Easter Weekend

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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 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.

 

Easter Tailgate

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 🙂

 

Easter Gathering

Our worship gathering will take place at our normal time of 10:00am

Everything In Between – Work and Rest (3.23.25)

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Janelle offers insight into Luke 13 – the story of the fig tree. It’s a story filled with tension, a call, and hope.

Finding Our Footing

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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.

  • March 23 & April 13 – join us in person at The Branch or on Zoom. We’ll start at 11:45a and go for about an hour.
  • May 4 – we’re considering an evening event at a local eatery. More details to come.

invitation

CREATE 2025

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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).

Registration is now OPEN! Click here to register.

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 – Prizes

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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

Fabulous February Fundraiser

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Step 1: Purchase your favorite squares!

Fundraiser starts February 12 @ 6PM
Squares are purchased first come first serve by going to the FB Event Page.

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.

Step 2: Earn tickets for each square you purchase to enter into drawings for prizes!

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.

Step 3: Use your tickets to enter as many prizes drawings as you want!

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:

  • Night in a golf simulator for up to four people, including drinks and snacks
  • Old Goat gift card (value of $50)
  • 4 hours of handyman work by Chris DeBlaay (2 of these prizes available)
  • The Gilmore Collection gift card (value of $50)
  • Piano dinner music (either live or recorded) for your next dinner party
  • Amazon gift card (value of $50)
  • Home cooked meal for up to 6 people delivered to your door

For the full list of prizes, click here.

What will the money we raise be used for? Here’s the full list:

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.

Understanding and Integrating Our Emotions – Week 1 (1.12.25)

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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.

 

Understanding and Integrating Our Emotions

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In November, we gathered at a local pizza shop to hear from a licensed therapist on how we might better understand and integrate our emotions. We had a lot of great feedback, but we also knew we had just scratched the surface. In response, we’re taking part of time during three Sundays in January to consider this topic more deeply (the conversations will be led by licensed therapist Bethany Ackley DeBlaay (MA, LLP, SEP).

Join us at 10:00am on 1/12, 1/19 and 1/26 for conversation relevant to all of our lives.

(children 5th grade and younger are released to our children’s ministry about 15 minutes into our gathering and rejoin their families before we’re finished for the morning)

Fall Events at JB’s Pizza

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October 6 – Alternatives to Christian Nationalism

What happens when a growing number of Americans believe that the United States was and should be a Christian nation? That being a Christian is important if you want to be a real American? We’ll look at the roots and dangers of Christian Nationalism, and share thoughtful alternatives from some of today’s thought leaders.

November 3 – Understanding Our Emotional Selves
Registration opens October 7
This conversation offers a chance for participants to consider how their upbringing and past experiences impact their current emotional understanding and expression. Using a lens of science and cultural norms, Bethany Ackley DeBlaay (MA, LLP, SEP) will explore how to increase self-awareness and connection.

It All Hangs on Love

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What is the greatest commandment?

It was a question meant to stump Jesus, but it didn’t trip him up: Love God. Love Neighbor. Love Yourself.

But that wasn’t all Jesus said. He went on to say that all of the commandments and religious laws and every word of the prophets hangs on love. Boil this life down — hone in on its center — strip away everything else but the core and you’ll find love.

In many ways we know this to be true. We have experienced the power of love — we have felt for ourselves the way in which love can fill us and the world. And yet, it can feel too simple. Almost, cliche.

Simple? Maybe. Easy? Definitely not. That’s why we’re taking the month of September to look closely and carefully at ‘the greatest of these.’ Have we misunderstood or underestimated love? Have we become cynical? What might be some ways forward for us to become people of greater and deeper love? We look forward to the conversation and we hope you’ll join us.

 

Our Story

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Sundays in July and August will feature the stories of different Branch folks – stories of challenge, hope, discovery and growth.

As these stories are shared, we believe we’ll not only find the delight of learning new things about each other, but we’ll also see that each person’s story is a part of a larger whole. Each story is a thread weaving in and out of the stories of others – even intersecting our own. And so in a way, an individual’s story is our story too.

  • July 14 – Nate DeWard; Executive Director of Reach the Forgotten; stories of restoration
  • July 21 – Audri Freng; college student and traveler to Uganda; stories of complexity and joy
  • July 28 – CJ Proos and Elizabeth Orians; married couple in the LGBTQ+ community; stories of love and acceptance
  • August 4 – Dale Hulst; owner of Michigan Net Zero Homes; stories of vocation
  • August 11 – Terra Workman, Alayna Verkaik, Audri Freng; college students; stories of faith and development
  • August 18 – Deb Hitziger; retiree; stories of challenge and discovery

July at The Branch

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July is a great month for vacations and outdoor fun! We also have some great opportunities to connect, learn new things and have fun with others at The Branch. Here’s what is happening in the life of The Branch in the month of July.

July 7 – Palmer Park Sunday – Discovering Our Connection

We’re going on a field trip! Instead of gathering at the building, we will gather at Palmer Park at 10am on Sunday, July 7.

Together we’ll explore Buck Creek to probe and discover what the natural world might have to teach us. For those feeling adventurous, you’ll step into a pair of waders and use nets to collect creek dwelling organisms. We’ll also need folks on land, collecting and identifying these cool creatures (there will be lots of ways to participate). Together, we’ll learn about the health and interconnectedness of the ecosystem.

For details on where we’re meeting and where to park click here: Palmer Park.

Fireside Chats

Every Tuesday evening in July, beginning on July 9 from 7-8:30pm, all are invited to the Herrboldt’s backyard for a time of connection and conversation…and s’mores of course! For more details and to let us know you are coming, click here.

Family Day

Each Sunday in July is Family Day at The Branch. For those Sundays that we will be at the building, there will be no BranchKids. We do this for a number of reasons. It gives our volunteers a chance to take a break from their responsibilities. And, it lets our kids know that they are a valued part of our community and we want to include them in all areas of our life together. We  know that having young kids in the sanctuary brings a different energy to our space – and we love that! We also recognize that kids might need some different ways to engage. To that end, we will be setting up a play space in the sanctuary with books, quiet toys and craft supplies. And, as always, our Art Cart will be stocked and available for anyone to use.

CREATE ’24 is here!

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Join us June 25-27 from 6:30-8:30 pm for 3 nights of creativity and fun! Thursday night will end with an Open House for parents and friends to see what the kids have been up to all week, as well as an opportunity to join in the creative fun!

CREATE is an art camp for kids entering K-8th grade. Each child chooses one age-appropriate class to attend for those 3 evenings. 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).

Registration is now open. CLICK HERE!

 

Class Options for Grades K-1:

GARDEN ART: We’ll use  found objects and art supplies to create projects inspired by gardens and the beauty of outdoors. 

S.W.A.T. (Squiggles.Wiggles.And.Twirls): Join our S.W.A.T. team. You can learn how to use squiggles, wiggles and twirls to create your own doodle art.

 

Class Options for Grades 2-4:

NAILED IT!: Love baking? Horrible at baking? Awesome! Baking can be tough. Let’s celebrate fun and failure!

WILD CREATIONS: Have fun with us using nature to make art using leaves, flowers, sticks and more. This nature based class will be wild!

MURAL PAINTING: Join us to create a one of a kind wall mural in the building that will represent inclusion, love and welcome when you enter the space. 

COMBO-BRACELETS/CLAY/PUNCH NEEDLE: Can’t decide? Try something new each day! Have fun each night with a new medium. Make bracelets like a Swiftie, create with clay and learn the satisfaction of the high texture embroidery of punch needle.

 

Class Options for Grades 5-8:

LEARN HOW TO PLAY CHESS: Learn the fundamentals of the game or level up your skill and strategy on your way to becoming a Grandmaster.

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.

Summer GROUP Sundays

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Sign up for a Group here.

In the fall of 2022, we felt that it was time to try something different. Not for the sake of being different, but because we wondered if the way in which we gathered needed to shift given all that has happened in the world and in our lives the last few years.

The result was an every other week rotation between ‘normal’ Sundays and ‘group’ Sundays. Normal Sundays were, well, normal in the sense that our gathering on those weeks looked a lot like it had previously.

Our ‘group’ Sundays began with all of us together for a quick time of connection and then we would head to the group of our choice. Each group centered around a wide range of topics and activities (we tried a bunch of things: Ultimate Frisbee, a reflective walking group, a group that made an art installation for Advent, a group that practiced silence as a spiritual discipline, and many more). What we found is that Group Sundays gave people more opportunity to connect relationally, try out a new skill or idea and look for God’s presence in what might seem like everyday, ‘non-spiritual’ activities.

Since then, we have offered a few different iterations of Group Sundays, learning more each time about what works, what is meaningful, and what we need to include. Below is a list of Groups that will be offered this June. Groups will run each Sunday from June 9-30.

Discussion: Nate DeWard will be hosting a discussion group where faith and current events will be discussed during Group Sundays. Nate has a history of independent thought and encouraging people to explore the perspectives of others. Through respectful listening, we hope to encourage thoughtful and wholehearted conversations that lead us into a deeper understanding of each other, of God, and of our world. *Note that this is the option for those joining online.*

Cooking: This is a group for both avid home-chefs as well as the novice cook! Some of us will learn new skills and some of us will get to pass on our kitchen knowledge to others! Each week, we will create a freezer meal together to donate to AYA Youth Collective. All ages are welcome in this group. If younger kids are joining us, we ask that an adult attends this group with them.

Movement: In this group, we will embrace the beauty that is Michigan in the summer and head outdoors. Two of the weeks will be a Reflective Walking group. The other two weeks will be Biking and Ultimate Frisbee. Come and experience connection outdoors with this group!

Silence: In a very noisy world, it’s hard to find time and space to be quiet. But that quiet space is so important as we try to live more fully as the truest version of ourselves. This group isn’t really a group. This will simply be a time and space to be still. There will be some gentle music playing in the background, but there will be no discussion or agenda…simply time to be.

In addition to these intergenerational groups, we will also have dedicated space for the youngest among us. The Nursery will be staffed for infants and toddlers. There will also be a specific BranchKids group just for kids ages 4-7 with active and creative projects so they can connect in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

Sign up for a Group here.

Time to Celebrate!

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It’s time to celebrate!

After months of discernment and work, we are celebrating becoming owners of the building at 973 28th St. SE!

Join us on June 2 as we reflect on our nearly 20 years at this location (as renters), mark this important transition, and dream together about how we might leverage this facility for the sake of transformation, healing and belonging for those at The Branch and the wider community.

Labor Day Sunday – Meeting at Garfield Park

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On Sunday, September 1, we’re meeting at Garfield Park for a morning of slowing down and reflection. We’ll begin our time near the parking lot off of Madison Ave. at 10am.

Younger kids will be able to spend time with one of our staff, playing on playground equipment and considering a story from the Scriptures while other kids and adults will walk through the park and adjoining nature reserve, reflecting and discussion questions based on Matthew 6 and Psalm 65.

Vision Sunday

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On 5/19 we took a good part of the morning to have a conversation about our vision – breaking into groups, debriefing each other, and collectively identifying what it could look like if we worked together to see our vision become a reality. Because of the unique nature of the morning, we do not have an audio recording; however, the entire morning can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

A Conversation on Israel and Palestine

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Sunday, March 24, 5:00-6:30pm

Please invite anyone who might be interested.

Please register by clicking here.

After spending over a week in Palestine and Israel as part of a twenty three member, multi-denominational delegation, Chris and Josh Vis will share stories and reflections from their time in Palestine and Israel.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine — which has now been going on over 70 years — has reached an unprecedented moment. We have are living through a pivotal, historic event and while it may feel like there is little we can do, the truth is that as Americans we have more potential influence than anyone else in the world.

Learning about the facts on the ground will not only inform but inspire us to do what we can to move toward justice and peace.

You can either join us in person or on Zoom.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85066828752
Meeting ID: 850 6682 8752

If your are coming in person, parking is available on Madison, south of Burton.

The Seventh Story – Lent

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Stories help us make sense of the world and our place in it. Some stories are adopted by entire cultures (i.e. the story of the rugged American individual), while some even transcend time and place. This Lent, we look at seven stories common throughout humanity and ask: where do they show up in our lives, how do these stories shape us and what story do we choose to live by?

RESOURCES

  • Listen to the Learning How to See podcasts (season 5) from Brian McClaren and Gareth Higgins.
  • Catch up on The Branch’s sermons from the series. Click here
  • Buy the ebook written by Brian and Gareth. Click here
  • Buy the children’s book. Click here

 

SERIES

February 18 – The story of Domination
February 25 – The story of Revolution
March 3 – The story of Purification
March 10 – The story of Isolation
March 17 – The story of Victimization
March 24 – The story of Accumulation
March 31 – The Seventh Story (Easter)

Ash Wednesday

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On Ash Wednesday we are marked on our foreheads with a reminder of our mortality. The same palms we raise up and wave on Palm Sunday each year are made to know the sting of death – we burn them. And the following year, in an ever-curious act, we pick up the ashes and we mark ourselves with them.
What does it mean that we don’t just talk about the ashes, or even reverently observe them, but that we physically smear them across our faces? Perhaps, in the marking, we approach solidarity. We remember that the same fate that haunts you, haunts me. The same beauty that birthed you, lives in me. And that this comes as a mark on the body, I think, reminds us that the Lenten journey of self-examination is deeply entwined with the physical world.

from Black Liturgies; Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human

Join us Wednesday, 2/14, at 7pm as we begin the journey of Lent together. Our hour long gathering will be a time of reflection on both the challenges of our world and our lives as well as our hopes for the future.