“The wilderness of the Bible is a liminal space – an in-between place where ordinary life is suspended, identity shifts and the new possibilities emerge. Through the experiences of the Israelites in exile, we learn that while the biblical wilderness is a place of danger, temptation and chaos, it is also a place for solitude, […]
We are committed to being a church that practices unity in essentials, liberty in disputed matters and charity in all things. This framework provides a way for us to be in community as we encounter those “disputed matters” of faith (Romans 14) in which we might have differing viewpoints and interpretations. In Essentials: Unity We […]
We begin the journey home by looking at the story of the prodigal sons (Luke 15, esp. v. 17-20) and discovered that the journey home often begins with the journey inward.
Our 2nd week in a series looking at the overall direction and mission of the Branch. For notes on the sermon, click here: 9:17 Notes.
Transformation doesn’t come from effort alone. We can’t just hope or wish or even try really hard. Instead, we have to train ourselves into a new way of being. We have to practice. To that end, Join us any Wednesday morning from 8-8:45am at the Garfield Park Nature Center (see map below, entrance is on Jefferson) […]
The weather has turned cooler. The more relaxed pace of summer seems to be over. Here at The Branch, things are no different. Take a look at some of the things happening this Fall. Join us for one or join us for all. We’d love to have you! Fall Kick-off Party When: Saturday, Sept. 16 […]
Reconciliation finds its roots in the Latin meaning to bring back together what has been separated; to make good again. The Scriptures tell us that reconciliation is exactly what God is up to in the world, and we are called to join in that work. The Branch is a church committed to reconciliation that is […]
During the summer, join one of our missional communities at Garfield Park on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm (come whenever your schedule allows). We’ll have dinner together (bring place settings and something to pass), play and hang out. We’ll also continue to build relationships and support recent refugees who join us from time to time.
Loving the other is rarely easy, and more than often requires more of us than we think we can give. Thanks to Jeff and Sarah for being willing to share their story of how God has been at work in and through them as they chose love over fear. Verkaik from Chris DeBlaay on […]
We begin this series by looking at Christ’s unmistakable call to unity. We also work to reclaim the often forgotten truth that there is much more that binds us together than separates us, even in this debate. We also strongly encourage you to engage with these questions and readings this week to further reflect on […]
It’s easy to take for granted just how remarkable is the earth-bound rootedness of Jesus. Consider it: His feet touched this earth. He breathed this air. He called this place home. The places of Jesus both formed him and were transformed by him. Through Lent, we’ll explore some of the key places of Jesus’ life, […]
Welcome the New Year with us as we share breakfast before worship. Come anytime after 8:30am. Sure, it’s a bit early, but we’re keeping things low-key and simple. Click here to sign up for something to bring.
Over the last month we’ve been humbled and grateful as the Branch has repeatedly been an extension of Christ to the world. Here’s a snapshot of ways in which God has worked through us to spread the Good News: In the last month, our kids gave offerings totaling $175 to purchase 5 pairs of shoes, 3 mosquito nets and […]
We are helping a Congolese family of six get settled in America after arriving just a few weeks ago. A major needed item are winter books. Boots do not have to be new, but should be in good used condition. You can click here to find details of what exactly is needed. If you are […]
Part 3 looks at the false narrative that we earn God’s favor and compares it to the life and teaching of Jesus, who shows us that God’s favor is not a response to what we do, but simply an outpouring of God’s love for who we are.
This week we look at a second narrative we learn from Jesus: God is Trustworthy. And we review the process by which we change. Matthew 6; Matthew 26 Homework 1) If you want to recap this message, read chapter 3 from The Good and Beautiful God. To prep for the message on the 23rd, read chapter 4. […]
Homework! The sermon on Sunday is only a start. We strongly encourage you to take another step or two this week in order to enter into the process of transformation more fully. Here are some ideas: 1) Read chapters 1-3 from The Good and Beautiful God. 2) Engage in one of these soul-training exercises. SLEEP […]
Every week we’ll be posting some ideas on how you can more deeply engage the Old Testament. Parents: these tools will be written in a way so that you can use them with your kids. If you do use them with children, it may work well to pick one question/activity per day. This will keep things […]
Love. Is there another word more widely used in our world today? We say we love hot dogs or Dora, and a short time later pledge our life-long, unconditional love to another. It’s a word we use to describe our feelings or what we think. But love, in its fullest, truest sense, is infinitely more. Love […]
The Branch has three Stewards of Care and and three Stewards of Resources. Each serve for a three year term, which means that every year one Steward of Care and one Steward of Resources rotates off. This year, Carrie Elzinga (Care) and Jeff VerKaik (Resources) will be stepping down. The process for adding Stewards begins […]
