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I have been blessed with strength and good health for most of my life but recently, my doctor referred me to a surgeon who recommended that I have surgery as soon as possible. I found myself facing a daunting procedure. I prayed that God would give me courage and discernment to make the right decisions. Today I thank God for leading me to attend a Women's LIFE Group when I first came to The Orchard. We meet once a week to spend time in the Word, discuss the sermon, offer prayer requests, and encourage and pray for each other. The women in my LIFE Group listened patiently to my concerns, "Would the surgery go well and be successful? Who would be with me and help me as I recovered at home? How would I navigate the stairs in my house? Would I be leaving the hospital to go home on the day of surgery?"

God richly blessed me through the prayers and efforts of these faithful friends and sisters in Christ. They prayed for me, texted, phoned, offered to make meals, drive me to appointments, came to visit and bring lunch, sent books to read and even offered a day of their time. They took on my cares and anxieties and gave me a sense of peace during a difficult time. I'm reminded of the verse Matthew 25:36, "I was sick and you visited me..."

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Shannon's Baptism | Barrington

March 28, 2025
At my baptism, I shared my testimony with The Orchard Barrington, and I am so excited to share a bit about my journey leading up to this moment. In middle school, I decided to come to faith at the Orchard Winter retreat. During worship service, I became so overwhelmed by the love for Jesus I felt by everyone around me and made the decision to commit my life to him. Since then, having gone through the majority of my time in High school, it has been hard balancing my faith and desire for Jesus, with the worldly ideas and attitudes I often feel so surrounded by. I have been challenged by the comparison, loneliness, and jealousy that can often seem to overshadow God's presence in my heart.

Barbara May Baptism | Arlington Heights

February 13, 2025
At my baptism, I shared how God has worked in my life, and how He continues to work to this very day. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church and had some early religious upbringing. I always knew of God and cannot remember a time without this faith. However, I took it for granted. I did not live my life in relationship with Christ; rather I lived in utter disobedience. I was a sinner, and while a sin is a sin, I counted many of mine as absolutely unforgiveable. I never humbled myself to even ask for forgiveness. I just kept living my wild life. I would cry out to him for help when I was in dire straits, and despite my sinful ways …. he would rescue me. Time and time again.

The Orchard North Shore | Children's Ministry

January 10, 2025
In 2024, The Orchard North Shore hosted their very first Orchard Kids Week, a VBS-style program geared specifically toward unchurched kids and families. The Orchard North Shore had 61 kids attend (21 of whom were unchurched!). Their hope was twofold: that kids would hear the gospel and that some who don’t know Jesus would sign up for Awana in the Fall. One young girl did sign up for Awana and was given her first Bible. When she was told that the Bible was hers to keep, she couldn’t wait to start reading it! From an invitation to VBS, to signing up for Awana, to consuming God’s Word, it’s evident the Lord is at work in this young girl’s heart. Praise God for all the work He has done at The Orchard North Shore!