Christian Adventure Race and Triathlon

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Looking to test yourself this summer?  Or maybe to enjoy the outdoors and some healthy competition?

Check out two great oppotunities to explore nature and challenge your strength and endurance.

The 5th Annual CAR (Christian Adventures Race) is July 18, 2015.  This consists of a 5 mile hike/run, a 2 mile canoe paddle and an 12 mile mountian bike ride.  Enter as teams of 2, and you can even rent a bike.

The 19th Annual Cran-Hill Triathlon will be August 1, 2015. Swim .5k in the lake, race 12k on the road course and run 4k on outdoor trails. The Triathlon offers individuals, teams, and youth races.

Find more details and entry forms on Cranhill’s website here.

Hospitality and You

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The Branch is embarking on a challenge, a challenge to be a more welcoming place.  We want to show visitors lavish hospitality.  We know people of the Branch are warm, welcoming, awesome people.  And we want to make strides to share that to visitors too.
We’re implementing a few idea to get us there  – the 10:15 challenge and Nametag sundays.  Both ideas are meant to foster relationships, conversations, and invitation.
10:15 Challenge
You may recall the 10:30 challenge.  This is the next step up.  We are asking you to arrive by 10:15.  To change your thinking that the Branch actually starts at 10:15.  This gives time to get kids to class, grab some coffee, and be in the sanctuary ready for service by 10:30.  The idea is to foster time to chat with either other, welcome someone new, and keep things running smoothly.  We find quite often visitors are arrive early and ready, but there is no one to welcome them to our family.  We are ready to remedy this.
Nametag Sunday
The 4th sunday of each month will be a Nametag Sunday.   It’s really simple, write your name, stick it on, greet someone who’s name you’ve forgotten.  Or maybe you have yet to meet.  However it goes, this too is a chance to build relationships and invite conversation.

Future Faith

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This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

When God spoke these words to Joshua, he and Israel stood at a crossroads.  Their world was dramatically changing and while a new, promised land lie ahead so many questions were still unanswered.  Perhaps that’s why God commands Joshua, and the people by extension, to be strong and courageous (God does this three times in chapter 1).  But hold on.  How is it possible for Israel to be courageous in the midst of so much uncertainty?  Because God was with them wherever they would go.

The Branch stands in a similar place.  A new chapter is ahead and God’s promise is that it is good.  But still, we have questions.  We wonder about the unknown.  And so God’s words are for us too:  Do not be afraid Branch family. Be courageous, for I am with you wherever you go.

For three weeks we’ll be looking at people in the Scriptures who stood at a crossroads — who faced a promising but uncertain future.  Their lives inform our own and show us how we can enter the future God has for us with faith and hope.

June 21: Joshua and a Promise

June 28: Ruth and Relationship

July 5: David and Obedience

Kids Games at the KROC

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Welcome to Kids Games!

We are joining with several community organizations to put on Kids’ Games.  It’s a fantastic way to reach youth in our community in a positive way.

The week of June 15-19, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, we will join Alger Park CRC, Seymour CRC, St. Luke AME, Tabernacle Church, Alger Middle School, Garfield Park Neighborhood Association, and the KROC Center, to host Kids’ Games at the KROC Center.

Because we are able to host this at the KROC, we feel participation will be very high.  Enrollment is capped at 300 entering K-4th graders as we do have limited space and want to provide adequate volunteer support.

There are many volunteers needed to make this run smoothly, so the kids have a wonderful week of learning and feeling God in their lives in a fun and safe environment.  Opportunities for volunteering include:

  • Small Group Leaders – 6 leaders / grade week long commitment,  18yrs +
  • Small Group Helper – 6 helpers / grade week long commitment, 12 yrs+
  • Registration Helper – 15 people, June 15 only
  • Bible Drama Helper – 15 people
  • Experiential Sport/Game Leader – 2 people week long commitment, 18yrs+
  • Experiential Sport/Games Helper – 4 people week long commitment, 12 yrs+
  • Educational Segment Leader – 2 people week long commitment,  18 yrs+
  • Educational Segment Helper – 4 people week long commitment, 12 yrs+
  • Security Team – 10 people / night
  • Snack Helper – 10 people/ night
  • Track Leader – week long commitment, 18 yrs+
  • Track Helpers – week long commitment, 12 yrs+

Tracks are multi-age activities offered for the last 45 minutes of each night.  Kids split from their small groups into their chosen track.

Volunteer

Volunteering will look a bit different because we are collaborating with the KROC Center.  All volunteers will need to register with the KROC (Salvation Army Volunteers ), have a background check and take the on-line “Safe from Harm” training.  Once these are complete, you will be directed to the signup genius to choose your volunteer opportunities.  If you are not able to do this on-line, please contact Julie Thomas (616 245-4115).

This opportunity will be like nothing else you do this summer.  Touching lives in our community, through God’s love, can be a beautiful and powerful thing.  We hope you will join us for a life changing week!

Register

Ready to sign up your own kids to participate in KidsGames?  Click here.

General Information

Want more general information about the program? Check out their website http://kidsgamesregistration.com.

Restoring Our Cities (ROC) Michigan

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Restoring Our Cities (ROC) Michigan is a coast-to-coast statewide bike tour for cycling enthusiasts and amateurs alike.  The tour is organized by Great Lakes Urban and is open to the public for participation.   The purpose of the tour is to raise awareness and money for Neighborhood Partners that are performing neighborhood transformation work throughout the State.

The Alger Heights Collaborative (which the Branch is a part of) is a Neighborhood Partner for the event and is seeking riders to support and benefit our neighborhood school, Alger Middle.

This 6 day event takes place Saturday – Thursday, June 13-18, 2015.   It starts in Benton Harbor and ends in Detroit. The tour is about 320 miles (averaging 55 miles per day).

Each rider registers at $25.00 for each day of participation.  In addition to the nominal registration fee, riders are encouraged to seek out sponsors for each mile they ride at $2.00, per mile.  Proceeds will be donated back to the Neighborhood Partners throughout the State.

You can tour a single day or up to the entire week, depending on your availability.  Find more details or register at roc-michigan.com

Kickoff to Summer BBQ

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Calling all Alger Heights and Garfield Park Neighbors!

You’re invited to a Kick-Off to Summer BBQ

Monday, June 8 at 6pm

Alger Middle School Playground

Hot dogs, drinks, place settings and games will all be provided. Please bring a dish to pass – last names from A-O bring a side dish and P-Z bring dessert.   All ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Please RVSP by June 5, with number of guests and what dish you are planning to bring to Jenn Reidsma at jenn@tabernaclecommunity.org or 988-9268 ext 205

Rain date Thursday, June 11 at 6pm

Partners

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If you call the Branch home, we invite you to be a partner.  There are booklets available to work through, for new and returning partners, and Chris or any steward are more than happy to speak with you.  More info can be found here as well.

We will be hosting our first Partner Gathering of the year on May 31 from 2:30 – 5:30 at Seymour Christian Reformed Church.  (840 Alger SE)

PLEASE RSVP to Stewards@thebranchonline.org so we know how many to expect. Thanks!

Mark your calendars – We hope to see you there!

Celebrate the Heights

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Mark your calendars, it’s the annual Alger Heights celebration!

May 16 from 10a to 2p along the Alger Heights Business District (corner of Alger and Eastern)

Come check out info tables with local businesses, churches, and schools, plus giveaways.  Whether your a resident of Alger Heights or a visitor, there will be plenty of great opportunities to get to know local businesses.  The Branch will have a table, but we need you to staff it!  Let us know if you are able to help for a 1 hour block, passing out flyers and being a friendly face. 

RCA Volunteering and Mission Trips

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Are you interested in serving in a big way?  Maybe you’ve always wanted to do a week long mission trip overseas.  Or help with disaster relief stateside.  But you weren’t sure how to get involved.   The RCA offers opportunities for groups or individuals of all ages.  Check out their website (rca.org/volunteers) to see what opportunities fit you best.  Or call them at 616.541.0868

Small Groups – Brave Series

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Join us for this six week journey as we explore taking brave steps and walking in the confidence and power of who God made us to be. Jesus calls us to step out of the boat and into an adventure. We’re constantly facing the choice to stay in comfort and security or rely on God’s power to face our fears and step into something new.

Small group material will build off Sunday’s messages, and yes, your kids can participate too.  By enhancing churches’ weekend messages with individual study and small group gatherings, the journey becomes a multi-layered, multi-sensory, multi-community experience.  We hope you’ll join us.

YOU WERE MADE FOR BRAVERY.

The Winkleman Family will be hosting a group on Tuesdays @ 6:30 in their Grandville home, beginning with a potluck dinner. This begins on April 14.  Email Nate at nate@thebranchonline.org to sign up or for details.

The Madison Ave MC will also be hosting small groups.  They meet Thursdays @ 5:30, beginning with a potluck dinner.  Their first meeting will be April 16.  Email chris@thebranchonline.org to sign up or for more details.

 

 

Palm Sunday – Worship with Alas

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Palm Sunday, March 29, we will be holding a joint worship service with Alas.   Service will be at 11 am, with light refreshments to follow.

Upcoming Series: Brave

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You’re riding out the prefect storm.  Wind and waves have their way with your pitiful boat.  You’re preoccupied with not drowning.  Yet in the midst of this mighty surge, you see a figure on the water, beckoning you.  Into the Storm.  Into the Unknown.  Into the New.

Who do you trust more?

The prefect storm, or the one calling you onto the water?

Take a New Step.  You were made to be Brave.

 

The Branch will be exploring what it means to be Brave. Gathered together on Sundays and scattered in smaller groups throughout the week.   We hope you will join us.

April 12 – Adventure – Luke 5

April 19 – Storm – Matthew 14

April 26 – Power – Matthew 14, John 14

May 3 – Leap – Matthew 14 revisited

May 10 -Brave – Matthew 16

May 17 – Recap and Celebrate!

Good Friday Service

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The Branch invites you to join us to worship on Good Friday.  Service begins at 7p, childcare is available for children 0-3.

Steward Nominations

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Every spring, we nominate new stewards to serve the Branch community.  There are 6 stewards total – 3 Stewards of Care and 3 Stewards of Resource.  Stewards serve a 3 year term, so annually one new Steward of Care and one new Steward of Resource are selected.

Stewards are disciples who reflect Jesus in how they live (character) and in what they do (competency).  As leaders of the Branch they commit to living out the Branch’s values.

Stewards of Resource manage the financial decisions of the church.  Stewards of Care discern the well being of the people of the Branch, as well as the Branch’s vision.

The documents below outline the roles in greater detail.

StewardsofCare

StewardsofResource

Please prayerfully consider who among us might be a good candidate to represent the Branch in this way. Then send your nominations to stewards@thebranchonline.org by March 22.

Beneath the Tree 2015

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Beneath the Tree will be back in 2015!

This amazing collection of local art and home decor helps support local ministries, not to mention the hundreds of artists involved.

While several details are still being worked out, we have dates…Nov 13 & 14 so SAVE THEM.  🙂  Secondly, we are currently determining host homes and the areas that we will cover this year.  The plan is to make the event a little smaller and to focus on closer geographic areas by doing “west side” and “east side” of GR every other year.  Which side of town we end up on this year will depend on how many homes we have available.

If you’re curious and want to learn more about what a host home is, please contact Mindi Freng at mindidesigns@gmail.com ASAP.  We’d love to talk about partnering with you for this super-fun fundraiser!

Fifth Annual Easter Tailgate Celebration!

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Five years ago, two guys from the Branch starting thinking about Easter — talking about how we could celebrate.  One thing led to another until one of them said, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have a tailgate party on Easter?”   And here we are.

Easter is a celebration, plain and simple — and what says celebration better than a good ol’ tailgate party with friends.  All the details are below.  Join us for what will undoubtedly be a time of laughter and joy!

Start time: 9:00 am (but come anytime before worship)

Location: Branch parking lot

Food provided: Main dishes, coffee and juice.  You are welcome to bring something to pass, but it is definitely not required.

Activities: Yard games like Baggo/corn hole.  Feel free to bring your favorite yard game.

 

Lent – Reading Guides

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Lent begins Feb 18 and lasts until Easter on April 5.

We hope you’ll join us in preparing our hearts in this season. Here you’ll find a weekly devotional that may help you.

Week 1 – Reading Guide

Week 2 – Reading Guide

Lent Reading Guide – Week 3

Week 4 – Reading Guide

Week 5 – Reading Guide

Week 6 – Reading Guide

Final Reading Guide

Free Tax Help

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The Alger Heights Collaborative and the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association are bringing the VITA tax preparation site back to the neighborhood for a second year. Seymour Church has offered to serve as the location and Tax prep begins this week.

 

The United Way Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (KCTCC) helps working individuals and families achieve economic success through free tax services and financial literacy courses. They can help you complete your income tax return and apply for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit. U.S. citizenship is not required but you must file a tax return to claim your credit.

 

Garfield Park Neighborhood Association along with the Alger Heights Collaborative will be offering this FREE service on Thursdays from 6-9pm throughout the tax season (February – April). This tax preparation site will be located at Seymour Christian Reformed Church at 840 Alger SE and will be available during the following dates (all dates are Thursdays unless otherwise noted).

February 5, 19 and 26

March 5, 12, 19 and 26

April 2 and 9

April 14 (Tuesday)

For more information, qualifications, and directions to one of KCTCC’s free tax sites, check out their website  http://www.hwmuw.org/kctcc  or call 2-1-1.

Community Game Nights

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Another Community Game Night this week!

Here’s a perfect way to shake off those winter blues!  Join neighbors and friends again this winter for a Community Game Night.

The game nights will be held on the 4th Friday of the month at Seymour Church at 6:30pm from January to April (see dates below). Bring the family, your favorite board games (some games will be provided) and feel free to bring a snack for yourself or to share. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Mark your calendar with these dates:
January 23
February 27
March 27
April 24

Hope to see you there!

Contact Jenn Reidsma with questions and/or comments at jenn@tabernaclecommunity.org or 988-9268 ext 205

Will You Be My Neighbor?

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Will You Be My Neighbor?: Sustaining the Practices of Good Neighboring
We often have good intentions about knowing our neighbors and working with them to make our community a better place.  It is easier to start things than to sustain them, and with the busy activity of our lives, our good intentions can sometimes remain unfulfilled.  Join your neighbors for this interactive, conversational training as we remind ourselves of core “good neighbor” habits and brainstorm how to take next steps in creating a vibrant, caring neighborhood environment.  All welcome.
Join the conversation on:
Saturday, January 31 from 9:00am-11:30am
at Alger Middle School in the Media Center

RVSP to Jenn Reidsma, Community Coordinator or send questions to Jenn@tabernaclecommunity.org or 988-9268 ext 205.