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Family Night Out - Water Night Friday, August 7 6:30 - 8:30 pm Farmers Branch Campus Cost: FREE Everyone is invited to come cool off at the end of VBS with inflatable water slides and food trucks! Learn more at: thebranchchurch.org/family-night-out
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Follow Chris on Twitter twitter.com/chrisseidman
Movie Night Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG-13) Friday, August 21 7:00 pm Vista Ridge Campus Cost: FREE! Join us for a fun evening of fellowship and entertainment! Popcorn is on the house! We plan to present this movie using the service VidAngel, which will allow us to control language and content. Learn more at: thebranchchurch.org/movie-night
TheBranch
ORIENTATION Are you ready to take the next step and get more involved? Do you have questions about what we do and what we believe at The Branch Church? We want everyone who attends The Branch Church to engage in the activities we do together, and also to commit and submit to this body of believers. This is how we CONNECT, GROW, SERVE, and GO together! Whether you have attended for a short time, or have been here for years, make it official! Join us for The Branch Orientation. Upcoming dates:
• August 30 (10:45 am at the Farmers Branch Campus, 12:30 pm at the Vista Ridge Campus) • October 18 (10:45 am at the Farmers Branch Campus, 12:30 pm at the Vista Ridge Campus) RSVP at thebranchchurch.org/tbo and let us know you’re coming. We look forward to having you!
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Discussion Groups Begin September 6. Series Begins September 12-13.
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Explore God is an initiative to unite hundreds of churches in DFW for the cause of Christ. At the heart of this effort are discussion groups and online resources that are designed to help us engage in life-giving conversations with our friends and neighbors around 7 Big Questions related to God that they are wrestling with. The Branch Church is joining this effort, and we are hoping to have at least 100 Explore God Discussion Groups. These discussion groups will be meeting once a week for seven weeks beginning the week of September 6. Each Explore God Discussion Group will need a facilitator and a host home. To prepare our facilitators and hosts, we are hosting the Explore God Team Member Training Event (details below). This event will train, equip, and answer questions for all those interested in facilitating or hosting an Explore God Discussion Group. Space is limited, so please register for this training event now at: thebranchchurch.org/explore-God Explore God Team Member Training Event • September 1 • 6:30 – 8:30 PM • We will have dinner together. • Childcare will be provided. (Please let us know if you will be needing childcare.)
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Neighborhood Chill Thursdays through August 13
Sack Summer Hunger Saturdays through August 8
Farmers Branch Campus 7:00 - 8:30 pm Cost: FREE
Farmers Branch Campus 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
At the Neighborhood Chill, we open up the parking lot for a fun evening of FREE snow cones and fellowship with the community. We hope to create an atmosphere where you can make connections with people from our surrounding community. We also have games and activities set up for the kids! Learn more at: thebranchchurch.org/chill
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We need willing hands to bless families in our community any Saturday this summer! Each week is an opportunity for you and your family to lend a hand to the process of providing food for kids who would otherwise rely on free or reduced-cost school lunches. You won’t believe how easy and rewarding this experience is! Learn more about the process at: thebranchchurch.org/sack-hunger
TheBranchChurch
En Español The Branch Church En Español Launches September 13, 2015 9:00 am Farmers Branch Campus The Branch Church En Español is a Spanish language worship service designed to reach our Latino neighbors for Christ. There are over 4,300 Spanish-speaking households within three miles of the Farmers Branch Campus. Over 900 of those households have school-age children in them. With our current Kid’s Branch program in place to minister to these children, we will begin to offer a Spanish language worship service to minister to the adults. Please be praying for this effort. If you would like to join the prayer team or be part of the launch team, please contact Luis Sanchez: lsanchez@thebranchchurch.org
Small Group Cycle Begins
August 9
Small groups meet regularly and are a safe place to Connect, Grow, Serve, and Go! Members of small groups are committed to: •
Caring for each other;
•
Helping each other to grow spiritually;
•
Learning how to love others; and
•
Welcoming new people to the group who are looking for friendships and a closer relationship with God.
SMALL GROUPS
Connect | Grow | Serve | Go
Whether you are checking out Christianity for the first time, or you have been a believer for years, our small groups are places where you will find friendship and a safe place to experience personal spiritual growth. Check out our Group Finder to find a group near you. Finding a group that is a good fit can sometimes be a challenge. Don’t be afraid to visit a few groups before committing to one. It is a good idea to contact the leader ahead of time to confirm the times and locations of meetings and childcare options. You can find a list of current groups online or at the Welcome Center in the lobby. Learn more: thebranchchurch.org/groups
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Spotlight
2015 was an incredible week! Thank you to all of the volunteers and Student Body counselors that made Spotlight an unforgettable experience.
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Kids Branch is what we do to teach kids about Jesus every weekend at The Branch Church. Our committed volunteers reinforce the values and teachings you work so hard to instill in your kids. We worship, play, and dive directly into the Bible each and every week. Your kids will grow to love engaging with God, while making great friends!
Interested in serving in Kids Branch? Go to thebranchchurch.org/serve, or simply send us an email.
Tim Scott Family Minister tscott@thebranchchurch.org
Kristan Renshaw Brittany Moore Kids Branch Coordinator Farmers Branch Campus
Kids Branch Coordinator Vista Ridge Campus
krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org bmoore@thebranchchurch.org
Vista Ridge Campus
Kids Branch Coordinator I am pleased to announce that Brittany Moore is the new Kids Branch Coordinator at the Vista Ridge Campus. This role is so vital to the work of The Branch Church, and I believe Brittany is perfect for it.
with them and the great work they do at the Vista Ridge Campus during the week.
We’ve been in transition in Kids Branch for most of 2015, and I’m excited that Brittany’s acceptance of this role signals a new season Brittany has a degree from Abilene Christian and a solid foundation. It also renews our in Interdisciplinary Youth and Family Ministry, emphasis on making Kids Branch at Vista with an emphasis in Family Studies. In Ridge a place where we teach kids the truths addition to her heart for the Lord, and a of God’s word, and help them begin building genuine caring for others, she is organized, a life-long relationship with Jesus. motivated, and efficient. Brittany officially begins August 1st. She will Brittany will continue working as a preschool be busy preparing for the Kids Branch Fall teacher at the Hayes School of Wonder, kickoff on Sunday, August 23rd. which will only strengthen our partnership ~ Tim Scott
For more information, call: 972-855-8506 or email: contactus@thehayesschoolofwonder.com
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Single Branches
Ladies Bible Study Beginning September 14 & 16
Spend your Saturday morning with other men from The Branch! All men are welcome for breakfast and Bible study in the Branch Café at the Farmers Branch Campus.
Single Branches is our ministry for active widowed, divorced, and single adults who are 50+ years of age. The aim of the ministry is to provide a variety of monthly social events so that Branch singles may meet each other and build friendships.
This ministry has been meeting together for years, and serves to encourage men in their faith and strengthen them in Christ.
For questions or information on the next Single Branches event, email Paulette Travis: ptravis0822@yahoo.com
If you would like to know more about Men’s Life, contact:
Learn more at:
Men’s Life Prayer Breakfast Saturdays Beginning August 8 Farmers Branch Campus 7:30 am
thebranchchurch.org/singlebranches
Bro. Eddy Ketchersid: eketchersid@thebranchchurch.org Phone: (972) 345-1645
Vista Ridge Campus: Mondays • 6:30 pm Farmers Branch Campus: Wednesdays • 9:30 am
Ladies Bible Study is for women of all ages, meeting Monday nights at the Vista Ridge Campus and Wednesday mornings at the Farmers Branch Campus. Childcare is available at the Farmers Branch Campus. Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/lbs
Financial Peace University Begins Sunday, August 9 5:00 pm Farmers Branch Campus Cost: $93 per family We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through nine weeks of video teaching, class discussions, and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Note: If you need childcare during the class, please contact Tim Ketchersid at tketchersid@thebranchchurch.org and indicate the number and ages of the children. Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/fpu
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Third Campus
Prayer Specifics When it comes to the mission of God in the world, we often make our greatest advances on our knees. When the early church was waiting for the next move of the Spirit of God, they devoted themselves to a season of continual prayer (Acts 1:12-14). We are in such a season right now as we move toward the launch of our third campus. Please join us in several different prayers listed below. There is much to be done and, therefore, much to lift up in prayer. Thank you!
Our Focus
For Elders
• That we will keep it “front and center.” We are missionaries in a “land of religion” helping people to become, and live as, disciples of Jesus. (Matthew 28:18-20)
• That they would be identified for service at the third campus.
For 250 People For The Hearts In The Vicinity Of The Third Campus • That they will be open to respond to the message of Jesus. (Acts 16:14) • Prayerfully imagine the faces of those you personally know in the area.
For Our Hearts • That we have the vision of Jesus – see people as He sees them – and are filled with compassion for those who are spiritually lost. (Matthew 9:35-38)
• That we will be filled with the Spirit for the purpose of being His witnesses. (Acts 1:8) • That the Lord will stir up the spirit of His people at The Branch to engage in this effort, whether it be through serving in some capacity, praying, giving, being a part of the launch team, etc. (Haggai 1:13-14)
For Key Personnel • That we would discern the right people to fill the roles of Campus Minister, Worship Leader, Kids Branch Coordinator, and Student Minister.
• Adults and children who answer this call and make up the launch team. • That volunteers are identified, equipped, and cared for.
For Our Existing Campuses • That our existing campuses will continue to thrive, and new servants will rise up to fill the holes that are left by those who join the launch team.
For Funding And Wisdom In Regard To Funding • That our trust in God’s provision remains strong, as well as our faithfulness to go “first and ten.”
For The Location Of The Campus • That we would find the right place.
For The Facility • That it would be well-suited for our mission and approach.
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W
hile in Catacamas, Honduras, our team of 46 Americans worked with Hondurans to build seven homes for 29 people. Our teams got to know the families who will live in the houses by working side by side with them. We also coordinated and ran VBS at a local church. Hundreds of children were fed both physically and spiritually. Nearly 600 dresses made by members of The Branch were given to children in need. We were also able to deliver the medicine, clothing, and supplies you donated. The team also delivered “grief bags,� created by Ellison Lunde, to children dealing with the loss of a loved one. We partnered with the organization Mamas En Catacamas to minister to the more than 80 families and groups they serve by singing, praying, playing, and dancing with God’s children. It was a great trip! Make plans to join us next year June 30 - July 10, 2016.
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Find out more at thebranchchurch.org
THE BRANCH FAMILY NEWS You will find the following in the lobby: Prayer Requests | Monthly Birthdays | Shower Info
We Mourn With: • Anita, Andrea, and Marcel in the loss of husband and
father, Mark Rednick, on June 2 • Mary Ann Lowry in the loss of her father, Paul Winkler, on June 3 • Floyd and Sheran Prather in the loss of their great grandson, Blythe Owen Jones, on June 11 • Larry and Billie Stewart in the loss of Billie’s brother, Tom Chiles, on June 19 • Bill, Denise, Chloe, and Rachel Waller in the loss of Bill’s mother, Gay Waller, on June 24 • Ric, Pam, Taylor, and Cody Phillips in the loss of Ric’s father, Elwayne Phillips, on June 24
• Layton and Teresa McCown in the loss of Teresa’s mother, Margaret Mooneyham, on July 26 • Jon, Meagan, Graham, and Leanna Dover in the loss of Meagan’s mother, Pamela Kamplain, on July 29
Births: 6/8/15
Austyn Marie Pattison (F) Parents: Neil and Ashley Pattison
6/9/15
Nicholas Garza II (M) Parent: Vanessa Avila
Baptisms: 7/9/15 7/9/15 7/19/15
Emmanuel James Sandra Robertson Hannah Ruf
• Arturo, Joseph, and Joshua Garcia in the loss of wife and mother, Lisa Garcia, on July 14 • Judy Burton in the loss of her father, James E. Warren, on July 20
Branch Cares is a ministry designed to look after, and take care of, people within our church body. It is rooted in James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress….” The vision for this ministry is to reach out, help, and connect with:
Widows • Widowers • Single parents • Shut-ins • Caregivers • Those who are grieving Ministry volunteers will also deliver communion to shut-ins and any others who are unable to attend services.
Questions? Farmers Branch Email: fbcares@thebranchchurch.org Vista Ridge Email: vrcares@thebranchchurch.org Church Office: (972) 247-2109
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Every Thursday
Vista Ridge Campus 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:00 pm - Large Group Worship 8:00 pm - Open Share Groups Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program that meets this, and EVERY, Thursday night. Freedom is here for all your hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Hear testimonies and find encouragement this week! If someone you know could benefit from this program, please invite them to attend.
Learn more: thebranchchurch.org/cr
The Branch Student Body is our ministry to 6th - 12th grade students. This is an important time of transition into maturity in Christ, and we encourage all of our students to attend and serve in our weekend services with their families. The primary way The Branch Student Body meets is in weekly Discipleship Groups (D-Groups), where students grow closer to God, their peers, and to their leaders. This is critical to their development as followers of Christ. There are also several special events throughout the year, such as Branch Camp, retreats, and other fun activities.
Discipleship Groups: D/Groups Middle School Vista Ridge Campus | Sundays | 9:30 am Farmers Branch Campus | Wednesdays | 6:30 pm
High School Both Campuses | Wednesdays | 6:30 pm
Questions? Ask us! Kyle Poff
Josh Brake
kpoff@thebranchchurch.org
jbrake@thebranchchurch.org
Student Minister Vista Ridge Campus
Student Minister Farmers Branch Campus
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Upcoming Events Calendar Days
Dates
Event (Location)
Times
Sat/Sun
8/1-2
Clothes for Kids: Uniform Drive Begins
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Mon-Fri
8/3-7
Vacation Bible School: “Kingdom Quest” (Both Campuses)
5 Days
Fri
8/7
Family Night Out: Water Night (Farmers Branch Campus)
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Sun
8/9
Small Group Cycle Begins
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Sun
8/9
Financial Peace University Begins (Farmers Branch Campus)
5:00 pm
Fri
8/21
Movie Night (Vista Ridge Campus)
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Back to School Weekend
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Sat/Sun
8/22-23
Sun
8/23
Service Time Change from 11:00 to 11:15 (Vista Ridge Campus)
11:15 am
Sun
8/30
The Branch Orientation (Both Campuses)
10:45 FB, 12:30 VR
Tues
9/1
Explore God: Team Member Training (Both Campuses)
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Sun
9/6
Explore God: Discussion Groups Begin
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Explore God Series Begins
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The Branch Church En Español Launches
9:00 am
Student Body Overnighter
TBD
Sat/Sun Sun
9/12-13 9/13
Sat-Sun
9/19-20
Weekly Events Calendar Sun
9:30 am
Middle School D-Groups
Mon
6:30 pm
Ladies Bible Study (Vista Ridge)
*Begins September 14
Wed
9:30 am
Ladies Bible Study (Farmers Branch)
*Begins September 14
Wed
6:30 pm
Middle School D-Groups (Farmers Branch Campus)
Wed
6:30 pm
High School D-Groups (Both Campuses)
Thu
7:00 pm
Celebrate Recovery (Vista Ridge Campus)
Thu
7:00 pm
Neighborhood Chill (Farmers Branch Campus)
Sat
7:30 am
Mighty Men Study Group (Vista Ridge Campus)
Sat
7:30 am
Men’s Life Prayer Breakfast (Farmers Branch Campus) *Begins August 8
Sat
9:30 am
Sack Summer Hunger (Farmers Branch Campus)
(Vista Ridge Campus)
*Last one is August 13
*Last one is August 8
972-247-2109 | FAX 972-243-6009 | info@thebranchchurch.org
TheBranch C h u r c h
Farmers Branch Campus 3035 Valley View Lane Dallas, TX 75234
Vista Ridge Campus 3601 Huffines Boulevard Carrollton, TX 75010
thebranchchurch.org