Discipleship through Learning & Relationship

GROWING “U” is just what it says, an opportunity for you to grow in your Christian faith and help others to grow as well. Three seasonal Tri-mesters, each lasting between 8-10 weeks, will offer a variety of topical classes at various homes scattered across our community on different nights of the week.

We believe the short-term commitment required by a 10 week study will serve our people well – to participate, teach or host! Every 10 weeks, groups are disbanded and the “deck is reshuffled” to begin new groups! This gives you the opportunity to meet more people, take different classes or take a needed season “off” if your schedule doesn’t permit. You can participate one semester, two or all three. If you’re really hungry to grow you can take many classes in each semester!

Sunday Mornings 

Faith Connections (Sunday mornings at 9:15 am.)

Teacher: Al Schult

Where: Art Room at Duncan

Childcare Provided: Thank you for providing your own care

 This course offers an in-depth look at scripture using the Wesleyan Quarterly.

Grab a cup of coffee & snack from 9:15 – 9:30 am.  Class runs from 9:30 – 10:15 am.

Sunday Night Sunday School

(6:00 – 7:30 pm.at the Church Ministry Center)

The Bait of Satan:  Living Free From the Deadly Trap of Offense (by John Bevere)

When:   Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Starting February 12 and ending April 29 (9 week class)

Teacher: TBA

Where: ORCN Ministry Center

Escape the enemy’s deadly trap! The Bait of Satan exposes one of the most deceptive snares Satan uses to get believers out of the will of God-offense. Most people who are ensnared by the bait of Satan don’t even realize it. You will encounter offense, and it’s up to you how it will affect your relationship with God. Your response will determine your future. If offense is handled correctly, you will become stronger rather than bitter. In this tenth anniversary edition of his best-selling book, John Bevere shows us how to stay free from offense and escape the victim mentality.

The Case for Intelligent Design (by Lee Strobel)

When:   three Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. (April 15, 22, 29)

Teacher: Mark & Laurie Pickell

Where: ORCN Ministry Center

While science generally contends that life and the universe are the products of undirected natural processes, new evidence from biology, chemistry, paleontology, physics, and astronomy points clearly to a world designed for a purpose.  At the heart of this debate are three remarkable films that have helped define the major arguments for the existence of intelligent design behind all of life and the cosmos.

Student Ministry Night

When:  Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Facilitators: Pastor John & Brittany Cooper

Where: ORCN Ministry Center

Hey teens!  Take this time to perfect your talents and abilities.  Please join us Sunday evening at the ORCN Ministry Center; you may be surprised at what amazing things happen when you and the Lord show up!  We’ll also share in weekly devotions.

Preschool Bible Study (Ages 4-5)

Upon entering kindergarten, parents will have the option of including their children in the children’s quizzing program or enrolling them in the nursery.  As the need arises, a separate preschool program will be implemented.  Any questions should be directed to Sharon Barky (586) 381-1198 or Kelli McCloud (586) 246-1181.

Nursery

When:  Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Facilitator: Alyssa Staten

Where: Ministry Center

Special care is provided for our infants all the way to 2 years old.

Thursday Night Adult Classes

James –  Thursday Nights 7 pm

When: Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Facilitator: Dave Zauner

Where: Ministry Center

Do your Monday actions reflect your Sunday worship? How about your claims to faith? Is your life full of noticeable changes and actions? James, the half-brother of Jesus, wasn’t impressed with talk. He knew talk was cheap. He knew that a life of faith was about action-action that showed a difference. In his book, James boldly deals with practical issues of faith not bound by culture or place. James shows the importance of living a genuine life of faith. He is straightforward. He encourages, challenges, and confronts. His practical words are merciful admonitions to live out our faith. Join us for this practical Bible Study in the New Testament book of James.

Covenant – Thursday Night

When: Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.Facilitator: Julie ZaunerWhere: ORCN Ministry CenterCome along with Beth Moore on a journey through the Book of James and get to know the author who penned the pages – James. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer.

Thursday Night Alive

Blaze Student Ministries – Work in Progress Series

When:  Thursdays, 7:00 pm

Facilitator: Pastor John & Brittany Cooper

Where:  His Rock Café

This group is for teens (grades 7-12).

If you’ve ever had the privilege of driving on Michigan roads you’ve probably seen dozens of signs that read “Work in Progress” followed by miles of beautiful orange barrels. Normally, the response to these conditions are anger, frustration and the desire to drive through every cone without fear of consequence. Sometimes it feels like the construction project will never end. Thankfully, God’s “Work in Progress” in our lives has a promise of completion that ends in having achieved His purpose and destiny! Philippians 1:6 says “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.” As we allow God’s construction process to be done in our lives we truly will see the purposes and plans of God unfold. So put on your hard hat and let’s get to work.

Children’s Junior “U” (Ages 1st – 6th Grade)

When:  Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Facilitator: Sharon Barkey

Where: ORCN Ministry Center

Junior “U” is a high energy bible based mid-week ministry created for your kids (kindergarten thru sixth grade) through creative hands-on approaches.  Your children will be engaged each week in a bible teaching and activity in an environment with caring mentors and friends.

Preschool Bible Study (Ages 4 – 5)

Upon entering kindergarten, parents will have the option of including their children in the children’s quizzing program or enrolling them in the nursery.  As the need arises, a separate preschool program will be implemented.  Any questions should be directed to Sharon Barkey (586) 381-1198 or Kelli McCloud (586) 246-1181.

Nursery

When:  Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Facilitator: Alyssa Staten

Where: Ministry Center

Special care is provided for our infants all the way to 2 years old.

 Small Groups

(Various Times Throughout the Week)

Men’s “Early Bird” Breakfast

When: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Dave Zauner

Where:  National Coney Island (45221 Utica Park Blvd, Utica)

Childcare Provided: Thank you for providing your own childcare

While enjoying a breakfast meal together, this men’s group discusses a weekly Bible verse & applies it to their lives.  It is a great way to fellowship with other Christian men.  What a way to start off the day!

Orchard Ridge Prayer

When: Thursdays, 12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Pastor Steve Barkey

Where:  ORCN Ministry Center

We would love for you to join us for a powerful time of prayer. If you’ve never experienced the life changing power of prayer, we encourage you to attend.

Remember: “When we work, we work. When we pray, God works!”

Ministry Opportunities

Abigayle Ministries

When: periodic as needs arise

Facilitator: Trisha Kott

Where:  Abigayle Ministry Center (12313 19 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313)   

Childcare Provided: Thank you for providing your own childcare

This service group volunteers at a ministry for homeless, pregnant women and new mothers needing transitional assistance. Abigayle is always in need of women to drive the women to appointments, usually in the local area. Just arrive at the house (the girls are usually always ready), drop them off, and then return to pick them up when their appointments are complete.  There is a need for volunteers to spend the night during the week & one weekend per month. They have a very comfortable volunteer bedroom suite. This ministry requires an application process and training.  We are also looking for women or a female from our teen group to ride in the van along with Jerry Barkey to pick women up from Abigayle’s on Sunday mornings who want to come to church. No training required. You would have to be at church by 9:15 a.m.  If anyone is interested, or you have questions please contact Jerry Barkey at (586) 489-3954.

Hope Center

When: The first Thursday of every month 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

East Michigan CCDA

What does CCDA stand for? Good Question. The East Michigan Christian Community Development Association was founded and is operated by Pastor Mark Judkins, who is the brother of Kim Bianchini.   Their motto is “Unlocking neighborhood access to opportunity”.  They assist with job search, finding housing, career development, food, mentoring, business coaching etc.  They try to be a “Homeless Prevention Ministry” by helping people function at home and in society.

Current Needs:

• Tutors for their after school program starting in October from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.  If you can read and add, you can help.
• Drivers
• Seniors Program – Starts in October – They need volunteers to sew, play checkers, prepare meals in the ministry kitchen and serve, etc.
• Appliances, Clothing, Furniture, Toys etc.  CCDA called it an “Asset Reallocation” program.
• To learn more, follow Pastor Mark Judkins of Rochester, MI on Facebook.