Important Time Change!
On February 7th, our worship time will be moving from 10:30am to 9:30am. For more about ‘why’, please watch this video.
IF:Gathering
Friday, February 5: 7pm-10pm, Doors open at 6:30pm
Saturday, February 6: 8:30am-6pm, Doors open at 8am
The world around us feels like it is crumbling and almost nothing seems certain, until we look to Jesus and see that our Hope is very clear and certain. He didn’t just give us salvation—Jesus is our salvation and the example of what it means to live in the fullness of grace and truth. What the world needs is His redemption, the very redemption and hope that lives inside of us. Rather than shrink back, it is time to love like Jesus loved, serve like Jesus served, pray like Jesus prayed, and pursue holiness like Jesus pursued it. This February 5-6, join this global gathering of women across denominations, generations, and cultures as we come together in the name of Jesus.
For more: https://ifgathering.com/localgatherings/ifgrand-rapids-se/
The Branch is 10!
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 Southeast, G.R. 49508) is for all ages and is free (you’re welcome to make a small donation at the door, but it is not required). With great music and lots of cheesy nachos, it’s sure to be a good time whether you strap on skates or not.
Please check your email for the Evite or find it here: http://evite.me/3wsVWYJsAh. An RSVP is not required, but appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you on the 17th!
Remembering and Celebrating Sasha
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 wordsmithing, and her constant consumption of knowledge through books and podcasts, Sasha was not only always challenging herself, but those around her, to be the best versions of themselves. She was an inspiration, a brilliant flash of light that burned out far too soon.
Sasha was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on August 5th, 1988. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 2007 and went on to attend Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To have known her through this time in her life, one might remember how often she wrote, spilling her thoughts into notebooks and journals in neat penmanship with her abundant supply of gel pens. You might remember the way that she played guitar and sang softly and beautifully, perhaps a little unsure of her talent. To know her was to also be shocked by her uncanny ability to remember dates, proving that there were very few moments with friends and family that were insignificant to Sasha. She also had a knack for commemorating those who were dear to her, both living and gone, her ability to love so deeply was always so beautifully shared with those around her. This was also the time in Sasha’s life that she was falling madly in love with Cody Hettich, the man she would marry on May 31st, 2008.
Almost a year after graduating from Cornerstone, in the summer of 2012, Sasha gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Ember. Sasha was a wonderful, loving, and dedicated mother. If you had the privilege of knowing Sasha through these years, you might remember her love for coffee, and the many pictures of her and Ember sharing drinks from her favorite cafes. Sasha was also passionate about parenting as naturally and organically as she could. While maintaining her own interests, she invested passion in being the best mother to her daughter. Those who knew her through this time would remember bike rides, trips to the library and the Y, and her involvement in her local community and the James Russell house. Sasha was always giving of her time and herself to those around her, sharing her wit, wisdom, and delightful laughter. In the summer of 2015, Sasha brought her beautiful son, Gus, into the world. Her time with him was too brief, but in the time she had with him, she was the best mother she could be.
Sasha’s life was too tragically brief, but those of us who were so fortunate to know her, to love her, and be loved by her, will carry her with us always. Our lives are all the more lovely and bright for having encountered her. She should be remembered always for her love, her kindness, her passion and her bravery.
Sasha is survived by her husband, Cody Hettich; daughter, Ember Hettich; and son, Augustus (Gus) Hettich of Grand Rapids; father, John Lewis and mother, Bridget Lewis of Crawfordsville; Sister, Brooke Decker (Shannon) of Crawfordsville; Brother, Seth Lewis of Crawfordsville; Maternal Grandmother, Norma Wise (Tony) of Crawfordsville; Paternal Grandmother, Martha Aders of Frankfort. She is also survived by many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Sasha was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandfather, Larry Lewis; cousins, Shane Ellis and Evin Jarman.
A memorial service for Sasha will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 am (10 am visitation) at:
Ada Bible Church
8899 Cascade Road SE
Ada, MI 49301
In lieu of flowers, please donate to helping other moms suffering from postpartum depression at: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/momsbloom
Memorial Contributions may be made to help the Hettich family at:
www.gofundme.com/sashagr
In honor of Sasha’s battle, if you are suffering with postpartum, please seek help
www.postpartum.net/
Grieving with the Hettich Family
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 with him in honoring Sasha’s memory and talking openly about depression and PPD.
A memorial service for Sasha will be Saturday, January 9, at Ada Bible Church in Cascade. Visitation will be at 10am, with the service beginning at 11am.
If you would like to support the Hettich family, you can do so financially through the go-fund-me page [click here]. There is also a meal train [click here] (need more information about either of these? Email admin@thebranchonline.org).
We will be walking closely with Cody in the coming weeks, attentive to how the Branch can continue to support him and his children.
Finally, we hold to the promise that when we are in the darkest of valleys we are not abandoned or left on our own. God is with us. We cling to the hope and strength of this promise together.
James: faith here and now
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 faith gets practiced in the ordinary stuff of life. Join us as we explore this book together.
January 3 – Trial and Joy
January 10 – Blessings and Curses
January 17 – Word and Deed
January 24 – False and True Wisdom
January 31 – Judgement and Mercy
February 7 – Self-Reliance and Prayer
Christmas Eve – 5pm
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. We hope to see you!
This Coming Sunday, November 22nd
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 than our usual 10:30). Please join us in coming together with our beloved fellow Christians. There will be snacks, coffee and fellowship starting at 11:15, so come early and make a new friend! We look forward to blessing each other with this time.
Anti-Fragile: Staying Rooted in the Middle of Struggle
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
For the Love of Lola: Online and Silent Auction
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 needed to help set up and tear down the event. If you’re able to help, email admin@thebranchonline.org
Online Auction
Click on the image below for details about how you can participate in an online auction taking place November 17th-19th. There’s also still time to donate a skill, service or item for the auction. Click here to donate.
Anti-fragile
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 it’s through the questioning and struggle that our faith becomes less fragile?
In this series we’ll be talking about what it looks like to live an anti-fragile life. How honesty and authenticity can lead to a stronger faith. We’ll also tackle some topics that we can tend to shy away from because they are messy or difficult. Join us.
October 4 – We’re Meant to Wrestle
October 11 – The Idol of Certainty
October 18 – A False Fight: Science vs. Religion
October 25 – Finding God in Pain and Loss
November 1 – Re-imagining Race and Religion
November 8 – Staying Rooted in the Middle of Struggle
Eat Rice and Beans
Link. Love. Lose. Changing the world takes nothing less.
But living this way requires courage and practice. To help all of us grow, we’re inviting you to change your diet this week and eat beans and rice. Click here to watch a short video explaining more.
You can also read more about our denomination’s effort to respond to the Syrian refugee crisis in Europe by clicking here.
Cider and Donuts
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 time to hang out and enjoy some cider and donuts in community.
No need to bring anything except a chair to sit in. If so inclined, RSVP to mike.deblaay@gmail.com, but please join us either way.
Alger Heights and Garfield Park Survey
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 have offered during the year and to establish how residents currently inform themselves about what is happening in the neighborhood. Your information will be shared with the neighborhood board but your email address will NOT be sold for other purposes. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Reidsma, Community Coordinator, at 616-988-9268 ext 205 or jenn@tabernaclecommunity.org
Note: The survey will close October 4th.
Mini-Retreat & Sign Up Link
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 trailer), which means people are welcome to spend the night!!! However, if that’s not your cup of tea — hang out with us Saturday evening and head home whenever you need to, then come back for Sunday morning breakfast and worship!
There is no cost to the retreat, however, we do need to know how many are coming and who is planning on spending the night. Please sign up here via SignUpGenius. Please sign up for each part you or your family will be participating in. In the comments section, please list the names of those who will be participating. Please sign up by the September 27 deadline!
Finally…we will be asking everyone to bring something simple for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast, as well as their own snacks if needed. We’ll send out a separate sign up for food one week out from the retreat.
Here’s a rough schedule:
October 3rd
2:00pm – “Check-In”
3:00pm – Group games
4:00pm – Free time (including, but not limited to…futsal, frisbee golf, playground)
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Reflection
8:00pm – Smores
10:00pm – Lights out
October 4th
7:30am – Sunrise worship in park
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Group game
9:15am – pack up/clean-up
10:00am – Prayer walk to the Branch building
Partner Gathering
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 in becoming a partner, take a look at the partner booklet on the back table and have a conversation with Chris or a steward.
BranchStudents – 5th-8th Graders!
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 Lafayette Ave. SE 49507 from 5:30-7:00pm
Dinner is completely provided — just come! However, if you could let us know if you will be joining us it will be very helpful in planning. Simply email or text Brian Workman at rockaceone@gmail.com; 616-890-2621.
Please note: this is a special night for 5th-8th graders and so we’re doing something quite rare at the Branch and asking that you arrange childcare if you have other children who are not in 5th-8th grade. We appreciate it. Thank you.
Fantasy Football
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
Hospitality Training
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 out “The Journey Ahead” letter on the back table or in your email, or email Chris or the Stewards.
Plaster Creek Family Park Clean Up
Interested in cleaning a local park on 2015’s Day of Caring? Join Friends of GR Parks and the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association on Friday, September 11, starting at 9:30 a.m. to clean up Plaster Creek Family Park. The park is just around the corner, off 28th street, between Division and 131. The team will be cleaning up the east hillside of the park, where dumping has been an issue.
To sign up, email Susan Worden at susan.worden@farmersinsurance.com or check out the Heart of West Michigan United Way website. More details to follow signup.
