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God answered our prayers in so many special ways at the March 18 Women’s Event, Nourish Your Soul. Nearly 250 women in attendance, about 15% were visitors/guests. We gathered in our new Student Ministries Center, decorated in fresh spring colors, and overall it was a refreshing morning that included worship, teaching, fellowship around tables, food, and an intergenerational panel discussion. Kristen Wetherell was our main speaker.  She greatly encouraged women and challenged us to pursue time in God’s Word through creative ways and by treasuring the weekly preached Word as our “main meal” each week.

Many women asked for help in finding LIFE Groups after this event, including an 89-year-old woman who said a high school student at her table told her to “just go for it” and join a group. 42 women volunteered to serve through prayer, as greeters, serving refreshments, leading worship, creating décor, and helping with media support. Lastly, our panel discussion was comprised of four women: a teenager, a mom of young kids, an empty-nester, and a single woman. This intergenerational panel shared about a season when they found it difficult to read God’s Word regularly, what hindered them in that season, and what practical steps/habits helped them to return to nourish their souls.

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Barbra 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!

Dan and Betty Chung | Crossing Borders

December 27, 2024
Dan and Betty Chung are members of The Orchard and co-founders of the mission of Crossing Borders. Crossing Borders was established in 2003 by several Christians of Korean and Chinese descent who felt a burden for the North Korean people during a time of severe famine and starvation. During (and following) the Great North Korean Famine from 1995 to 1998, there has been a large exodus of refugees from the country. Watch this SHINE Story to learn more about how Dan and Betty are shining with the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children in China and South Korea. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
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