The Fruit We All Need – Intro (9.7.25)
We begin a fall series on the Fruits of the Spirit — fruit we — and our world — desperately need. This week is an intro, considering our role in transformation: tending the soil. Spotify Link
Entries by Chris
The Fruit We All Need
With surprising regularity, humans choose to live in a way that harms others and/or themselves, not to mention the planet. And no one is immune. Every. Single. Person knows what it is to “feed the compulsions of selfishness” (Galatians 5:16, The Message). Today, we see all too well the poisonous outcomes of such a choice […]
Sunday – August 24!
NOTE: August 24 – 10:00am We’re taking a field trip! A member of our community, Dale Hulst, has been building a net-zero home on the NE side of the city. This home is cutting edge in its construction – and has been visited by local and state-wide politicians, building groups, architects so that they can […]
Amos 9:11-15 and Lynee and Trevor Gilbert
We conclude our series in Amos, taking a look at the transformational process the prophets exhibit and invite us to join. We also hear the courageous journey of Lynee and Trevor Gilbert as they have navigated the difficulties of long Covid (begins at 22:10) Spotify Link
Amos 9:1-10 and Phil Ackley
We’re nearing the end of Amos. Teresa leads us as we consider anger’s role in our transformation. We also hear from Phil Ackley starting at 17:45. Spotify Link
Amos 8 and Katie Plas
The prophet, Amos, tells the people that because of their cruelty and injustice, God will take away ‘the word of the Lord’ and it will be worse than a famine of food or water. What does this phrase mean and what practices can we live out in order to remain in touch with the word […]
Amos 7 and Sarah Lundberg
Steve invites us to consider Amos 7 and a dialogue between the prophet and king. This conversation invites us to consider if and how we receive feedback and even criticism from others. Are we set in our ways – can we remain open to new possibilities? And at 22:30 we hear Sarah Lundberg share part […]
Amos 6 and Andrea DeWard
Amos 6 challenges us to consider both the gift and the risk of comfort. At 21:30 we also hear part of Andrea DeWard’s story. We are grateful for her willingness to share her experience as a chaplain, as we are thankful to all those who have shared their stories this summer. It has been a […]
Summer Sundays
Summer has a different rhythm in Michigan. We lean into this unique time by gathering on Sundays in different ways during the summer. August 24 – 10:00am – Field Trip! A member of our community, Dale Hulst, started a company and has been building a net-zero home on the NE side of the city. This […]
Amos 5 and Joan Hulst
The first part of the podcast is our continuation through the book of Amos. This week, Chapter 5. The second part (starting at 28:30) is the privilege of hearing from Joan Hulst tell a part of her story. Spotify Link Every podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Links to both are at the […]
Amos 4 and Sera Gruszka
It’s a Gruszka Sunday! Elliot leads us through Amos 4 – a much needed call to humility. And Sera shares a part of her story – a story of pain, difficulty, hope and even joy. Every podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Links to both are at the top of our Podcast page. […]
Amos 3 and Noel DeWard
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Sundays this summer include a look at the book of Amos as well as a story from a different Branch person each week. This week, Teresa leads us through Amos Chapter 3, and we learn a little bit about Noel DeWard and what travel has taught […]
Amos 1 and 2 & The War in Gaza
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Sundays this summer include a look at the book of Amos as well as a story from a different Branch person. This Sunday we begin the series by considering the first two chapters of Amos and asking what it says about our lives, as well as […]
Neighborhood Clean Up
Sunday, May 25 – 10:00-11:15am 9:45am – meet at building (973 28th St. SE) for coffee and donuts 10:00am – walk down to Mackay/Jaycee Park We’re partnering with the Alger/Garfield Green Team to clean up wooded areas in the park. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, considering bringing a pair of gloves. We’ll have […]
Stories of Light – Week 4 (5.18.25)
Today we consider power — specifically which power can change the world. Matthew 26 is our text — a story from Jesus’ final hours which speaks to two sources of power. Which will we choose? At 24:36 we showed a trailer to a documentary. This is not in the podcast. To watch the trailer, head […]
Stories of Light – Week 3 (5.11.25)
Ephesians 5 calls us to be people of light – people who follow the example of Jesus. In the gospel of John, just before the last supper Jesus washes his disciples feet – an absolutely stunning act. He then tells his disciples to do the same. How do we move beyond this world’s philosophy (that […]
Stories of Light – Week 2 (5.4.25)
Our second week considers the lie that only some people matter. We look at Matthew 20:1-16 and learn from Jesus who gave dignity to all. Podcasts can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Stories of Light – Week 1 (4.27.25)
We need stories of light — stories that point us to the world God desires, the world we are to work toward. We begin this series by considering a story that calls us to set a table instead of building a wall. Podcasts can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Easter 2025 – Everything in Between – Grief and Hope
When two bedazzled messengers greeted Jesus’ disciples, they did not dismiss their grief or confusion — or was their doubt disqualify them. Instead, resurrection met them precisely where they were. The same is true today – and everyday. If you have trouble with the player below, you can find all of our podcasts on Spotify […]
Easter Weekend
Here’s what we have planned this weekend. Good Friday – 7pm This poignant evening invites us into the final hours of Jesus’ life. We’ll share the bread and cup of the Last Supper, as well as other foods commemorating the feast of Passover, as Jesus would have with his disciples. We’ll then turn to the […]
