Orchard Conversations
The Orchard Community is a 100-year old spiritual community helping people become who they are created to be. We’re less interested in dogma and more interested in living out our values: Goodness & Beauty, Wholeness, Renewal, Interdependence, Hospitality, Peacemaking, Humility & Curiosity. From digital content (like this podcast), to local events and Table Gatherings we’re doing our best to evolve into a spiritual community for the next 100 years.
Episodes

Monday Aug 19, 2024
Beyond Words: James Chapter 4 (Part 1)
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
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

Monday Aug 12, 2024
Beyond Words: James Chapter 3
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Monday Aug 05, 2024
Beyond Words: James Chapter 2
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Monday Jul 29, 2024
Beyond Words: James Chapter 1
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Monday Jul 22, 2024
“The Bible Says It. I Believe It. That Settles It.”
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Monday Jul 08, 2024
Mid-Summer Reflections: Staying Present
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Monday Jul 01, 2024
"I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life"
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

Monday Jun 24, 2024
“Money Is The Root of All Evil”
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
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
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

WATCH OUR DIGITAL LITURGIES
Along with our weekly podcast, we publish a weekly digital liturgy video that includes meditations, songs and prayers in addition to the video version of our conversation.
Browse the catalog here.

ORCHARD TABLES
Orchard Tables are small spiritual gatherings that happen in homes and other cozy spaces.
The gatherings involve some singing, meditation, prayer and teaching (led in part via video), then a delicious brunch and some meaningful conversation. In total they last about 2 hours.
Orchard Tables are safe spaces – fully inclusive and welcome to all walks of life. It’s all pretty low key.
For more info visit theorchardcommunity.com/tables