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We are excited to launch our new Thursday night service on August 18th at the Vista Ridge Campus! Though it’s technically on Chris Seidman a weeknight, the Senior Minister Thursday night service will be considered our “first service of the weekend.” It will have all the same features as our Sunday services — worship, communion, and the same message as well. The service will also have childcare for children up to 36 months. It will begin at 6:45 pm and, as an added bonus, will feature a meal beforehand.
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Why have our “first service of the weekend” on Thursday nights? There is an emerging trend we’ve seen in our culture around us. According to some fairly solid research in the last couple of years among churches in metropolitan communities, regular guests and church members are attending church less frequently on a weekend-to-weekend basis. Some
studies reveal that the average church member attends 1.7 weekends per month. As an interesting aside, several years ago we surveyed The Branch and found that among our members, the average was 2.3 weekends per month. There are a variety of factors that are affecting this trend — the proliferation of youth sports on Saturday and Sundays, the ever expanding weekend “work culture,” and the rising trend of people leaving town on the weekends for this, that, or the other. It’s our hope that people who are traveling on the weekend, working on the weekend, or volunteering at church on the weekend would see this as a new possibility. We’re also thinking, though, about those we know who may not be personally engaged with the Lord at this time and tend to use the “I’ve got weekend plans” as a “defense shield.” Have we got good news for them! It may not be possible for you to attend regularly on Thursday nights. If you anticipate your schedule allowing you to do so, I hope you’ll prayerfully
consider helping us launch Thursday nights beginning August 18. At the very least, I do hope you’ll keep this service in mind as an alternative for you to use in inviting people into the life of The Branch, or when you know you are going to be unable to attend on certain weekends throughout the year. Gathering together on a weekly basis for worship, encouragement, teaching, and testimony makes a difference for the better in our lives. It’s our hope that the offering of a service during the week will open new doors for reaching people, while also making it possible for others who are not always able to come on the weekends to still experience a weekly worship gathering. Please be praying for the launch of Thursday night services beginning August 18! If you would like to be a part of the launch team, please contact Ryan Rainey at: rrainey@thebranchchurch.org
NOW ON TUESDAYS Every week – even on holidays! Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program that meets EVERY week — rain or shine! We all have hurts, habits, and hang-ups, and CR is a program designed to help you find freedom. Come hear testimonies, find encouragement, and step forward in faith THIS WEEK! More about Celebrate Recovery: Celebrate Recovery (or CR) is based on God’s Word, the Bible. When Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, he began by stating “Eight Ways to Be Happy.” Today we call them the Beatitudes. From a conventional viewpoint, most of these statements didn’t make sense. They sounded like contradictions. But when we fully understand what Jesus is saying, we’ll realize that these eight principles are God’s road to recovery, wholeness, growth, and spiritual maturity. CR is forward-looking. Rather than wallowing in the past, or dredging up and rehearsing painful memories over and over, Celebrate Recovery focuses on the future. Regardless of what has already happened, the solution is to start making wise choices now and depend on Christ’s power to help us make those changes.
CR emphasizes personal responsibility. We cannot control all that happens to us. But we can control how we respond to everything. That is a secret of happiness. When we stop wasting time fixing the blame, we have more energy to fix the problem. When we stop hiding our own faults and stop hurling accusations at others, then the healing power of Christ can begin working in our minds, wills, and emotions.
Fellowship and accountability are two important components of spiritual growth.
CR utilizes the biblical truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally. It is built around small group interaction and the fellowship of a caring community. There are many therapies, growth programs, and counselors today that are built around one-on-one interaction. But Celebrate Recovery is built on the New Testament principle that we don’t get well by ourselves. We need each other.
We are seeing hopeless marriages restored and people set free from all kinds of sinful habits, hang-ups, and hurts as they allow Jesus to be Lord in every area of their lives. To God be the glory! We’ll be praying for you.
CR addresses all types of habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Some recovery programs deal only with alcohol or drugs or another single problem. But Celebrate Recovery is a “large umbrella” program under which a limitless number of issues can be dealt with.
Learn more: thebranchchurch.org/cr
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Men’s Bible Study: Mighty Men
Men’s Life Prayer Breakfast Saturdays Beginning September 10 Farmers Branch Campus 7:30 am
Saturdays, August 6 - September 17 Vista Ridge Campus 7:30 am Mighty Men is a Bible study group for men at the Vista Ridge Campus. Learn to grow in the fundamentals of the faith alongside other men. This is a great opportunity for you to strengthen your walk with the Lord and become a mighty man of God. We will not meet September 3 (Labor Day weekend).
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. This ministry has been meeting together for years, and serves to encourage men in their faith and strengthen them in Christ. If you would like to know more about Men’s Life, contact:
No need to register, just come join us! Questions? Email Terry Grimm: terry.grimm@thebranchchurch.org
Bro. Eddy Ketchersid: eketchersid@thebranchchurch.org Phone: 972-345-1645
SMALL GROUPS
Interested in starting or hosting a Small Group this fall?
Contact
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Tim Ketchersid
Ryan Rainey
Farmers Branch Campus Minister tketchersid@thebranchchurch.org
Vista Ridge Campus Minister rrainey@thebranchchurch.org
Women’s Bible Study HEBREWS: Deep Roots Grow Strong Faith In a world that continually pulls at us from every direction, we need more strength than ever to stand firm. Good news! You’ve already got everything you need! Join us as we go back to our roots and remind ourselves of the refreshingly simple and powerful source of our strength – Jesus. Your roots go deeper than you think. Tap in. Women’s Bible Study is a weekly gathering for women that includes fellowship time, group discussion, and large group lectures.
Farmers Branch Campus
Vista Ridge Campus
Wednesdays
Mondays
Begins September 7
Begins September 12
9:45 am • Children’s Bible Study begins
6:30 pm • Fellowship
9:45 am • Fellowship (Coffee and Brunch)
6:45 pm • Discussion Groups
10:00 am • Discussion Groups
7:15 pm • Lecture
10:45 am • Lecture
*No childcare is provided on Monday nights.
No registration required for adults. Come join us! Learn more: thebranchchurch.org/wbs
Children’s Bible Study We’re pleased to offer Bible classes for children of those attending Women’s Bible Study. Please register your children, ages 3 months and up, by August 31. Contact Lisa Castello at 214-288-5542 with any questions. Register at: thebranchchurch.org/wbs
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This August, you can provide early childhood education to low-income children by checking in on Facebook at either campus of The Branch Church. Every 2 check-ins = 1 day of lessons and tools for kids. We’ve partnered with Save The Children to make this opportunity possible through a service called Reach. Check in any time you’re at the building during the week too! Learn more about Save The Children: savethechildren.org
The Branch Church Farmers Branch Campus
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The Branch Church Vista Ridge Campus
Follow Chris on Twitter twitter.com/chrisseidman
VALLEY VIEW: Reconstruction work to extend to next May The City of Farmers Branch has begun reconstruction of Valley View Lane, between Josey and Webb Chapel. The entire project is expected to last until May of 2017. The plans are for the roadway to be completely reconstructed with 10-inch thick concrete paving, and will feature 7-footwide sidewalks to better accommodate pedestrians. There will also be a new 8-inch waterline installed to replace the existing cast-iron water line that is more than 50 years old, and the current aerial wiring that connects street lights on Valley View will be placed underground. The first stage of the project will be the water main replacement on the eastbound lanes, and the work is expected to reduce traffic to one lane for the first six to eight weeks. It may be beneficial for those attending the Farmers Branch Campus to use the east entrance from Webb Chapel while construction is underway on Valley View.
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. Next Event: Join us for a Texas Rangers game on September 20. We will use a church shuttle and leave the Farmers Branch Campus at 4:30 pm to attend the 7:05 game. Tickets are $15 (these are $33 seats, first level, Section 137, in a corner box on the first base side beneath the under-hang). Please respond to Paulette Travis by September 6: ptravis0822@yahoo.com
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The Branch Education Fund has been established to support active members of The Branch Church who are enrolled in college and have completed their freshman year. A history of involvement at The Branch, financial need and academic performance are considered when making scholarship awards. Contributions to The Branch Education Fund may be made online or indicated in the memo line on a check. The fund will be used to support additional scholarships awarded each school year. For the 2016-2017 school year, six individuals have been selected to receive scholarships:
Johanna Baker has attended The Branch since she was 3 years old. She was active in The Branch Student Body, and is entering her junior year at Abilene Christian University studying psychology. Johanna has served as a volunteer in Kids Branch and Spotlight.
Donovan Jeanne has attended The Branch since 2011. He was involved Johanna Baker
with The Branch Student Body in high school, and is entering his junior year at Southwestern Assemblies of God University studying history and coaching. Donovan has volunteered at Sack Summer Hunger and Go Weekend during the summers.
Anna ter Kuile has attended The Branch since 2013. She was involved with
Donovan Jeanne
The Branch Student Body in high school, and has been active as a volunteer in Kids Branch, Spotlight and VBS. She is entering her sophomore year at Abilene Christian University studying biochemistry. Anna ter Kuile
Zane Strickler has attended The Branch since he was 5 years old. He was active in both Kids Branch and The Branch Student Body, and is entering his junior year at Harding University studying finance. For the past several years Zane has played guitar in Vista Ridge worship band, and has served in various roles in Kids Branch.
Zane Strickler
Matt Swofford has attended The Branch his entire life. He was active in both Kids Branch and The Branch Student Body, and is entering his junior year at the University of North Texas studying mechanical and energy engineering. In addition to volunteering in various roles in Kids Branch, Matt serves in the Event Services Ministry. Matt Swofford
Sarah Yarbrough has attended The Branch since she was 8 years old. She was active in both Kids Branch and The Branch Student Body, and is currently a senior at Abilene Christian University studying marketing and theater. Sarah has served as a volunteer in numerous roles in the NextGen and Worship ministries. Sarah Yarbrough
Learn More:
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thebranchchurch.org/education-fund
Neighborhood Grill Tuesday, August 16 6:30 - 8:00 pm Farmers Branch Campus Cost: Free
Free food! Water slides! Fellowship! Come help us host the neighbors in the Farmers Branch community. Learn more and register at: thebranchchurch.org/grill
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Kids Branch WATER DAY Tuesday, August 9 9:30 - 11:00 am Farmers Branch Campus Kids of all ages Cost: Free
Join us for some fun in the sun! Kids of all ages are invited to come splash around with a water slide, kiddie pools, water soakers, and so much more! Learn more at: thebranchchurch.org/water-day
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!
Tim Scott
Kristan Renshaw Brittany Moore
NextGen Minister
Farmers Branch Kids Minister Vista Ridge Kids Minister
tscott@thebranchchurch.org krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org bmoore@thebranchchurch.org
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Current Serving Opportunities
Interested in serving at The Branch? Below are some areas of need.
Kitchen Host Where: Vista Ridge Campus When: Sundays 10:40 - 11:30 am Frequency: 1 month on, 1 month off, repeat Responsibilities: • Keep coffee service running. • Clean up coffee and donuts after service begins. Contact Rebekah Pitts: rpitts@thebranchchurch.org
Greeter Where: Vista Ridge Campus or Farmers Branch Campus When: Any service time Frequency: 1 month on, 1 month off, repeat Responsibilities: • Arrive 15 minutes before service to greet people entering the building, or hand them a bulletin as they enter the Worship Center. You will finish at your post 15 minutes after service begins. For VR, contact Rebekah Pitts: rpitts@thebranchchurch.org For FB, contact Tim Ketchersid: tketchersid@thebranchchurch.org
Parking Lot Greeter Where: Vista Ridge Campus When: Any service time Frequency: 1 month on, 1 month off, repeat Responsibilities: • Wave to people as they enter the parking lot and assist with any parking lot needs. (Example: Umbrella assistance on rainy days.) For VR, contact Rebekah Pitts: rpitts@thebranchchurch.org For FB, contact Tim Ketchersid: tketchersid@thebranchchurch.org
Serving is a great way to get plugged-in at The Branch. Contact us today!
Kids Branch Check-In Greeter Where: Farmers Branch Campus When: Before either Sunday service How Many Needed: 10+ Frequency: Once a month Responsibilities: • Greet families and assist them with the check-in process. • Enter new families into the system (no technical skills required). Contact Kristan Renshaw: krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org
Kids Branch Large Group Speaker Where: Farmers Branch Campus When: Sundays 9:00 am How Many Needed: 1 Frequency: Every Sunday during the 2016-2017 school year, August 21 - June 4 Responsibilities: • Talk to a group of elementary kids and be willing to do so in fun and engaging ways. • Wear funny costumes, encourage audience participation, and be wiling to make fun of yourself. • It’s not as hard as it sounds! Contact Kristan Renshaw: krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org
Kids Branch Tech Operator Where: Farmers Branch Campus When: Sundays 9:00 am How Many Needed: 1 Frequency: Every Sunday during the 2016-2017 school year, August 21 - June 4 Responsibilities: • Turn microphones on/off and adjust volume. • Use equipment to play videos and music on cue. (Limited technical ability required.) Contact Kristan Renshaw: krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org
Kids Branch Leader Frequency: Every Sunday during the 2016-2017 school year, August 21 - June 4 Responsibilities: • Arrive at least 15 minutes before service begins. • Build relationships with the kids in your group. • Lead your small group in reading the Bible story, games, crafts, and activities. • Know and care about your small group, pray for them during the week, and send them notes of encouragement. Vista Ridge Campus Contact Brittany Moore: bmoore@thebranchchurch.org When & How Many Needed: • Sundays 9:30 am - 3 x Preschool Classroom Leader - 1 x Kindergarten Small Group Leader - 1 x 1st Grade Small Group Leader - 1 x 4th Grade Small Group Leader - 5 x Elementary Small Group Co-Leader • Sundays 11:15 am - 3 x Preschool Classroom Leader - 1 x 1st Grade Small Group Leader - 2 x Elementary Small Group Co-Leader
Farmers Branch Campus Contact Kristan Renshaw: krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org When & How Many Needed: • Sundays 9:00 am - 2 x Nursery Leader - 2 x Preschool Classroom Leader - 2 x Elementary Small Group Leader • Sundays 10:45 am - 2 x Nursery Leader - 6 x Preschool Leader - 2 x Kindergarten Small Group Leader - 4 x Elementary MALE Small Group Leaders
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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 • Homebound • Caregivers • Those who are grieving Ministry volunteers will also deliver communion to the homebound and any others who are unable to attend services.
How Do We Reach Out? One or more of our volunteer ministry members will call and/or visit the person. The ministry member will attempt to find out how the person is doing, if they have any needs (house repairs, help with transportation to the store, doctor visits, etc.), and also offer to pray for/with them if they so desire. 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 on our website listed below.
Questions? Farmers Branch Email: fbcares@thebranchchurch.org Vista Ridge Email: vrcares@thebranchchurch.org Church Office: (972) 247-2109
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!
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Luis y Schalee Sánchez lsanchez@thebranchchurch.org
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
*WEDNESDAYS START BACK UP SEPTEMBER 7* Farmers Branch Vista Ridge D/GROUPS THE BRANCH STUDENT BODY
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! This weekly gathering equips 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.
The last EQUIP of the summer is August 16.
Questions? Ask us! Kyle Poff
Josh Brake
Student Minister Farmers Branch Campus
Student Outreach Minister
kpoff@thebranchchurch.org
jbrake@thebranchchurch.org
ksmith@thebranchchurch.org
Student Minister Vista Ridge Campus
Ketch Smith
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THE BRANCH FAMILY NEWS
thebranchchurch.org/watch-listen
We Mourn With: • Gloria Morales and her family in the loss of her
son-in-law, Diamond Johnson, on July 3. • Chris and Bren Reynolds and their family in the loss of his son, Colton Reynolds, on July 17. • The family of Harriette Flynn, who passed away on
July 24. • Jordan and Bri Wollman and their family in the loss of her father, Blair McEwen, on July 31. • The family of Dean Sullivan, who passed away on
August 1.
Births: 5/26/16
Ainsley Grace Stone (F) Parents: Luke and Rebecca Stone
7/17/16
Ruby Clare Brown (F) Parents: James and Rachel Brown
8/01/16
Khaleesi Quinn Terrell (F) Parents: J.T. and Eliana Terrell
Baptisms: 7/10/16
Michael Wight
Weekend Stats - July 2016: Attendance Average: 1480 Total Giving: $302,617
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W A T C H + L I S T E N Did you miss a message, want to share it with a friend, or just want to hear it again? Visit our website or download our app where you can find audio and video content of our previous messages.
Each year, we partner with local elementary schools to provide uniforms for students who cannot afford their own. Â This is a great ministry to these kids and their families, and gives kids a great start for their school year. Take a tag from the Clothes for Kids display in the lobby, and follow the instructions on the back of it. Then bring your items to the church on or before August 21, and put them in the containers by the displays. Thanks for you help in this effort!
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Upcoming Events Calendar Days
Dates
Event (Location)
Times
Sat
8/6
Mighty Men Bible Study (Vista Ridge Campus)
7:30 am
Sun
8/7
Financial Peace University Begins (Farmers Branch Campus)
9:00 am
Tues
8/9
Kids Branch Water Day (Farmers Branch Campus)
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Tues
8/16
Neighborhood Grill + Water (Farmers Branch Campus)
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Thurs
8/18
Thursday Night Church Begins (Vista Ridge Campus)
Dinner at 6:00 pm Service at 6:45 pm
Sun
8/21
Back to School Weekend
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Sun
8/21
School Uniform Drive Ends
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Sat-Sun
9/3-4
Student Body Overnighter
TBD
Sun
9/25
The Branch Orientation (Both Campuses)
Farmers Branch 10:45 am Vista Ridge 12:30 pm
Fri
9/30
Baby Dedication Event (Farmers Branch Campus)
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Middle School Campout
2 Days
Trunk-or-Treat (Farmers Branch Campus)
TBD
Fri-Sat Sat
10/14-15 10/29
Weekly Events Calendar Day
Time
Event (Location)
Start/End Date
Sun
Early Service
Student Body: MS D/Groups
Tues
12:30 pm
Student Body: EQUIP (Both Campuses)
Tues
7:00 pm
Celebrate Recovery (Vista Ridge Campus)
Thurs
6:45 pm
Thursday Night Church (Vista Ridge Campus)
*Begins August 18
Sat
7:30 am
Mighty Men Bible Study (Vista Ridge Campus)
*Begins August 6
Sat
7:30 am
Men’s Life Bible Study (Farmers Branch Campus)
*Begins September 10
(Both Campuses)
Office: 972-247-2109
thebranchchurch.org
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
Thursdays: 6:45 pm Sundays: 9:30 & 11:15 am