The Orchard Podcast

Our Lenten journey continues with Anna Hammond inviting us to reflect on the story of the Prodigal Son. We are reminded that our journey toward wholeness is not a straight line and it's never too late to rediscover the lost things in our lives.

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What if Lent isn’t about striving, but about trusting that new life is still possible? Join us online this Third Sunday of Lent as Scott Hodge unpacks Jesus’ parable of the fig tree—a story about patience, hope, and a God who refuses to give up on us.

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Our Lenten journey continues with Lead Pastor Scott Hodge reminding us how we can return to God's loving embrace and turn from the fears and distractions that keep us from hearing God's call.

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QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION AND CONVERSATION:

Where in your life do you sense God longing to gather you — to hold you, love you, remind you that you belong? What would it look like to stop running and let yourself be gathered? And what’s one small way you can say “yes” to that invitation this week?
What are the “foxes” in your life right now — the fears, distractions, or voices that keep you from trusting God’s love? What do those voices sound like, and where do they show up? And how might you gently turn toward God’s voice of love instead? What helps you hear that voice?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week, we’re talking about the struggle to feel worthy, seen, and enough—and how the Transfiguration invites us to stop striving and start seeing ourselves clearly. What if transformation isn’t about becoming someone new, but about uncovering the light that’s already within you?

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QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION AND CONVERSATION:

Where are you at war with yourself?
Where is the war stopping you from taking action and responding to the call in your life?
Where are you trying to fit into someone else's idea of success or joy?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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Another week of Epiphany brings us to some of Jesus' most famous words: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who persecute you.” Anna Hammond shows us how to reexamine this text and apply it to our everyday lives.

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This week we continue our Epiphany journey with an introspective examination of the human heart — can we trust it? Can we trust our instincts? How do we make choices that are truly “spirit-led”?

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QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION AND CONVERSATION:

What’s been nourishing you?

What’s been draining you?

What do you need to let go of?

Where is God calling you to plant yourself?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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We continue our Epiphany series with Lead Pastor Scott Hodge taking a look at the themes of faith and abundance found in today's reading from the gospel of Luke, in which Jesus tells Simon Peter to drop his fishing nets again where he has already failed to catch anything. Scott asks the poinant question: Do we have eyes to see the surprising ways in which God moves in the midst of situations whose outcome we think we already know?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week, we delve into one of the most renowned passages in the Bible—Paul’s profound discourse on love in 1 Corinthians 13, a scripture often recited at weddings. In our current cultural and political climate, what insights can we draw from this timeless teaching to guide our words and actions today?

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QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION AND CONTEMPLATION:

Are We Open to Hard Truths?
Where in my life have I resisted a hard truth because it made me uncomfortable?
Where Is Your Prophetic Voice Needed?
Where in my life am I being called to speak truth in love?
Are We Willing to Face Resistance?
What holds me back from speaking the truth in love? Fear? Complacency? A need to be liked?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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The season of Epiphany continues with Lead Pastor Scott Hodge reminding us of the beauty, essentiality, and connectedness of a body made of many different parts.

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QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION AND CONVERSATION:

When you look at your daily life—your workplace, family, or community—what is one practical way you can bring “good news” to someone in need this week?
How can we as followers of Jesus actively engage in peacemaking and justice in ways that reflect his kingdom values? What does it look like for you to live out this mission in the spaces you occupy every day—your workplace, family, or neighborhood?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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As we continue through the season of Epiphany this year, we unexpectedly encounter Jesus’ very first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding and Benjamin Jay Thomas shares some unexpected truths that can transform our lives.

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QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION AND CONVERSATION:

Where has “the wine run out” in your life?
What old ways do you need to let go of?
How can you embrace abundance over scarcity?
When have you shifted from hesitation to action?
What signs are pointing you toward transformation?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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We continue the season of Epiphany by looking at the story of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism and we ponder how we can face the reality of ourselves and become who God has created us to be.

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What would our lives look like if we fully believed God's grace has already saved us and we don't need to change anything about ourselves to earn God's love? This week, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge guides us into the new year by asking us each to consider what God is inviting us to become.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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Join us this week as Benjamin Jay Thomas shares a teaching, music and poetry for the fourth week of Advent and the Winter Solstice.

Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, and preparation—setting the stage for a deeper connection with the sacred and the present moment. As we journey together through this season, we’ll reflect on themes of hope, renewal, and what it means to wait with intention. Join us as we step into Advent with open hearts, ready to embrace the beauty of this time.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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Join us this week as we continue our journey of Advent, preparing our lives and hearts for the Christ light entering into the world, with Scott Hodge sharing a teaching on the powerful hope and transformation in Luke 3:7-18.

Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, and preparation—setting the stage for a deeper connection with the sacred and the present moment. As we journey together through this season, we’ll reflect on themes of hope, renewal, and what it means to wait with intention. Join us as we step into Advent with open hearts, ready to embrace the beauty of this time.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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In this second week of Advent, Anna Hammond takes us into the story of Zechariah as we ask ourselves how can we make room for the peace of Christ in this season of anticipation.

Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, and preparation—setting the stage for a deeper connection with the sacred and the present moment. As we journey together through this season, we’ll reflect on themes of hope, renewal, and what it means to wait with intention. Join us as we step into Advent with open hearts, ready to embrace the beauty of this time.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

This weekend we mark the beginning of the Advent season with a teaching by Scott Hodge. Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, and preparation—setting the stage for a deeper connection with the sacred and the present moment. As we journey together through this season, we’ll reflect on themes of hope, renewal, and what it means to wait with intention. Join us as we step into Advent with open hearts, ready to embrace the beauty of this time.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

This week marks our annual “Thadvent” liturgy (yes, our playful merging of Thanksgiving and Advent)! Join us as Scott, Anna, and Benjamin reflect on what we’re grateful for and share simple, practical tips for showing up as our full selves around the Thanksgiving table with our families this year.

Benjamin Jay Thomas will also debut his brand-new mantrasong, “Older Than Time.”

We also invite you to share in this Thanksgiving Table Liturgy with your family - theorchardcommunity.com/thanksgiving

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What are some practical ways you've used to bring peace or positivity to challenging family gatherings

In this season of gratitude, who is someone you can reach out to with a word of encouragement or appreciation? How could a small gesture of gratitude become a gift for them and for you?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week we invite you to join us as our team engages in a conversation about the Beatitudes series we just wrapped up, noting the impact these teachings have had on us personally, as well as some observations about what they could mean for us collectively if we fully embraced them.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Reflecting on our journey through the beatitudes, which of these teachings has made the deepest personal impact on you, and how has it shifted your perspective or actions in daily life?

If we truly, wholeheartedly embraced the beatitudes—not just as ideas, but as daily lived realities—what do you imagine would change in our own lives? What might we need to let go of to make space for that transformation?

What is one action—perhaps even a bold one—that each of us could take if we fully trusted the values of the beatitudes? How can we support each other in stepping into this kind of courageous, love-centered way of living?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week, we continue in the Gospel of Matthew and read beyond the Beatitudes, looking at more wisdom from Jesus spoken in his famous "Sermon on the Mount", starting with "You are the salt of the earth." With these verses in mind, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge tactfully questions how we can move forward as individuals and as a community in the wake of a divisive election and rising tension.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How are you feeling after this election?

How can you show love and compassion toward those who may be experiencing different emotions than you?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week, we conclude our series, The Jesus Sermon, by diving into the final beatitude, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Together, we’ll explore the deep wisdom in Jesus’ words about resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Join us as we reflect on what it means to live with courage and compassion, even when challenged.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Where do you fall when it comes to your politics? What values do you want to nurture in your community?

How can we be people who seed the human community with grace, who see others in need and respond with love?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week Lead Pastor Scott Hodge guides us as we look at the seventh and penultimate Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Scott reminds us of the pragmatic steps we can take to become better peacemakers in our lives in both big and small ways.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How do you currently approach conflict in your life? Consider the six practices of peacemaking (listening to understand, holding competing perspectives, owning agency, centering marginalized voices, self-interrogation, and advocacy). Which of these practices comes naturally to you, and which do you find most challenging? Why do you think that is?

Think about a recent disagreement or conflict you've experienced. How might holding competing perspectives in tension have helped you approach that situation differently? What steps could you take to better understand the other person’s point of view, even if you don’t agree with it?

Peacemaking involves not just resolving big conflicts but making daily choices to seek justice and reconciliation. How might you integrate advocacy for others in your daily life, even in small ways? What’s one concrete action you could take this week to be a peacemaker in your community?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week Benjamin Jay Thomas takes us into the sixth Beatitude, "Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God." Benjamin asks us to consider what parts of ourselves we find unlovable and how practicing self-compassion can help us see God.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What parts of yourself have you hidden away because you felt they were unlovable or unacceptable?

When was the last time you felt triggered? What might that experience have been trying to show you about yourself?

How can you practice self-compassion as you face these shadows?

How does the idea of failure as a gift resonate with you? Can you think of a time when failure helped you realign with your true self?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Where in your life do you need to be shown mercy?

Who do you struggle to show mercy towards?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

In what areas of your life do you tend to focus more on your own needs than on the needs of others? How might shifting your focus towards serving others help you experience the kind of fullness that Jesus describes?

“We don’t think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.” What is one small action you could take this week that might shift your perspective or lead to a deeper sense of justice or compassion in your everyday life?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How do you define “meekness” in your own words, and how does this differ from what society often values?

How are you using your position of power?

In what ways do you find it challenging to practice meekness in your everyday life, especially in moments of conflict or disagreement?

How might embracing a posture of meekness change the way we engage in difficult conversations, whether online, at work, or within our families?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

When you look at the world, what breaks your heart? What do you see that grieves you, and makes you sad?

Where do you need to be comforted? Perhaps that's a clue as to what needs to be mourned in your life.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 new way forward.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What assumptions have you held about the poor? How does this first beatitude challenge or disrupt those assumptions? Could this impact your generosity?

Fr. Richard Rohr: “The higher up you are in the system the more trapped you are. The more you’re outside the system, the freer you are.” Where – or how – might this be true in your life? What is your position costing you?

Our desire to strive for wealth or status often comes from fear. Where in your life do you tend towards worry and anxiety? What does this tell you about what is important to you?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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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 you practice being more vulnerable and open in your relationships, especially when it comes to confessing struggles and receiving support from others?

What role has community played in your personal healing and growth, and how can you actively contribute to making your community a place of grace and restoration?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How do my own attitudes and actions contribute to or perpetuate injustice? In what ways can I demonstrate greater compassion and solidarity with those who are suffering?

How can I work with others in my community to address issues of injustice? What are some mindset shifts I might need to make to do this well?

How can I deepen my faith and trust in God's promises, especially in the face of adversity? What practices can help me cultivate patience, perseverance, and a sense of hope?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 trust in the flow of life and find peace in the present.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How do you personally navigate the tension between planning for the future and staying fully present in the moment? What practices help you find balance?

In what areas of your life do you struggle with surrendering control? How might trusting in the divine flow change your perspective or actions in those areas?

Can you share a recent experience where you felt truly present and aware of the sacredness of the moment? How did that awareness impact your actions or thoughts in that situation?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Where are we at war within?

What desires are driving us and how are they affecting our relationships, our peace and our sense of wellbeing?

What are we trying to control that we need to surrender?

Where do we feel resistance, and how might that resistance be an invitation to let go?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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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? (If not, what is preventing you?)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 in our communities.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 talking about it. Through themes of actionable faith, radical inclusivity, and the transformative power of our words, we will embrace an embodied spirituality. Together, we will engage in meaningful discussions and activities that inspire humility, curiosity, and a deeper connection with our community. Let’s journey beyond words and embody a faith that transforms and renews.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Reflect on a time when you felt truly heard and understood. How did that experience impact your relationship with the listener?

What practices can you adopt to become a more attentive and present listener in your daily interactions?

Recall a situation where you reacted in anger. How might the outcome have been different if you had paused and responded thoughtfully?

What strategies can you use to create a space between stimulus and reaction, allowing for more compassionate responses?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 a more nuanced, compassionate approach to biblical interpretation. This thought-provoking and transformative conversation will guide us toward a deeper understanding and a more inclusive path forward.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What are some of the big influences that shaped the way you view Scripture? How has your view of the Bible changed over the course of your spiritual journey?

What does it mean to you to read the Bible with humility and curiosity? How can we have respectful conversations about Scripture with people who have diverse perspectives?

As we finish this “Bible Says So?” series, is there a particular idea or perspective you’d like to carry with you? Is there a belief or attitude you’d like to let go of as you journey forward?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What is life teaching you this summer?
What are your intentions for the rest of this summer?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What does it mean to you personally to follow 'the way, the truth, and the life' that Jesus describes?

How does rethinking Jesus' statement, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life,' as an invitation to a transformative way of living rather than an exclusive path to salvation impact your understanding of your faith?

How does shifting the focus from the afterlife to living a transformed life here and now, as Jesus taught, change the way you practice your faith and interact with others?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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? Join us as we unravel the truth behind this phrase and discover its deeper implications for our daily lives. This conversation might just change the way you think about money.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How can we have a healthy relationship with money that acknowledges its potential for both good and evil?

How can we maintain a relationship with money that takes into consideration both our rights and responsibilities?

How can we foster a community that values generosity and the ethical use of resources?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 themselves? And what about the idea of grace and relying on God’s provision? Where do we draw the line? This week, we’ll dive into all of these questions and more!

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How did thinking about the concept "God helps those who help themselves" resonate with you? How did it challenge your thinking around that need to integrate the ideas of grace and effort, faith and works, rather than seeing them as completely separate?

Looking back, can you think of a time when you tried too hard or didn't try hard enough? What can you learn from that experience?

Is there an area in your life where you might be waiting for help from God or from others? How can you apply the concept of helping yourself in a positive way? How might this conversation prompt you to ask others for help?

How have you experienced greater wholeness or greater joy in being one who helps another?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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 to live it out in our day-to-day lives.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Based on your own life experiences, background, and personal journey, what is your reaction to the phrase ‘Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin’? How has this phrase impacted your understanding of love, judgment, and community?

How does the focus on ‘hating the sin’ in others potentially distract us from our own need for personal transformation and repentance?

What might a faith community look like if it fully embraced the principle of unconditional love without the qualifier of ‘hating the sin’? How would this change the way we welcome, support, and journey with one another in our spiritual lives?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

When did you first come into contact with this idea that “God won’t give you more than you can handle”?

Can you think of a time when this statement was comforting to you, and a time when it felt minimizing, harmful, or perpetuated limiting beliefs?

Where have you experienced people being truly PRESENT with you during difficult times?

What does the story of Job teach us about hope and restoration after periods of intense suffering?

How can we better support each other within our community when someone is facing overwhelming difficulties?

How can we shift the narrative from “handling everything on our own” to embracing our need for divine and communal support?

Are there other phrases or cliches that you’ve experienced that have felt empty or hollow

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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This week, we wrap up the Easter Season with a Pentecost Liturgy, celebrating the annual movement of God through the Spirit.

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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?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What liminal space are you inhabiting right now, and what lessons might be emerging as you wait and listen in that threshold?

How can you expand your vision to recognize Christ in new ways, beyond the familiar and the expected, in your daily life?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Where do you experience confirmation bias?

What biases might you be holding onto that keep you from experiencing the fullness of life?

What preconceived beliefs, culturally assumed stories might be closing you off from experiencing the the Presence of God?

Where might Spirit be challenging your expectations right now, perhaps in a way that feels uncomfortable?

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Mentioned in today's episode:

Prayer to Overcome Confirmation Bias (by Brian McLaren):
I do not know everything. I do not even know how much I do not know. Nor do I know how much of what I know is impartial, faulty, or false. So I pray: Source of all truth, help me to hunger for truth, even if it upsets, modifies, or overturns what I already think is true. Guide me into all the truth I can bear, and stretch me to bear more, so that I may always choose the whole truth—even with disruption—over half-truths with self-deception. Grant me passion to follow wisdom wherever it leads.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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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.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How often do you find yourself measuring your 'spiritual success' by the amount of 'fruit' you produce, rather than the quality of your relationship with God? How can shifting focus from productivity to relationship change your daily faith practice?
What does the concept of 'home' mean to you in the context of your faith? How can understanding faith as a 'home'—a place of safety, love, acceptance, and connection—alter your approach to spiritual challenges and community?
In what ways do you rely on your spiritual community, and how do they rely on you? Discuss the importance of nurturing these connections and the potential consequences of neglecting them.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

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.

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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 learn to live in the pattern of gracious love?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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One this episode, as we continue to examine the disorienting but wonderful story of Resurrection, Benjamin Jay Thomas dissects this week's gospel reading from Luke 24:35-48 and reminds us that our every experience is grounded in the body and the relationship with the divine that we are invited into is a physical thing.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

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"Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith, they keep it awake and moving." - Frederick Buechner

On this episode, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge challenges us to reflect on the relationship between doubt and faith and what role they have played in our spiritual journeys.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Reflect on a time when doubt played a significant role in your spiritual journey. How did this experience challenge or deepen your faith? In what ways did your acceptance of doubt become a catalyst for growth rather than a barrier to belief.
In what ways do we seek to be seen and believed by those around us, and how can we offer the same validation and understanding to others? How can we acknowledge and validate other’s spiritual journeys, even when they differ from our own?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"A Community Canvas" - Society 57 Gala || Friday, April 12, 2024

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Self-Awareness with The Enneagram

We’ve learned a LOT about the Enneagram over the past several weeks. On this episode, we’ll dive into a conversation about how to move the information from head knowledge to life transformation through contemplative practices.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Which intelligence center do you seem to be in? What is your experience with the contemplative discipline that is most crucial to that center?
Which contemplative discipline is the one that seems to draw you in, quiet your mind and create space for the Holy Spirit in your soul?
As we leave this Enneagram series, what do you want to take with you into the next season? What do you want to leave behind?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"Enneagram at a Glance” resource
Enneagram and Lenten Resources

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Self-Awareness with The Enneagram

This week we continue our exploration of the Enneagram by examining our intelligence centers (head, heart and body), and the ways we can work with these intelligence centers to identify growth areas in our lives.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

Explore the idea of intelligence residing not just in the brain but also in the heart and gut. How does recognizing these different centers of intelligence influence your approach to decision-making and understanding yourself?

Which of the following “lies about your identity” and “programs for happiness did you most resonate with? Did they align with the number you identify with?

Reflect on the centering prayer shared in the teaching. How did focusing on the body, heart, and head in turn affect your experience of the prayer? Did you notice any shifts in your awareness or sense of presence?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"Enneagram at a Glance” resource
Enneagram and Lenten Resources

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Self-Awareness with The Enneagram

This week we continue exploring how The Enneagram can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and growth, especially in our relationships with each other. Anna Hammond encourages us to take a deeper, introspective look at our own relational behavior and how the Enneagram can be used as a means to find understanding and empathy in ourselves and our relationships.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What do you contribute to relationship difficulties?
What do you appreciate and support in the other?
What do you need to start doing, stop doing, or accept to create a relationship that truly flourishes?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"Enneagram at a Glance” resource
Enneagram and Lenten Resources

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Self-Awareness with The Enneagram

This week we continue our Lenten series, "Me, Myself, and Why," we explore the Enneagram's lines of stress and security, key to understanding our dynamic responses to life's challenges and comforts. Anna, Benjamin, and Scott will discuss how these lines reveal our potential for growth in adversity and the hidden risks in our places of comfort. Through their dialogue, they'll offer insights into navigating these paths with awareness, aiming for a balance that fosters personal and spiritual development. Join us as we delve into the transformative potential of recognizing and engaging with our stress and security points.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

What is a situation or circumstance where you seem to act out of your stress point?
What is a situation or circumstance where you seem to act out of your security point?
Which one of your numbers would you like to explore or develop more?
How does (or how could) knowing these tendencies help you to understand youself better?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"Enneagram at a Glance” resource

Enneagram and Lenten Resources

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Self-Awareness with The Enneagram

In the second week of Lent, our series "Me, Myself and Why" delves further into the Enneagram. Scott, Anna, and Benjamin engage in a deeper discussion about the significance of wings within the Enneagram framework. They explore how wings influence our core Enneagram type and what this means for our journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

When do I really feel like myself?

What Enneagram type do you most identify with, and what gifts does this number affirm in your life?

Which one of your wings is most dominant, and why do you think that is?

Can you recall a recent instance where your response was heavily influenced by your dominant wing? How might the situation have differed if you had engaged your less dominant wing? What does this tell you about the potential for growth and change?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"Enneagram at a Glance” resource

Lenten Resources

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Self-Awareness with The Enneagram

As we begin the self-reflective season of Lent, we jump into a new conversation series, "Me, Myself, and Why: Self Awareness with the Enneagram". On this introductory episode, Scott, Benjamin, and Anna give an overview of the Enneagram and how we can use it as a tool to better understand ourselves and others.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:
How are you approaching this series? What is your previous experience with the Enneagram?
What kind of hesitancies do you have about this (series)?
How do you hope to grow through this series?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Find Your Enneagram Number (10-15 minute test)
"The Enneagram: An Introduction" - article from The Center for Action and Contemplation

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

"Epiphany 2024", a transformative exploration of lectionary readings integrating timeless stories into our lives. Discover profound insights each week, fostering personal growth and community transformation. Infuse your days with the spirit of Epiphany, guiding us toward clarity and purpose in a world of compassion and justice.

This week, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge reminds us about the importance of Transfiguration Sunday as we prepare ourselves for the Lenten Season.

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Question for contemplation and conversation:

How do I avoid facing the pain and difficulties in my life through behaviors that are not a true source of comfort?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

"Epiphany 2024", a transformative exploration of lectionary readings integrating timeless stories into our lives. Discover profound insights each week, fostering personal growth and community transformation. Infuse your days with the spirit of Epiphany, guiding us toward clarity and purpose in a world of compassion and justice.

This week, Anna Hammond reminds us that, as Christians, we live in a liminal space; a space of the now-and-not-yet Kingdom of Heaven, in which we are called to serve others and bring light into this broken world.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

God’s light is all around us. Where have you seen God’s light? Where would you like to see it?

In Jesus’ presence, Peter’s mother-in law was given the energy to serve. What practices might help you draw near to Christ’s presence in your life so you can have the energy to serve?

It took time, but eventually Peter learned to put humble service ahead of a desire for glory and power. Where in your life are you learning to do this?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

"Epiphany 2024", a transformative exploration of lectionary readings integrating timeless stories into our lives. Discover profound insights each week, fostering personal growth and community transformation. Infuse your days with the spirit of Epiphany, guiding us toward clarity and purpose in a world of compassion and justice.

This week as we look at the Gospel of Mark, in which a man possessed by an evil spirit confronts Jesus, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge reminds us that wherever we find evil and darkness we also find Christ, bringing healing and wholeness.

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Enneagram Survey

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

"Epiphany 2024" offers a fresh exploration of the Epiphany season's lectionary readings, integrating these timeless stories into our contemporary lives. This series is a voyage of discovery, delving into themes of revelation and divine presence, and their relevance today. Each week, we'll uncover the profound insights of Epiphany, connecting them to our daily lives and challenges. Our aim is to cultivate personal growth and community transformation, fostering a world of greater compassion and justice. Join us on this enlightening journey, as we infuse our days with the spirit of Epiphany, guiding us with clarity and purpose.

On this episode, Benjamin Jay Thomas shares his observations about the nature of the divine found in the story of Jonah and Nineveh.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the redemptive nature of the divine in your own life or in the lives of others?

Where are you in Jonah’s story? Running from a call? Coming to terms with past mistakes? Crying out to God from the belly of the whale? On the beach, ready for real change?

How do you differentiate between feeling guilty and living with a posture of repentance? Can you share a personal experience where repentance led to transformative action in your life?

What are some beliefs or perceptions about the divine that have evolved for you over time? How has this evolution impacted your spiritual practice and outlook on life?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

"Epiphany 2024" offers a fresh exploration of the Epiphany season's lectionary readings, integrating these timeless stories into our contemporary lives. This series is a voyage of discovery, delving into themes of revelation and divine presence, and their relevance today. Each week, we'll uncover the profound insights of Epiphany, connecting them to our daily lives and challenges. Our aim is to cultivate personal growth and community transformation, fostering a world of greater compassion and justice. Join us on this enlightening journey, as we infuse our days with the spirit of Epiphany, guiding us with clarity and purpose.

On this episode, Anna Hammond takes us into the lectionary readings for this week and invites us to open our hearts to this truth: bidden or unbidden, God is always present.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Where do you see yourself in these stories, these Scriptures?

Have you ever felt a sense of God working in your life or in the life of someone close to you? What helped you notice that?

How can you stay present and mindful in order to listen and to follow?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

"Epiphany 2024" offers a fresh exploration of the Epiphany season's lectionary readings, integrating these timeless stories into our contemporary lives. This series is a voyage of discovery, delving into themes of revelation and divine presence, and their relevance today. Each week, we'll uncover the profound insights of Epiphany, connecting them to our daily lives and challenges. Our aim is to cultivate personal growth and community transformation, fostering a world of greater compassion and justice. Join us on this enlightening journey, as we infuse our days with the spirit of Epiphany, guiding us with clarity and purpose.

•••

To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over this series, we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Anna Hammond reads the lectionary scriptures for the fourth week of Advent.

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Lectionary Readings for Week 4 of Advent (Year B):

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Luke 1:46-55
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over this series we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

This week, Anna and Ben Hammond along with Benjamin Jay Thomas share insights about Luke 1:46-55, otherwise known as Mary's Magnificat, and how the subversive song from more than 2,000 years ago can inspire us today.

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Check out this bonus episode to hear the Lectionary Readings for this week.

Lectionary Readings for Week 3 of Advent (Year B):

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
Luke 1:46-55
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over the next few weeks, we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Anna Hammond reads the lectionary scriptures for the third week of Advent.

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Lectionary Readings for Week 3 of Advent (Year B):

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
Luke 1:46-55
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over this series we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

This week we take a look at Mark 1:1-8, which finds John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord, and Lead Pastor Scott Hodge asks us to consider what new place and way of being might God be initiating us into in this Advent season.

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Check out this bonus episode to hear the Lectionary Readings for this week.

Lectionary Readings for Week 2 of Advent (Year B):

Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15
Mark 1:1-8

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over the next few weeks, we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Anna Hammond reads the lectionary scriptures for the second week of Advent.

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Lectionary Readings for Week 2 of Advent (Year B):

Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15
Mark 1:1-8

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over this series we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

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Check out this bonus episode to hear the Lectionary Readings for this week.

Lectionary Readings for Week 1 of Advent (Year B):

Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Virgin birth, shepherds visited by angels, and apocalyptic scriptures depicting thieves in the night – how do we reconcile these traditional faith narratives with our evolving spirituality? Over the next few weeks, we will delve into these intriguing questions as we journey through the weekly lectionary readings. We invite you to be part of these very real and heartfelt conversations, exploring these themes together.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Anna Hammond reads the lectionary scriptures for the first week of Advent.

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Lectionary Readings for Week 1 of Advent (Year B):

Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

In this special holiday episode, Benjamin, Scott and Anna lead us through a simple gratitude practice. Our whole team is grateful for you, our community of listeners. Have a safe and peace-filled Thanksgiving celebration!

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Download the Thanksgiving Table Liturgy (assembled by our friends at The Practice)
Stream or download “Welcome Home ” by Shine Song Collective

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 6

This week as we conclude our "From ME to We" series, Anna Hammond will guide us into greater awareness about how our individual actions impact our greater communities and the world we live in.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What is ONE place where you’d like to intentionally grow as a weaver of community?
What kind of community would YOU like to weave? When you think of “building a place to belong,” what comes to mind? How can you participate in weaving the Kingdom of God into this world?
What is one idea, question, feeling, or quote from this “From Me to We” series that you’d like to take with you into this next season?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

On this special episode, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge speaks on his firsthand, transformative journey to the Holy Land and leads us in centering our intentions on fostering peace in the Middle East.

The Orchard believes in the power of creating intentional spaces to engage our hearts and minds with ideas of positive change. Come together with us in the spirit of unity, compassion, and hope, as we extend our collective prayers for peace, aiming for their impact to resonate far beyond the bounds of our community.

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 5

Do you have the sense there’s something more for you to bring to this world, but often find yourself too overcommitted and exhausted to bring it? This week, Benjamin Jay Thomas guides us into conversation about the way healthy boundaries can set us up to honor the unique offering we have for this world while opening ourselves to experience the joy of interconnection with the others around us.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to set boundaries? Why do you think that is?
Which of the two extreme types o boundaries do YOU tend to gravitate toward - Porous or Rigid — why do you think that is?
How do your personal boundaries reflect your values and priorities?
Can you identify a recent situation where a lack of boundaries led to discomfort or conflict? How could healthy boundaries have changed the outcome?
Can you identify a recent situation where healthy boundaries help serve your values and priorities?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" - Nedra Glover Tawwab (book)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 4

This week Scott Hodge explores the power of being PRESENT over finding quick solutions, addressing our natural tendency to "fix" things and guide us toward offering non-judgmental support instead. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and enhance your interpersonal relationships.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Can you recall a time when someone was truly present with you in a moment of difficulty, without trying to fix the situation? How did that make you feel?
What internal barriers or fears do you experience that make it challenging for you to simply "be" with someone who is going through a hard time?
Do you identify as a 'minimizer,' 'teacher,' or 'solver' when faced with someone else's difficulties? What barriers does this role create for you in being truly present with someone?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 3

How hard can LISTENING be? It’s just passively sitting there with our ears open, right?. Well, it turns out that while many of us might have great HEARING, we are terrible at LISTENING. As we continue our journey moving from “ME to WE”, Benjamin Jay Thomas explores what it means for us to truly listen… to ourselves, to each other and to the Divine.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Reflect on the empathic listening exercise. What was challenging about it, and what did you learn from the experience?
How do you usually find yourself listening in conversations - to respond or to understand? What steps could you take to shift towards more empathic listening?
How might the practice of INNER listening change the way you interact with others, and how does it resonate with your own spiritual journey?
As a community, how can we support each other in becoming better listeners? What steps can we take collectively to foster a culture of empathic listening within and beyond our community?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 2

In our world that's often defined by masks, labels and facades, true connection takes place when we let our guard down to be seen and understood.
On this episode, Anna Hammond will share some practical ways we can let vulnerability transform our everyday relationships.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Can you recall a time in your life when you felt the need to hide your true self to fit in? What was that experience like for you, and how did it make you feel?
What are some things that genuinely bring you joy? Have you ever felt hesitant to express them to others?
When have you felt like you truly belonged in a community or group? What made that experience different from merely fitting in?
What steps can you take to help create a community of true belonging in your own life, workplace, or faith community?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 1

Longing for more authentic connections in your life? Do you want to be part of something larger than yourself? This series is designed to guide us through the essential skills and mindsets needed to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Whether you have a crew of friends or you've been craving more connection, there's something in this series for everyone. On this episode, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge kicks off the series by diving into our communal value of interdependence.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Reflecting on the human chains at Panama City Beach, when was the last time you actively reached out to be part of a collective solution, even if it meant stepping out of your comfort zone? How can you more intentionally foster such collective actions in your day-to-day life?

Thinking about the pitfalls of being overly independent, can you recall a time when prioritizing self-reliance led to feelings of isolation or disconnect? How might opening yourself to interdependent relationships have changed the outcome?
What fears or reservations do you have about leaning on others or allowing them to lean on you?How might embracing interdependence enrich both your personal growth and the quality of your relationships?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 13

This week we are thrilled to sit down with Jim Corti, the Artistic Director of Aurora’s Paramount Theater. Jim has been a transformative force in theater since launching the Broadway Series in 2011. Under his leadership, Paramount has won 16 Jeff Awards, including Best Large Musical and Best Director titles for iconic productions like Les Misérables and Sweeney Todd. A Broadway veteran himself, Corti's career spans acting, choreography, and directing, making him a triple-threat in the industry. His influence extends from the New York stages of Ragtime and A Chorus Line to critical acclaim in Chicago theater.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Jim Corti talked about how directing felt like a "calling" to him, a responsibility for something moving through him that had a "greater reach." Have you ever felt a similar calling in your life? What was it, and how did you respond?

Jim mentioned the British study about how audiences can synchronize their heartbeats during a powerful performance. Have you ever had a moment where you felt truly connected to others while witnessing art or a significant event? How did that experience impact you?

The 'Bold Series' is known for presenting plays that don't shy away from difficult issues. What topics or stories have you encountered that you think deserve more attention in the creative arts?

Jim talked about the importance of asking yourself, "What do I really care about?" Take a moment to ponder this question. What is it that you truly care about, and how are you expressing that in your life?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 12

This week we invite you into the story of Lanecia Rouse Tinsley. Lanecia is a creative based in Houston, TX. Her work includes photography, painting, mixed media, teaching, writing & speaking. Studio D at Hardy & Nance Streets Studios is where her creativity often blooms. Most days you will find her there sipping on a cup of coffee with music playing as she creates work that reflects what life has revealed to her about healing, freedom, and beauty found in everyday experiences. Acrylics, pastels, charcoal, paper, and encaustic wax are my mediums of choice. Life has taught Lanecia that we all have creative potential and the need to encounter beauty. As an artist, she believes her call is to create opportunities for people to encounter beauty through the work of her hands & the spaces she cultivates for them to tap into their creativity.

This week’s conversation is produced by our friends at The Work of the People. For more visit theworkofthepeople.com

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Where have you experienced that cycle of birth, loss, and rebirth? What were the low points and hight points of that story for you?

What leap have you taken where the fear of not doing the thing was greater than the fear of doing it? What leap might you be flirting with right now, getting closer to that tipping point?

What types of supports and community do you have in your life to work through your own cycles of birth, loss, and rebirth? How might you want to intentionally strengthen those networks and supports during this upcoming season of life?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 11

This weekend we sit down with our friend, multidisciplinary visual artist Sara Mock. Sara Mock is a lifelong creative who has learned to follow her curiosity into art mediums as diverse as doll creation, pattern design and coin making. Join us for a conversation about developing a lifestyle that fuels creativity regardless of its particular format.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Sara talks about the three words of “play, create, and heal". Which of these most resonates with you? Which of these concepts comes easy to you? Which are tough for you? How could you tap even more into playing, creating, and healing?

What’s YOUR growth edge? What are you doing right now that might be at the edge of your comfortably? What supports could you put in place to help you more fully lean INTO that growth edge during this season.

Where is that fork in the road showing up in life for you? Where are the daily opportunities for you to choose the path of curiosity over the path of fear?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Sara's Spoonflower (surface patterns) Account
Sara's Instagram

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 9

This week, we're excited to have Joy Thomas and Jenelle Landgraf with us. They're identical twins who live with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition. For years, they kept it a secret, but about 10 years ago, they started writing about it on their blog, DoubleVisionBlog.com. Their goal is simple: to show that "there is no right way to go blind." Through their blog, they've touched many lives, both in the disabled community and beyond. Stay tuned for an honest conversation that might just change the way you see the world.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What resonated with you the most from today's conversation? Was there a particular moment or insight that shifted your perspective or inspired you to approach life more creatively?

Brené Brown once said, "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome." How does this idea connect to your own experiences of being misunderstood as a child or young adult? Have you had to show up and be vulnerable to change that narrative?

Can you think of an area in your life where embracing self-acceptance could improve your interactions with the people around you?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Joy & Jenelle's Blog

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 8

This week, we continue our "Here to Create" series with more thought-provoking conversation about identity and the value of art that helps us feel seen and heard with Derek Webb.
Derek is a singer/songwriter and veteran influential voice within and beyond the Christian Music Industry. Over the course of the past 25 years, Derek has made a career out of making forward-leaning art - first with his band Caedmon’s Call, which he co-founded in the mid-90’s, and then as a solo artist. He is well known for his progressive musicality and his unwaveringly honest lyrics - calling into question everything from our relationship with politics to evolving gender issues. His most recent album, The Jesus Hypothesis, was released this spring and is billed as his “first ‘Christian & Gospel record’ in over 10 years”.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

When have you experienced art that really sees or hears you?

What about this story compels or intrigues you? Is there a part that challenges you or resonates with you in your own place of creativity?

What are some boundaries that can help you engage with social media in a healthy way?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

"The Jesus Hypothesis" - Derek Webb (album)
"Boys Will Be Girls" - Derek Webb ft. Flamy Grant Music Video
"Bible Belt Baby" - Flamy Grant (album)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 7

This week, we are thrilled to welcome Derek Webb, a singer/songwriter and veteran influential voice within and beyond the Christian Music Industry. Over the course of the past 25 years, Derek has made a career out of making forward-leaning art - first with his band Caedmon’s Call, which he co-founded in the mid-90’s, and then as a solo artist. He is well known for his progressive musicality and his unwaveringly honest lyrics - calling into question everything from our relationship with politics to evolving gender issues. His most recent album, The Jesus Hypothesis, was released this spring and is billed as his “first ‘Christian & Gospel record’ in over 10 years”.

A true fringe voice, Derek’s work is deeply resonant with The Orchard’s values and mission, and we can’t wait of you to get to know him!

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

How do you see labels and categories as helpful or unhelpful (or both) for creativity?

What is the weirdest or most peculiar part of your story?

"The narrower the deeper" : what is the invitation in this phrase for you today?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 6

As we continue our series, "Here To Create", Scott and Benjamin have a conversation with creative powerhouse, Mel McGowan.

Mel is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios. With a rich background in film and design, Mel's journey into the world of creativity took a remarkable turn during his decade-long tenure at the Disney Company. As an Imagineer, he played pivotal roles in projects like Disney's California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney. Mel's expertise extends beyond Disney, as he champions the art of spatial storytelling through his work at Storyland Studios. His legacy is deeply intertwined with crafting stories in three-dimensional spaces, making places come alive with narrative and meaning.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Recollect a moment from your childhood where you felt a burst of creativity, similar to Mel's Star Wars room. How did that shape or influence your perception of your own creative potential?
Mel's story about 'My Refuge House' highlighted the significance of empathy in creation. Can you think of a time where your creative endeavors were influenced by deep empathy or understanding?
Taking inspiration from the idea of being 'Image Bearers', how can you tap into your inherent creative spirit in your everyday life? What 'canvases' exist around you that you've perhaps overlooked?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Storyland Studios website
"Culture Making" - Andy Crouch (book)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 5

This week we welcome back our friend, Adam Mock, for an encore conversation about mountain biking, mental health and risk-taking that leads to creative magic in our lives. In case you missed last week’s conversation, Adam Mock is a Leadership Coaching Specialist and Transformational Partner who uses his "Rescue Your Dreams" approach to develop organizations and individuals to their highest levels of effectiveness. Adam is also an avid mountain biker and a vital part of the thriving SoCal MTB scene. His YouTube Channel has opened up opportunities for him to connect his passion for human development with his love of outdoor sports.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

How do you like to "play"? How do you tap into your creative self?
Can you recall a time when you took a risk to gain something (rather than a risk to avoid loss)?
Mary Davis once said, "To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles." What does this quote say TO you? What does this quote say ABOUT you?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Adam's website
Adam's Youtube Channel

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 4

This week we sit down with our dear friend, Adam Mock for a conversation about creativity and human development. Adam Mock is a Leadership Coaching Specialist and Transformational Partner who uses his Rescue Your Dreams™ approach to develop organizations and individuals to their highest levels of effectiveness.

With over 25 years of leadership experience Adam has the privilege of facilitating workshops and trainings at global brands like Nike, Jordan Brand, and PayPal. He also works 1-on-1 with Olympic gold medalists, hall of famers, and world champions.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Adam told a story of struggling to receive a compliment about his creativity as a young person. Do you have any similar stories? Why do you think it’s so hard for us to receive positive feedback?
We talked a bit about DREAMS of ours and how they get buried. Why do you think so many of us struggle with this? How do YOU think our dreams end up getting buried?
Adam shared how important SELF-KNOWLEDGE is, and one pathway into that is to identify your 3-5 CORE VALUES. He gave us 3 steps in helping uncover and identify those:
Reflect back to when you were age 6-12: what sparked your curiosity then? what things could you NOT NOT do back then? What value do you think you were displaying at that time?
In the past 2-5 years - when did you feel you were living or being at your most “ON PURPOSE” or ALIVE? What values do you think you were tapping in to then?
Ask people who know you well what they think your values are.

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Adam's website
Adam's Youtube Channel
"Give yourself permission to be creative" - Ethan Hawke (TED Talk)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 3

Get ready for a captivating conversation as Anna and Benjamin delve into the spiritual side of creativity with Danielle Casali, a celebrated mosaic muralist in the Aurora, Illinois area, whose art inspires and unites communities.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What are one or two ideas or themes that stick out to you from today’s conversation with Danielle?
How has opening yourself to authenticity and vulnerability helped you to grow?
What habits, rituals, or spiritual practices might help you connect with stillness, be centered, and access creativity?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Danielle's website
Dekalb City Hall Mural
"The Gifts of Inperfection" - Brene Brown (book)
Lake Shore Drive Mural
Nikki Walton “New Growth Now” podcast
Enneagram RHETI test
St. Charles Library Moth Sculpture

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 2

We dive into our series "Here to Create" with a conversation between Lead Pastor Scott Hodge and friend of the Orchard, Dave Gibbons. Dave is a creative pastor, futurist, activist, and steadfast advocate for the 'misfits' in our society. In today's conversation he gives invaluable insight into how we can reframe the challenges we face and turn them into creative opportunities.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What are one or two ideas or themes that stick out to you or resonate w/ you from today’s conversation with Dave?
What are 1 or 2 things that “kill” or get in the way of you living a creative life? What are 2-3 things that FUEL your creativity?

How has reframing a challenge or difficulty enabled you to use that challenge as a creative opportunity? Is there some “reframing” you need to do around a particular challenge, stressor or difficulty that could potentially turn it into a catalyst for something new, good and creative?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

XEALOTS: Defying the Gravity of Normality - Dave Gibbons (book)
Monkey and the Fish - Dave Gibbons (book)
https://www.davegibbons.org

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

We're kicking off our new series, "Here to Create", celebrating creativity as spiritual practice, as Lead Pastor Scott Hodge shares some thoughts about creativity and how it manifests in all of us. Throughout this series, we look forward to conversations with different creative individuals, from musicians and visual artists to entrepreneurs and innovators. "Here to Create" will seek to inspire, challenge, and affirm everyone in their own creative journey. We're glad you've joined us and hope to have you with us in the coming weeks!

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

Who in your life has embodied creative living and had an impact on you? How have they inspired you to embrace your own creativity?

What does 'living with eyes wide open' mean to you in the context of your own life? Can you share a time when your sensitivity to your surroundings led to a new understanding or action?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

This week, as we conclude our “Rethinking The Bible” series, we take a little extra time to respond to a question about how to engage in healthy conversations about the Bible with the people around us.

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

”Reading the Bible Right” - Brian Zahn (poem/quote )

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

This week we conclude our series, “Rethinking The Bible” by responding to a few final questions and reflecting on how we’ve all grown and been shaped by this journey together.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What have been helpful rhythms for you to engage with the Bible on a regular basis? Are there certain books, translations or reading plans that you have found helpful?

What has been your experience teaching children and young people to engage with the Bible and conversations about spirituality?

How have you been impacted by the conversations we’ve had the past 10 weeks? Where were you challenged? What new perspectives may have even shifted your thinking? What are you taking away from all this?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

We Make The Road While Walking - Brian McLaren (book)
The Divine Hours - Phyllis Tickle (book)
A Year With Thomas Merton - Daily Meditations from His Journals (book)
Things Hidden - Richard Rohr (book)
Center for Action and Contemplation Daily Meditations
”Reading the Bible Right” - Brian Zahn (poem/quote )
Our Bible App

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

We’ve opened our virtual mail bag again to respond to questions that have come in during our “Rethinking the Bible” series. This week, a burning question: What does the Bible say about HELL?

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

How has your understanding of hell changed over the course of your life? What has impacted that? (You might consider your faith background, your experiences and relationships, and cultural touchstones from classics like Dante’s Inferno to modern ones like the Left Behind book series or the sitcom, The Good Place.)

How do your thoughts, ideas, and beliefs about hell shape your actions, consciously or unconsciously?

If you personally are struggling or have struggled with the idea of hell, what do you wish someone—a mentor, elder or spiritual leader in your community—would say to you?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Love Wins - Rob Bell (book)

Quote from Rob Bell ("Does God get what he wants?...")

Razing Hell - Sharon L. Baker (book)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Over the next couple weeks we’ll be opening up our virtual mail bag and pulling out some questions that have come in during our series “Rethinking the Bible”. This week we respond to a question that brings up a conversation about religious pluralism, inclusivity and the concept of “salvation”.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What thoughts, feelings or ideas did this conversation bring up for you today?

For those of you who grew up in the Christian faith, when did you first become aware of other religious or spiritual paths distinct from Christianity? How has that awareness influenced your faith journey?

In his writings (see quote included below), C.S. Lewis hinted at a more inclusive understanding of salvation in some of his writings. What are your thoughts on his perspective? Could this inclusivity apply to people of other faiths, or those who don't identify with any religion?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

One River, Many Wells - Matthew Fox (Book)
A Generous Orthodoxy - Brian D. McLaren (Book)
"There are people who do not accept the full Christian doctrine about Christ but who are so strongly attracted by Him that they are His in a much deeper sense than they themselves understand. There are people in other religions who are being led by God’s secret influence to concentrate on those parts of their religion which are in agreement with Christianity, and who thus belong to Christ without knowing it." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

As we continue our "Rethinking the Bible" series, we take some time to engage with the scriptures through the sacred practice of Lectio Divina.
Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading the Bible that encourages us to read with our whole self, including thoughts, feelings, experiences, and hopes. This practice is a way of listening to God's voice through the words of the Bible, and it can be a meaningful way to connect with scripture.

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom - John O'Donohue (Book)

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

When we mentioned the “unfolding” story of the Bible, we didn’t mean an actual sheet unfolding. But now that you mention it …

This week, Anna, Scott and Benjamin consider the story of Peter’s disruptive vision about a sheet of animals and what it means to “change the rules” in Acts 10. How can we navigate the space between what ancient scripture says and humankind’s growing, evolving understandings of God, people, and the world?

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What do you want to remember and consider about the conversation today?

If you think back over your life, what are the disruptions that have expanded your faith journey?

What are some principles or practices that have helped you – or might help you – remember that your roots are in Christ during seasons of disruption?

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Read the full story of Peter’s trance and transformation in Acts.
Our Tricycle for Forward Movement - Richard Rohr (Article)
“It’s possible to resist the very growth and change and expanding consciousness that God desires for you by appealing to your religious convictions.” - Rob Bell in What is the Bible ? (Book)
The Wisdom Jesus - Cynthia Bourgeault (Book)
A People’s History of Christianity - Diana Butler Bass (Book)
Anna's benediction from Ephesians 3

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

In our on-going series, "Rethinking the Bible", Scott, Benjamin, and Anna have a conversation about reading the Bible with an understanding of the complexities of the people who wrote it and the complexities of the people who read it. With that understanding in mind, they also look at how Jesus' countercultural nature changes everything.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What are some of the ways you see the Bible mirroring the complexities and ups and downs of our own human journey?

When in your life have you experienced a spiritual breakthrough or growth while in the midst of a mistake or failure?

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Scripture passages mentioned in this week's podcast: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman , The Woman Caught in Adultery , Parable of Good Samaritan , The Incarnation

What question do you have about the Bible? Email us at info@theorchardcommunity.com

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

What do we do with one of the most difficult passages in the Old Testament? The story of Abraham and Isaac is deeply troubling. This week, join Benjamin, Scott, and Anna for a conversation about the ways we’re rethinking this hard-to-read part of the Bible.

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

What stuck out to you in the story we explored today?
What “earlier parts” of your life have yet to be accepted and integrated? What are some ways you can trust God to help you see and understand those parts in light of where your story is headed?
Reading from a literary perspective, taking into account the real people and real setting this text was written for, are there any themes sticking out to you today?
What does this story say to you about…
“Blind obedience” vs. questioning authority?
Divine intervention?
Our perception of the nature of God?

How does this story speak to you about the countless difficult decisions we need to make on a regular basis?

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Mentioned in this week's podcast: Read Genesis 22:1-19

What question do you have about the Bible? Email us at info@theorchardcommunity.com

•••

To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

This week we continue our series, "Rethinking the Bible," by taking some time to consider how we approach and engage with the Bible in a healthy, responsible, and curious way.

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Things mentioned in this week's episode:

Read Genesis 22:1-19

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What question do you have about the Bible? Email us at info@theorchardcommunity.com

To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

This week, as we continue our conversation series called “Rethinking the Bible”, Scott Hodge and Anna Hammond are joined by friend of The Orchard, Samuel Marks, to discuss how the Bible is a community library of scripture written and edited by different people in different places at different times. With that said, we ask ourselves how can we understand more about the divine by reading words written by humans, and what does that mean for how we approach the Bible?

What question do you have about the Bible? Email us at info@theorchardcommunity.com

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Questions for contemplation and conversation:

How has your understanding of how the Bible came to be changed as you've grown?

How does remembering that the Bible is a library of scripture written and edited by different people in different places at different times affect the way you approach it?

What are some ways we can shift our thinking from “The Bible says to me...” to “The scriptures teach us...”?

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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com

Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com