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

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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

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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.

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.

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.

CHANGE OF PLANS – JULY 2

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Change of plans! The forecast is calling for rain so we will be gathering at the building on Sunday, 7/2.

Sabbath

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As we begin a new year, our conversation on Sundays will center around an ancient practice and rhythm of rest called Sabbath — a practice we’re pretty sure most of us are unfamiliar with, but need nonetheless.

That said, this conversation is not first and foremost about developing a 24-hour period free of any work. That may be a very good goal, but given the pace of most of our lives it is likely not a realistic target to immediately aim for.

Instead, we’re asking two questions: what is the Sabbath meant to teach us about things like time, work, and relationships, and what are steps we can take right now to move our rhythms and patterns into alignment with what God teaches us through the Sabbath.

We look forward to the conversation together.

Upcoming Gatherings

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Here’s our holiday schedule as we celebrate Christmas and welcome in the New Year!

Christmas Eve – 5-6pm

Update 12/24 1:00pm: please note, we are still meeting in person tonight, but because of conditions encourage people to choose what is best for their circumstances. We will be streaming on YouTube as well. We look forward to being together!

Christmas Day – we will not be gathering

New Year’s Day – Brunch @ 10am! Bring something to pass and enjoy a fun (and delicious) start to the new year.

Summer at the Branch – 2022

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Summer Sunday Gatherings

We’re headed back to Garfield Park for most Sundays this summer (the last Sunday of each month we’ll meet at the building)!

Bring a chair to sit in. Our BranchKids program will be available each Sunday we’re in the park (except for July 3).

We will continue to stream on YouTube regardless of location.

Here is our summer schedule:

  • May 29, June 5, 12 and 19 @ Garfield Park pavilion. Click here for a map.
  • July 3, 10, 17 @ Garfield Park pavilion
    • July 24 and July 31 @ the building
  • August 7, 14 and 21 @ Garfield Park pavilion
    • August 28 @ the building
  • September 4 @ Garfield Park pavilion

 

2nd Sunday Brunch

June, July and August
After our gathering at the park, we’ll dive into some good food.
Sign up for something to bring. We’ll cover place settings.

CREATE

Evenings of July 11-13
Partner with us to serve kids in grades K-8 by creating spaces to
explore, discover, and stretch their God-given creativity. Be sure to like our Facebook page (facebook.com/CreateGR) for the most up-to-date information.

Partner Gathering

July 27, 6-8pm
After a two year hiatus, we’re gathering all Partners — those who are currently one and those who might be interested (a Partner makes an explicit decision to join us in our mission of renewal).

What are you up to? Share it with others! 

Heading to the beach? Taking a bike ride? Grabbing ice cream?
Share it in the GroupMe app. Join our group on the app (email teresa@thebranchonline.org) and you’ll get alerted every time someone is planning something fun and social.

New Series: Mapping Our Future

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If you’re joining us online on February 13, 20 or 27,

please use this Zoom link (click here) and read the description below.

Making a map requires at least two points: where you are and where you intend to go. With all that has happened in the last two+ years, we’re taking the month of February to discern together where we find ourselves today, and where we hope to be in the future.

February 6: Over the last three years, we have focused on three areas: Embrace, Grow and Contribute (or Participate). These areas remain relevant and important, but how we live them out might look different given all that has changed in the world and in our own lives. We’ll reflect on John 4 and consider where we currently find ourselves, both as individuals and families, but also as a community of faith.

February 13, 20 and 27: These three gatherings will look different than a typical Sunday morning as we plan to use most of our time for reflection and discussion. Each week we will go in depth on one of the three areas (Embrace, Grow and Contribute), spending time in small groups brainstorming and then coming together as a large group to process.

Whether you have been at The Branch for years, or are new, we deeply hope that you will join the conversation and help us chart a course together. Your input and perspective is important and needed.

Summer at the Branch

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We’ve got a great summer planned! There are chances to (re)connect, serve and grow for all ages! Click on the link below for the flyer!

2021 Summer Handout

The Journey of Advent

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The stories leading up to and immediately after Jesus’ birth involve a lot of coming and going. Relatives make the trek to share joy about their shocking pregnancies. About-to-be parents travel to ancestral homes and then flee as refugees. Unexpected visitors arrive from a unknown land.
In the midst of all of these journeys we make one of our own. Yes, Advent involves retracing our steps through familiar stories and images, but it also holds the possibility of discovering new things. Things about ourselves, the world, even the about the Christ who we might be tempted to think we know all too well.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the stories that lead to the one story that shifted the course of history.

December 2 – Mary to Elizabeth

December 9 – Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem

December 16 – Angels to Shepherds

December 23 – Shepherds to Bethlehem
Christmas Eve – The Word to Us
December 30 – The family to Egypt

The Psalms: The Whole Earth is Full of Your Glory (7.8.18)

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Psalm 104 and Psalm 8 remind of that God’s glory can be seen in all of creation. We are reflections of God’s glory, a picture of God’s creativity!

Summer at The Branch

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Summer. There’s no better time to put your feet up and enjoy time with friends, new and old. Join us as we connect over good food and conversation at some pretty amazing places. Bring a friend. Everyone’s invited.

Every Tuesday, 6:30p: StoryTime in the Park
Join us for FREE BOOKS for all children 15 years old and younger and FREE ICE CREAM for all family members on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Storytime in the Park in located at 334 Burton St SE at Garfield Park. Children can also listen to captivating read alouds from 7:15-7:45 p.m.

Every Tuesday: 8p: Mountain Biking and Brass Ring
Meet in the parking lot of Brass Ring in Alger Heights at 8pm for an hour of mountain biking on local trails. Afterwards, join us for a drink at the Brass Ring.

June 15-17: Camping @ Fort Custer
Join us for a weekend of camping! We had a great time at Fort Custer last year, so we’re going back! They have mountain biking, swimming, fishing, etc. We’ll share the responsibilities of cooking breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be on your own.

June 22, 6:30p: CREATE Gallery Night!
Whether you’ve volunteered at or sent kids to CREATE or had nothing to do with it at all, come celebrate creativity at our Gallery Night! The art will be on display as well as 2 performances this year. There will also be a silent auction that benefits scholarships for next year’s CREATE. Oh, and there will be ice cream.

July 1: an Afternoon at the Beach
Join us at Painted Sky as Kevin & Mindy Freng host a BBQ at their cottage, which is conveniently located 200 yards from Buchanan Beach on Lake Michigan. We’ll have lunch together then enjoy an afternoon at the beach.

July 15: Pool Party
Nate and Liz Winkelman have kindly volunteered to host an afternoon of food and fun in the pool at their home.

August 24: End of Summer BBQ
To top off the summer fun, Jason & Mindy Law have invited us to their house for a Friday night bbq.

Check out our Facebook page to RSVP for camping or any of our summer bbq’s. For the other events, just show up! We’d love to see you.

Inhabit: Stories (6.3.18)

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To wrap up our Inhabit series, we invited 2 couples to share stories about life in their neighborhoods, how they’ve built relationships, and how they’ve influenced the flavor of their neighborhood.

Recycling Needed!!!

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We need your recycling! Two of the classes at CREATE will take your garbage and turn them into priceless masterpieces. Some call it upcycling, we call it art. Here’s the list of specific things that our two classes need:

  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Plastic bottle caps (all sizes)
  • Metal jar lids of all sizes (like from salsa or jam jars)
  • Paper egg cartons
  • Number junk (any and all things that have numbers 1-12)
  • Cassette tapes
  • Old toothbrushes (we’ll bleach them before letting kids touch them!)
  • Clean milk jugs
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Shallow boxes & lids
  • Paint of any color

You can bring any of these items on Sunday mornings by June 17, or email teresa@thebranchonline.org to make other arrangements. Thank you!!!