The second psalm of disorientation – this time a song of communal lament.
We know what it is like to feel communal loss — and in these psalms the psalmist is willing to say just about anything to get God’s attention. Perhaps we can be encouraged by this brutal honesty.
A helpful first step is to complete a short google form that gives us a valuable sense of how much, and when, our community plans to give to Rooted and Restored. Information shared in this form is confidential and not binding.
[ Share your Commitment to Give ] → Click here
All donations are tax deductible as The Branch is a registered 501c3.
Financial gifts are one way to support Rooted and Restored. We also welcome the gifts of time and skill to complete various building related improvements (i.e. painting, landscaping, basic upkeep needs) . Volunteering in these ways frees up resources and helps us create more welcoming space. Click here to see the list.
We also invite you to consider who you know. Do you know a contractor who could help us with one of the projects? Do you know someone who would be open to making a gift because they know the impact The Branch has had in your life? Are there grants you know of that could help us? Email chris@thebranchonline.org if you have someone you can connect us with, or if you’d like to volunteer.
973 28th St. SE
You may have felt hopeless or unsure of what you could do as immigration enforcement upends the lives of our neighbors and communities. Join us for pizza and conversation as we learn from our guests, and together find courage and hope.
GR Rapid Response to ICE and Hope for Neighbors are grass-roots nonprofits working alongside people who have been detained and their families. They will share stories of their work and ways we can be involved to offer care and support. We’ll also hear from a couple who visited North Lake Processing Center – an experience that moved them to action and love.
Join us the week of June 15 from 6:30-8:30 pm for a week of creativity and fun! Classes will be in session Monday-Wednesday. Thursday night is our Celebration and Gallery Night from 6:30-7:30pm. Friends and family are invited to see what the kids have been up to all week, as well as share in an opportunity to join the creative fun! Games, ice cream and pictures from the week will be a part of that celebration.
CREATE is an art camp for kids entering K-8th grade. Each child chooses one age-appropriate class to attend. They spend their time creating, getting to know one another and having fun. We love coming alongside kids as they tap into their own unique creativity – even when they don’t even know that creativity exists! Scroll down for the list of classes.
For the latest updates, be sure to like our Facebook page (facebook.com/CreateGR).
Class Options for Grades K-1:
PLAYMAKERS LAB: Using found objects to create things we can play with!
NAILED IT!: Love baking? Horrible at baking? Awesome! Baking can be tough. Let’s celebrate fun and failure!
CLAY CREATIONS: Come bring your imagination to life with colorful polymer clay creations!
Class Options for Grades 2-4:
WOODWORKING: Assemble and decorate a project made out of wood! (No power tools will be used in this class)
MIXED MEDIA: We’ll learn to draw some of our favorite animals and get extra creative by combining watercolor, colored pencils, collage, and more to bring our drawings to life.
PAINTING: A canvas painting class. Some projects will have a bit of meaning and story, while others will be lighthearted designs. Join us as we create one-of-a-kind pieces of art!
Class Options for Grades 5-8:
DYEING TECHNIQUES: Learn and explore different techniques to dye paper and fabric.
POLYMER CLAY EARRINGS: Students will design, create and take home several pairs of unique, handmade, clay earrings.
CHARACTER DRAWING: Character art is used in media like gaming, animation and manga. But it doesn’t stop there. Learn tips and techniques to bring your characters to life.
PUNCH NEEDLE: Learn how to make a picture with a punch needle. It’s like painting with yarn as the paint. We’ll explore other yarn fiber arts as time allows such as crochet or making yarn with a drop spindle.
After celebrating 20 years as a community we’re circling back to our core values.
This five week series will reflect on what we are committed to prioritize and live out.
January 17 – Partnership
January 24 – Inclusiveness
February 1 – Purposeful Presence
February 8 – Relational Grace
February 15 – Courageous Creativity
The first Sunday of the New Year is traditionally the week when we turn our attention to the story of the Magi. These visitors are not what anyone would have expected — and they create a stark contrast when held up against Herod and the religious leaders. Ultimately, it’s a story posing the question: empire or shalom? A question relevant to us today.
The Branch is officially 20! Join us on January 11 from 10am-noon as we look back and celebrate 20 years together. There will be music, pictures, memories to share, collective art to create, snacks…and of course cake!
A lot has happened in 20 years. There have been highs and lows and everything in between. But through it all, God has been faithful and we have been steadfast in our vision to be a community united with Christ in the renewal of all things. That is worthy of a celebration and we hope you will join us.
This Advent, we’ll be considering four stories from Jesus’ birth narratives.
Sanctified Art, whose poetry and art we will use throughout the series, outlines the series this way:
Luke’s Gospel begins the story of Jesus with this opening line: “In the time of Herod…” This detail may seem minor to modern readers, however, it reveals layers of information about the fearful world Jesus entered, one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, the whispers of angels deliver a surprising message: “Do not fear.” In our own time, we might ask: is it even possible to be fearless in a fearful world? When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi are each called into God’s redemptive story, they do not deny their fears—they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust
in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.” When we find ourselves in fearful times, can we acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily posts that asks important questions, share beautiful, provoking artwork, and offer encouragement to press on.
November 30 – In the Time of Herod, We Long for God to Break In
December 7 – When We’re Running Out of Hope, God is at Work
December 14 – Even in Our Fear, We Are Called Forward
December 21 – When You’re Afraid, Give Me Your Hand
December 24 – Good News is Louder Than Fear
Our Christmas Eve gathering is at 5pm
On November 9 we invited the community to join us a local pizza shop to consider The Future of Christianity.
A pdf version of the slide deck can be found here.
An audio recording is on our podcast.
One of our topics Sunday night was Empire. Interestingly, I’ve had a number of thought provoking pieces come through my inbox in just the last couple of days. They challenge us to rethink — and retell — the story of Christianity. I hope you find them helpful.
Peace-
Chris
The Garden and the Empire: on gilded halls and golden toilets by Christy Berghoef
“The future we need is one patterned after the wisdom of ecosystems, not empires. A future where the measure of a life is not how high you climbed, but how well you belonged. Where prosperity is shared, is regenerative, and is circular. Where wealth is not a fortress but a common place. Where children inherit not ash, but orchards.”
Empire is not Beautiful by Diana Butler Bass
“We aren’t a Christian America. Not even a little. We’re the opposite. And genuine Christian faith — the entire message and ministry of Jesus — is counter-cultural resistance to all of this.”
Beyond Algorithms and Empires by Kaitlin Curtice
“Why am I writing about algorithms and empires? Because they are everywhere, controlling and restricting us, making monsters out of us, polluting our very souls. We exist in a heavy and difficult time, and I need us to hold space right here, right now, as we dream of what’s ahead.”
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 (in our own lives to be sure, and also in the ways those in power exact cruelty and harm as they act out of selfishness).
But there is another way. A way that changes us so profoundly that we begin producing life-giving fruit.
Called ‘the fruits of the Spirit’ in the New Testament, these nine virtues change us so that we can join in the work of changing the world.
We do not need to be ruled by shallow self-interest. There is another way. Join us as take this journey together.
Starting September 7…
The Love We All Need
The Joy We All Need
The Peace We All Need
The Patience We All Need
The Kindness We All Need
The Goodness We All Need
The Faithfulness We All Need
The Gentleness We All Need
The Self-Control We All Need
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 learn the techniques used and develop policies that might lead to the building of more homes like it.
On Sunday, the 24th, we won’t meet at the building, but instead will meet at this home at 720 Eastern Ave. NE (you can also join us via our live-stream on YouTube).
Now, you may be saying, “Home construction…that’s not really my jam.” We hear you. But this morning is about more than this home. Yes, we’ll hear Dale’s story and take a tour, but we’ll also consider the larger call God extends to all of us to be good stewards of this earth, and we’ll and learn practical steps we can take (in whatever type of home we might live in) to limit our energy impact.
Summer has a different rhythm in Michigan.
We lean into this unique time by gathering on Sundays in different ways during the summer.
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 home is cutting edge in its construction – and has been visited by local and state-wide politicians, building groups, architects and others passionate about climate change.
On Sunday, the 24th, we won’t meet at the building, but instead will meet at this home – 720 Eastern Ave. NE.
We’ll hear the house’s story, take a tour, and learn steps we can take (in whatever type of home we might live in) to limit our energy impact.
These two Sundays offer a number of options to folks. Children and students are welcome and encouraged to participate in any of the choices below.
We spend the first 15 minutes of these mornings in the sanctuary together, and then we split into various groups for 45 minutes before coming back together for a brief conclusion. On 6/29 the options include:
We’ll be making frozen dinners for AYA – one of our partnering organizations. All ages are welcome to participate.
Caring for God’s creation and serving our community our deeply held values at The Branch. We’d love for you to join us!
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 events of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, conviction and death. Finally, we’ll move to the tomb and there bear witness to the grief and the love present.
We kick off Easter with food and joy. Join us at 9am (the forecast leads us to assume we’ll be downstairs in the community hall) for Easter Brunch! We’ll be providing place settings and a few basic foods. Feel free to bring something to share (homemade or store bought – it’s not a picky crew 🙂
Our worship gathering will take place at our normal time of 10:00am
Janelle offers insight into Luke 13 – the story of the fig tree. It’s a story filled with tension, a call, and hope.
In this moment of great upheaval, we need each other to help us stand up and find our way forward.
We’re holding three conversations on what a Christian response might be to the first 100 days of the current administration. So much has changed — too much to keep track of — yet we must not lose courage or hope.
Join us the week of June 16 from 6:30-8:30 pm for a week of creativity and fun! Classes will be in session Monday-Wednesday. We’ll take a break Thursday night in observance of Juneteenth. And then we’ll come back on Fridya night for a party to celebrate creativity! Friends and family are invited to see what the kids have been up to all week, as well as an opportunity to join in the creative fun! Games, ice cream and pictures from the week will be a part of that celebration.
CREATE is an art camp for kids entering K-8th grade. Each child chooses one age-appropriate class to attend. They spend their time creating, getting to know one another and having fun. We love coming alongside kids as they tap into their own unique creativity – even when they don’t even know that creativity exists! Scroll down for the list of classes.
For the latest updates, be sure to like our facebook page (facebook.com/CreateGR).
Class Options for Grades K-1:
CARDBOARD CREATIONS: A chance to explore different artistic skills (paint, drawing, color combination, engineering, and design) all with cardboard! Participants will create objects to both admire AND play with.
NAILED IT!: Love baking? Horrible at baking? Awesome! Baking can be tough. Let’s celebrate fun and failure!
Class Options for Grades 2-4:
TINY GARDEN VILLAGES: A magical art class where creativity meets nature! Kids will design and build their own enchanting garden communities, crafting miniature houses, play areas, and tiny structures perfect for little mythical creatures or small backyard critters. Using a variety of materials—natural elements, recycled items, and colorful craft supplies—each child will bring their unique vision to life.
PHOTOGRAPHY: It’s more than ‘point and click’. Learn photo skills and turn your pictures into art, not just snapshots! Gear needed: Digital camera with removable media (SD Card, Compact Flash, etc). DSLR preferred.
TRASHIN’ FASHION: Let’s create wearable works of art from the recycling bin! One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Class Options for Grades 5-8:
DYEING TECHNIQUES: Learn and explore different techniques to dye paper and fabric.
INTRO 3D PRINTING&MODELING: Learn the basics of 3D design by creating your own model and learning how to print it.
CHARACTER DRAWING: Character art is used in media like gaming, animation and manga. But it doesn’t stop there. Learn tips and techniques to bring your characters to life.
FELTING: Felting is a creative craft that involves sculpting shapes and figures using wool. Discover techniques that will allow you to create amazing creations with just a few supplies.
Fabulous February Fundraiser: Prize Winners!
Gift Cards
Pupusaria Las Comadres gift certificate ($40)
Winner: Janelle DeBlaay
The Gilmore Collection gift card ($50)
Winner: Kroondyk family
Bonefish Grill gift card ($50)
Winner: Nate and Andrea DeWard
Amazon gift card ($50)
Winner: Mindi and Kevin Freng
Old Goat gift card ($50)
Winner: Phil Ackley
Brass Ring 2 golden coins (value of $20)
Winner: Laura Workman
Candle and gift card from Reinspired Treasures ($25)
Winner: Laura Datema
Blue Bridge Games ($40)
Winner: Ezra DeGraaf
Services/Experiences
4 hours of handyman work by Chris DeBlaay
Winner: John Ackley
4 hours of handyman work by Chris DeBlaay
Winner: Lindsey DeBlaay
Home cooked meal for up to 6 people delivered to your door by Elliot Gruszka
Winner: Selina and Jon Lee
Piano dinner music (either live or recorded) for your next dinner party by Teresa Kinnear
Winner: Elliot Gruszka
Night in a golf simulator for up to four people, including drinks and snacks (at the Frengs)
Winner: Joan and Dale Hulst
One hour design or decorating consult with MindiFreng Designs ($100 value)
Winner: Archie Postema
1 hour flight lesson or 1 hour flight for up to 2 people by Mel Nappi (a $220 value)
Winner: Mike VanLente
3-30 minute guitar lessons with Sydney Law
Winner: Mindi and Kevin Freng
Henderson Castle gift certificate in Kalamazoo, MI ($150)
Winner: Ben and Sarah Vanderwall
Sense of Self gift card for haircut or color by Lauren DuCharme ($300)
Winner: Mindi and Kevin Freng
Baked Goods
1 dozen blueberry muffins by Stefanii Morton
Winner: Kroondyk family
1 dozen currant scones by Stefanii Morton
Winner: Jessie Hulst
1 dozen chocolate chip cookies by Stefanii Morton
Winner: Mindi and Kevin Freng
3-tier Chocolate Mousse cake by Janelle DeBlaay
Winner: Dale and Joan Hulst
Baked goods by Julian VanLente
Winner: Debra Urban
Banana bread (gluten-free) by Elsa Herrboldt
Winner: Janelle DeBlaay
Chocolate chip cookies (gluten-free) by Elsa Herrboldt
Winner: Bethany DeBlaay
Items
The Chosen (first season) and The Chosen 40-day devotional
Winner: Sera Gruszka
Candy bouquet
Winner: Lydia Rogers
Michigan-shaped cutting board
Winner: Sera Gruszka
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Tablet (value of $40)
Winner: Judah Rogers
Steelcase Series 2 Office Chair (value of $833)
Winner: Lindsey DeBlaay
Lego Valentine wreath
Winner: Francie DeBlaay
DIY pickle mixes with jars and reusable lids ($30 value)
Winner: Cris Frank
Handmade cards (20), mini posters with magnets (20), and sayings (21) to mix/match with mini posters by Deb’s Doodles
Winner: Elliot Gruszka
Gift Baskets
Movie Lover Basket (includes a $40 movie gift card, microwave popcorn, and candy)
Winner: Lydia Rogers
Book Lover Basket (includes a $30 Schuler’s gift card, reading light, candle, and blanketh
Winner: Judah Rogers
Coffee Lover Basket (includes a $25 Starbucks gift card, ground coffee, mugs, and chocolate)
Winner: Jon and Selina Lee
Family Game Night Basket (includes family games, $30 pizza gift card, soda, and beer)
Winner: Mike and Janelle DeBlaay
Tea Lover Basket (includes a tea infuser, loose teas, mugs, and chocolate)
Winner: Teresa Kinnear
Cocoa Lover Basket (includes hot chocolate, insulated cups, and marshmallows)
Winner: Immy DeGraaf
Self-care basket ($30 value, includes face masks (3), lip mask (1), lip balm, bath bombs (2), body cream, candle, and hair clip)
Winner: Lucy DeBlaay
Do you have a favorite number, a child’s birthdate, anniversary? Pick as many numbers as you want! We have squares numbered from 1 to 125, with each square priced at its corresponding number. For example, Square 1 costs $1, Square 2 costs $2, and so on, up to Square 125, which costs $125.
Each square you purchase provides you with tickets for prize drawings. The larger numbered squares earn you more tickets. For example, Squares 1-5 provide one ticket, Squares 6-10 provide two tickets, and so on, up to Squares 120-125 which provide 25 tickets.
We have a total of about 40 prizes. We will have a live event of prize drawings on Sunday, February 23 immediately after our Sunday morning service. You will be provided with your tickets at the event and will have the opportunity to use those tickets to enter a drawing for prizes. You can put your tickets into one drawing or as many as you want (given that you have enough tickets ).
If you are unable to attend the live event, no worries! You can send us an email (admin@thebranchonline.org) and let us know which prize drawings you want to use your tickets towards. Here are some examples of prizes:
For the full list of prizes, click here.
Improving Livestream: $3200
In the last four years we’ve found that the first step people are taking when considering a church is to watch online. Our current equipment is very basic; these funds would provide new cameras, control board and monitor.
Refreshing the Cafe: $3000
We’re working with an interior designer to create a welcoming, comfortable space by replacing the 20-year-old furniture, painting the walls and refreshing the design.
New furniture for meals and events: $2500
We currently don’t have enough chairs for shared meals, and the tables and chairs we do have are from the 1950s. This will give us adequate and functional furniture.
New sign on 28th St.: $3600
We’re looking to not only replace CCGR’s portion of the sign, but also communicate something about who we are to the thousands who drive by each day.
In the first week of a three week series, licensed therapist Bethany Ackley DeBlaay (MA, LLP, SEP) invites us to see our emotions as hardwired, autonomic responses to the world around us. If we are to integrate our emotions, we first need to understand that they are automatically happening all the time, whether we are aware of them or not.
