Top 10 Questions

TOP TEN QUESTIONS

What kind of church is this?
A few words that describe The Orchard are accepting, risk-taking, outwardly focused, innovative, on mission, and helpful. In 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 multimedia, today's music, and bold thoughts in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The Orchard is a new church with a new vision. We are reaching the greater Loganville community in Walton and Gwinnett counties as we attempt to live out our mission of Growing New and Stronger Followers of Jesus. Launched into weekly worship on March 3, 2002, The Orchard is being built from the ground up as a church designed to be welcoming to those people who have had little or no experience with church in their adult lives.

What should I wear?
Wear whatever you want as long as you wear something. The Orchard is a place for real people seeking a real experience with a real God. We encourage people to wear whatever feels comfortable and appropriate to them. Some folks like to dress up while others may want to relax in old jeans. It's not the clothes you wear that help you worship but the attitude you bring.

What will the Sunday worship time be like? (click here for Sunday messages at Orchard on Demand)
At 9:00 and 10:45 AM each Sunday, we gather at our church for weekly Worship. Worship lasts about one hour and fifteen minutes. The atmosphere is casual, accepting, and modern. Although we honor sacred traditions of the Church, we do so with an intentionally modern

style. You will find a band dressed in blue jeans with drums and electric guitars. You might find the stage area decorated to match a certain theme. You will find a preacher who does not wear a tie and who may use a machete and tennis ball or a video clip from M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village to make a point. You will find people from the Loganville community who have children involved with local schools, sports, and

clubs. You will find The Orchard Café where we serve free coffee and snacks every Sunday. Most of all, we hope you find a relevant, uplifting experience of God that meets you wherever you are in life.

Is this a Christian Church? With whom are you affiliated?
Yes, we are a Christian church. The Orchard is connected to the United Methodist denomination. 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 and our Methodist heritage. Our mission is to Grow New and Stronger Followers of Jesus. We strive to be nothing less than a church full of real people who actively lead others to experience a real Savior. The thing that truly defines a church is not simply its doctrine buts its people. We challendge Orchard people to live out authentic expressions of faith.

Will I be singled out if I visit?
In The Orchard, you can be assured that you will never be put on the spot, singled out, or embarrassed. Furthermore, if you are a first-time guest, you will be encouraged to refrain from participating in the offering. Although you will be given the opportunity, you will not have to register your attendance. We will never ask you to stand and be recognized as a visitor. Please know that you can relax in The Orchard and take in the surroundings at your own pace. Our goal is to build bridges for you, not to push you across them. The only area of our church environment where you will be required to sign your name and provide personal information is in our Children's Ministry because we diligently seek to make the children's areas as safe as possible.

What about Sunday School?
In The Orchard, we replace traditional adult Sunday School classes with in-home Small Groups. Small Groups are designed to help adults connect relationally and grow spiritually. A Small Group helps you grow stronger as a follower of Jesus because it creates an optimal environment for three keys to spiritual growth: relationships, transformation, and mission. Groups meet weekly at different times and on different days. We currently have nine active adult Small Groups with six to fourteen people involved in each. To find out more click here.

What about the children?
Led by Children's Pastor, Dianne Hall, the TreeHouse is a special place for children from infants to elementary school ages. The z-Kids sing.jpg Orchard is committed to making children one of the greatest priorities of the church. We will provide worship, social activities, small groups, and educational environments developed just for children. Loving ministry staff and volunteers provide excellent care for our youngest children in the Nursery and engage toddlers through fifth graders in creative activities, crafts, Bible lessons, and worship in the TreeHouse. The TreeHouse area for children, from newbons through five-year-olds, is available for the entire Worship time. TreeHouse staff are ready to accept your children around 8:50 AM and 10:35 AM. To find out more click here.

What about youth?
The Orchard Youth Groups are for students in grades 6 through 12. Led by an energetic team of adults, the ministry environments for youth are high-energy, relevant, and life-impacting. Weekly events include Jr. High (grades 6-8), our middle school environment which meets Sundays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, and Sr. High (grades 9-12), our high school environment which also meet Sundays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. From 6:30 to 7:00 pm we have a Snack Supper for both Jr. and Sr. High groups. No boring meetings. No long lectures. It's cool events, exciting trips, fun games, deep relationships, and relevant discussion about issues facing youth today. To find out more click here.

How can I become a member?
Membership in The Orchard is a commitment to participate in the lifelong journey of following Jesus. By becoming a full participant, attendance at Orchard 101 is required for membership. Orchard 101 is a six week 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.

How can I get weekly information?
The best place is the Sunday bulletin, but we also offer two other sources for weekly information. Visit the News & Events page on this site or subscribe to our weekly E-news by clicking here.