a far distance up front.  (Also see "what about kids ministry?" below)

HOW WILL WE ENTER & EXIT?

--all entrances will be open

--we will minimize touch points - no hand shaking or elbow bumps, hymnals, offering plates, or  bulletins.  

--we will have several hand sanitizing stations

--we will keep the six foot guidelines except if requesting special prayer with the laying on of   hands or with water baptism 

--we will all enter and exit in an orderly fashion keeping the guidelines and not lingering in the lobby to socialize (feel free to meet outside)

--we will have every other pew closed off and ask you to keep the 6ft guidelines.  (family &  household members may sit together).

--we will dismiss everyone row by row, from back to front.   

WHAT ABOUT KIDS MINISTRY

Pastor Tammy has reviewed state guidelines and consulted with area schools and daycare centers for decision making.  

--all kids ministries will be made available on Sunday mornings -Nursery, Preschool, and Kids Church.  Wednesday CHAMPS will not begin until Wednesday, September 2nd at 7 PM.   

--all volunteers are "required" to wear a mask (breaks will be determined)

--all children (age 3- grade 5) are "required" to wear masks while in our ministry environments.     (breaks to be determined)  They will not be required if outside- maintaining 6ft guideline.

--all children will receive a temperature check (touchless thermometers) and will wash hands upon entering and exiting their ministry room.   

--we recommend one parent, wearing a mask, drop off and pick up children

--kids resources will continue to be made available online 

HOW WILL WE RECEIVE COMMUNION/OFFERING?

--offering plates will not be passed.  If you are unable to give online, offering envelopes will be available at Guest Information to leave in a bucket at Guest Information.   

--when communion is offered it will be available in individualized packages    

WILL THERE STILL BE ONLINE SERVICES?

Yes!  Our Sunday video messages will continue to be posted.  In the short term, what will be posted online will be one week behind what we do in person at the building.    

4 Reasons You May Be Ready to Give Prayer a Shot 

Whether you are a praying person or not, all of a sudden you may be interested in giving it a shot.  Why?

1.  You don’t know what’s ahead!

You used to have a regular routine and a schedule at least months out. Now you don’t know what will happen even tomorrow- with work, school, safety regulations, etc.  You don’t know what’s ahead.  

2.  You’re tired!

This whole pandemic thing and divisiveness in our nation- wears on you.  It’s gotten old. It’s exhausting to live in uncertainty- mask/no mask, go out/stay home, send to school/home school, etc etc etc. You are likely tired. 

3.  You’ve been humbled!

All of a sudden you realize what little control over things you’ve actually had.  You’ve lost a job, a financial cushion, a loved one to the virus, —all sense of “normal”, etc. Now you realize life can be turned upside down on a dime!  You’ve been humbled. 

4.  You don’t know who to trust!

Everyone seems to have a different answer. And it seems like everyone is lying!  You’ve lost “faith” in just about everyone and everything.  How could they?  Can they be serious?  They’ve got to be kidding?  I thought we all could at least agree on this!  You don’t know who to trust. 

So- maybe it’s time to give prayer a shot.  What do you do?

Prayer is simply communicating with God.  Sit down, look up or close your eyes and   

1.  Tell God you’re sorry for trying to do life without Him. 

2.  Ask God for strength. Jesus said- come to me - all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.

3.  Say to God - you are obviously in control. I’m not.  Help me to surrendered to your will over mine. Concerning my tomorrows- help me to trust you. 

4.  Trust God to be the source of all truth. Read His Word, plug into a church, and trust what He says over anyone else’s’ opinions.

___________

If you want a little extra boost, check out our family 21 Days of Prayer Guide:  Making Jesus Our Best Friend  https://www.orchardbeach.church/events/detail/21-days-of-prayer-making-jesus-our-best-friend/17189-1598760000/

If you haven't tapped into bible messages for help, check out "3 Reasons to Skip Online Church"  https://www.facebook.com/OrchardBeachAssembly/photos/a.524371837692808/1864105030386142/

Feeling detached?  It's time for some friendship interaction?  Check out "3 Confessions of a Pastor"   https://www.facebook.com/OrchardBeachAssembly/photos/a.524371837692808/1870548856408426/

or our brand new message series "Friend Request"   beginning this Sunday, August 9th at 9:15 & 11 AM - Facebook. 

--

3 cONFESSIONS OF A PASTOR

1.  I might be wrong!                                                                                                                                                           

Right now we are not having in-person gatherings. I’m not sure when we will. In making this decision I (we) might be wrong. 

2.  I’m scared!                                                                                                                                                                       

While I’m not aware of anyone falling away, I’m not sure which of you or how many of you will eventually return. Im told most churches are currently only seeing a 20-30% return. I’m scared that there may be some who never come back. 

3.  I feel detached!                                                                                                                                                            

While trying to keep in touch with as many as I can, I know I’m falling way short. Many of you haven’t been contacted for quite some time and likely also feel detached.  While sending texts, posting videos, and sending emails gets info out, it’s not the same as doing life together.  I feel detached. 

However, I also know I’m not alone. God’s Word has sufficiently reminded me of His presence with me. If I’m wrong, I will apologize. While I’m scared, I know God is faithful. He cares more about His church than I do and He said He’d build it. And, I know this won’t last forever. We’ll eventually gather more- whether in large groups or at least in small groups soon. 

So, how do I move forward?

1.  I keep praying and seeking counsel. God is our guide and our leadership team is unified & dependable. We will continue to be flexible- keeping you informed. 

2.  I’ll pray along with Jesus for the Father’s protection over everyone of you. He’s interceding at the right hand of the Father for each and everyone of us, right this very moment. 

3.  I’m working with our Life Group team to launch as many groups as we can this Fall- for adults, teens, and kids.  We’ll have as many opportunities to meet as safely as we can in person and on line.  I can’t wait for my group to meet again and am putting a request in for Mike Hoopsick’s stuffed cheesecake apples!  :)

Hope to see you Sunday online (recorded from Freeport Beach) for part 6 of REMAIN.   If you missed "3 Reasons to Skip Church Online", click here:  https://www.facebook.com/OrchardBeachAssembly/photos/a.524371837692808/1864105030386142/  

Love, Troy

--

3 REASONS TO SKIP CHURCH ONLINE

1.  It's just not the same as meeting in person!  This is true.  Nothing can replace the experience of being together, singing together, joining together- physically and socially and spiritually. It's not the same!

2.  More time with my family has been wonderful!  I hope this has been true for you.  My family has been able to do more on Sunday's together recreationally.  And we have enjoyed it!  Fun stuff with family has been wonderful!

3.  I tend to scroll thru several things- not getting much out of anything!  This is a temptation.  We are used to scrolling quickly.  We like to see what everyone else is up to so we don't sit in one place very long---the result--didn't get much out of it!  It's harder to keep my attention when I can easily - click - and go elswhere quickly!

However, I know the quickest way to disconnect from God is to disconnect from His people and His Word.  God's Word is nourishment for my soul, and the Lord knows I need help!  If I'm not intentional about staying connected- it's so easy to drift away. While it's summer and it's great to enjoy fun stuff with my family - without God- we have nothing.  Me, my wife, and my kids--we need God's word more than ever before.  No, watching on line is not the same as meeting in person but it is so much more than simply skipping.  Besides- because we can watch at any time- fun family times can still be had!

So, here are a few ways to make the most of it:

1.  Set a time and show up.  Just like going to church on time -decide when you will participate on line. Greet and welcome your family members to a location to watch.  It could be Sunday morning, Sunday night, or any other time.  Note--to comment & communicate live with others---check in at 9:15 or 11 am.  

2.  Use a computer, laptop, or hand held devices.  My family plugs our laptop into our TV and we watch together.  What's nice is being able to share, talk, etc without bothering people --like we would in church. 

3.  Commit to be part of the whole service.  Grab a cup of coffee, pick up your bible and tune in--really--give your attention to the service.  Sing outloud or in your head.  Circle or underline things in your bible.   If on the live Face book feed--make comments as you go along.  

4.  Let God use you.  Ask family members- concerning the message, what do you feel the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about?  What stood out to you?  Share the service with a friend or family member.   Invite them over, decide to watch together or share the message video with others through social media.  With a couple clicks--God is using you to share His world and your church with others! 

Have a great weekend!  I hope to meet with you Sunday online (filmed from Eaton Reservoir)

--

help for uncertain times

While we are all doing our best to get back to more normalcy and enjoy more freedoms, the truth is - no one knows where this is all headed.  Some believe its not as bad as it's made it out to be.  Other's believe, the worst is still to come. What do we do?  How are we supposed to cope wth such levels of uncertainty?  Fortunately, God's word speaks to this.  This may help:

1.  Stay in God's Word:  If you missed it, check out this past Sunday's message -"4 Promises in Times of Uncetainty" -Remain part 4.   https://www.orchardbeach.church/sermons/

2.  Pray.  I know that may sound trite.  But scripture is clear- when you don't know what to do-pray!  God is calling us out of prayerlessness.  We are in a season of "remaining/waiting".  Meet with the Lord every day.  Fix your eyes on Jesus and talk to him.  Ask yourself -what is the Spirit saying to me?  He'll speak to you.  Soon we will release a new fasting and prayer guide for the HOME -specifically for all your family members.  Church is where you are!

3.  Share with others.  There is no better way to help yourself than to help others.  Reach out, call, send a text or email. Invite others to watch our messages with you or SHARE our messages with people you love through social media. Spread the gospel!  God is working through you!.   

Please know, we love you and trust tthat thru these trials, God is beginning a NEW work in you!

--

UPDATE ON GATHERINGS:

While we've had a great 3 weeks of safely gathering, due to the latest guidelines given by governor Wolf, for no indoor gatherings of over 25, we have decided we will have no in-person Sunday services until further notice. Tough decision!

We look forward to joining you on line this Sunday at 9:15 & 11 AM for part 4 of our REMAIN series - "4 Promises for Uncertain Times" (We'll have a live Facebook host for each service.  Please check in and let us know you are with us). Messages are also available on our website: www.orchardbeach.church and on Youtube.

WHAT ABOUT OUR "REMAINING/WAITING" FOCUS?

This continues to be our posture.  This is a season of focused and intentional prayer.  We'll focus more on this in the HOME.  

Fasting:  our 21 days comes to an end this Sunday, July 19. Thank you for joining us.  

Prayer:  a new Fasting and Prayer Guide for the HOME and your family will be provided soon. 

CONTINUING TO BE THE CHURCH

The church is where you are!

Our firefighters expressed their great appreciation for our support through our Food Parade!  Thanks to all who were able to participate.

SERVE:  Our next united opportunity to serve our community (Time to Shine) is to provide backpacks and clothing for children needing help.  (Adopt a Student- organized thru the NE Council of Churches)  We have 20 students for Orchard Beach to adopt.  Please help!  Call the church office at 725-3435 or reply to this email to get details on a child you can help.  Deadline for turning in items is Monday, August 10th.  

GIVE:  As always, thank you so much for your faithful giving to the Lord.  While the month of June was a little low, we continue to pay our bills, support our missionaries, and resource our minsitries.  This couldn't happen without your giving.  We need your giving also as we look forward to eventially hiring staff for Youth/Media.  If you haven't experienced the convenience of online giving yet, you may pursue it at   https://www.orchardbeach.church/give/ 

GATHER:  Life groups are in summer mode of gathering in groups of less than 25 for picnics, recreation, friendship.  If you need help in finding a place to gather, please contact us and we'll set you up.  

May the Lord strengthen you and keep you safe as your REMAIN in Him..  

--

from pastor troy...

Isn't it true - when you sense God calling you to pray and you do it- it feels good!  It does!  It feels good to know YOU have met with God.  As you know Orchard Beach is in a season of "remaining/waiting" - prayer.  Let's feel good together- and pray!  

1.  Please listen to this Sunday's message:  "How God equips us to speak to a world that hates us."  We need to be ready!  We need to have a voice!  Full Sunday messages are only available on line (Facebook at 9:15 AM -  We have a live host ready to meet you and chat together live)  It can also be viewed on demand on our website:  www.orchardbeach.church and on Youtube.  

2.  Join us for prayer and worship at 10:30 AM.  I know the mask thing is a pain and real issue for many. Also some are at more risk.  But if you are feeling safe to get out, let's get out.  This is primarily for prayer & worship (remaining/waiting)  We are believing for conversions, healings, baptisms, and God's preparation for what He has ahead.!  One thought- view the message online and them join us at 10:30 for prayer and worship- experiencing God's presence together!.  Please wear a mask unless medically unable. 

*If you have not been baptized since you have believed, the tank is ready for you each week.    

3.  What about my kids?  Bring them to have someone pray over them!  We realize the unique challenges that come with having children with you.  Yet we want our children to experience the presence of God.  Please free free to come and go as you need.  Also, our nursery and toddler rooms will be open for parents to get away, feed, or change young ones.  (Activity packets will also be available).   

3.  If you haven't jumped on board our church fast, it's not too late.  Here is a guide for fasting with a prayer outline:  https://www.orchardbeach.church/   What we do in the physical releases what God wants to do in the spiritual! 

Come on- believe with me- the best is yet to come!  Wether you can make it or not, pray. It feels good!  :)  Have a great weekend!

ORCHARD BEACH UPDATE:

June 23, 2020

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REGATHERING

We're not rushing back to activity; we're coming back to a fresh encounter - "REMAIN"

We're excited! The doors of Orchard Beach Assembly are reopening for anyone who needs help or wants to join in an emphasis to help others. We are expecting to encounter the Lord. Our desire is not to rush back to activity and things as usual, but to come back to a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit. With all that is happening in our community, country and the world, from the pandemic, to drug deaths, to the divisiveness & lawlessness, the perceived weakening of the church, to the racial tensions, to the mental health epidemic, to the challenges in our schools, to the millions of people going on unemployment, etc, Orchard Beach will regather Sunday mornings to cooperatively meet with God and call on Him for what only He can do. (prayer & worship)

We believe the Lord is guiding us and is specifically saying:

-I want you to "remain/wait" and pray - because....

-I want to cause people to give up their sins

-I want to heal people- mind and body

-I want to strengthen people and meet tangible needs

-I want to fill everyone with my Spirit

-I want to embolden everyone to speak about Jesus

There will be a brief message with prayer, worship, and specific opportunities for the laying on of hands and water baptism. The focus will be on relaxing in God's presence and following the words given to the church when it first began: "Repent, then and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,.." Acts 4:19.

WHEN ARE WE REGATHERING?

Sunday, June 28th - One service at 10:30 AM

(for those who don't feel safe enough to regather yet because of Covid-19, we completely understand and would respect your decision not to attend yet).

SHOULD WE WEAR A MASK?

We "highly recommend" wearing masks and hope you do, but this will not be policed by staff or volunteers. It's important to understand there are a variety of reasons why some may come and are not able to wear a mask. Let's keep the spirit of unity and respect any differences. (Staff and volunteers will be wearing masks while serving except Pastor Troy while speaking and the worship team while leading from far up front).

HOW WILL WE ENTER & EXIT?

--we will all enter and exit thru our North doors only (Main and handicapped entrances)

--we ask that if you are able to please park on South side of building to give closer parking to those who have more trouble getting around

--we will have a no-touch environment: no hand shaking or elbow bumps, no refreshments, no hymnals, offering plates, bulletins, etc.

--we will have several hand sanitizing stations

--we will keep the six foot guidelines except if requesting special prayer with the laying on of hands or with water baptism

--we will all enter and exit in an orderly fashion keeping the guidelines and not lingering in the lobby to socialize (feel free to meet outside)

--we will have every other pew closed off and ask you to keep the 6ft guidelines. (family members may sit together).

--we will dismiss everyone row by row, from back to front.

WHAT ABOUT KIDS MINISTRY

--no kids ministry will be provided at this time

--we encourage parents to bring supplies for their children (like coloring books) and feel free to slip out whenever necessary - no guilt, no shame! :)

--the nursery & toddler rooms will be available and supplied for parents who may need to feed & change young children.

--kids resources will continue to be made available online

HOW WE WILL RECEIVE COMMUNION/OFFERING

--offering plates will not be passed. If you are unable to give online, offering envelopes will be available at Guest Information to leave in a bucket at Guest Information.

--when communion is offered it will be available in individualized packages

WILL THERE STILL BE ONLINE SERVICES?

Yes! Our Sunday video messages will continue to be posted. While connected by topic, these will be different and separate from our Sunday gathering times. We're beginning a brand new series called "Remain - Expecting What Only God Can Do"