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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
You’re invited!
We will be potlucking and playing with Alas here at the church on Saturday, Aug 8 from 10-2, (lunch will be served from 11:30-1). Please bring a dish to share and your own plates/cutlery. Main dish and lemonade will be provided.
There will be a sprinkler in the grass for the kids to run through and yard games – feel free to bring one to share.
RSVP to Kryss@thebranchonline.org by Aug 4. Hope to see you there!
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.
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
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:
Tracks are multi-age activities offered for the last 45 minutes of each night. Kids split from their small groups into their chosen track.
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!
Ready to sign up your own kids to participate in KidsGames? Click here.
Want more general information about the program? Check out their website http://kidsgamesregistration.com.
