This practice always grounds me. It helps me see the year as it truly was, not just the curated version we often present on social media. If you’ve never tried this, I encourage you to give it a shot—it’s never too late.

Then comes the fun part. After reflecting and jotting down your insights, you can shift into a posture of dreaming and praying over the new year. Ask God what His plans are for you in these key areas:

• Relationships (including marriage and family)
• Vocation/School
• Friendship/Community
• Fun

Write down whatever you sense or hear. Sometimes, specific words, phrases, or scriptures will stand out, becoming anchors for the year ahead.

One of my anchor words this year is content. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, I want to lean into gratitude for what’s already showing up in my life. My grounding scripture is 1 Timothy 6:6-7, 11.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

One of the things I’m most grateful for is this church called Orchard. I’m thankful for a community that prays together, worships together, and engages in honest conversations about hard things. Some of the most meaningful moments happen around a table.

Pastor Nick and I are part of a Table Community that meets weekly to share a meal, study scripture, and pray together. Our vision for Orchard Church is to see these Table Communities spread across Dane County—places where people can gather, share life, and grow in faith together.

If you’re seeking community this year or want to deepen your relationships, we’d love to help you start or join a group. Together, we can create spaces for meaningful conversations, safety, and spiritual intimacy.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." — Acts 2:42

As Pastor Nick shared in yesterday’s message, we are invited to live out a story much bigger than our own—a story shaped by God’s vision of His kingdom coming to life here in Madison. One of the ways we embrace this vision is by giving back to our neighbors and friends through our time, friendship, and resources. This November, Orchard Church has several opportunities to join in this spirit of generosity:

• Friendsgiving Dinner – Gather with us to share a meal at our very first Friendsgiving.
• Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive – Help provide food for more than 4,000 families by bringing non-perishable items or a frozen turkey! 
• Madison-area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service – Join fellow believers in worship and service at this community-wide event.

Find more details about each opportunity below. We are all invited to lean into this season with hearts ready to nurture and celebrate the spirit of abundance that the Holy Spirit stirs within us. I pray that we do.

In His Abundant Love, 
Leiah

P.S. Yesterday's sermon audio is now available on our website. If you prefer your podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, we've also got you covered! Please like and share with anyone you think would be interested in listening.

Upcoming Events

• 
  Sunday Supper: Friendsgiving | November 10 | 4:30 PM | More Info

  We hope you'll join us this Sunday, November 10 at 4:30 p.m. for our next Sunday Supper: Friendsgiving 2024, as we kick off a new tradition of monthly potluck-style meals. Orchard Church will provide the turkey, but it'll take a village to make it a meal. RSVP and sign up to bring a complementary dish to the traditional Thanksgiving fare. Invite your friends, neighbors, and family to join us! There are activities for the kids and conversation for everyone.

  Every month, we’ll gather for a cozy dinner and meaningful fellowship with our Orchard Church family. Bring a dish, share some laughs, and get to know each other better. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and enjoy the warmth of community—we look forward to seeing you there!

  

• Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive | November 10 & November 17 | 4:30 PM | More Info

  Orchard Church is excited to partner with our friends at Goodman Community Center put together Thanksgiving baskets that will feed 4,000 Madison families this Thanksgiving!
  
  If you'd like to donate food items or cooking supplies for the baskets, please bring them to Sunday Supper on November 10 or Sunday Worship on November 17 (note: please no frozen turkeys until November 17!). Visit our website for more information and a shopping list.

Sunday Worship Gathering | November 17 | 4:30 PM | More Info

Join us for our next Sunday Worship Gathering on Sunday, November 17th at Bethany Ministry Center in Madison. Our cadence of gathering for worship is every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 4:30 PM. For more information on what to expect, please visit our website.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service | November 25 | 6:30 PM | More Info

Held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703

We’re excited to see the Christian community come together again this Thanksgiving to praise God for His abundant blessings, celebrate our unity in Christ, and support those in need. As one body in Christ, we can deepen our appreciation for each other and become a stronger witness of God’s love to the communities around us.

What's Forming Us?

What I'm Listening To	What I'm Learning From	What I'm Reading
Forever Amen Steffany Gretzinger	Kingdom Come YouVersion App	Strong Like Water Aundi Kolber

Special thanks to @erinoakleymusic and @shekinahkingmusic for sharing your exquisite gifts and hearts for worship with us. A huge shout-out to Josh Sorenson for capturing the afternoon.

Upcoming Events

The Porch: Altar of the Region  | September 23 | 6-8PM | RSVP

Our next Porch Gathering will take place on Monday, September 23 from 6-8 pm at Bethany Ministry Center (301 Riverside Drive, Madison) for dinner, an update on what's happening at Orchard, a special guest, and a time of connection. It's a great way to meet people and join us at the "ground level" as we journey toward starting our public gathering launch on October 20. We are exploring the four "altars" necessary to see spiritual awakening. We've discussed the altars of the heart and the home + family, church, and for our last Porch, we'll explore the Altar of the Region. We hope to see you there!

Family Day at the Orchard | October 5 | 2:30 PM | RSVP

You’re invited to Orchard Church’s Family Day at Creek Bed Farmacy on October 5th from 2:30-5 PM! Join us for a fun-filled day at the orchard—bring a friend and enjoy the fall season together. Please note, individuals are responsible for their own entry fees. We can’t wait to see you there!

Sunday Supper | October 13 | 4:30 PM | RSVP

You’re invited to Sunday Supper with Orchard Church! Just like the good old days when family gathered around the table for a hearty meal and maybe a game of cards, we’re bringing back that tradition. Once a month, join us for a cozy, potluck-style meal and meaningful fellowship with your Orchard Church family. Bring a dish, share a laugh, and let’s get to know each other better. Don’t miss this chance to connect and enjoy the warmth of community—see you there!

SAVE THE DATE

Our first Sunday Worship Gathering will be Sunday, October 20 at 4:30 PM. Look for more details and ways you can get involved, from reading scripture, joining the prayer team, helping out with kids' programming, and more. Mark your calendar and save the date to be a part of it!

What's Forming Us

Without further adieu, here is what you need to know this week.
 

The Porch

Our next Porch Gathering will take place tonight from 6-8 pm at Bethany Ministry Center (301 Riverside Drive, Madison). If you're reading this email, you're invited to join us. This time is a great excuse to eat a BBQ dinner with new friends, hear an update on what's happening at the Orchard, and share in a time of teaching and connection. 

August 26 - The Porch: Altar of the Church; 6-8 PM | 301 Riverside Drive, Madison | RSVP

If you haven't yet been a part of these gatherings, they are a great way to meet people and join us at the "ground level" as we journey toward starting our public gathering launch this October. We are exploring the four "altars" necessary to see spiritual awakening. We've discussed the altars of the heart and the home + family, and on August 26, we will explore the Altar of the Church. For more information, please visit our website. We hope to see you there!
 

Ministry Needs

We’re earnestly praying for musicians, worship leaders, and anyone with a heart for serving who wants to be part of a new community with a vision to make a meaningful impact. If you’re passionate about using your talents to contribute to something special, we’d love to have you join us. Please share this opportunity with people you know or let us know of anyone seeking to share their musical gifts.

Crowns Down Gateway Worship	The Awaken Network Podcast With Jon Tyson, Sam Gibson, and Chad Bohi	Pastor Paul: Nurturing a Culture of Christoformity in the Church Scot McKnight

Without further adieu, here is what you need to know this week.
 

The Porch

Our next Porch Gathering will take place on Monday, August 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Bethany Ministry Center (301 Riverside Drive, Madison) for a BBQ dinner, an update on what's happening at Orchard, a sermon teaching, and a time of connection.

August 26 - The Porch: Altar of the Church; 6-8 PM | 301 Riverside Drive, Madison | RSVP

If you haven't yet been a part of these gatherings, they are a great way to meet people and join us at the "ground level" as we journey toward starting our public gathering launch this October. We are exploring the four "altars" necessary to see spiritual awakening. We've discussed the altars of the heart and the home + family, and on August 26, we will explore the Altar of the Church. For more information, please visit our website. We hope to see you there!
 

Love Dane

Guided by Orchard Church’s core values of Radical Generosity and Sacrificial Mission, we have a fantastic chance to make a difference in our Eastside Madison community through Love Dane, an annual multi-church service initiative. While Nick and I won’t be able to join the service project at Trinity Lutheran (1904 Winnebago St, Madison) on Sunday, August 25, due to our send-off prayer at North Ridge Church, we hope our Orchard Church family will find time to participate either Sunday or Monday afternoon.

There are opportunities to support Lowell Elementary by assembling staff appreciation bags or serving lunch to welcome back the teachers. It’s a wonderful chance to give back. Sign up here for Sunday, August 25, or Monday, August 26.
 

Ministry Needs

We’re earnestly praying for musicians, worship leaders, and anyone with a heart for serving who wants to be part of a new community with a vision to make a meaningful impact. If you’re passionate about using your talents to contribute to something special, we’d love to have you join us. Please share this opportunity with people you know or let us know of anyone seeking to share their musical gifts.

Want to be the first to know what's happening at Orchard? Opt-in to receive this update in your email inbox every week! 

This space will include timely content that keeps you informed about the life and times of the church. 

Sometimes it will come from me (Nick) and sometimes from Leiah, but regardless of the byline, we strive to send you timely content that keeps you informed about the life of Orchard Church and how you can be involved.

Without further adieu, here is what you need to know this week.

 The Porch

Join us on The Porch on Monday, August 26 from 6-8 p.m. at our (surprise!) future Sunday gathering location in Madison. Join us at the Bethany Ministry Center (301 Riverside Drive, Madison) for a BBQ dinner, an update on what's happening at Orchard, sermon teaching, and a time of connection. 

If you haven't yet been a part of these gatherings, they are a great way to meet people and join us at the "ground level" as we journey towards starting our public gathering launch this October. We are exploring the four "altars" necessary to see spiritual awakening. We've discussed the altars of the heart and the home, and on August 26 we will explore the altar of the church appropriately at our new church "home". For more information, please visit our website. We hope to see you there!
 

Love Dane

Guided by Orchard Church’s core values of Radical Generosity and Sacrificial Mission, we have a fantastic chance to make a difference in our Eastside Madison community through Love Dane, an annual multi-church service initiative. While Leiah and I won’t be able to join the service project at Trinity Lutheran (1904 Winnebago St, Madison) on Sunday, August 25, due to our send-off prayer at North Ridge Church, we hope our Orchard Church family will find time to participate either Sunday or Monday afternoon.

There are opportunities to support Lowell Elementary by assembling staff appreciation bags or serving lunch to welcome back the teachers. It’s a wonderful chance to give back. Sign up here for Sunday, August 25, or Monday, August 26.

 Ministry Needs

We’re earnestly praying for musicians, worship leaders, and anyone with a heart for serving who wants to be part of a new community with a vision to make a meaningful impact. If you’re passionate about using your talents to contribute to something special, we’d love to have you join us. Please share this opportunity with people you know or let us know of anyone seeking to share their musical gifts.

Want to be the first to know what's happening at Orchard? Opt-in to receive this update in your email inbox every week! 

What's the Scoop on Table Communities?
Imagine people hanging out where they live, work, or play, creating a dynamic and diverse network that's as diverse as Madison itself. That's the power of Table Communities at Orchard Church, where food, real talk, and personal growth collide in the best possible way.

1. Shared Meals:
Let's start with the basics—shared meals. We're not talking fancy dinners here. In our own Table Community, we've had no less than two 'cereal nights'. Where everyone brings their favorite cereal and we provide the milk and spoons. These have been some of our favorite meals together, because let's be real—cereal propinquity is about more than just preference. Cereal alliances run deep and true.

2. Real Talk, Real Life:
Life's a rollercoaster, right? Table Communities at Orchard Church are the place to be when you're grappling with the ups, downs, and loop-de-loops. No judgment, just down-to-earth discussions rooted in the teachings of the Bible. We're talking real talk about real-life stuff. In our own Table Community we've tackled parenting, dreams deferred, family of origin STUFF, and some big questions about the Bible and faith. (And we've only been meeting since October). 

3. Growing Together:
As we are discovering more each week, Orchard Church's Table Communities are your go-to squad for support. Whether it's celebrating victories or helping each other through tough times, this community has your back. It's a place where you grow not just in your faith but as a person alongside some pretty awesome folks.

4. Equipping for a Purpose:
Ever wondered about your life's purpose? Orchard Church wants you to find it and live it out. Table Communities aren't just about deep thoughts; they're also about getting hands-on in the community. Think lending a hand to neighbors or being part of something bigger than yourself. 

Orchard Church's Table Communities are where the vibe is chill, the food is good, and the community spirit is real. If you're up for good company, genuine talks, and a bit of hands-on purpose, come join us. 

Want a taste of the content that we discuss at our Table Community gatherings? Check out our 'Life Together' series on YouTube. 

Want to join or start a Table Community? Let us know. We'll help you get started wherever you are. 

Orchard Church is made up of multiple communities. These Missional Communities will meet weekly in a home, a coffee shop, a park. Led by a Missional Community Leader (MCL), the meetings will always have three consistent items — a central Biblical teaching (from Orchard Church), prayer, and a breaking of bread (meal).

We will come together on a regular basis to serve our communities and neighbors in and around Dane County. Missional Community members can propose the entities or service projects that they want to rally around. And as a whole church community, we will be generous with our time, talents, and resources—together. 

We will meet to pray and worship as a whole group during praise and worship nights, prayer walks, and community events. And eventually, we will have a regular weekend worship service to gather all the Missional Communities to worship, pray, and learn together.

But where you'll ultimately experience the depths of love, service, and healing will begin and end in your missional community. 

Are you longing for community? Connect with us to find yours today!