Orchard Conversations

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