Orchard Conversations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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