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

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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)

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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!

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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..  

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OBA Independence Day update

JULY 3, 2020

Hi Orchard Beach friend

Happy Independence Day weekend! 

If you haven't heard, we've entered a season of "reamining/waiting"!  As we've begun to regather on Sundays at 10:30 AM, our focus is on prayer and worship. We need God.  We need to seek God.  Our community and nation need us to pray.  And, as we look at the beginings of the early church, we see they came together to wait & pray for the Holy Spirit.  We need to pray together. 

This Sunday: (to be in compliance with our governor's orders --masks will now be REQUIRED)

1.  There will be preservice prayer for all who'd like to participate 10-10:30am

2.  Service will begin at 10:30am with a powerful testimony--encouraging us to be READY & have our priorities in line.

3.  Our worship team will lead us into the presence of God thru song

4.  Several leaders will lead in focused prayers

5.  An opportunity will be given for anyone who needs prayer for anything or to be baptized.in water    

(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.  Packages of crayons will also be available).   

Have fun this weekend and be safe!