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It was Easter 2021, one of the very first services I had attended at The Orchard North Shore campus. What struck me was the very different experience I had that day compared to the experiences I had grown accustomed to, attending a Christian church with my grandparents in my youth. This experience was one of joy, excitement, and happiness. A jubilance I had never felt at church before. This almost tangible feeling was what church should feel like!

So, in the Fall of 2021, I joined a LIFE Group, where the Lord has grown my faith tremendously through its teachings, discussions, and relationships.


A year later—just this past Fall—I walked through an exceptionally tough season, losing three very close friends and family members in just 3 weeks. Not having time to grieve through one loss before diving into another was impossibly hard, but I found myself turning to the Lord to carry me, particularly through the power of prayer.

On November 15, sitting at the bedside of my ailing grandfather as he drew his last breath, I called my LIFE Group leader and requested prayer for my grandfather, that the Lord would welcome him with open arms, and prayer for me to make it through yet another loss.


These incredibly challenging experiences highlighted for me the hope I have in Christ. Saved by grace through faith, I have surrendered myself to Him and know I am not deserving of the gift he has given me. The victory is ours. Salvation is mine; and He is truly my living hope. For me, this is more than enough. This is all that matters.


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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!