Please note: our festivities have moved to January 17th! We invite you to celebrate the Branch’s birthday with us on January 17, 2016 both at our normal 10:30am service and at a skating party that afternoon from 4-6pm! Please save the date and spend time celebrating with us! The party at Woodland Skating (2100 28th Street […]
Sasha Naomi Hettich (Lewis), aged 27, passed away December 25th, 2015 after having lost her courageous battle with postpartum depression. Sasha was many things to many people; a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a compassionate friend, but to define her only in these terms would be an injustice. With her sharp wit, her […]
On Christmas weekend we learned that a dear friend and part of our community lost a long and brave battle with postpartum depression (PPD). Sasha leaves behind husband Cody, 3 year old daughter Ember, and 5 month old son Gus. We are heartbroken by this loss. Cody has courageously shared their story [click here]. We stand […]
Faith isn’t just about the future. It’s not something we have in order to punch a ticket to heaven. In fact, Jesus is clear: faith is about the here and now – a gift meant to impact every aspect of today. With that in mind, we turn to James — an ancient and relevant book with deep insight about how […]
Tonight we celebrate the unlikely story of God coming to dwell with us from 5-6pm. Together we’ll mark this unending, unconquerable gift of Light through song and candle lighting. Our kids are also leading the way in giving their gifts through drama, choir, and dance. Bring the family — bring your neighbor — bring the kids. […]
The Branch is committed to building community, not just within but without. One of the ways we strive for that is building positive and fulfilling relationships with the church communities with whom we share a meeting space. This coming Sunday, November 22nd, we will be combining services with Alas Conexion and meeting at 11:30 (rather […]
Wrestling with Scripture is essential in order to grow in faith. As we do this, we should keep this framework in mind: in essentials: unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things: charity Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 & Colossians 3:12-15
Information about both auctions can be found here: www.fortheloveoflola.net Silent Auction A silent auction art gala is being held November 12th from 6-9pm at Lifestyle Kitchen Studio at 222 E. Fulton in Grand Rapids. Over 20 pieces of art will be up for auction. Pieces can be previewed at the website above. Volunteers are also still […]
It’s far too common today to find Christians who believe that doubt equals weakness — that if we honestly wrestle with the difficult questions or admit our uncertainty, our faith will take a hit (or at least other people’s perception of our faith will). But what if we’re meant to wrestle with God? What if […]
We’ll eat cheaply so we can give to those responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.
Does reading that immediately take you to a memory of a fall day with hayrides, pumpkin patches and cider? If so, you’re in luck because we’ll have cider. And donuts. No hayrides or pumpkins though. Sorry. Join Mike and Janelle DeBlaay (and Lucy and Teddy) at their house (2034 College Ave SE) on Oct 10th from 9:00-11:00am for a […]
Do you live in these neighborhoods? We’d love to know what you think! The Alger Heights Collaborative is asking you to please take a minute and fill out this simple survey. It should only take you a minute or two. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3MK3X6F The survey will be used to determine what types of events neighbors would like to […]
Join us for a mini-retreat, right here in the city. This will be a time to connect with others, eat together, worship, reflect and have a ton of fun. Both of the backyards of 2020 and 2030 Madison will be available for anyone to pitch a tent on Saturday night (or even pull in a small […]
Our next gathering will be October 25, from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at Seymour CRC. Partners at the Branch are people who have committed to calling this place home and investing in it for the next 2 years. In return, the Branch invests back into Partners, strengthening faith, leadership, and community. If you are interested […]
Our first ever kickoff is Sept 20th and we hope all 5th-8th graders will join us! And PARENTS – you’re invited too! We want everyone connected to BranchStudents to come to this special night as we enjoy a meal, have fun and share the vision for this group. We’ll be hosted by the Workmans at their home: 2303 […]
Do you like football? Better yet, do you like community? Our league has something to do with football, but it’s mostly an excuse to hang out. We’re holding our annual fantasy football draft on Sunday September 13th at 4:00pm. Want to join us? No experience/expertise needed. Just email matt.deblaay@gmail.com today and we’ll pass on further details.
Please join us to hear why cafe and greeter are such vital roles in our ministry effort to provide lavish hospitality. Anyone is invited, but this is especially important for those who serve our community as a cafe person or greeter. Please join us on either August 23 or September 16 at 10 am. Questions? Please check […]
