A Note From Pastor Robyne
Hello friends,
Halloween is right around the corner. My neighbors have their decorations up and usually I am the first one, but this year I am late. I purchased a cute ghost on a swing, and my husband and grandsons will be putting it up on Saturday.
Every year for as long as I remember, the question that is brought up this time of year is- Should Christians participate in Halloween? The Bible doesn’t talk about Halloween and Christianity specifically, and there are some fantastic points on both sides of the debate.
Personally, I don’t find it sinful to read stories about evil. I read the Bible, and it contains many stories containing, idolatry, adultery, murder, revenge, etc. With that said, there is a difference between stories that portrait evil as wrong and stories that promote or glorify sin as good.
So, where do you draw the line?
When our oldest was three years old, he developed juvenile diabetes. He took four insulin shots a day. The hardest day of the year for me as a parent of a young child was Halloween. Clearly, he could not eat any of the candy and yet I wanted him to experience the socialization among his friends’ trick or treating. So, he went trick or treating and when he was done, we put all the candy in a pile and together we discussed how much money his pile of candy was worth. He would then take the money and go to Toys R Us and buy a new toy. Let me tell you his negotiating skills flourished over the years. We eventually had a dollar limit placed on his candy load.
What I am trying to say is - it’s up to every individual Christian to decide whether or not they will celebrate and to what extent.
Personally, I believe Halloween is a great time for Community Outreach. A time to interact with our community, and neighbors.
Orchard Church’s Trunk or Treat is amazing! If you haven’t tried our free walking Tacos, you are missing out. So, mark the date Saturday October 25, 5-6:30pm.
I hope to see you there.
God bless you.
Pastor Robyne
Order of Worship
Sunday October 12, 2025
10:00 am Worship Service
Opening Songs:
"Thrive"
"Living Waters"
Call to Worship
Leader: We began a journey last week. For these four weeks we will be training our “traveler’s mindset” and heart and soul, expanding our horizons, our understanding, and our love for the world and its people. We focused last week on leaving home. This week we find ourselves in “The Encounter” with things that feel “far from home” Jesus often crossed paths with others not from his “tribe.” He did not shy away. Actually, he most often sought out these opportunities. He met people in their daily lives and locales, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and her community, and engaged with them at the point of their deepest yearning. When we seek out and open to new encounters, new people, new relationships, we allow ourselves a spiritual rendezvous with humanity. And in this act, we discover more depth within us than we previously imagined. How can we shift our perception, redefining “strangers” as “friends we have not yet met?”
People: Far from home, we know we’re seeing, everywhere is full of meaning; different people expand our world and awe of all the creation and its beings.
Opening Prayer
Sojourning God, your Spirit exists everywhere, on every path, inviting us to move with curiosity and compassion toward each other. Open us to the depth of our connections even when it seems difference is so profound. Show us our shared humanity so that we will know what others love, see that we love the same, and share the burdens and the love. Nudge and guide us, we pray. Amen.
Children's Time
UMH #723 "Shall We Gather at the River"
Prayer of Illumination
Draw us close, Holy Spirit, as the Scriptures are read and the Word is proclaimed. Let the word of faith be on our lips and in our hearts, and let all other words slip away. May there be one voice we hear today — the voice of truth and grace. Amen.
Sermon Series: Quest
Message: The Encounter
Scripture: John 4: 7-40
Rev. Robyne Mayer
TFWS #2130 "The Summons"
Giving our Gifts to God.
UMH #95 "Doxology"
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
Offering Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the wonderful lessons that it contains. Thank You that there is no one that is beyond Your grace, and that salvation is available to all who will hear and receive the truth of the glorious gospel of grace. May these offerings be a symbol of our desire to bring hope and healing to a broken world, trusting that you will ultimately restore all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Closing Song: TFWS #2184 "Sent Out in Jesus' Name
Announcements
Ida Kirkendoll is back!
Ida Kirkendoll is back!Free class begin Wednesday at 12:15(Please note - Ida will be on vacation Oct 22 to Nov 12),Everyone is welcome.to attend
Bible study with Pastor Robyne
Bible study with Pastor Robyne Wednesdays 10am and 7pm Homework for October 8th read Chapter 3 and 4, make a list of notes and questions to discuss on Wednesday.
NO CASH BINGO 1st Tuesday every month
NO CASH BINGO1st Tuesday of each month1:00 pm in the Fellowship HallNovember 4thDecember 2nd
Free Craft Class 10/24 10-11:15
Join us for our next free craft class. Each participant can choose one of the two designs shown. Each foam decopauge pumpkin can be a keepsake for years to come. Class is limited (10). Sign up now.https://form.jotform.com/231695025774159
Send Us Your Prayers
Prayers of joy or prayers of lament, please let us know how we can pray for you! Send your prayers to [email protected] with the subject line "Prayer Request".
Online Offering & Tithe
To support our ministries through monetary donations, please use the link below to give online.
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The Needhams are coming!
Free EventAmerican Gospel MusicTHE NEEDHAMSSunday November 9th, 6:00pmOrchard Church39 North Main St.Magnolia, DE 19962Love Offering Accepted
Food Distribution
10/25/25 Begins at 9:30 until all bags have been distributed.
Cardio Drumming Free Classes at Orchard Church
Tuesday & Thursday 5:45 pm.Sat 8:00 amClass runs about 45 minutes to 1 hourAges: 16 and upNo health requirements