Christmas is over. January and February are long, cold, and dark. We are going to spice it up with a fabulous, fun, and love-filled fundraiser. We are so blessed to have a congregation that loves and supports our church. Because of that, we are able to meet our basic budgetary needs. However, we would like […]
Epiphany brings the story of the Magi – a story reminding us that the way forward is rarely straight.
In November, we gathered at a local pizza shop to hear from a licensed therapist on how we might better understand and integrate our emotions. We had a lot of great feedback, but we also knew we had just scratched the surface. In response, we’re taking part of time during three Sundays in January to […]
This week, Elliot reflects on John the Baptist’s words, as well as research from the book, Tribal (written by Michael Morris) as we consider the good that is ours to do.
We Can’t Go Alone Advent – Week 2 A look at Ruth 1 – a reminder that we meant to walk through this life together, which is a choice of both doggedly moving toward and graciously accepting mutuality.
Week 1: You are A Blessing Luke 1:26-38
We return to foundational truths — truths that help us remember who we are to be in these season.
We return to foundational truths – truths that help us remember who we are to be in this season.
We use a familiar framework at The Branch as we process all of the things we might be feeling and thinking after the election.
With the election two days away, we are feeling the fraught-ness of it all. How do we traverse this week in a way that is hopeful, grounded and kind?
We look at four versions of the same story in order to ask the question: can we follow Jesus’ lead, reject violence, and be people of sacrifice?
We look at two stories that demonstrate the different ways power can be viewed and used. What does it tell us about how we might use our power – and how might power be used in the political sphere
Week 1: Fear Fear is often leveraged in politics. Campaigns try to play off of our fears and use our fears to pit us against each other. There is a better way.
Teresa helps us consider the end product of a life of love — a picture of who we could be and how we might move through the world if love is our primary aim.
We consider the often neglected and ignored command to love ourselves.
Everything — everything — hangs on love – including loving our neighbor. What might that look like today?
Everything important and consequential in this life hangs on love. And our capacity to express love is fundamentally tied to our willingness to receive it. Yes – we are called to love God, but equally, we are invited (and must heed that invitation) to receive and experience love. It sounds simple, but is not easy. […]
What is the greatest commandment? It was a question meant to stump Jesus, but it didn’t trip him up: Love God. Love Neighbor. Love Yourself. But that wasn’t all Jesus said. He went on to say that all of the commandments and religious laws and every word of the prophets hangs on love. Boil this […]
We end our summer series by looking at one of the few stories found in all four of the New Testament Gospels. It’s typically called the feeding of the 5000, but the text tells us there were many more than that. What do we learn from this story about the way we approach life’s problems […]
Deb shares her story – including what it is like to navigate a life filled with many moves, loss, and belonging. The audio quality is lacking in parts; you can also view the live video on our YouTube page.
