The time is very near for the kickoff of the two summer small groups at The Orchard. Small groups are intentional efforts to create an atmosphere that causes believers and non-believers to grow in their understanding and application of God's direction in our lives.  Below you'll find the basics, followed by a little more information. If you have any questions please email or call.

    * Summer Community Group led by D Merricks. It will meet at the home of Jeff Roberson (map) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. But the very first meeting will be at D Merricks house (map). The first meeting date is May 27th.

    * The Truth Project will be led by Don Howie and meet at the home of Bob Plants on Wednesdays at 6:00pm. The first meeting date is May 21st.

    The Summer Community Group is going to be a discussion group based on the message from the previous Sunday's service. We will dig into the scripture, chew on its meaning, and discuss how it should make a difference in our lives and how we interact with the world. This group is great place to make connections with other Orchardites while growing in community together. A light snack will be provided each week by group members. So bring your enthusiasm and your Bibles! Meeting time should be around 90 minutes.

    The Truth Project is a powerful and engaging video series about what Christians believe, and why we believe it.  Each Wednesday for 13 weeks (from May 21 to August 13) we will look at a different aspect of the Christian worldview and how it shapes our understanding of ourselves, our world and our relationship with God and others.

    We will meet together at 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday at the home of Bob Plants.  After a time of fellowship we will watch a 50-55 minute episode of The Truth Project video series followed by a time of reflection and discussion.  The total commitment of time each of these evenings will be approximately 2 hours (6:00 to 8:00 p.m.).

    Because some of us may not be able to attend every week due to vacations, arrangements will be made so that those who have to miss a week or two can watch the missed segments at home.  However, if you anticipate that you will have to miss more than two weeks during the summer, it would probably be best not to participate at this time.

    Participation is limited to no more than 12 persons.  If you would like to be a part of the group, we would love to welcome you.  If you have questions or would like to sign up, please contact Blake Thompson or small group leader Don Howie at home (563-3714), at work (915-3884), or by email at drhowie@olemiss.edu.

    To learn more about The Truth Project and watch a video introduction to the series, please go to The Truth Project's home site ­ www.thetruthproject.org.  There is a long and a short version of the trailer for the series on this site.