The pandemic is not over…and yet, we are in a different place than we were twelve (even 3) months ago. Which begs a critical question: what will life look like in the ‘after-times.’ As the restrictions of the pandemic lessen, and therefore more freedom returns, what shape will our lives take? We have to be honest […]
Beginning May 2, we will offer two options for worship on Sunday mornings. Option 1: Live Stream on Facebook Every week at 10am we’ll stream worship through our Facebook page. Option 2: Garfield Park Beginning May 2, and running through the end of August, we will be gathering in Garfield Park from 10-11am. After considering […]
We begin a new series this Sunday which invites us to look at a number of biblical characters who are often overlooked. Their stories, although obscure, are instructive for our lives.
We’d be honored to have you join us and extend an invitation to others as we journey through Holy Week. Thursday, Friday and Sunday’s times of worship can be accessed through our Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/864871555 Sunday’s tailgate will be in person, socially distanced and masked in the Branch building’s parking lot. Thursday – Seder Meal; […]
Discerning our vocation can be aided by considering a unique intersection. Where does our deep gladness, the world’s deep hunger and the work of God’s Spirit intersect? We explore this together by looking at Luke 10 and the sending of the 70.
As we continue a look at the the idea vocation, we consider the end goal. What is every calling and vocation leading us toward? Luke 4:1-21 For this, and all of our podcasts, head over to https://anchor.fm/the-branch
During this season of Lent, we are entering into a conversation at the Branch about vocation. One way to think about vocation is to consider the ways that your every-day-ness (your routines, relationships, perspectives, experiences, gifts, etc.) intersect with God’s intentions for the world. When we look at Jesus’ life this is what we see: […]
https://anchor.fm/the-branch In our final week of this series we look back on the last four weeks and consider an idea that makes all the others possible: I need you.
One of the most destructive voices in our lives is the voice of shame. Shame tells us that we’ll never be enough — that there’s no way we are worthy of love. If people only knew the real us… The Scriptures speak to us not with a voice of shame, but compassion. In a story […]
This week we look at Acts 15 and 1 Corinthians 18 — windows into how some of the first Jesus followers navigated disagreement. This is a critical topic today as our handling of disagreement, both personally and societally is dysfunctional at best. Where do we need to grow so that disagreement becomes a transformative opportunity?
Showing up is an incredible act of strength. To show up as we are, with what we have, takes great courage and vulnerability. And…and…showing up is what is required to grow, heal and be changed. https://anchor.fm/the-branch/embed/episodes/Stories-of-unexpected-Strength—Week-1-ep80h0
Strength is typically through of as muscle and grit — it leads to success — it’s powerful and bold. And while that is true, this view of strength is one-dimensional. What makes a person strong is more than muscle or a superior intellect. Strength comes in unexpected ways; ways our world may even tell us […]
Let’s be honest. We’re tired. Tired of the pandemic. Tired of separation. Tired of division. Tired of hate. Or to come at it from another angle: we are in desperate need of strength. But strength is a funny thing. The word carries with it images of sculpted physiques and unflappable personalities. We tend to think […]
Join us for an evening of music, reflection and candle light. Worship begins at 7pm — you can log in as early as 6:50 using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/864871555 We look forward to seeing you!
Week 4 of our Advent series
Week 3 of Advent brings the theme of joy, something that has often felt in short supply this year. The lectionary text (Luke 1:39-55) invites us to consider how joy might find its beginnings in anticipation of what is to come; in faith and trust in a promise made.
Those who dream God’s dreams not only heed the call to stay awake (week 1) but also to prepare the way. We look at Isaiah 40 and Psalm 85 (two of this week’s lectionary texts) and then reflect together what it might mean for us to make straight a highway for God.
