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We’re calling on everyone who attends The Branch Church to serve in our community this June. Our hope is that you are finding ways to share the love of Christ with people throughout the year. In addition, Go Weekend is a way for all of us to pool our resources to make a greater impact than any of us could do on our own. These acts of kindness reflect His love to our community, and can open doors for people to hear the Good News.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these . . . you did for me.” ~Matthew 25:40 We have several opportunities for:
Serving Widows, the Elderly, and Disabled:
Serving Children, the Homeless, and Impoverished:
• Yard work
• Preparing care packages
• Painting
• Serving and delivering food
• Cleaning
• Sewing dresses
• Various forms of manual labor
• Organizing donated items
• Food preparation and delivery
. . . and More!
Jesus calls us to help the weak and to remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Put your hands and feet to good use in our community this summer! We will have projects available all weekend, so please reserve time and volunteer for this important effort.
Sign-Up to Volunteer and Get Your Shirt! You’ll find a list of projects to choose from through The Branch Church App or on the church website at:
thebranchchurch.org/go
If you have any trouble registering for a project, email go@thebranchchurch.org or call the church office at 972-247-2109.
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Summer Kick-Off Event Sunday, June 12 6:30 - 8:30 pm Farmers Branch Campus Cost: $10 for adults - Kids eat FREE!
Get the summer started with a fun family night out! The end of Go Weekend also marks the beginning of Kids Branch ALLSTAR Week! Everyone is invited to come hang out and have fun with inflatable slides and food trucks!
Sack Summer Hunger Saturdays, June 11 - August 6 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Farmers Branch Campus We need willing hands to bless families in our community any Saturday this summer! Every week is an opportunity for you and your family to lend a hand! We partner with Metrocrest Services to provide food for kids who usually rely on free or reduced-cost school lunches during the school year, but don’t have that during the summer. You won’t believe how easy and rewarding this experience is!
How It Works Come to the Farmers Branch Campus and, enter the building through the double doors under the carport and walk into the Family Life Center. Volunteers will organize the food into an assembly line. You will grab a sack with a unique label and go through the line filling your sack with the allotted food items such as cereal, bread, peanut butter, and vegetables. When that sack is full you will take it to the designated spot with the corresponding label. Once all the bags are filled, everyone will help check these bags to make sure they have the appropriate items in them. Once the bags are filled and checked, teams will be formed in order to travel to homes in the area for distribution. Team leaders will be given a map and a route with the family names and corresponding sack labels. Learn more at: thebranchchurch.org/sack-hunger
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Neighborhood Chill Thursdays, June 9-30 7:00 - 8:30 pm Farmers Branch Campus Cost: FREE At the Neighborhood Chill, we chill outside at the Farmers Branch Campus with FREE snow cones and community fellowship. 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
Rosemeade Rainforest Party Sunday, July 10 6:30 - 10:30 pm Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex
Cost: FREE! Don’t miss our annual Rosemeade Rainforest summer bash! We’ve reserved the whole park, including the lazy river, water tubes, and diving boards. We’ll have cannonball contests, volleyball games, and more! Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be provided;
please bring desserts!
Learn more at: thebranchchurch.org/rosemeade
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ur NextGen Ministry exists to partner with parents to raise up the next generation of disciples of Jesus. We know that the best way to point our kids towards Jesus is to have parents and the church working together to have a greater impact than either can have alone. We use the color orange to remind us of the impact we can have when we work together.
If you combine the heart of the family (red) with the light of the church (yellow), you will make a greater impact.
Heart of Family + Light of Church = Orange This idea is built on the notion that two combined influences will make a greater impact than just two influences. This mindset is championed by our Kids Branch and Student Body volunteers -- an innovative, passionate group of leaders who come from various backgrounds and seasons of life. These leaders are collectively beginning a revolution as pioneers who are determined to build authentic faith in the next generation. We are so thankful for each and every person who has partnered with the NextGen Ministry during this school year, and want to celebrate the time, and energy they have given to our kids, pointing them towards Jesus. Every kid needs other adults in their lives who are saying the same things about Jesus that their parents are saying. Every kid needs other adults in their lives who they can trust, and who they know believes in them. You may not see the impact of these great volunteers investing in the lives of kids, but they are making investments that will reap huge rewards in the Kingdom of God for decades to come. Our Kids Branch volunteers make a nine-month commitment to spend their Sunday mornings with kids, and have earned a well-deserved summer break. Please join with us in thanking and honoring these selfless, Christ-like leaders! Thank you to all our amazing volunteers!
Sign Up to be on the Kids Branch Summer Team! To show our appreciation, we are giving our regular Kids Branch volunteers the summer off! Help us honor them, and keep Kids Branch going this summer, by signing up to be on the Kids Branch Summer Team!
Email Kristan or Brittany to ask how you can help!
Tim Scott NextGen Minister tscott@thebranchchurch.org
Kristan Renshaw Brittany Moore Kids Minister Farmers Branch Campus
Kids Minister Vista Ridge Campus
krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org
bmoore@thebranchchurch.org
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Kids Branch ALLSTAR WEEK Mon - Fri, June 13 - 17
9:00 am - 2:00 pm Every Day Vista Ridge Campus Ages: Finished Kindergarten - finished 5th Grade Cost: Free
Your kids won’t want to miss this exciting week of instruction and training in basketball, volleyball, and soccer. We’ll kick off each day with upbeat worship, and follow that up with lessons from the life of Jesus. This will be a fun week for kids to train in the sports they love, while learning about the God that loves them! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to invite friends! Every camper MUST BRING A SACK LUNCH with a drink each day. We will provide all soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs, and all necessary athletic equipment. Please leave your personal equipment at home. You can find more details about what to bring and what to expect at the link below. We have limited space, so register today! Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/allstar
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Spotlight: Back to the Cross Sun - Fri, July 10 - 15
Sunday Kickoff • 2:00 - 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Friday • 9:00 am - 8:30 pm (followed by family reception)
Farmers Branch Campus Ages: Finished Kindergarten - finished 5th Grade Cost: $95 per camper
Spotlight Music Camp is one of the best weeks of the year in the life of The Branch Church! We take over the entire Farmers Branch Campus, and our kids have fun learning about God as they produce a musical to perform at the end of the week. The kids have a blast being led by our awesome high school counselors! This year, we are doing the musical “Back to the Cross: A Kid’s Musical Adventure Through Time.” Registration is now open! For high school students who would like to be counselors, contact Tim Scott. Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/spotlight
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Branch Camp 2016: MARKED for Christ Sun - Fri, June 19-24 Camp Akiva Cost: $395 per person
Spend a week away from the clutter and noise of the big city with all your middle school and high school friends. Branch Camp is a time of building friendships, having fun in the sunshine, and growing closer to Jesus. Branch Camp is at Camp Akiva just outside of Point, Texas. We have the entire camp to ourselves! Registered students will check in at the Farmers Branch Campus on Sunday, June 19 at 1:00 pm, and return Friday, June 24 by 4:00 pm. We want you to start your summer off right with a week of drawing closer together, and closer to God. This year our theme is MARKED: Jesus leaves His mark on everyone who encounters Him, and we are marked by Christ, marked in Christ, and called to leave a mark for Christ on the world. Register today! DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS JUNE 10. Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/camp
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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. We have several ways for students to connect including weekly gatherings, occasional activities, and special events like Branch Camp, retreats, and overnighters!
D/GROUPS DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS
D/GROUPS THE BRANCH STUDENT BODY
Farmers Branch
Vista Ridge
High School • Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Middle School • Sundays at 9:00 am or Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
High School • Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Middle School • Sundays at 9:30 am
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.
EQUIP
12:30 - 2:00 pm on Tuesdays Both campuses this summer! Beginning June 7, this weekly gathering will equip students with the ability to study the Bible for themselves. The end goal of Equip is to equip the students with a method of studying the Bible that gives them confidence when they approach every part of the Word of God. Bring a lunch/snack to eat. We will hang out for 1530 minutes, then dive into a new passage each week and learn how to study the Bible by studying the Bible! We are doing Equip every week in order to create Bible-reading habits that will allow us to find truth in the Bible and apply those truths to our lives.
Questions? Ask us! Kyle Poff
Josh Brake
Ketch Smith
kpoff@thebranchchurch.org
jbrake@thebranchchurch.org
ksmith@thebranchchurch.org
Student Minister Vista Ridge Campus
Student Minister Farmers Branch Campus
Student Outreach Minister
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HIGH
SCHOOL
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2016
Anastacia Badillo (VR) Cole Billingsley (FB)
Alec Bradley (VR)
Cartwright Cathey (VR)
New Tech High @ Coppell College: ACU Major: Communication Disorders & Sciences
Lucas Christian Academy College: David Lipscomb Major: Bible/Missions
Grapevine High School College: UNT Major: Kinesiology
Creekview High School College: Oklahoma State Major: Electrical Engineering
Parents: Eric & Amy Billingsley
Parents: Harold & Staci Bradley
Parent: Kim Cathey
Emma Darby (VR)
Miles Deskin (VR)
Alex Doane (VR)
Amanda Ero (FB)
Wakeland High School College: ACU Major: English
iSchool High of Lewisville College: Brookhaven Major: Engineering/ Architecture
Creekview High School College: Texas State Major: Sports Medicine
Richardson High School College: Louisiana State Major: Theatre
Parents: Raymond & Tricia Badillo
Parents: Doug & Amanda Darby
Parents: Todd & Vanessa Doane
Parent: Mercy Ero
Joshua Masih (FB)
Parent: Stephanie Jo McGregor
Breanna Gilmore (VR)
Jeffery Hook (VR)
Ellison Lunde (VR)
Plantation Academy College: Undecided
Jesuit College Prep Dallas
Parents: Paul & Kim Gilmore
Major: Sports Broadcasting
Frisco High School College: ACU Major: Elementary Ed
College: University of Missouri Parents: Jeff & Brigitte Hook
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Newman Smith High School College: UTD Major: Business
Parents: Kevin & Marjanne Lunde Parents: Neel & Nita Masih
Michelle McCauley (VR) Andrew McMillin (VR) Aaron Monroe (VR) Creekview High School College: Undecided Major: Nursing
Hebron High School College: Texas A&M Major: Civil Engineering
Coram Deo Academy College: ACU Major: Finance
Parent: Kristi St. George
Parents: Bruce & Jeni McMillin
Parents: Chris & Kim Monroe
Geoffrey Spencer (VR) Parker Watson (VR)
Holly Ann Wells (VR)
Plano East High School College: My Possibilities Major: Continued Education
Guyer High School College: ACU Major: Kinesiology
Parent: Terry Spencer
Frisco High School College: University of Arkansas
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Parents: Gary & Lacey Wells
Rachel Perkins (VR) Centennial High School College: Texas Tech Major: Music Education Parents: Michael & Lana Perkins
Madi Young (VR) Edmond North High School College: Oklahoma State Major: Psychology Parents: J.D. & Stacey Young
Parents: Tom & Leigh Anne Watson
Keaton Yowell (VR) Creekview High School College: ACU Major: Kinesiology Parents: Dean & Renea Yowell
The NextGen Ministry’s mission is to partner with parents to raise up the next generation of disciples of Jesus Christ. These graduates are just that, disciples. They will always have a place here at The Branch Church, and we pray they always see this as home. However, we are extremely excited to see all the things God will do in them and through them to further the gospel of Jesus. We send them out into the world, with all the love of our congregation, to walk the paths that God has called each of them to in life. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~Ephesians 2:10
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EDUCATION FUND the Branch Church
The Branch Church Education Fund Scholarship The Branch Church Education Fund is established to support active members of The Branch Church who are enrolled in college and have at least completed their freshman year (24 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Financial need, academic performance and a history of involvement at The Branch are considered when making scholarship awards. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please complete the form at the link below no later than July 1st, 2016. Regards, The Branch Church Education Fund Committee
Apply at thebranchchurch.org/educationfund
Branch Cares is a ministry designed to look after, and take care of, people within our church body. The vision for this ministry is to reach out, help, and connect with: Widows • Widowers • Single parents • Shut-ins • Caregivers • Those who are grieving If you are interested in becoming a Branch Cares ministry volunteer, or if you know of someone who is connected to The Branch Church and may be interested in having one of our ministry members contact them, you can fill out the Volunteer Application or Referral Form online.
Questions? Farmers Branch Email: fbcares@thebranchchurch.org Vista Ridge Email: vrcares@thebranchchurch.org Church Office: (972) 247-2109
thebranchchurch.org/cares 11
thebranchchurch.org/espanol The Branch Church en Español - Farmers Branch Campus The Branch en Español. Somos tu Familia en Cristo. 2016: Año de Crecimiento Espiritual Permite que el Espíritu Santo te guíe a alcanzar tus imposibles. Acompáñanos y adoremos a Dios y fortalezcamos nuestra fe en Cristo en el idioma español. Actividades durante la semana: • Dos Servicios de Adoración DOMINGOS 9:00 AM y 10:45 AM (clases bíblicas para niños de 3 meses hasta quinto grado en inglés)
• Martes de Oración – 7:00 pm (niños y jóvenes también participan)
• Miércoles de Estudio Bíblico – 7:00 pm (clases bíblicas para niños en español y reunión de jóvenes en inglés)
Esperamos verte pronto. ¡Nos encantará saludarte en persona!
Luis y Schalee Sánchez lsanchez@thebranchchurch.org
Since 1993, there has been a growing prayer movement in the Christian world that has focused on praying for the Muslim world, particularly during Ramadan (June 6 – July 5 this year). The power of intercession is a privilege and responsibility given to those who have been recreated in Jesus Christ. We are encouraging everyone at The Branch to join this prayer effort. As we pray on behalf of the Muslim world, remember that we are praying for individuals – mothers, fathers, daughters, aunts and uncles. If you know any Muslims by name, have you ever considered that you may be the only praying Christian in their life? Perhaps no one else but you is interceding for them in prayer. This is our call: 30 days of Prayer for the Muslim World. Will you pray with us? Learn more at: 30daysprayer.com
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Follow Chris on Twitter twitter.com/chrisseidman
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program that meets Thursday nights. 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
Thursdays @ 6:15 pm Grades 6th–12th The Landing is an experience-driven safe place where students can share their struggles. Trusted adults are ready and willing to accept them as they are, not judge them, and would love a chance to walk through their journey with them.
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THE BRANCH FAMILY NEWS We Mourn With:
Welcome These New Members:
• Erika Butler and her family in the loss of her mother,
Vista Ridge Campus
Marian Williams, on May 4.
Brittni Barnhardt Gary and Cecilia Burgin Carolyn Campbell Dave and Anna Campbell (Children: Paris, Jayden, and Caleb) Philip and Jill Crawford (Children: P.J. and Jacob) Emily Davis (Child: Shayna) Josh and Abbie Harrison (Children: Levi and Mackie) Molly Handlin (Children: Gracie and Tucker) LaDonna McBride Marshall and Breanna (Bree) Reeves Rhonda Rhynard Millicent Tagoe
• Steve Conway and his family in the loss of his
mother, Wanda Conway, on May 14.
Births: 4/28/16
Abigail Dawn Lankford (F) Parents: Josh and Allison Lankford
5/9/16
Jordan Everett Brownlow (M) Parents: Stephen and Brittany Brownlow
5/13/16
Mazzy Grace Atkins (F) Parents: Mike and Monica Atkins
5/14/16
Hannah Elizabeth Laughlin (F) Parents: Ryan and Katie Laughlin
5/27/16
Leon Pryce Swinford (M) Parents: Nick and Bayley Swinford Grandparents: Terry and Darla Williams
Baptisms: 5/22/16
Allison O’Neal
Farmers Branch Campus
Ericka Blount Teaira Ford John and Cheryl Henson Julie Martinez (Children: Brianna and Sophia) Dan and Debbie Miller Mary Slovak
Weekend Stats - May 2016: Attendance Average: 1870
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Young at Heart: Salad & Sundae Supper Friday, July 29 Farmers Branch Campus 6:30 - 8:30 pm We are excited to host a very relaxing way to meet and get to know our newest members at The Branch Church, as well as any other guests who may attend. Please bring your favorite salad. The dessert: Ice cream and all the toppings will be provided by the Young at Heart Ministry. Our program will include a brief update about the ministries at The Branch Church, as well as continuing education regarding “Senior Benefits” that most do not know about or take advantage of. We will have some rousing games of BINGO with great prizes (feel free to bring a door prize with you if you like). Contact Bro. Eddy Ketchersid for more info: (972) 345-1645
The Young At Heart group is hosting a one-day tour of Dallas attractions with the delightful Rose-Mary Rumbley. Everyone welcome! We need a minimum of 40. • Wednesday, June 15, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Bus leaves from the Farmers Branch Campus) • $50 each, includes transportation on a professionally driven motor coach, fees to all sights, lunch • Visits to such places as the Latino Cultural Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art, Ice House Arts Center, Bishop Arts Center, etc, with Rose-Mary as tour guide Please contact Bro. Eddy Ketchersid, 972-345-1645; or Paul and Linda Barne, 972-951-0464, to make your reservations.
Single Branches 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. For more information, contact Paulette Travis: ptravis0822@yahoo.com
Kids Branch WATER DAY
Tuesday, July 26 and Tuesday, August 9 9:00 - 11:00 am Farmers Branch Campus Kids of all ages Cost: Free
Join us for some fun in the sun! On two special days this summer, kids of all ages are invited to come splash around with a water slide, kiddie pools, water soakers, and so much more! Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/water-day
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Please continue to be in prayer for clarity, direction, and provision in our Third Campus initiative. 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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Upcoming Events Calendar Days
Dates
Event (Location)
Times
Thurs
6/9
Neighborhood Chill Begins (Farmers Branch Campus)
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Go Weekend
3 Days
Fri-Sun
6/10-12
Sat
6/11
Sack Summer Hunger Begins (Farmers Branch Campus)
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Sun
6/12
Summer Kick-off Event (Farmers Branch Campus)
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Kids Branch ALLSTAR Week (Vista Ridge Campus)
5 Days
Mon-Fri
6/13-17
Dallas Tour
Wed
6/15
Young at Heart:
Sun
6/19
Father’s Day
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Branch Camp (Student Body)
6 Days
Sun-Fri
6/19-24
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sun
7/10
Spotlight Kick-off (Farmers Branch Campus)
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Sun
7/10
Rosemeade Rainforest Family Night
6:30 - 10:30 pm
Spotlight (Musical Camp for Kids) (Farmers Branch Campus)
6 Days
Mon-Fri
7/11-15
Fri
7/15
Spotlight Performance (Farmers Branch Campus)
7:00 pm
Tues
7/26
Kids Branch Water Day (Farmers Branch Campus)
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Fri
7/29
Young at Heart:
Sun
8/7
Financial Peace University Begins (Farmers Branch Campus)
9:00 am
Tues
8/9
Kids Branch Water Day (Farmers Branch Campus)
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Thurs
8/18
Thursday Night Service Begins (Vista Ridge Campus)
TBD
Salad & Sundae Supper (Farmers Branch Campus)
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Weekly Events Calendar Sun
Early Service
Student Body: MS D/Groups
Tues
12:30 pm
Student Body: EQUIP (Both Campuses)
Wed
6:30 pm
Student Body: D/Groups (Both Campuses)
Thu
7:00 pm
Celebrate Recovery (Vista Ridge Campus)
Thu
7:00 pm
Neighborhood Chill (Farmers Branch Campus)
*Begins June 9
Sat
7:30 am
Mighty Men Bible Study (Vista Ridge Campus)
*Ends June 11
Sat
9:30 am
Sack Summer Hunger (Farmers Branch Campus)
*Begins June 11
(Both Campuses)
Office: 972-247-2109
thebranchchurch.org
*Begins June 7
Email: info@thebranchchurch.org
Farmers Branch Campus
Vista Ridge Campus
3035 Valley View Lane Dallas, TX 75234
3601 Huffines Boulevard Carrollton, TX 75010
Sundays: 9:00 am & 10:45
Saturdays: 5:00 pm Sundays: 9:30 & 11:15 am