chicago

The Latest: September News

The church has always been characterized as a people who gather, united by their shared love for Jesus. This continues to be true even as a pandemic has caused this "gathering" to take on many different forms throughout the world. Even with present limitations, churches are still finding

Not Limited by Four Walls

At its core, the church has always been characterized as a people who gather, united by their shared love for Jesus. This continues to be true even as a pandemic has caused this "gathering" to take on many different forms throughout the world. We love seeing the creative

The Church in Action During COVID-19

From raising additional benevolence funds, to creating new approaches for worship services, to fostering new ways for intentional connection, to proactively supporting local community, to practicing lament together... it's been beautiful seeing the church being the church in this unique season. Here are a handful of examples of

Celebrating Five Years

We're rejoicing with Renewal Church [https://orchardgroup.org/projects/renewal-church] (Chicago) and Renaissance Church [https://orchardgroup.org/projects/renaissance-church] (NYC) as they celebrate their five-year anniversaries. Both of these churches are already to the point of being self-sustaining [https://updates.orchard.group/tag/self-sustaining/], one of the most

Spring Growth

One of the pictures Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God was of a mustard seed. The Bible often uses gardening or farming illustrations to reveal the nature of the gospel, showing how God is at work in the world. God can bring life even in the most barren

Race and Immigration: A Gospel Conversation

Each year, Renewal Church in Chicago hosts a conversation centered on how the gospel impacts issues around racial identity. This year, they expanded the conversation to include how Jesus followers can think about immigration. Renewal is committed to living out the gospel in Chicago, crossing boundaries and becoming a multi-ethnic

In Their Own Words: Hiring (and Firing) Staff

By Derrick Puckett, Renewal Church, Chicago We came into planting a church in Chicago like we had it all together. We thought we had the perfect location, the perfect staff team, enough money, and people. In the mind of the church planter, the plant may look and feel better than

Meet Lauren and Robby

“Chicago is such a diverse city, but we went to so many churches where it was all white or all black. We loved seeing the mix of people at Renewal.” Two years ago, Lauren and Robby were dating and searching for a church where they both felt welcomed. Lauren heard

Meet Will

Will was connected to Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] before it even started. He had played football in college with Derrick Puckett, the lead planter. Will and his wife had been looking for a place for their family to attend. When Derrick articulated his vision for Renewal,

Meet Emiola

“Chicago is an extremely diverse city, but it’s a very segregated space.” Meet Emiola from Renewal Church [https://orchardgroup.org/projects/renewal-church] in Chicago. Emiola was born in Chicago and grew up in London and Nigeria. When she returned to Chicago for college, she was surprised and dismayed at

Renewal Church in Photos

Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] in Chicago recently relocated to a high school on the west side of Chicago. The move allowed them to stay in the neighborhood while also providing them room for growth. It was a good idea - after adding a second service, the

Go To Where the People Are

Derrick Puckett recognized that many times people won't come to church, even if they are spiritually seeking.  So Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] in Chicago makes a habit of getting outside the walls of church- whether that's playing basketball or going to neighborhood

Making Dreams Come True

Kaley Puckett had initial reservations about church planting.  Over time, she became excited about the idea.  With the support of Orchard Group, Derrick and Kaley planted Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] in Chicago!

A Conversation on Gospel and Race

WHY HOST A CONVERSATION ON GOSPEL AND RACE? Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] in Chicago serves a city that is nearly equally black, white, and Latino [http://grist.org/cities/gentrification-might-be-real-but-its-the-least-of-chicagos-worries/] .  Their desire is to share the gospel with all people of the city, believing that the

Two New Churches, One Month

One of the most exciting times in a family’s life is the birth of a baby.  New parents (and grandparents!) post photos to share in their joy.  Starting a new church is often compared to a birth.  Furious work happens behind the scenes for months.  Then everyone gets together

Why Autumn Might Be the Best Time of Year

Fall is one of the best times of year! Cooling temperatures and changing leaves are nice, but we have other reasons for looking forward to September and October. Many of our churches are planted in the Fall. In the last month, Renewal Church and Renaissance Church started meeting weekly in

Renewal Church Launches!

This is Renewal Church

> "Out of 500 people, I was the only black guy in the room." Lead Planter Derrick Puckett, on his heart for Chicago, and the desire to be a part of a new church that has a vision to bring people of all backgrounds together. Renewal Church website

Introducing Derrick and Kaley Puckett and the Chicago Project

Chicago, Illinois is the third largest city in the United States and a city with significant global influence.  Over 20 Fortune 500 companies are based in Chicago. The city is home to significant educational and cultural institutions. While Chicago is a great and global city, it is also a city