The Branch

This summer we're encouraging all of our folks to participate in One Thing - to use the next 75-days to intentionally join God in mission to the world.

So ask yourself - "If I were to do One Thing this summer to share God's love, what would it be? If I were to do One Thing that extended God's hospitality and acceptance - where would I do it? If I were to do One Thing that helped to usher in grace and peace in someone's life, who would it be?" What will be your One Thing...

For more info on ONE THING, check out Nate's video debut (click play above or click here for a larger version) and the June 1st message. To explore some possibilities, click "read more" below.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN BE MISSIONAL THIS SUMMER:
*The Motion Initiative (www.mibike.org): Located at 1035 Godfrey is a ministry that combines fixing and riding bikes with mentoring inner city youth in the name of Jesus Christ. If you have a heart for youth and enjoy riding or fixing bikes make sure to check out there web page for how you can get involved.

*Renucci House (www.spectrum-health.org/cs/Sattellite?c=eHA_) Located downtown Grand Rapids on the Spectrum Health Campus. The Renucci House is a hospitality house where family members of patients who are in the hospital can stay while they care for their loved ones. In the midst of difficult situations the people staying at the Renucci House are blessed and grateful when a group of people makes and serves them a home cooked dinner. This is a great ministry for anyone who likes to cook or have a heart to serve those caring for sick or injured loved ones.

*Hot Dogs for the Homeless: Located at Vets Park downtown Grand Rapids near Fulton and Division, every Tuesday from 12:00-12:30. About 12 years ago to lawyers felt called by God to serve the poor so they started passing out free hot dogs at Vets Park. Now every Tuesday, rain or shine, they serve hot dogs, chili, and more to hundreds of homeless and hungry Grand Rapids residents. Ways to get involved: 1. Simply show up, observe, grab some food, sit down to eat, and see if the Spirit opens up an opportunity for you to have a conversation with someone. 2. Help serve: Simply show up at 12:00, tell someone behind one of the food tables that you want to serve and they will put you to work until 12:30.

*Alger Middle School (Streetwise Basketball & Life Skills on the Court event) On July 18 volunteers are needed to help assistant coach, referee, or just simply hang out. For more information call Lisa Williams at 648-1085.

*Burton Heights Spring Clean Up: June 27, 9am-12am meeting at Viking Fitness, 2040 S. Division. Call Guillermo Diaz at 550-1504 for further details.

*Garfield Park Development: Help clean up and repair vacant homes in the neighborhood. Check out www.garfielddevelopment.org

*Create: Invest in sharing the beauty of creativity with our neighbors. If you have skills in areas such as dance, music, video, and the list goes on, we need you. Or if you don’t and just love kids and love to serve we need you just as badly!! Talk with Andy or Chris for more details.

*Love on your Neighbors:
Invite a neighbor or two over for dinner or a BBQ.

*Become a community ambassador. Deliver a welcome basket to new neighbors that move in this summer. Include move in related items such as picture hangers and light bulbs as well as a brochure about The Branch.

Will you join us? Even if you don't know what your One Thing will be this summer we're challenging you to make a commitment to participate. Doing so helps us know where God is moving each of us, plus we'll contact you to see if there are ways that we can help get things going. Click here to join the journey... natekooistra@hotmail.com