A Note From Pastor Robyne
Hello Friends,
That's a wrap for the 242nd Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference Session. The theme was Rooted in Christ: Love Boldly. Doug Lanter provides some highlights of the conference.
+The Retirement Class of 2026 was honored for a total of 200 years of service, showing decades of leadership and dedication.
+The conference approved resolutions on compensation, pensions, and the 2027 Covenant Funding Plan, showing ongoing care for those who serve. The conference was also recognized for reaching 100 percent mission share giving in 2025, highlighting the commitment of local churches.
+Each morning, Bishop Julius Trimble led Bible Study centered on Ephesians, reminding participants that the church’s identity in Christ comes before action. Over two days, the study moved from themes of belonging and grace to living out that faith through service, generosity and prayer. On the second day, Trimble challenged participants to move beyond reflection into action, emphasizing that a life rooted in Christ is expressed through gratitude, generosity and faithful service to others. “Living into your sanctifying grace, fulfilling your membership vows, with your prayers, time, talent, service, gifts and witness,” Trimble said, reminding the conference that discipleship is not obligation, but a joyful response to God’s grace.
+The Service of Remembrance, was a touching tribute to the clergy and spouses who had died in the past year.
+A key decision was Resolution R-17, which focused on the future of the Bishop Felton Edwin May Resource Center. After careful discussion, the conference voted to sell the facility and move to a district hub model, changing how churches receive support. This process will continue as an implementation team is formed and next steps are planned.
+A highlight of the week was the Service of Ordination and Commissioning. The conference celebrated Casey M. Houtz’s commissioning as a provisional elder and Carol Rose Moore’s ordination as a deacon in full connection. The service reminded everyone that the church’s future is shaped by those who answer God’s call.
+At the end of the conference, eight congregations were formally recognized as closed, marking the end of their ministries and honoring their role in the conference’s history.
Please visit the conference website for more information.
This Sunday the message is, “Freedom to Heal." The scriptures that support the message are John 5: 1-9 & Revelations 22: 1-5
I will be attending my home conference session in New Jersey. Retired Pastor Bob Mayer will be giving the message on Sunday.
God bless you all
Pastor Robyne
Order of Worship
Orchard Church
39 North Main Street Magnolia DE 19962
Sunday May 17, 2026
Opening Songs:
"Old Church Choir"
"You Alone Can Rescue
Announcements
Call to Worship:
Leader: There are many ways we can be in need of healing. Aches and pains can reside in our spirits. Today, we are proclaiming a word of hope and restoration. The Easter season is a time when we release our hold on repeating patterns and behaviors that keep us from wellness. To heal is to claim the freedom to let go of that which festers within us and reach out for the healing waters.
All: I will take the cup of freedom and call on the name of God.
Opening Prayer
God of Freedom, our souls rejoice because you have poured out your healing balm on our lives. Mend the broken places of our lives so that all may know freedom in you. We come to you in this moment, cups running over with thanksgiving.Amen!
Children's Message
UMH #352 "It's Me. It's Me, O Lord. Standing in the Need of Prayer"
Prayer of Illumination
Living God, send your Holy Spirit in the reading of your Word that it may show us the path of life and lead us where you are calling us, where there is fulfillment of joy. Amen.
Sermon Series: The Cup of Freedom.
Message: Freedom to Heal
Scriptures: John 5: 1-9 & Revelations 22: 1-5
Retired Pastor Bob Mayer
UMH #377 "It is Well"
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
Offertory Prayer:
Gracious and Healing God,
You are the One who sees us in our need, who speaks life into our weariness, and who calls us to rise and walk in newness of life. Today, as we bring our gifts, we remember the man at the pool—waiting, hoping, longing for change. Just as You met him with mercy and power, meet us here, Lord. Take what we offer—our resources, our time, our hearts—and use them to bring healing where there is brokenness, hope where there is despair, and life where there is death.
May these offerings be instruments of Your grace, carrying the good news of Jesus to those still waiting by the “pools” of this world. We give with gratitude, trusting that You will multiply these gifts for the glory of Your kingdom.
In the name of Jesus, who makes us whole, we pray. Amen.
Closing Song "My Good" -
Announcements
FREE Chair Yoga
Beginning Wednesday, May 20th at 1:00 p.m. in the Orchard Church Fellowship Hall.During the hour, we will practice gentle movements designed to improve flexibility, strength, and posture.We will work on connecting the mind, body, and spirit to brighten our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes and come with an open mind.See you then,Lois Hatolski
Comparing The Synoptic Gospels
Wednesday 10am and 7pm Will resume May 27
NO CASH BINGO 1st Tuesday every month
NO CASH BINGO1st Tuesday of each month1:00 pm in the Fellowship HallJune 2
Present Sermon Series
Freedom to Be Filled - May 24
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.
Give Online
Food distribution Sat, May 23Distribution 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