As I have been preaching through reconciliation and forgiveness I have felt led to tie it all together this Sunday with a message on communion. True reconciliation and forgiveness are only possible because of what Jesus Christ has done for us and we are reminded of that when we take communion. I plan to teach on this and weave an explanation of why we do what we do in communion during the sermon. I tell you this because many of the kids who normally participate in communion will be in their respective Sunday School classes during that time and will miss it. While discussing this as a staff we thought it would be a great opportunity for parents to pick up a CD and listen to it with their children followed by some conversation. It is our hope that this will be a way we can help encourage deeper theological discussion amongst our families and support you in your efforts to train your children in the way of the Lord.

I hope it proves to be another great Sunday and I look forward to seeing many of you on this special Labor Day Weekend!

I am sure you have seen the poster and all of the signs plastered in the church announcing our Fall Home Group Series entitled ‘Just Walk Across the Room.’ This is an incredible six week home group study that starts in two weeks! Groups will begin meeting the week of September 12th.

This series is sure to change the way you look at personal evangelism. We can get so fearful and scared when it comes to sharing our faith because we have been taught that you have to lead someone to Christ through the sinner’s prayer to be ‘successful’ at evangelism. This is not the case. We just have to be willing to listen to the Lord and be willing to point people to their next right step that moves them closer to a relationship with Christ. The next right step may be becoming friends with someone or inviting them to dinner or bringing them to home group. Whatever it is, we just have to be ready and willing.

If you have not signed up for a group, I would encourage you to do so today! I guarantee you will not be disappointed. If you have signed up for a group or are leading a group, who have you invited to join you? Why not take the first step and invite your friends and family and co-workers to join your group? You will be glad you did!

Blessings,

These are the age groups and classrooms for your children DUE TO PROMOTION:

The small group model is an integral part of the life and body of the Church of the Holy Spirit-Orchard Hills. Our church has been founded upon the group model and has benefited from the intimacy and discipleship, which results from meeting together in a small group environment.

Groups are designed to create a safe and inviting environment for individuals to share common experiences and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and each other through fellowship, Bible study and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life and spiritual maturity.

Two types of groups available at Orchard Hills:

Discipleship Groups—are small groups of 4 to 5 individuals of the same gender

Home groups—are comprised of 12 to 15 people who meet weekly in the home of one of the group members.

If you are interested in joining a group, please contact Scott Obenchain @977-6800 or scotto@chsorchardhills.com.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17