Orchard Conversations

This week Anna Hammond takes us into the fifth Beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." In this passage we find reminders that mercy is more than just compassion and forgiveness and that mercy is at the very root of God's being. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: Where in your life do you need to be shown mercy? Who do you struggle to show mercy towards? •...

This week we hit the halfway point of our series, "The Jesus Sermon", as Lead Pastor Scott Hodge takes us into the fourth Beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." As we examine this passage, Scott helps us recontextualize the concept of justice and asks us to consider how we, as Christ followers, can bring restorative justice to our world. ••...

As we continue our series "The Jesus Sermon", Benjamin Jay Thomas leads us by taking a look at the third Beatitude, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth". We see what true meekness looks like and how this countercultural value can bring us closer to God. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: How do you define “meekness” in your own words, and how does this differ from...

As we continue our series "The Jesus Sermon", Anna Hammond guides us as we examine the second Beatitude, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted". Through this Beatitude, we are given permission to mourn and come to understand that, though there is much to grieve in the world at large and in our own lives, we will find comfort in God and in our community.  ••• Question for contem...

This week, we begin our new series, “The Jesus Sermon,” diving into the Beatitudes and their radical vision for a life aligned with God’s values. We start with “Poor in Spirit,” exploring what it means to reach the end of our rope and find, in that humility, a deeper connection to the Divine. Join us as we uncover how these ancient teachings speak to our present moment, offering hope, peace, and a...

CHAPTER 5 - "Are any of you suffering hardships?" This week, we look at James 5:13-20, and how a community built on prayer and vulnerability can lead to healing and transformation for all its members. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: How has prayer been a lifeline for you in times of difficulty or joy, and in what ways might you be invited to deepen your practice of prayer? How can...

CHAPTER 5 - "Now listen, you rich people..." This week, we look at James 5:1-12, and explore how we can be people who approach huge problems of injustice like economic differences, caring for the environment, and even political divides with a sense of abundance first and trust in one another. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: How do my own attitudes and actions contribute to or perp...

CHAPTER 4 - "You don't know the first thing about tomorrow..." This week, we dive into James 4:13-17, exploring what it means to live in the present and let go of our need to control the future. Building on last week’s message, we talk about how to embrace the moment and be open to the ways we can show love in our everyday lives. Join us for a time of reflection and conversation as we learn to tru...

CHAPTER 4 - "You want what you don't have..." This week, we dive into James 4:1-10, where we confront the internal conflicts that disrupt our peace and learn how they connect to the broader conflicts in our world. Discover how to find true, lasting peace in the midst of life’s storms as we align our hearts with God’s will. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: Where are we at war within...

CHAPTER 3 - "If we could control our tongues..." This weekend we continue our “Beyond Words” series, diving into the third Chapter of James for inspiration on how to live out a life of aligned action.  ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: What goodness and beauty can you name, out loud, in your life right now? What goodness can you name in others? Can you share those words with them? (...

CHAPTER 2 - "Love others as you love yourself." This weekend we continue our “Beyond Words” series, where we’ll dive into the second chapter of James. We’ll explore the radical call to love our neighbors as ourselves, challenging us to extend true hospitality and compassion in a world that desperately needs it. Let’s gather to reflect on how we can put our faith into action and make a difference i...

CHAPTER 1 - "You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." Join us for “Beyond Words: James’ Perspective on Actionable Faith,” a five-week teaching series exploring the practical wisdom of the Book of James. Each week, we’ll walk through one of the five chapters, focusing on the vital importance of living out our faith rather than merely believing it in our heads or talki...

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO? - WEEK 6 Join us for the final conversation in our “The Bible Tells Me So?” series as we explore the phrase “The Bible Says It. I Believe It. That Settles It.” We’ll delve into its origins, discuss its implications, and challenge the black-and-white thinking it represents. In a time of deep polarization, we’ll consider how this mindset affects our faith and society, seeking...

Summer seems to pass by in the blink of an eye. In honor of the holiday weekend, Scott, Anna, and Benjamin take a pause from our regular series to reflect on the lessons and experiences of this summer. We’ll discuss what we’re learning, how life is teaching us, and our intentions for the rest of the season. Tune in for insights on staying present and connected to our families and relationships. ••...

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO? - WEEK 5 This week, we explore Jesus' statement, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and discuss its broader, inclusive implications for our lives and faith. Join Lead Pastor Scott Hodge and Benjamin Jay Thomas as they discuss new and transformative insights about this phrase. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: What does it mean to you personally to follow...

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO? - WEEK 4 Have you ever heard the phrase “money is the root of all evil”? This week, we’re taking a closer look at this familiar saying. Is it really from the Bible, and what does it truly mean for our lives? We’ll delve into its origins, uncover surprising insights, and challenge common misconceptions. How does this belief shape our views on wealth and influence our actions?...

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO? - WEEK 3 This week, we jump back into our conversation series “The Bible Says So?” as we explore the saying, "God helps those who help themselves." We’ve all heard this statement roll off our tongues or the tongues of others. And there’s a lot of truth in it, right? Taking ownership of our lives feels pretty important. But what about those who aren’t in positions to help the...

This week, as our community based in Aurora, Illinois celebrates Pride Month, we revisit our community value of Hospitality with a throwback sermon from Lead Pastor Scott Hodge. Sometimes we can go our entire lives without being truly seen. The spirit of Hospitality empowers us to see each other exactly as we are, and welcome each other with wide open arms. Today we reflect on this value and how t...

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO? - WEEK 2 This week, we continue our conversation series “The Bible Says So?” as we explore the saying “love the sinner, hate the sin.” We discuss the origins of this phrase, why it’s commonly used, and the significant problems it presents, especially when it comes to defining and interpreting “sin” in our contemporary context. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation:...

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO? - WEEK 1 As we begin a new series, “The Bible Tells Me So?”, where we examine conventional wisdom often assumed to be biblical truth, this week we explore the statement “God never gives you more than you can handle,” uncovering its origins, truths, potential harms, and the deeper hope we find in community and God’s support. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: Wh...

This week, we wrap up the Easter Season with a Pentecost Liturgy, celebrating the annual movement of God through the Spirit. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: What languages is the Holy Spirit nudging you to speak that you’ve never spoken before? What stories do you need to listen to that you have not listened to before? ••• To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchard...

This week at the Orchard we take time to celebrate the mothers and mothering people in our lives as well as celebrate Ascension Sunday; and Lead Pastor Scott Hodge reminds us that the Ascension of Christ was about presence transformed, not presence removed. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: What liminal space are you inhabiting right now, and what lessons might be emerging as you wa...

This week we’ll explore an account from the book of Acts, where early Christians have their expectations about inclusion challenged. How can this story inspire us to move beyond our own cultural and conventional boundaries? Join the conversation and discover the Spirit's call to radical inclusivity. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: Where do you experience confirmation bias? What bi...

This week, as we continue our Easter journey, we delve into Jesus' teachings on abiding in God's love and maintaining our connection to the Source. Join us as Scott Hodge explores the practical and hopeful implications of these teachings for us today. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: How often do you find yourself measuring your 'spiritual success' by the amount of 'fruit' you prod...

This weekend we continue our resurrection journey with an exploration of what it means to truly engage with the love of the “Good Shepherd” described in this week’s lectionary readings. ••• Question for contemplation and conversation: What are the “hired hands” that you tend to turn to for comfort and security? Where is the Holy Spirit inviting you to draw from the love of the Good Shepherd to lea...