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Why We Built:                                                                             TOP

• TO BE FAITHFUL to God’s call to provide a 21st century ministry in our present location

• TO REACH OUT to our community with additional facilities that provide more space for innovative and emerging ministries

• TO RENOVATE well-used facilities for 21st century possibilities. We replaced our aging heating system, improved our electrical service, added a new sewer, and repaved the existing parking lot.

We are expanded our facilities by approximately 14,000 square feet and extensively remodeled its existing building. Remodeling created new air conditioned nurseries and elementary classrooms, a larger narthex, and two new youth rooms.

The addition contained a new parlor, four adult classrooms, a youth activity room, a choir room, a band room, a new kitchen, a 50’ x 80’ multipurpose room and a large stage. Additional parking on the lower level and a new parking lot entrance were also part of the plan.

For additional information and comments please leave a message at the church (248) 626-3620.

Dear Lord, I ask for your blessings on this the congregation of Orchard United Methodist Church. I ask that you bless us indeed!

Four years ago, this family of Orchard United Methodist Church stepped out on faith and boldly made the commitment to enhance the ministry capabilities of our church, thereby continuing an already impressive history of growth. Since that time God has continuously answered our prayers and blessed us indeed Just over a year ago we moved into our beautiful new addition which now houses additional Sunday School classrooms, a music ministry suite, a vital youth ministry program, and the multi-faceted Ministry Activity Center (MAC). Our family of Orchard has grown in membership, worship attendance, and ministry offerings. But most significant is the presence of the Holy Spirit, alive and moving in our church family. We have been richly blessed!

I ask that You expand our opportunities to minister to our neighbors, both known and unknown, and to spread the good news of Your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Over the past years we have been called to minister within our own community and to our neighbors in a variety of ways. Our Orchard Connections brochure lists thirty-four ongoing ministry offerings right here in our building! Beyond that we offer a whole array of special programs and one-time ministry opportunities throughout the course of the year. Orchard has grown in its dedication to outreach ministries and is committed to continuing such programs as Rebuilding Together, Baldwin Kitchen Workers, Cass Work Days, CROP Walk, Youth Mission Trip and FROG Week, global aid for special needs such as hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake relief, and support of global ministries through the payment of our apportionments.

I ask that Your hand be on us as we go forth on the path that You would have us be on.

"It Happens Here" is an acknowledgment of our desire to financially support our continued growth and to continue to seek opportunities to do God's will in ministry. We have received God's abundant blessings in the form of growth and ministry opportunities. We must continue our commitment to support and expand the ministry of Christ which daily happens here.

Our response to God's blessing must in the form of continued prayer and financial support of our ministries and the facility which houses them. Through "It Happens Here," we endeavor to raise the funds needed to:

Ensure Our Present Ministries ($440,000) - By pledging to support our current principle and interest payments over the next three years, we invest in the continued vitality of Orchard's current ministries.

Enhance Existing Facilities ($200,000) - We must continue to take good care of our existing facility by replacing the south education wing roof, updating the south wing hallway, upgrading the HVAC system in the office, repaving the south parking lot, and equipping the MAC for performing arts and expanded worship opportunities.

Initiate Specific New Ministries ($20,000) - We have a unique opportunity to expand our music and drama ministries for children and youth. This portion of the pledge will get this ministry up and running. Later, the continued support of this ministry will be enfolded into our annual budget.

Position Orchard for Future Ministry Opportunities ($200,000) - Through the reduction of our principle commitment we will financially position Orchard to respond to future ministry needs which will serve our diverse membership. Opportunities exist for our senior adults, children and youth, young adults, family ministries, outreach ministries, and additional worship experiences.

That You protect us and keep us from evil, and that we in turn do no harm to anyone. Bless us, Lord, bless us indeed. And help us to remember that nothing can happen here without You and without our willing hearts. Amen.

With God and our willing hearts, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!