Tag Archive for: meal night

Missional Communities – MCs

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You’re invited!

An invitation that is open to everyone — every week.

It’s an invitation to family.

Over the last couple of years you may have heard us talk about Missional Communities (MCs) and you may have wondered what they’re about. In the simplest terms, MCs are ‘extended families’ locking arms around a common mission. They are a place where relationships can form — the kind of relationships that fuel us to be God’s light and hope to a dark and broken world.

We currently have one MC at the Branch — and you are invited, any time. You can come once and check it out — or come once a month — or every week.  There’s no attendance requirements — just an invitation to come as you’re able.  We plan to have more in the future.

Each MC will in many ways look different from one another — with unique missions and distinct rhythms, but at their core they are the same: extended families with a common purpose.

Here’s some details:

Madison St. MC

  • When: every Thursday evening, 5:30pm-7pm (come when you can)
  • What: Every week we share a potluck dinner.  Most weeks we practice a spiritual discipline with adults and kids.  We are also sponsoring a refugee family together.  We devote some Thursdays to these relationships as well as other times during the week.
  • Where: 2020 Madison Ave. SE
  • Questions? Contact Chris at chris@thebranchonline.org
A few commonly asked questions about Missional Communities:
1) Who’s invited to a MC?
Everyone.  We can’t say that enough.  You.  Your family.  Your friends.  Your neighbors.  Your coworkers.  Anyone who you think would be blessed to be a part of an extended family pursuing a common purpose together.
2) Do I have to be able to commit to come every week in order to participate?
Not at all.  We’d love for you to be there every week, but we know that life and sickness and schedules may mean that you miss some weeks.  That’s ok.  Come a couple times a month — or a couple times a year — honestly, we’ll be glad to see you whenever you’re able to make it.
3) What happens if I’m having one those weeks and can’t bring anything to share at dinner?
Come. 🙂  Really.  We want to see you, regardless of whether you have food with you or not.
4) Do I have to come at the ‘official’ start time?
Nope – come whenever you can.  Let’s say a MC starts at 5:30, but you can’t make it until 6 or 6:30 – it’s no problem.  You’re welcome to come any time — even if it’s just stopping in for a few minutes.

Meal Night – March 12th

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This Friday (March 12) we’d love to have you join us.  Meal nights are a relaxed way to meet people, hear stories, and get plugged into the community at the Branch.  The Laws are providing some food — the rest is potluck-style.  Feel free to bring something — or just show up.  Things get rolling at 6PM, but people are coming and going all evening as schedules allow.  We hope to see you!   For a map, click here.

Meal Night – February 5th

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When people sit around a table and share food together something happens.   Laughs are shared.  Appetites are satisfied.  Relationships begin.  That’s why we regularly gather together for ‘meal nights’: a simple evening of food and conversation.

Our next gathering is Friday, February 5th at the Navis’ home.  For a map, click here. It all starts at 6PM, but come as your schedule allows — stay for three hours or five minutes.  We hope to see you!

Meal Night: January 22nd

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meal-nightOne of our strongest desires and values at the Branch is to see people connected in meaningful, life-giving relationships. Meal nights are one of the ways that we live out this value. As we gather for a meal, names are learned, stories are shared and relationships are deepened.

Our next gathering is Friday, January 22, 6:00PM. Come whenever you’re able – stay for 5 minutes or three hours.  For a map to the Stoke’s home, click here:

3576 Arbor Chase Ct.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Hope to see you there (oh….and bring a sled 🙂