FALL ISSUE / 2019
THE BRANCH CHURCH
BRANCH OUT
HELPING EACH OTHER GROW AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS
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Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s UPCOMING EVENTS................................. 02 A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS...........................04 N E X T TA L K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 6 M E E T A L E X I S & J U L I E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 0 7 BAPTISM HIGHLIGHTS..............................09 SACK SUMMER HUNGER............................11 B R A N C H E Q U I P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 B E Y O N D M E U P D AT E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3 O U R M I N I S T R I E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 S U M M E R C A M P R E C A P S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 O U R S TA F F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 B R A N C H C O N N E C T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9
Hello Thanks for picking up the new Branch Out issue! We are so excited to be rolling out so many amazing things at The Branch with you. Together we are moving and shaking the world around us for Christ in a mighty way. You’ll find that in the issues to follow, we’re going to be focusing more on your stories. How God is refining you, redeeming you and the journey along the way. We hope you enjoy the Spring Issue as much as we enjoyed putting together all the amazing stories you’ve shared with us.
Worship time during Kids Camp 2019 at the Farmers Branch campus
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Upcoming Events For more details on these events and more, view the events page on The Branch Church app or visit: thebranch.org/events
DAYS
DATES
EVENT
LOCATION & TIMES
Mondays
9/9-2/10
Women in the Word “Genesis & Jesus”
Vista Ridge 6:30 - 8:30p
Wednesdays
9/9-2/10
Women in the Word “Genesis & Jesus”
Farmers Branch 9:30 - 11:30a
Sunday
9/15
Branch Equip
Farmers Branch 5:00-7:00p Vista Ridge 5:00-7:00p
Saturday
9/21
nextTalk: A Parenting Event
Farmers Branch 5:00-9:00p
Sunday
9/22
I Promise: Pre-Marriage Class Begins
Vista Ridge
Sunday
10/20
Branch Equip
Farmers Branch 5:00-7:00p Vista Ridge 5:00-7:00p
Fri-Sat
10/26-27
Branch Youth Middle School Retreat
Camp Copass
Sunday
10/27
Trunk-or-Treat
Farmers Branch 6:30-8:00p
Sunday
11/3
Daylight Saving Time Ends
2:00a
Fri-Sat
11/8-9
Branch Women On Retreat
Camp Copass
Sunday
11/10
Branch Orientation
Farmers Branch 10:45a Vista Ridge 12:30p
Tuesday
11/12
Celebrate Recovery Special Guest: Dr. Ryan Fraser
Vista Ridge: 7:00-8:00p
Branch Youth High School Retreat
Camp Copass
Fri-Sat
11/15-17
Sunday
11/17
Baby Dedication
Register Online
Sunday
11/17
Branch Equip
Farmers Branch 5:00-7:00p Vista Ridge 5:00-7:00p
Saturday
11/23
Sack Thanksgiving Hunger
Farmers Branch 9:30-11:00a Vista Ridge 9:30-11:00a
Thursday
11/28
Thanksgiving Day No Thursday Service
Vista Ridge
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WE ARE HELPING EACH OTHER GROW AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS. EXPERIENCING LIFE BEFORE THE GRAVE, NOT JUST BEYOND IT.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEAD MINISTER
Trayveon Williams is a rookie running back for the Cincinnati Bengals who currently wears number 32. Recently, police in Cincinnati asked the public to help them identify a man who was robbing convenience stores in a Bengals jersey with the number 32. The police went so far as to share video of his robberies. Williams retweeted the video along with a caption “Come on man!” He didn’t appreciate someone robbing stores while wearing his jersey! I think about what it means to bear the name of Christ as Christians. I wonder if Trayveon’s sentiments about the man robbing stores while wearing his jersey aren’t all that far removed from Jesus’ sentiments when I say or do things that aren’t consistent with His name. I’m grateful for His grace and patience in my life. One of the great blessings of becoming one with Christ is that His righteousness clothes us (Galatians 3:26-29). In a sense, we are wearing His jersey. And yet, we are still very much disciples-in-process. If you’re new to The Branch, I hope you’ll find this community of believers to be a place where you can grow with the rest of us as we seek to live in ever-increasing consistency with the name we bear. One day, we’ll hear Him say the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). That’ll be a lot better than “Come on man!” See you around The Branch!
Grace and Peace,
Chris Seidman
Lead Minister
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PARENTS: GET EQUIPPED TO TALK WITH YOUR KIDS
S AT U R D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 1 5:00 - 9:00p FA R M E R S B R A N C H C A M P U S What is cyberparenting? How do we protect our kids from the dangers of a world inundated with free-flowing information? How do I get my kids to talk to ME about their question? We have been lulled into a false sense of security because we are monitoring the information our kids are getting in our homes; but what happens at school, on the playground, at a friend’s house? Mandy Majors, a mom, wife, author, and follower of Christ, is dedicated to creating a home where open communication is the norm by finding a better way to answer hard questions while reflecting God’s truth through scripture. Her book, “Talk: a practical approach to cyberparenting and open communication,” tells her story of pursuing a truth she could trust based on what God has laid out for us through His word. Register today to receive a copy of the book, hear more from Mandy about her journey, and participate in a Q+A session to get your specific questions answered. Sign up today in the Branch app or at: thebranch.org/events
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BRANCH KIDS
Meet Alexis Hall BRANCH KIDS MINISTRY DIRECTOR
We are thrilled that Alexis Hall has stepped into the role of Branch Kids Ministry Director over both of our campuses. Many of you know that Alexis came to The Branch several months ago to lead the children’s ministry at Farmers Branch. Since then, though, we’ve all been impressed with her walk with Jesus, vision, passion and execution. We believe that she’s the ideal person to build and lead our Branch Kids ministry team across both campuses. This team’s aim is to come alongside families in the mission of helping our kids grow as followers of Christ. A NOTE FROM ALEXIS I am thankful to have grown up in a family of Christ-followers, and with a rich example of what it means to be in relationship with Jesus. I accepted Jesus as my Savior at a young age. When I was about 7 years old, I attended Sunday school with my Gramma. Her teacher spoke on Jesus feeding the 5000. I remember hearing the reading from Luke 6 and wanting nothing more than for Jesus to use me the same way he used the little boy with the five loaves and fish—the boy offered all he had, and Jesus multiplied it. I believe this is the first time God spoke to me about children’s ministry, and I have been involved in some form ever since.
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Through a move to NYC and a Master’s in Education, God has continued to draw me in, and I am thankful to answer this call into ministry.
God has put a burden on my heart to share the truth that children are blessings from the Lord (Psalm 127:3); that He made them with plans for good and with purpose (Jeremiah 29:11); and that we have a responsibility and privilege to teach them His Word (Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Psalm 78:5-7). He has given me a great desire to help parents and caregivers raise their children in the truth of the Gospel, so that those children not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). I love the story of Jesus welcoming the little children in Matthew 19, because it reminds me that Jesus loves the little children! Those of us who have been around children realize why a child-like faith is beautiful – you have seen God’s light shine through them as evidence that the Spirit is at work; “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” I believe God has equipped us, as the church, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is the God-given desire of my heart to help kids and their families know what it is to be an active member of the Body of Christ, and
to grow in relationship with Him – not shrinking back, but persevering, because this Gospel is too great not to share (Hebrews 10:39). Branch Kids is a place where the Gospel is taught in its entirety – not watered down, or modified to fit what is easy. I love that we do not underestimate those who are young, for they can truly be examples for each of us (1 Timothy 4:12). Branch Kids is full of life and truth and love, and we are so excited to walk beside you as you raise your family; it is our honor.
most important part of your children’s faith walk. I am praying the Holy Spirit fills this place, and that the seeds planted will take root. I would love for you to join me in that prayer! Please do not hesitate to reach out – I would love to hear from you and I look forward to getting to know you! With much enthusiasm and love,
Please know that I am praying for you and your family. I am praying for wisdom and discernment as you are the
Meet Julie Lowery KIDS MINISTRY COORDINATOR - VISTA RIDGE CAMPUS
We’re pleased to welcome Julie Lowery, who has accepted the role of Kids Ministry Coordinator for the Vista Ridge campus. We are extremely excited for the future of our Branch Kids ministry! Julie grew up in a Christian home in Grants Pass, Oregon. After attending the University of Oregon, she began a career of teaching and working with children. Julie has taught in early childhood and elementary settings for over 20 years, and tutors children from kindergarten through high school. She has an extensive background in children’s ministry, serving as a volunteer for many years, and as a full-time children’s minister at Coppell Bible Church for two years. She is passionate about children loving church and loving Jesus. Julie and her husband, Bill, have been married for 26 years. They have two daughters, Lexi and Macie. They are very excited to join the Branch, and we are looking forward to what the Lord will do in and through them!
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A BAPTISM STORY DOROTHY KOHN BY RANDY KOHN Weeks before her 97th birthday, my mom, Dorothy Kohn was baptized, immersed in water, and born again at The Branch Church. Mom moved in with us in the spring of 2016, and it was a big adjustment. Soon thereafter we had several “heavy” and “real” talks. During one in particular I stated “Mom, I don’t feel very close to you,” she promptly replied, “Well I don’t feel very close to you either.” I was sufficiently put in my 56-year-old place, but from that point on things began looking up. Christmas 2016 she went into emergency surgery for a baseball sized cancer in her colon. She made it through surgery like a trooper, but as the doctors advised, the recovery was the hardest part. She was in and out between assisted living and the hospital. At one point she didn’t eat for two weeks, and we had to put the word out that if you wanted to see mom again you’d better do it soon. She then went into hospice care. Over the next 18 months she gained her weight and stability back and was released from hospice just before Thanksgiving 2018.
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The biggest change came in 2019. To put it mildly, mom entered this year discouraged; depressed even, palpably so. Long story short, she bravely faced her life before the Lord and is now freed from the demon of discouragement. I don’t mean to offend anyone by that statement, but I believe it to be true. Regardless, those that know her will find that she is no longer discouraged and is the happiest I’ve ever seen her. Her change is by far the single biggest piece of good news I’ve heard in a very long time, and a fantastic lesson for anyone that you can change your life at any age through the Lord’s power. Now, rather than not being very close to my mother, she is in fact one of my best friends. She is still weak physically, but at the time of this writing, rather than looking like she will be leaving us soon, she has been “walking” the halls, getting her mail, and has a new BFF that lives down the hall. She is living as happy and confident in life before the Lord as any 97-year-old can live! May this encourage your souls!
C E L E B R AT I N G B A P T I S M S Liz Dobbs
4/18/19
Bobby Stock
6/25/19
Jake Heras
4/20/19
Hayden Hope
6/30/19
Gael Assani
4/21/19
Nik Macias
6/30/19
Hunter Musia
4/21/19
Allie Boykin
7/7/19
Karis Robinson
4/21/19
Daniel Groom
7/7/19
Dave Miller
4/28/19
Emily Thornton
7/7/19
Grant DePauw
5/5/19
Camden Barocio
7/13/19
Adeline DePauw
5/5/19
Devyn Gilmore
7/13/19
Autumn Wiltse
5/19/19
Sunjong Yun
7/13/19
Brannon Wiltse
5/19/19
Helena Marques
7/21/19
Ashley Williams
5/21/19
Avery Gordon
7/28/19
Dorothy Kohn
5/23/19
Jill Crawford
7/30/19
Samuel Shulse
5/26/19
Stacey Gresham
8/4/19
Rhonda Tan
6/16/19
Trip Butler
8/8/19
Ryan Kao
6/23/19
Erika Butler
8/8/19
Lucia Rushton
6/23/19
Allie Menjivar
8/25/19
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SACK THANKSGIVING HUNGER S AT U R D AY, N O V E M B E R 2 3 9:30a 11
BRANCH EQUIP S U N D AY S • 5 : 0 0 - 7 : 0 0 P M SEPTEMBER 15 • OCTOBER 20 • NOVEMBER 17 Branch Equip is an ongoing series of stand-alone sessions designed to help you grow and develop as a disciple of Jesus. Each session is a unique interactive experience where you’ll be given practical tools and training in a specific area. This fall, we’re offering sessions on the third Sundays of each month through November and childcare is provided for those who register. You can attend all of them, or choose one or two that are uniquely appropriate for you right now. If you’ve been through Branch Orientation, think of Branch Equip as the next step in your journey. We’ve designed Branch Equip a series of opportunities to help you understand your unique role as a follower of Jesus, and we encourage everyone to attend. Register today at: thebranch.org/events
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Construction Documents
THE BRANCH CHURCH
When we launched the Vista Ridge campus in 2007, we knew we would have to eventually expand the facility on that campus if we were to help more people in the immediate vicinity come to know and follow Jesus.
The Branch Church - Vista Ridge 1. S ignificantly more needed for our kids and youth ministries. Phase 2space Renovation and Addition
The Beyond Me initiative is aimed at addressing two specific needs:
3601 Huffines Blvd, Carrollton, TX 75010
09/11/2018
09/10/18
2. More space needed for showing hospitality and helping people to connect.
In late 2017, the church confirmed that the time had come for us to address the limitations of the Vista Ridge facility with an incredible commitment to fund the project. The estimated cost of the project is around $10 million, and when the church responded with commitments of $8.8 million added to the $1.25 million we had already set aside for the project, we knew it was time to get moving. Demolition began in January 2019 with construction commencing in the spring, and we expect project completion by summer of 2020. Through the spring of 2019, we experienced delays due to significant rain during the time the foundation work was being completed, but the foundation is now done and the steel frame of the building has been erected. If the current schedule holds, we should move Branch Kids into the new wing by the end of February 2020, and then begin renovation of the existing wing. Through the end of August 2019, we have received contributions of $6.9 million, or 75% of the committed total. Of the 447 families that made commitments to the Beyond Me campaign, 83 have already completed their pledge. If you’ve recently joined us, it’s not too late to contribute! The commitment period started in December 2017 and will run through November 2020, but you can give to the Beyond Me fund even if you didn’t make a commitment.
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If you have any questions about this campaign, please contact David Teutsch: dteutsch@thebranch.org
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C E L E B R AT E RECOVERY Encouraging each other to grow spiritually and to express the love of Christ beyond our walls.
Finding freedom from our hurts, habits, and hang-ups in a weekly, Christ-centered gathering.
MARRIAGES Proactively building healthy, Christ-centered marriages that result in strong families.
HOST TEAMS Actively serving at The Branch in Hospitality, Greeting, Safety, Communion, and Kitchen teams.
Walking alongside families to raise the next generation of disciples of Jesus.
Guiding middle school and high school students to follow the practices and person of Jesus Christ.
Empowering and equipping women in their pursuit of connecting with God and one another.
Connecting men to God, His Word, and other men.
Helping the more experienced in life find active involvement and spiritual shepherding.
Caring for people who are in times of trial or despair through prayer, visits, and other messages of love.
Engaging the Spanishspeaking community in Farmers Branch.
GO TEAM Showing the love of Christ to the communities we live in by being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our Ministries
WORSHIP Leading people to encounter, praise, and worship God with music and media.
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BRANCH GROUPS To experience the most spiritual growth at The Branch, you need to do life with other people. Branch Groups are meant to be gatherings where people, as disciples of Jesus, can learn to listen to God and obey Him.
W H AT A R E BRANCH GROUPS? We want to define Branch Groups in a very simple way. Here are the five things we think make a Branch Group:
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A Branch Group is when three or more people meet. That’s it! Of course, the more, the merrier.
A Branch Group prays together. Praying involves knowing what is happening in each other’s lives. And that leads us to…
A Branch Group meets consistently. The goal is to meet weekly to create the best opportunity for authentic sharing. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same group format every week. Perhaps your group will meet once a month at a different time on a different day to share a meal with one another, volunteer at a church activity, or serve in your community.
A Branch Group holds each other accountable. If you are praying for your friends, chances are you’re going to want to know more about their lives and what to be praying for. Find the best way to communicate with one another (texting, email, FaceTime, etc.) in order to build relationships.
A Branch Group utilizes scripture. In some way, the Bible should be opened and God’s Word considered.
Hold each other accountable to these two questions: 1. What is God telling me? 2. What am I going to do about it?
W H AT C O N T E N T I S U S E D B Y BRANCH GROUPS? We provide a few options, but the short answer is, it’s up to you! As long as scripture is utilized, you’ll allow group members to hear from God. • Every week, we produce a sermonbased Bible study for Branch Groups to use in conjunction with that weekend’s sermon. Anyone can access it through our app or our website:
www.thebranch.org/ recent-posts • You can pick a book of the Bible to read through and discuss. • You could read through a book by any number of Christian authors to help you study.
• You can use our free subscription to RightNowMedia.com. RightNowMedia is basically the Netflix of Bible Studies. There are thousands of Bible study videos to help your group engage with the Bible. To get your free login to our subscription, type this into your web browser:
www.rightnowmedia.org/ account/Invite/thebranch
W H AT O T H E R R E S O U R C E S A R E AVA I L A B L E T O B R A N C H G R O U P S ? Besides the content-related resources we have listed, we’ve also made some financial resources available. • We want to make it easier for you to interact without distractions. We will help you pay for childcare. We’ve set aside resources to help every Branch Group pay for their own childcare provider by reimbursing them for a set amount.
Tim Ketchersid Farmers Branch Minister tketchersid@thebranch.org
• We believe in meeting the needs of others. So we’ve also dedicated a benevolence fund to each Branch Group that is replenished annually. As your group spends time together, we believe you will start to feel led by God to do things for people and help those in need.
Derek Robinson Vista Ridge Connections Minister drobinson@thebranch.org
If you’d like to start a group or if you’re already in one, let us know! We want to help resource your Branch Group. We also want to celebrate what God is doing in your life and support you in any way we can.
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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!
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Celebrate Recovery (or CR)
CR emphasizes personal
the New Testament principle that
is based on God’s Word,
responsibility.
cannot
we don’t get well by ourselves. We
the Bible. When Jesus taught
control all that happens to us. But
need each other. Fellowship and
the Sermon on the Mount, He
we can control how we respond
accountability are two important
began by stating “Eight Ways to
to everything. That is a secret
components of spiritual growth.
Be Happy.” Today we call them the
of happiness. When we stop
CR addresses all types of
Beatitudes. From a conventional
wasting time fixing the blame,
habits, hurts, and hang-
viewpoint,
these
we have more energy to fix the
ups. Some recovery programs
statements didn’t make sense.
problem. When we stop hiding
deal only with alcohol or drugs
They sounded like contradictions.
our own faults and stop hurling
or another single problem. But
But when we fully understand
accusations at others, then the
Celebrate Recovery is a “large
what Jesus is saying, we’ll realize
healing power of Christ can begin
umbrella” program under which a
that these eight principles are
working in our minds, wills, and
limitless number of issues can be
God’s road to recovery, wholeness,
emotions.
dealt with.
growth, and spiritual maturity.
CR utilizes the biblical truth
We are seeing hopeless
CR
forward-looking.
that we need each other in
marriages
Rather than wallowing in the past,
order to grow spiritually
people set free from all
or dredging up and rehearsing
and emotionally. It is built
kinds
painful memories over and over,
around small group interaction
hang-ups, and hurts as
Celebrate Recovery focuses on
and the fellowship of a caring
they allow Jesus to be Lord
the future. Regardless of what has
community. There are many
in every area of their lives.
already happened, the solution is
therapies, growth programs, and
To God be the glory! We’ll
to start making wise choices now
counselors today that are built
be praying for you.
and depend on Christ’s power to
around one-on-one interaction.
help us make those changes.
But Celebrate Recovery is built on
is
most
of
We
of
restored sinful
and
habits,
JOIN US AT CELEBRATE RECOVERY TUESDAYS • 7:00P THE BRANCH CHURCH - VISTA RIDGE 3601 HUFFINES BLVD. C A R R O L LTO N, T X 7 5 0 1 0
“… Celebrate Recovery is for ALL people. One thing I have learned is that everyone needs this program. I am proud to be one of ‘those people’ because we are ALL ‘those people.’ We are broken people, sinners of the deepest kind, who have experienced the worst things we have ever felt and need God and this program to give us the strength to push through it. It is a blessing every day that I have this program to go to and help me through the hard times I face....”
NICOLE “Here’s the thing about CR: I not only need to be here, I want to be here. I love it here. Through recovery, I have also been able to become involved with an amazing church family. The old me hated church greeters and people who played in praise bands, but now I do both of those things and love it. God has changed my priorities and goals, and through that has come more contentment and joy and peace than I ever thought possible. ”God is truly good. I can’t say that God has restored to me what I lost. Instead, He has given me so much more than I could have possibly imagined. Getting sober from alcohol kept me alive, but it’s the Christ-centered recovery that I’ve found here in CR that has given my life meaning and brought me to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because of Him, I have found joy, peace, and learned to love myself again.”
JAY
“This experience has definitely drawn me closer to the Lord, His people, and my family, and it’s given me so many good relationships with new friends at CR. My personal relationship with Christ is constantly growing; I pray that He gives me the desire and discipline not to sin. “He has kept me alive through some major accidents, so I know He has a plan for me which is greater than the one I have for myself.”
JOHN 20
Omni Mandalay Hotel Las Colinas
THEBRANCH
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Rebekah Pitts
November 8-10 rpitts@thebranch.org
BRANCH MARRIAGES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO BUILDING HEALTHY, CHRISTCENTERED MARRIAGES THAT RESULT IN STRONG FAMILIES
MARRIAGE CLASS
MARRIAGE MENTORING
PREMARITAL COUNSELING
We frequently offer a nineweek course that will help you discover how your marriage can thrive and be more fulfilling than you ever thought possible.
Marriage mentoring identifies, equips, and empowers couples to disciple other married couples by consistently spending time together as couples, sharing life experiences, and learning more about God and His design for marriage together.
A biblically based premarital mentorship program designed to help dating or engaged couples prepare for marriage. Each participant is engaged individually and as a couple.
Based on the “Love Bank” model from the book, His Needs, Her Needs by Dr. Willard Harley, you’ll learn how communication and behavior styles affect the way you and your spouse act and react to each other. Through an interactive learning process, you’ll identify behaviors that may be damaging your marriage, develop healthy ways to deal with marital conflict, and take concrete steps to meet each other’s needs better than you ever have before. This class is limited to 12 couples, and is first-come, first-served.
One of the most effective ways to make a good marriage great, and a struggling marriage strong, is by getting involved in marriage mentoring. Here, mentors and mentees consistently spend time together as couples, sharing each other’s life experiences and learning more about God and His design for marriage. Both mentors and mentees that have completed the mentoring process give powerful testimonies of how meeting regularly with another couple completely enriched or restored their marriage.
I Promise is our mentoring program for pre-marriage couples. It is designed to help dating or engaged couples prepare for marriage. Each participant is engaged individually and as a couple with thought-provoking questions about biblical truth and their life experiences. This program helps couples better understand each other’s unique personalities, strengths, and communication keys and barriers. The result is a couple better prepared for all God has in store for them in marriage. Sessions include the topics of covenant commitment, roles in marriage, communication, conflict resolution, forgiveness, sexuality, and finances.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET STARTED, EMAIL JANICE INGRAM: JINGRAM@THEBRANCH.ORG 22
BRANCH KIDS
We Believe Children have access to the same God as adults, and because of this, our Sunday morning program walks kids through a Christ-centered, chronological journey through Scripture with the help of incredible volunteers. The Bible is an amazing book. It’s not just a collection
We are privileged to share Jesus with kids every
of stories, it’s one BIG story where everything points
weekend.
to Jesus. Every weekend, Branch Kids is connecting
season at The Branch, we’re looking forward to the
the dots that point to Jesus throughout the Old and
new stories, new faces, and new life that will come
New Testament in meaningful ways. Our journey
as more and more of these young people grow to
even deals with the “tough stuff” in the Bible.
know Jesus. We’re seeing children making their own
As we move into a new and exciting
decisions to follow Him, sharing their faith with Jesus’ friends carried His message to the ends of the
everyone they meet, and living differently because
earth. Faithful followers like Peter, Paul, and others
of Jesus. We are striving to equip both our teacher
shared the Good News wherever they went. You
volunteers and, more importantly, families for this
and I have the same calling. We are to share Jesus
mission.
wherever we go until one day when He returns to make everything right again.
If you’re interested in seeing this mission carried out at The Branch, get in touch with us and be part of our ministry to children. We want to hear from you.
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B R A N C H YO U T H
G r o w i n g To g e t h e r Branch Youth (6th - 12th grade) is guiding middle school and high school students to follow the practices and person of Jesus Christ.
Most of us remember what it was like in middle
follow Jesus in our everyday lives. We don’t want
school and high school. It’s a trying time of change
our relationship with Jesus or church to be a hobby;
where our identities begin to form, and our beliefs
we want it to be all of life and something we filter
are put to the test. In many ways, it’s the most critical
everything through.
time in a person’s development. It’s often also looked upon as the time we had the most fun.
We also do events throughout the year such as Youth Camp, overnighters, and campouts for students to have
Branch Youth meets weekly at both campuses for
fun while growing closer to each other and to God.
games, worship, teaching, and small group time. We are presenting to students the story and practices of
V I S TA R I D G E :
Jesus of Nazareth that lead to a new way of living.
Sundays – 9:15a (Middle School)
We want Sundays and Wednesdays to be a place
Wednesdays – 7:00-8:30p (High School)
where students want to be, where they feel like they belong, and where they learn about Jesus and how
FARMERS BRANCH:
much He loves them. This summer and throughout
Sundays – 9:00a (Middle School)
the year, we will be focusing on how to practically
Wednesdays – 7:00-9:00p (Middle School and High School)
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Kids Camp Recap BY ALEXIS HALL Branch Kids Camp was awesome this summer! Over 200 kids met together for a week to learn that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Students involved in Branch Youth (over 50!) led small groups of kids through Bible study and different rotations throughout each of the five days.
We partnered with Just Because, a non-profit organization in Farmers Branch, to make blessing bags for homeless in our area, provide supplies for Mary Grimes School, and write encouragement cards for many nursing home residents. Kids walked away singing songs of praise to God, knowing how to spend time with God in prayer, and knowing Jesus loves them so much that He died to save them. The Body of Christ shined as volunteers of all ages came together to serve – some prepared food, some taught, some cleaned, many prayed. High school and middle schoolers learned how to disciple, families are talking about how to follow Jesus together, and we are witnissing kids being baptized! Please join us in prayer as the Lord continues to bring fruit.
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Yo u t h C a m p R e c a p BY MORGAN EGGERS As Branch Youth welcomes fall, we naturally reflect on the summer and all that took place. Wow. What an incredible time it was! There were good times, hard times, and times that simply reminded us that we are not on the journey of life alone. We saw God work in ways that we never would have imagined.
Deep relationships were formed, great conversations were had, and lives were changed (even if it did not seem extreme). At Youth Camp, we accepted the challenge to practice The Way of Jesus as a community. This challenge is not something we take lightly, and is a way of life that we are constantly pursuing. Thankfully, we are seeing the faithfulness and goodness of God as we are pursuing that. Being a teenager is hard sometimes, but being a teenager who is following Jesus is even harder. We are excited to continue pursuing The Way of Jesus, and ask for your continued prayer! We have some of the best middle schoolers and high schoolers around. There is no doubt in my mind.
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T H E B R A N C H S TA F F
Chris Seidman
Executive Minister Governance Council dteutsch@thebranch.org
James Asplund
Sarah Asplund
Worship Ministry Director jasplund@thebranch.org
Alexis Hall Kids Ministry Director ahall@thebranch.org
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David Teutsch
Lead Minister, Elder Governance Council cseidman@thebranch.org
Worship Leader sasplund@thebranch.org
Vickie Hinton
Administrative Assistant vhinton@thebranch.org
Tim Ketchersid
Minister Farmers Branch Campus tketchersid@thebranch.org
Josh Brake NextGen Lead Minister jbrake@thebranch.org
Josh Hobbs
Audio/Visual/Lighting Engineer jhobbs@thebranch.org
Ryan Rainey
Minister Vista Ridge Campus rrainey@thebranch.org
Morgan Eggers Youth Minister Farmers Branch meggers@thebranch.org
Janice Ingram
Women’s Minister jingram@thebranch.org
Everything we do at The Branch Church is possible because of faithful volunteers and servant leaders. The list of folks below are the church staff who are here to help organize, equip, and empower you for ministry.
Eddy Ketchersid Community & Senior Adults Minister
Farmers Branch eketchersid@thebranch.org
Rebekah Pitts Vista Ridge Ministry Coordinator rpitts@thebranch.org
Luis Sanchez
Ministro HispaĂąo Farmers Branch lsanchez@thebranch.org
Julie Lowery Kids Ministry Coordinator Vista Ridge Campus jlowery@thebranch.org
Jenny Rich
Administrative Assistant jrich@thebranch.org
Ketch Smith Youth Minister Vista Ridge ksmith@thebranch.org
Lynn McQueen
Facilities Manager lmcqueen@thebranch.org
Sara Rivas
Jaron Pitts
Creative/Communications Director Worship Minister jpitts@thebranch.org
Derek Robinson
NextGen Coordinator srivas@thebranch.org
Connections Minister Vista Ridge drobinson@thebranch.org
Mona Swofford
Adam Toy
Operations Director mswofford@thebranch.org
Worship Leader atoy@thebranch.org
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Create your login at:
CONNECT
THEBRANCH.ORG/CONNECT
Branch Connect is what we call our online database. Using the powerful Church Community Builder platform, Branch Connect enables you to: Update your own information Interact with Branch Groups you belong to Set up a recurring gift, and see your giving statement
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive an activation email from The Branch Church <notifications@ccbchurch.com> with the subject line “New Login Created.” This email has a green button that you will use to activate your profile, set a password, and log in.
Control the way the church communicates with you ...and much more!
NEXT STEPS... When you go home today, take a few minutes to:
1 Log in The first step is to simply “get your foot in the door.” It doesn’t sound like much, but this is a HUGE accomplishment. Congratulations!
You can log in anytime from THEBRANCH.ORG by clicking the link at the bottom right corner of any page.
2 Update your information If you’ve filled out a communication card, that information is already loaded in Branch Connect, but it’s up to YOU to make sure it’s correct and up-to-date. Help us have accurate info about you! Just go to your profile icon at the top right of the screen and then select the EDIT PROFILE button.
3 Add your photo How cool would it be if your name had a face to match it? Upload an individual picture of yourself on your profile, and don’t forget to upload a group photo of your family by choosing the camera icon in your family section.
4 Set your preferences 29
Do you want to allow other church goers to contact you? How about church emails? With Branch Connect, you can use the ACTIONS button to subscribe or unsubscribe from various lists, and control your overall privacy settings.
Confused? Have a question or concern? Contact Jaron Pitts: jpitts@thebranch.org
PROFILE PICTURE T I P S It’s important for you to use a clear and current picture of yourself. Here are a few examples of what NOT to do:
Too out of date
Too far away
Too close
No groups
Not your kids
No couples
Not your pet
Not your car
Can’t see your face
Yes! The real you.
BRANCH CONNECT QUICK FACTS • For security reasons, addresses and phone numbers for church members will not be given out by staff. Please use Branch Connect to look up someone’s information. If they haven’t made it available to you, you can send them an email and ask for it. • You can customize your Privacy Settings for each field in your profile: Church Leadership Only - Fields with this setting can only be viewed by appropriate church leadership. Your Branch Group Leaders are considered Church Leadership. My Groups Members - Fields with this setting can be viewed by members of your groups if the group is set up to allow member interaction. Appropriate church leadership can view the information as well. Everybody - Fields with this setting can be viewed by anyone who has a login and password to use our system. Note - We recommend that you do NOT set every field to Church Leadership Only, but instead decide on a mix that will encourage others to engage with you.
• See your giving record online. It is, of course, completely private, but you’ll be able to log in and print your own giving report. • The more you complete your My Fit selections, the more we can identify opportunities for you to serve in the church. Click on your photo (or initials) in the top
right, then hit the ‘Actions’ button beneath your name, and choose ‘My Fit’ to select your Spiritual Gifts, Passions, and Abilities. • If your child has food allergies or other special instructions, you can indicate so on his/her profile, and that information will be included on their Kids Branch name tag. • Branch Connect customizes your calendar based on which groups you’re in. Your ‘My Calendar’ shows events you’ve registered for, your groups’ events, and needs you’ve chosen to provide. • Log in regularly! Check the message boards for all your groups, and share burdens, praises, and prayer requests. You can post a comment using the link in the email you receive when a message or comment is posted. • The Branch Connect site provides tools for surveys and event registration. If your group needs one of these tools, contact Jaron Pitts and ask how to create it. • The Branch Connect site provides attendance tracking. We encourage our groups and classes to log attendance. If you need help setting up your group, contact Jaron Pitts: jpitts@thebranch.org
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THE NEW APP IS HERE! D O W N L O A D T O D AY ! THEBRANCH.ORG/APP
Available in App Stores
ONLINE SERVICE S U N D AY S AT 1 1 : 0 0 a ONLINE.THEBRANCH.ORG
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I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)