I can tell a church with a good business manager because there is an attention to details that most people never consider.
The signage is very good and the spacious layout with lots of seating makes for a welcoming presence. I was impressed that we were recognized and welcomed as visitors, and I was thanked for my service.
There were 26 children to be baptized or dedicated today during the two services, and the handout included a card bearing a color photo of each child.
A member, Pete, gave his personal testimony of his walk: what a great way to encourage members in their faith.
For me the music was a little too loud (I remembered my earplugs), but the congregation was energized.
The message, “Not Crazy: To Live in Spiritual Community,” the last in a series on Biblical community. I felt Christ used the minister to deliver a message relevant to a discussion on the way to church, and we were given some thoughts to ponder and pray over.
I was disappointed not to find a cross in the sanctuary.
I’m only guessing, but this is likely one of the largest interdenominational churches in this area. The campus is huge, and it was easy to get lost in the crowd. We were welcomed by several people but only one stopped to speak with us. This is typical at a church with a minimum of three services per week.
I suppose they had a very good idea how many people to expect, as the rear half of the auditorium seating was not available. The seats are very comfortable and even have built-in cup holders.
The music, the lights, the cameras, everything looked and sounded absolutely professional. Color was used to great effect.
We had the pleasure of witnessing approximately 14 baptisms and one dedication.
One member gave his personal story, telling how he came to Orchard Hill, and there are many others on the website that make for some heart wrenching reading.
The current series of messages is called “Not Crazy” and today’s message was “Not Crazy: To Live in Spiritual Community.” The point was, “the beauty of community: brings support…without it we are isolated (1 Corinthians 12:21,26); brings shared mission…without it we are limited (1 Corinthians 12:7); brings perspective…without it we are shallow (1 Corinthians 12:17); brings accountability…without it we are dangerous (1 Corinthians 12:14-15).” He then spoke of the layers of community, from All People of Faith, to the Worshiping Community, to the Mid-sized Community, to the Small Group, to Spiritual Friends.
He made excellent points, but the one thing he said that will stick with me was that “vulnerability invites community.” These three words affected me deeply.
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