From the Fall to Babel
From Adam and Eve to Babel we see the way that humanity is prone to choose its own way. Yet, God remains merciful, which we see ultimately in the sending and dying of Jesus.
Entries by thebranch
Our Story: Genesis
To begin Our Story, Chris talks about how the book of Genesis teaches us about who God is and who we are as a result.
The Three R’s
Re-read, Re-write & Respond: Chris walks us through a method of reading the bible to better apply it to our lives.
Current Series: Our Story
This summer we’ll move through the entire Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi. Our hope is that on this epic journey, we’ll discover that the Old Testament isn’t just a collection of ancient stories, but it is our story. And the better we understand it’s beauty, truth and depth, the better we will understand the New Testament, […]
Worshipping Together! — 11am!
This Sunday, May 22nd the Branch church and Comunidad Cristiana de Grand Rapids (CCGR) will be worshipping together at 11 am (Branch-ers, you get to sleep in a little!). Please join us to celebrate our partnership with our CCGR family! We can’t wait to see you! (we will have all Branchkids rooms up and running this […]
Pentecost: Happy Birthday, Church!
Chris discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in gathering, uniting and sending us.
Love Does: Follow Me
Chris discusses how to follow Jesus by keeping close to Him and keeping moving.
Love Does: Be Not Afraid
Drew leads us through Matthew 14 (Peter walking on water) and invites us to renew our belief that because of who God is, we do not need to live paralyzed by the fear of scarcity.
Love Does: Audacious Love
Chris discusses how our drive to become the greatest keeps us from love but if we seek to become the least we find fulfillment.
New Stewards & DeBlaay Sabbatical
This Sunday we’ll end worship a bit early to give us time to vote on the two Steward nominations to fill Jeff VerKaik’s and Carrie Elzinga’s spots. Becky DeGraaf has been nominated for Steward of Resources and Mike DeBlaay for Steward of Care. Bios of each are below. If you cannot be at the Branch […]
Spring/Summer Community Service Opportunities
Alger Heights Canvassing Neighborhood Listening Opportunity – Jenn Reidsma, Community Coordinator, is currently looking for church members to help with community canvassing on Saturday, May 14 from approximately 9:30-noon. Volunteers will be asked to knock on doors and conduct short interviews. Training will be provided in the evening before the canvassing and there will be a debriefing meeting […]
Loves Does: Free to Fail (Freedom from the fear of failure)
Christi Kapenga discusses the calling of Peter to “feed my sheep” and the gift of God’s grace when we find ourselves to be failing in our own calling.
Loves Does: I’m with You (Freedom from the fear of “What if…”)
Chris references Exodus 3 & 4 and Matthew 28:18-20 to illustrate that, even in our protests, God equips us and stands by us in what we are called to do.
Loves Does: Love > Fear (1 John 4:13-21)
Week 1 handout
Luke 13:1-9 – Barren Fig Tree
Chris speaks of repentance and that it is needed by all, urgent and met by grace.
Luke 16:1-13 – Unrighteous Manager
Chris Shearer talks about being trustworthy and investing in people as a way to serve God well.
Luke 10:25-37 – Good Samaritan
Chris leads us through a familiar parable with an unexpected turn. Through it, we’re challenged to rethink what it means to love our neighbor as ourself. Luke 10:25-37
Lent-The Storyteller (Luke 11:1-13 Friend Asking for Bread)
Chris Shearer preaches on the parable from Luke 11:1-13 and reminds us of God’s desires for us when we pray.
Join team Branch!
The Branch is looking to hire 1-2 individuals for the BranchKids Director and Administrative Assistant positions described below. We will either hire one individual as the BranchKids Director and one individual as the Administrative Assistant or hire one person for a position combining the duties. If you or someone you know is interested in either of these […]
