New-comer Lunches: Once a month we host a New to The Orchard lunch. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the other new attenders at The Orchard as well as one of our leadership team. These lunches are held following the Sunday worship service and are a fun and informal environment where you can ask questions and learn more about us.

Growth Groups: These are our small groups at The Orchard usually consisting of between 6-12 people and meeting at various locations around the area during the course of the week.

Serving: A great way to connect and to make a difference is by plugging in to one of our ministry teams. There are a wide variety of service opportunities available - and we guarantee that you'll love putting your God-given gifts, talents and abilities to work alongside of others.

Orchard 101: This workshop is still under construction and will be launched in fall 2008. The aim of Orchard 101 is to give a comprehensive overview of The Orchard Church and the vision that God has entrusted to us. At the end of this workshop there will be an opportunity to become a covenant member of the church and to embark on our new Spiritual Growth Track - a series of retreats, seminars and workshops to help equip you in your journey with Christ.

More on Growth Groups!

There are lots of ways to get connected at The Orchard but without doubt the very best is to plug in to one of our Growth Groups.

Growth Groups are our small groups here at The Orchard. Why do we call them Growth Groups? Because God never intended us to stay as we are, but rather to grow, mature and develop by the working of His Spirit in our lives. One of the best ways that we know where this kind of growth happens is in the context of 8-12 people who together study and discuss key Biblical principles and who pray together, play together and well... grow together!

It is our hope that 100% of people at The Orchard will get connected to a Growth Group. In order for that to happen you need to plan to be part of one! In fact we're so convinced about the impact of Growth Groups that we are making them a core piece of the ministry of The Orchard Church, and if you'll take the time to get involved in one, we're sure you'll see why.

Growth Groups run for a period of 12 weeks, 3 times a year, in the fall, spring and summer. We aim to offer a variety of studies and times to best fit your schedule and interest.

Why join a group?
• CONNECTING WITH OTHERS – Your Growth Group will be a great way to meet new people and to build healthy relationships that can last for a lifetime.

• GROWING TOGETHER – Through your Growth Group you can experience real
spiritual, emotional, professional and intellectual growth.

• SERVING OTHERS – Your Growth Group will be a rewarding place to discover your specific gifts and to use them in serving others

• PLAYING TOGETHER – Most of us don’t spend enough time playing. Your group will have the opportunity to have fun playing together and enjoying your common interests.

• IMPACTING MY COMMUNITY – In your Growth Group you will have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people from all over the McHenry area through participating in creative service projects or simply by inviting your friends to be a part of your group.

How can I get involved?
To sign up for the group of your choice, just write the Group # of the group in the space provided on the back of your Connection Card this Sunday or contact church office.