Our region is rife with stress, and stress is often thought of as an unavoidable effect of life in our lives. Really? There is always sorrow in life, but a great deal of our suffering is caused by our own self-destructive behaviors which are futile attempts to fill our emptiness. Success doesn't take this path …

If ever there was a word that is fading into history, it is the word "encouragement". In today's world, we much prefer giving and receiving "affirmation", but affirmation is much different than encouragement ... they do different things. What's more, God doesn't seem to tell us much about affirmation, but there's many lessons of encouragement that can be found in the Bible.

Do you want to know the power of encouragement? I thought you did ...

This message shows how we should start the new year by accepting God to change us in His will.

This message shows how God orchestrates our Good.

This time of the year we all focus on giving and receiving gifts. God has the strength to grant us what we truly need, freedom from that which binds us.

This message shows how we are to show mercy to other to bring out their potential for God.

This message shows how we can allow God to use us through our weaknesses

For several years, The Orchard has provided key financial and prayer support to a missionary family that ministers to the Uyghers in Kazakhstan (near the Chinese border). Their long journey has helped to establish a small Christian community in a strong Mulsim region. For their safety and protection, The Orchard does not publicize their mission and we do not print their names ... however, they will be speaking both during our morning service and during our luncheon (yes, they can tell you their names on Sunday). They are an inspirational story of people who sacrifice the comforts of American life to advance the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

This message finishes up the Dream Painting series with a message on how we are to give up our dreams for what we think is good to obtain the best that God wants from us.