Small Groups

We want to help you connect with God and others in an authentic way as you:
- share your strengths, weaknesses, joys, and concerns
- develop lasting friendships
- search for answers to the tough questions of life and faith

Our small groups are typically made up of 6-10 people and meet weekly throughout the semester. Your small group will be a safe place to learn about God, get to know others, and discuss real life issues. No two small groups are alike. Some focus on a particular topic, others on a specific book or book of the Bible, while others focus on sharing life. We have coed, men’s, and women’s groups available. If you are interested in a group email college@orchardhillchurch.org. Someone will contact you soon.

Spring Break Trips

God's Mountain, MO
March 14-20
God's Mountain is a Christian camp in Rushville, Missouri. Orchard Hill College Ministry has been partnering with this camp and the family that runs it for several years. We will leave Saturday (3/14) afternoon and return Friday (3/20) evening. While there we will form work groups and complete several building and remodeling projects for the camp. We will also experience amazing worship, encouraging small groups, great quiet times, fantastic food, and lots of fun. Cost of the trip is $200 if you register before February 10 and $225 after February 10. This fee covers transportation, food while at the camp, lodging, and a t-shirt. Paintball is an additional $25. Bring some $$ for a meal on the way to the camp and for a meal on the way home. Email us at college@orchardhillchurch.org to sign up, ask questions, or find out how you can get a trip brochure.



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Local Service Projects

When we volunteer to serve, we not only bless those we’re helping, but God richly blesses us in return! At OHC we are committed to reaching out to the world around us. Jump in and serve with one of our current Orchard Hill outreaches:

Learn It! Use It!
Learn It! Use it! is an after school program for elementary students in Waterloo. College students lead small groups of students on field trips to area businesses and attractions where students see, learn, and practice new skills. This is a great place to hang out with kids and be a mentor.

Catholic Worker House
The Catholic Worker House is a shelter in downtown Waterloo that serves a meal to the needy on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We provide a group that cooks, serves, and eats with guests once a month. It's amazing to see God at work in so many unexpected ways in this outreach opportunity.

House of Hope
The House of Hope is a transitional housing complex in Waterloo for single moms. It truly is a place of hope for young women as they seek guidance and support in raising their children and becoming self-supporting members of the community. There are many opportunities to serve here, including encouragement, mentoring, babysitting, care packages for kids and moms, and maintenance work.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer organization committed to assisting families in need with housing. Members and friends of the Orchard Hill Church community have an opportunity to work together on a Habitat House one Saturday of each month. Whether you’re a skilled carpenter or hardly know how to hold a hammer, there is a place for you at the worksite.

Alternatives
Alternatives is a crisis pregnancy center with locations in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The team of staff and volunteers at Alternatives counsel and support women throughout their pregnancies. Counselors and receptionists are always needed, as well as maternity and infant clothing donations.
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Spring Break Service Trips
Spend your spring break doing something meaningful! Each year we partner with Nazareth Lutheran Church to offer several exciting spring break destinations. Past service trips include: New York City, God’s Mountain, New Orleans, Chicago, and Tennessee. Cost for the trips are usually $180-400 depending on the locations, so plan ahead and start saving for this incredible experience today! Watch for information on this year’s trips in January.
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Plug in at Orchard

At OHC you’re not just here to fill a seat on Sunday mornings… we want to help you get involved in what we’re doing. We believe that God has given us each unique gifts and talents. That’s why we’re committed to helping you find your best service fit. If you’re musical, join one of our many bands and music ministries. If you love kids, help with Great Adventure on Sunday mornings. There are over 120 different ministries to get involved with at OHC. Whatever your interest or passion, we’ve got a place for you. Here’s a brief sampling of some ways to get involved:

Big House/CHAOS
Be a part of one of the nation's cutting edge youth programs. Join our high school and junior high ministries by leading a small group or by participating as staff during Wednesday night activities.

Great Adventure
When you join our Sunday morning children’s programming, you and a partner will be assigned a small group of children that will become your “kids” for the year. Help them navigate the large group activities, crafts, games, and small group discussion time.

Coffeehouse
Our Sunday morning teaching isn’t the only thing that will give you a kick-in-the-pants each week… our caffeine will too! Volunteer to serve up a fresh brew in our coffeehouse on Sunday mornings.

BASIC College Life Teams
Help lead or be a part of one of the following college life teams… Programming, Missions, Connection, Small Group, Technology, Promotion, and Worship. Each team of students helps plan events and connect with college students at Orchard. These people are Jeff and Karla's right-hand men and women!

Other service opportunities include:
Parking lot team, Fitness ministry, Senior ministry, Mom’s Morning Out childcare, Production & Technology team, Greeting, Music ministry, Drama teams, Nursery, College lunch team, and more. You name it, we’ve got it!
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Adopt-A-Student
Miss your mommy? OHC families are waiting to invite you into their homes! We know that living far away from home and on your own can sometimes be rough. We all miss mom’s home cooking and the free laundry. Our OHC families want to provide that same atmosphere for you right here in Cedar Falls! Be adopted and have a “home away from home.” Your family may invite you over for meals, to play games with the kids, to watch movies, or even to do your laundry! Adoptions take place each fall.
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