Blessed be the memory of Dr. Dan Simundson, who was our Orchard Director for the last ten years at Normandale Lutheran Church. Click here to visit the Luther Seminary Memory Book in Dr. Simundson's name.

The Orchard—“Faith Bearing Fruit”

A Sunday Morning Bible Study with a fresh approach to adult education and spiritual development.

• Meets in large-group sessions in Fellowship Hall from 9:45 to 10:45 am with Luther Seminary professors who are outstanding Bible teachers. Join us for refreshments and take a bite out of education!
• Small-group communities, formed in the fall, seek to engage the topics through reflection and discussion at other times in the week.
• Sundays: 9:45–10:45 am / Fellowship Hall (fellowship begins immediately following 8:30 am worship)

Sunday, March 17, 9:45 am / Fellowship Hall

Greg Owens, from The Wilder Foundation, will be speaking on How our Partnerships Develop Community in the Phillips neighborhood.

Making Sense of the Cross

Dr. David Lose of Luther Seminary, and Pastors Paul and Dale will present a 5-week series on the meaning of the Cross. Join us in lecture and discussion as we prepare for Lent with focus on the Cross. Copies of David Lose' new book, Making Sense of the Cross, will be on sale in Fellowship Hall.

February 3 - Making Sense of the Cross, Part One
February 10 - Making Sense of the Cross, Part Two
February 17 - God’s Justice
February 24 - God’s Unconditional Love
March 3 - The Cross Lived Out in Daily Life

To deepen and extend your study

Join the Orchard Discussion Group, Wednesday Nights 6:00-7:00pm

Transcripts of Sunday lectures available in both hard copy and on our website every Wednesday afternoon. Cds available Sundays following each lecture.

Normandale House ministry to homeless families

The Orchard takes pleasure in announcing a two-part presentation that lifts up our Normandale House ministry to homeless families.

March 10 - What the Wilder Assessment tells us: we give families hope.
March 17 - How our partnerships develop community in the Phillips neighborhood.

Click here to go to archived presentations.

The Orchard leads participants toward:

• Growth in knowledge of the Bible and Lutheran teaching
• Nourishing of habits of personal Bible reading, prayer, and meditation
• Awareness of the power of Scripture to enter, shape, and transform their lives
• Motivation to reach out to serve others whom God loves

Dr. Dan Simundson,
Orchard Project Director, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN

The Purpose of the Orchard is “to promote and facilitate the spiritual formation of participants through a comprehensive continuing study of God’s Word and key Lutheran Confessions and their application to daily life.”

The need for regularity in Bible study was clearly articulated by Martin Luther.

“See the order of treating God’s Word.
First, it is to be pondered in the heart.
Secondly, impressed faithfully and constantly on children by word of mouth.
Thirdly, discussed openly and everywhere.
Fourthly, written on the hand and before the eye.
He wants these words to meet us everywhere and be in our memories.”

Martin Luther Luther’s Works: Volume 9

Participate in The Orchard

• Come to the Lecture in Fellowship Hall at 9:45
  Fellowship begins after the 8:30am worship
  Coffee and light pastries served
  Pick up an outline and discussion questions
  Listen and ask questions
• Read the Transcript of Sunday’s Lecture, tapes and hard copies available
• Review Lecture
  Join an established small group
  Form your own group
  Review on your own

Small Groups in The Orchard

Join an Established Small Group
Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Form Your Own Small Group
“Whenever two or three are gathered together…”
Great time for a small group: during the Community Meal on Wednesday nights (5:00 to 6:45 in Fellowship Hall)
Meet at Church or at another site.
Email Sue if you need help setting up a small group: sue@normluth.org

Join your Normandale friends immediately after 8:30 worship for morning treats and coffee in Fellowship Hall before the lecture begins. You will find an outline and discussion questions for the morning lecture on the tables.

Consider joining the Wednesday discussion group to extend the conversation; deepen your understanding of the Sunday biblical teaching. Join this group or form your own group.

The Orchard Task Force - Kate & Eldon Arden, Patty Lindell, Pastor Paul Petersen, Bob Rydell and Orchard Administrative Assistant, Sue Schultz