TOP TEN QUESTIONS

1. What's The Orchard like?
A few words that describe The Orchard are Intentional, Relevant, Creative, Prayerful, Fun, Biblical, Caring, Passionate, and Accepting. At The Orchard, we explore the powerful, timeless truths of the Bible to find down-to-earth solutions for real-life dilemmas. We do so with multi-media, today's music, and bold thoughts in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The Orchard is a new church with a bright future. We are reaching the greater Loganville community in Walton, Gwinnett, Barrow, and Rockdale counties as we attempt to live out the mission of Growing New And Stronger Followers Of Jesus. Moving to our first home on October 7, 2007, The Orchard is being built from the ground up as a church designed to be welcoming to those people who have had little experience with church in their adult lives.

2. Is this a Christian Church or something else?
Yes, we are a Christian church. The Orchard is part of the United Methodist Church. You can find out more about the United Methodist Church at www.umc.org and www.ngumc.org. Though non-traditional in style, The Orchard is deeply committed to the classic Christian faith. Our mission is to Grow New and Stronger Followers of Jesus. We strive to be nothing less than a church full of local missionaries who actively lead others to experience a real Savior. The thing that truly defines a church is not simply its doctrine but its people. We challenge Orchard people to live out authentic expressions of faith in everyday life.

3. What will the Worship service be like?
At 9:30 am and 11:10 am on Sundays, we gather for worship that lasts about one hour and ten minutes. The atmosphere is casual, accepting, and updated. Although we honor sacred traditions of the church, we do so with an intentionally modern, casual, and conversational style. You will find a band without much of a dress code, drums and electric guitars, and a stage area decorated to match a certain theme. You will find a preacher who dresses like you do and may use a machete and three tennis balls to make a point and people you might recognize from other Loganville community settings. Most of all, we hope you find a relevant, uplifting experience of God's presence.

4. What about the children?
The TreeHouse meets every Sunday morning. The Orchard is committed to making children one of the greatest priorities of the church. At TreeHouse kids are introduced to the basic concepts for living a Christian life. On Sundays, TreeHouse provides several different areas with age appropriate learning activities beginning with crib babies all the way through active 4th and 5th grade boys. You will be directed to the right area as you sign in near the slide in the TreeHouse lobby area. Find our more in the Children's brochure.

5. What about the youth?
The Porch is for students in grades 6 through 12. Led by Rich Griffith and a great group of volunteers, the ministry environments for youth are high-energy, relevant, and life-impacting. Sixth through eigth grades meets Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 PM and ninth through twelfth meets Sundays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and includes youth worship, teaching and games, and grade level break-out small groups. Outside of The Porch it's cool events, exciting retreats, and mission trips. Find out more in the Youth brochure.

6. I'm new, will I be singled out?
Be assured that you will never be put on the spot, singled out, or embarrassed. We will invite you to take a gift bag and sign a Communication Card, but the decision is up to you. You will not have to register your attendance with someone looking over your shoulder or stand during worship to be recognized as a visitor. Our goal is to build bridges for you not push you across them. Were glad you are here. The only place where you will be required to provide personal information is in the Children's Ministry because we diligently seek to make the children's areas as safe as possible.

7. What should I wear?
Although we consider Sundays spandex free zones, we tell people to wear whatever you want as long as you wear something. We encourage people to wear whatever feels comfortable and appropriate to them. Some folks like to dress up a little while others may want to relax in old jeans, sandals, or shorts. It's not the clothes you wear that help you worship but the attitude you bring.

8. What about Sunday School?
In The Orchard, we replace traditional adult Sunday school classes with in-home small groups. Grow Groups are designed to help adults connect relationally and grow spiritually. Groups meet weekly at different times and on different days and typically include 10-14 people. More details are available in the Group Life Guide.

9. How can I become a member?
Membership is a commitment to actively participate with other members and attendees in the mission of The Orchard. Attendance at Orchard 101 is required for membership. Orchard 101 is a course designed to give you a taste of small groups and help you start your journey well. Orchard 101 is offered periodically throughout the year and it typically taught on two consecutive Sunday afternoons from 2:00-5:00 pm.

10. How can I find out more about The Orchard?
The first step beyond worship is called Connections. Connections is a free lunch with Pastor Ben where he shares about The Orchard and you get the chance to ask questions. To get on our mailing list please sign a Communication Card behind each chair in the Worship Center or e-mail your contact info to Lisa Smyrl at lisa@theorchardchurch.org.