Our family has gone through the adoption process twice. Each story or journey is unique, yet God made it clear that he was in control in both of our journeys. Our three adopted boys are gifts from the Lord. I cannot imagine a world where I am not their mother, yet I...
Week 1: Start the Conversation As we begin Black History Month, start by considering why this month is worth honoring and celebrating. Below is a blog written by Gwen Walker, a long-time CCC member who has contributed so much to our church. We're so grateful for her...
Take a moment to read Martin Luther King Jr.’s words and reflect on the importance of his work, standing for love, justice, and equality.
I love Christmas music. Well, maybe it’s more the lyrics of Christmas music that has my affection. My conscience is not offended to hear songs about Santa Claus or reindeer or snowmen or chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But, truth be told, my favorite Christmas...
During this time of pandemic, it can be very easy to feel distanced from others and from God as we observe social distancing and spend more and more time at home. But, despite the obstacles, this can be a time where we draw near to the Lord, seeking his strength and...
Psalm 139:10 “Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” After my son was born, I went through an unexpectedly dark season. In a time of immense joy, a dark fog descended on my heart as I battled postpartum depression. I remember feeling...
Christmas season is almost here, and with it a new season of Advent. If you are anything like me, you may have found yourself wondering at one time or another: What exactly is Advent? Advent (derived from the Latin word adventus which means “coming” or “arrival”) is...
In a year that has been anything but normal, I’m finding it difficult to focus on the upcoming holidays. How about you? Does the thought of Christmas coming bring you joy or fear? Let us talk about how to make Christmas a season of joy. Years ago, the Christmas theme...
We know from the Bible that Sabbath rest is an important discipline for any Christian. But, with busy schedules and stressful mornings, getting to church can sometimes feel like just another thing on an ever-growing to-do list. If you have ever felt this way before,...
This summer, we had the privilege of welcoming two new church planters to the Orchard NEO team, Josh and Ray. Josh relocated his family from Southern Indiana, and Ray and his family have joined us from the Chicago area. They are both already hard at work learning...
Can you imagine hope fulfilled? What about a place where hope is found? I think if we are honest with ourselves, hope in itself is more promising than having it be fulfilled. Am I right? One thing we know for certain about hope is that it will always be there. I guess...
Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness? Maybe it was somebody paying for your coffee, a surprise batch of homemade cookies waiting for you at work, or an encouraging note from an old friend. No matter how big or how small, when people go out of...