Weekly Newsletter

Hello friends,

February is Black History Month, the annual observance of the history of the African diaspora. It has been observed in the month of February in the United States and Canada since 1976. It was begun as Negro History week by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 with the goal of educating the American people about African American history. The history of The United Methodist Church is filled with deeply spiritual people like Fannie Crosby. Though her name may not be familiar to most of us, she penned over 9,000 hymns. Blessed Assurance was published in 1873 and is probably the most popular. It has been a part of Methodist hymnals since 1889. Frannie Crosby was a lifelong Methodist.
“Crosby lived a life characterized by hope and generosity. She followed John Wesley’s example regarding possessions, constantly giving away all but what was required for her survival. Blinded at the age of six weeks, by a treatment prescribed by a man pretending to be a doctor, Crosby could easily have become bitter. Instead, she chose a different path and wrote that her blindness allowed her to enjoy blessings that other people could not. She became a student at the New York Institute of the Blind at age 15 and joined the faculty of the Institute at 22, teaching rhetoric and history. In 1885, Crosby married Alexander Van Alstyne, also a student at the Institute and later a member of the faculty. Middle class women in nineteenth-century United States had little voice in worship, however, one of the ways for a woman to claim the authority to be heard was by direct personal revelation from God. Fanny Crosby readily claimed God's personal revelation as a source for her hymns; her personal revelation then became a communal inspiration as Christians throughout the world sang her hymns and confirmed her faith experience as their own. If you would like to explore a few other incredible people that are a part of the great “cloud of witnesses” to us, I offer you: John Fletcher, Sojourner Truth, Richard Allen, Lady Huntingdon and William and Clementine Butler.” (resourceumc.org)

This week the message is, “Beyond the Fear.” The scripture that supports the message comes from the Gospel of Mark 9: 2-9.

There are exciting things happening at Orchard Church, here’s a peek.
Shrove Tuesday March 4, 5:30-7pm. Free Community Pancake Dinner. Register on our Facebook page or please call the church 302 335-3304
Ash Wednesday March 5, Worship and Ashes 7:00pm.
Saturday March 8, Craft Show Fundraiser at Magnolia Vol. Fire Co, Main Street, Magnolia. The time is 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Beginning Wednesday March 12, 12:15-1:00pm Free Chair Aerobic Classes led by Ida Kirkendoll Register on our Facebook page or please call the church 302 335-3304
Thursday. March 20, 1-3 pm. Would you like to create a beautiful silk flower cross for yourself or someone else? This class is free, everything will be provided but sign up quickly there are only 12 spots available! Register on our Facebook page or please call the church 302 335-3304
Thursday March 27th, 1-3pm Gather for an afternoon of laughter, strategy, and snacks. Make some memories and some new friends over your favorite board games. Everything is provided, (no cost) just bring yourself. Register on our Facebook page or please call the church 302 335-3304
Bunny Breakfast for Dinner Saturday April 12. (Free Community Event 4pm & 5pm seatings Register on our Facebook page or please call the church 302 335-3304
Palm Sunday – Sunday, April 13, 2025, worship 10am
Holy Thursday – Thursday, April 17 worship 7pm
Good Friday – Friday, April 18, 2025worship 7pm
Easter Sunday April 20, 2025, Sunrise Service 6:00am (Meet us by the firepit) FREE Breakfast after Worship Service.
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, regular worship 10am in the sanctuary.

We also have Men’s Bible study that meets at the Church on Mondays at 10am. A Women’s Group that meets weekly on Monday at 10. A Bible study with the Pastor that meets Wednesday10 &7,
See you Sunday at 10am in person or online.
God bless you all!
Pastor Robyne