Branch Out - Spring 2024

HELPING PEOPLE BECOME , GROW , AND LIVE AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE GOOD OF ALL.

A NOTE FROM OUR LEAD MINISTER

Have you ever considered how different the D/FW area would be if Jesus had never lived, died, or been raised from the dead?

It’s likely there would be no Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University. Perhaps there would be no state universities since the entire university idea grew out of monks following Jesus for centuries.

There would be no Baylor hospital system, Presbyterian Plano, or Presbyterian Dallas. Perhaps there would be no hospital systems in general since the entire idea of hospitals grew out of Jesus-followers who were attempting to quarantine and care for the sick.

Would there be organizations like Metrocrest Social Services that we partner with to care for the under-resourced in our community? (Metrocrest actually began out of The Branch’s church pantry decades ago.)

There would be no celebrated emphasis on adopting and fostering children. It was Christfollowers in the Roman Empire who turned the tide from baby dumping at the local garbage dump.

It could be argued that there would be no abolitionist movement that abolished slavery, no Civil Rights movement, and no movement on behalf of the equality of women. All of these

movements found their origins in the Jesusmovement down through the centuries.

Who knows what year this would be or even how we would mark time since everything globally finds its location in history according to when Jesus lived? The world lives “in the year of our Lord” 2024 AD.

And I haven’t even mentioned the wonder of the forgiveness of sins, a fresh start and new beginning that’s found through Him! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

At The Branch, we desire to help people become, live, and grow as disciples of Jesus for the glory of God and the good of all. I hope this edition of Branch Out will give you a window into some of the opportunities for service, connection, and growth here at The Branch. We’d love for you to join us on the journey of following Jesus!

Grace and Peace,

Chris Seidman Lead Minister cseidman@thebranch.org

MON & WED 3/18 & 20 WOMEN IN THE WORD BEGINS

THURS 3/21 VISTA RIDGE BRANCH MOMS NIGHT OUT

SUN 3/24 PALM SUNDAY BRANCH KIDS LEAD WORSHIP

THURS 3/28 VISTA RIDGE NO THURSDAY SERVICE

FRI 3/29 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES

SAT 3/30 EASTER PARTIES

SUN 3/31 EASTER SUNDAY

SAT 4/6 MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA PARTY

SUN 4/7 STARTING POINT

THURS 4/11 FARMERS BRANCH BRANCH MOMS NIGHT OUT

SUN 4/14 BABY BLESSING

SUN 4/14 EQUIPPING LUNCHEON

FRI-SAT 4/26-27 SPRING WOMEN’S EVENT

FRI 5/3 MOTHER/SON DATE NIGHT

SUN 5/5 STARTING POINT

SUN 5/5 BRANCH KIDS REDEEM DAY

SUN 5/19 EQUIPPING LUNCHEON

SUN 5/19 BRANCH YOUTH GRADUATE SUNDAY

SUN 5/26 NO BRANCH KIDS FAMILY WORSHIP DAY

THURS-MON 6/6-10 BRANCH YOUTH BRANCH CAMP

SUN 6/16 FARMERS BRANCH BRANCH UNIVERSITY BEGINS

THURS 7/4 VISTA RIDGE NO THURSDAY SERVICE

MON-FRI 7/8-12 BRANCH KIDS KIDS CAMP

SUN 7/14 NO BRANCH KIDS OR BRANCH YOUTH FAMILY WORSHIP DAY

FRI-SAT 7/19-20 BRANCH YOUTH JUMP INTO YOUTH

MON-FRI 7/22-26 BRANCH YOUTH SERVE DALLAS WORK CAMP

SUN 8/4 BRANCH KIDS & BRANCH YOUTH PROMOTION SUNDAY

SUN 8/4 BRANCH KIDS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH

New to The Branch?

STARTING POINT

You were designed to be a part of a church family. That’s exactly what The Branch Church is intended to be — your family. A healthy family has common beliefs, purposes, and commitments. That’s why we want to share what we believe and where we’re going.

If you’re new, this is your first step to get more involved.

Whether you’re new or you’ve been here for years, we want everyone to attend this important class. Come to ask questions and hear the philosophy behind why we do what we do. This class will help you to become more involved at The Branch, and will introduce you to others who are also looking to get more involved.

What to Expect

Starting Point is our basic introduction to The Branch Church family, and is designed to clearly explain who and what our church is, as well as the next steps for getting more involved and active in our church family. At the end of Starting Point, you can decide whether to complete the process by becoming a member, or to wait and decide at another time. No pressure whatsoever. We want you to be comfortable with whichever you choose.

Starting Point is the first Sunday of every month, and you can register on our “What’s Happening” page at thebranch.org or in The Branch app.

THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY

WHAT IS ROOTED?

Rooted is an 11-week, group-based experience designed to help you develop Christ-centered rhythms, fostering a deeper connection with God, the church, and your purpose. If you’re unsure about your next step, Rooted is tailored for you! We’ve heard some incredible testimonies from the hundreds who’ve already participated in this transformative experience at The Branch. New groups will begin this fall, so keep an eye out for your chance to sign up in the “What’s Happening” section of The Branch app, or simply scan below to visit our website.

BAPTISM STORY

JASPER LANEY & LUIS LOBOS

WRITTEN BY CHRIS GIG L

On February 11th, 2024, I had the incredible privilege of baptizing Jasper Laney at the Farmers Branch campus. On the morning of the baptism, we talked about the significance and excitement of his decision to make a public profession of faith. I told him of all the good that God has in store for him. Just before entering the baptistry, Jasper mentioned having a bit of apprehension. However, when he came out of the water, he said he felt great joy, was completely refreshed, and felt like he could see things more clearly than ever before. That his life changed. I told him I believed the Lord would use his baptism to encourage others to consider this step of faith to a new life in Christ.

At the end of the church service, Chris mentioned that if anyone in the sanctuary was touched by this baptism and wanted to follow that example, to talk with someone on their way out. Later, standing in the church lobby, a gentleman named Luis Lobos came up to me smiling and said, “Chris, I’m just like Jasper. I’ve never been baptized either, and I want to do that.” I told him I would love to meet with him, get to know him, his journey in life, and walk alongside him in this profession of faith. Luis and I met several times over the next two weeks and began a friendship. I learned about his life and spiritual journey, and he affirmed his desire to commit his life to Jesus.

On the day of Luis’s baptism, February 25th, he was so full of anticipation and excitement. As we stood next to each other worshipping and later getting ready to enter the baptistry, Luis was positively beaming.

As we then stood before the congregation, I recited the story of Jasper standing there only two weeks earlier, and how the Lord was faithful in using that as an example and encouragement to Luis, for him to be standing in the same spot, ready to commit his life to Christ. It was such a special moment—a testimony to God’s faithfulness and pursuit of us. He was bringing new life to Luis through the new life we saw in Jasper only a couple of weeks prior.

As he came out of the water, with the congregation rejoicing and praising God, Luis told me he felt almost electric. He felt great joy and peace welling up inside of him. Zack Richardson, who was recording the baptism for Luis, told us that he saw what he described as a bright light shining down from above onto Luis as he was emerging from the water. What a great visual of God’s love descending upon Luis as he entered into new life in Chris Jesus! Our hope is that, as we celebrate the baptisms of Jasper and Luis, you too might consider this next step in your spiritual journey. We would love to connect with you and walk alongside you in this way!

CELEBRATING RECENT BAPTISMS

Hannah Ricks 10/22/23

Ken Fisher 10/22/23

Gregory Ross 10/22/23

Jaiden Avila 10/22/23

Safal Thapa 10/22/23

Nicholas Garza 10/22/23

Steven Perez 10/22/23

Jacob Perez 10/22/23

Moises Salazar 10/22/23

Anbeshika Thapa 10/22/23

Emily Manbeck 10/29/23

Isla McKinney 10/29/23

Zina Lawler 10/29/23

Alex Delgado 11/5/23

Brianna Billups 11/5/23

Harrison Lisle 11/5/23

Aliah Moore 11/26/23

Christina Jimenez 11/26/23

Neveah Ayers 11/26/23

Yuna York 11/26/23

Chase Meadows 12/3/23

Randy Frazier 12/3/23

Nyla Ayers 12/7/23

Morgan Moulder 12/31/23

Kathryn Barnhill 1/7/24

Kyla Simmons 1/7/24

Annie Wuest 1/8/24

Caitlin Wilson 1/8/24

Arlene Ladd 1/9/24

John Wilson 1/9/24

Meredith Shackleford 1/21/24

Sabrina White 1/21/24

Lilian Escobar 1/28/24

Andres Avelar 2/11/24

Jasper Laney 2/11/24

Jorge Zalaya 2/11/24

Joshua Quevedo 2/11/24

Aaron Norfolk 2/18/24

Luis Lobos 2/25/24

Leah Acala 3/3/24

NEED HELP DEALING WITH GRIEF?

Our GriefShare support group is here for you.

There’s no “right way” to grieve

Feeling angry or full of regret? Are you depressed and wondering how to heal? Do you walk around in a mental fog? All this is normal. And while your grief journey is unique, you’ll find many grieving people are facing the same struggles. And others who’ve gone before you can help.

Grief cannot be rushed

You may wish you could bypass the difficult emotions or push down the pain. Or maybe others are pressuring you to “get up and move on.” But healing from grief and loss requires you to go through your grief. We have resources that can help you find relief and stability.

Finding support is crucial

Grief is a journey that shouldn’t be traveled alone. You may feel like no one understands and be tempted to isolate, but as counselor David Bueno Martin says, “Healing happens in the context of finding others who can help you.” A GriefShare group is a safe place to find support.

Register in the “What’s Happening” section of The Branch app or at: thebranch.org

Questions? Reach out to our Care & Recovery Minister, Ryan Rainey: rrainey@thebranch.org

Divorce is one of the most painful experiences you can face. So many emotions. So many challenges. You don’t have to go through it alone. DivorceCare offers support, answers, and practical tools to help you manage the many stresses of separation and divorce, and find healing.

DivorceCare Topics

Emotional healing

• Deep hurt

• Anger

• Grief & depression

• Loneliness

• Fears & anxiety

Overcoming relationship struggles

• Family & friends after divorce

• Conflict

• Forgiveness

• Interacting with your ex

Handling practical challenges

• Single living

• Financial & legal issues

• Moving forward

DivorceCare is a 13-week support group that helps you heal from the pain of separation or divorce. The experience involves three main components designed to help in that healing.

Video seminar

• 30-minute video

• Practical advice and insights from divorce recovery experts

• Real-life stories from people who have been where you are

Focused support group

• Discussing what you learned from the video and how to apply it

• Sharing how each group member is doing (only if you want to share)

Participant guide

• Exercises and articles for recovery and personal growth

• Parenting tips

• Practical tools to help you heal

Questions? Reach out to our Care & Recovery Minister, Ryan Rainey: rrainey@thebranch.org

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!

“As I look back to the person I was three years ago before CR, I don’t recognize her. She was afraid of everything and trusted no one. God has graced me with people who have shown unconditional love and acceptance through CR. I can look people in the eyes, trust in a way I couldn’t before, and love as God loves me. CR has taught me to trust God to make all things right!”

CR addresses all types of habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Some recovery programs deal only with alcohol or drugs or other single issues. But Celebrate Recovery is a “large umbrella” program under which a limitless number of issues can be dealt with.

We are seeing hopeless marriages restored and people set free from all kinds of sinful habits, hangups, 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.

Questions? Reach out to our Care & Recovery Minister, Ryan Rainey: rrainey@thebranch.org

JOIN US AT CELEBRATE RECOVERY

TUESDAYS • 7:00 PM

THE BRANCH CHURCH - VISTA RIDGE

3601 HUFFINES BLVD.

BRANCH MARRIAGES

A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO BUILDING HEALTHY, CHRISTCENTERED MARRIAGES THAT RESULT IN STRONG FAMILIES

MARRIAGE MENTORING

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.

YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS NEEDED

We are in need of qualified mentor couples who can facilitate and shepherd other couples. If you know of a couple who would be good at this, please visit thebranch.org/marriages and send us your recommendations.

Join the Pro-love M ovement!

Our partnership with Embrace Grace gives us the opportunity to help women see that they can have their baby and their dreams too! We help women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancies to receive practical, spiritual, and emotional support as they prepare for their baby. Being pro-love is an action, the boots on the ground, the hands and feet of Jesus, the church.

To learn more and sign up to help, visit: thebranch.org/women

WOMEN IN THE WORD

MONDAY NIGHTS • 7:00 PM • VISTA RIDGE

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS • 10:00 AM • FARMERS BRANCH

Life can get pretty hectic, can’t it? Finding those moments of reflection and spiritual growth can be a real challenge in the midst of our busy lives. That’s why we’re inviting you to join our Women in the Word Bible study. It’s not just any study; it’s a vibrant and nurturing community where women like you can deepen their connection with Jesus and grow as disciples.

Getting Closer to the Word:

We’re firm believers that God’s Word is a wellspring of timeless wisdom, guidance, and comfort. Our weekly gatherings are all about diving into scripture together, uncovering its hidden treasures, and figuring out how those truths fit into our everyday lives. With engaging discussions and heartfelt prayers, you’ll find yourself growing spiritually, deepening your faith, and discovering God’s purpose for your life.

Building Friendships and Faith:

Women in the Word isn’t just about studying the Bible; it’s about building genuine connections and friendships. This is a time and place where you can freely chat about your questions, share your struggles, and celebrate your victories. Together, we lift each other up, creating bonds that extend way beyond our meetings. It’s like a cozy, judgment-free zone where you can be your true self while you walk the path of discipleship in Jesus.

BRANCH KIDS

In Branch Kids, we want kids to know, see, feel, and follow Jesus! Working alongside families and volunteers, our goal is for our kids to know the one true God, His word, and the gospel. We want kids to see people living Christcentered lives full of love, worship, and service. We want kids to feel the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit in our church. And, we want kids to know that they can be a part of it all –serving, leading, worshiping, and loving others for Christ.

As the whole church is reading through The Story, Branch Kids is, too! We are, alongside the whole church, reading weekly stories of God’s love and care for his children this year from The Story for Children. In Branch Kids, we partner the truth of Scripture with age-appropriate activities that reinforce what we’re reading in the Bible. Using movement and creativity, each child is given the chance to connect to God in many different ways. We’re connecting the dots that point to Jesus throughout the Old and New Testaments, because we know that the Bible is one BIG story where everything points to Jesus! As The Story unfolds for all of us here at The Branch, we’d like to encourage you to share your own love of His Word with the children of our church, talk about what you are learning, and allow children time to freely talk about and ask questions about what is being taught.

Our prayer is that kids draw close to the Lord during their time in Branch Kids, and build a personal relationship with Jesus. Each child has access to the same Holy Spirit as adults, and that Spirit fills them with power, love, and a sound mind. Our amazing volunteer teachers demonstrate Christ’s love and what following Jesus looks like each and every week. They meet kids where they are at - loving them deeply and consistently while pointing them to the Lord. We believe every child that comes to Branch Kids is a child of God: fully seen, known, and loved by their Heavenly Father. Our volunteers are an extension of that love.

It is a great privilege for us to share Jesus with kids on Sunday mornings. We’re seeking to partner and communicate with families because we know that together, we can speak Jesus over the lives of our kids.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, please sign up for Branch Kids texts by texting “kids” to (972) 440-2460. If you’re interested in being a part of our ministry to children, we want to hear from you!

Amy Williams Kids Minister Farmers Branch awilliams@thebranch.org

Katie Gray Kids Minister Vista Ridge kgray@thebranch.org

BRANCH KIDS POINTS

Kids in K-5th grade earn points each Sunday for memorizing our memory verses, bringing their Bibles, and attending Branch Kids. We will celebrate all the points earned, verses memorized, and prayers prayed at the end of the school year!

What are Branch Kids Points?

In Branch Kids, your child will be given points as a way we encourage and reinforce the importance of the following practices:

Fellowship

We encourage attendance in Branch Kids. God’s word tells us not to forsake meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). We want to instill the importance of Christian community to each of our kids.

Reading the Bible

We encourage your kids to bring their Bibles each week to Branch Kids (even prereaders). The Bible is God’s word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

Memorizing Scripture

We encourage your kids to memorize scripture. We teach kids to hide His words in their hearts (Psalm 119:11).

Journaling and Prayer

We encourage your kids to practice journaling and prayer as part of their daily lives. We model this in Branch Kids by giving time for each child to pray, write, or draw a response to the lesson of the day.

BRANCH YOUTH

Branch Youth (6th - 12th grade) is guiding middle school and high school students to follow the practices and person of Jesus Christ.

We want Branch Youth to be a place where students feel seen, known, and loved by our adult volunteers, but most importantly by Jesus! Most of us remember what it was like in middle school and high school. It’s a trying time of change where our identities begin to form and our beliefs are put to the test. In many ways, it’s the most critical time in a person’s development. It’s often also looked upon as the time we had the most fun.

Branch Youth meets on Wednesdays for games, worship, teaching, and small group time. We want Branch Youth to be a place where students want to be, where they feel like they belong, and where they learn about Jesus and how much He loves them. Throughout the year, we focus on how to practically follow Jesus in our everyday lives. We also do events throughout the year, such as Branch Camp, hang-outs, and retreats for students to have fun while growing closer to each other and to God.

WEEKLY GATHERINGS

Wednesdays

6:00 - 8:00 pm • 6th - 12th Grade

Both campuses currently meet at Vista Ridge on Wednesday nights

3601 Huffines Blvd. Carrollton, TX 75010

Sundays

Farmers Branch: 9:00 am

Vista Ridge: 10:45 am

Marlee McFarland

Vista Ridge Youth Minister mmcfarland@thebranch.org

Zack Richardson

Farmers Branch Youth Minister zrichardson@thebranch.org

We are so excited about our camps coming up this summer! Our Youth will be heading to the Texas hill country for an unforgettable week at Camp Buckner in June. Then in July, many of these same students will be volunteering to lead groups of kids at Kids Camp at the Vista Ridge campus.

Please join us in praying for these two weeks where relationships will be forged, Jesus will be glorified, and lives will be changed!

To learn more and register your kids, check out the “What’s Happening” section of The Branch app or: thebranch.org/events

If you would like to donate towards scholarships for youth to be able to attend Branch Camp, you can give by scanning here.

WAYS TO CONNECT

FB MEN’S CONNECTION

We want The Branch to be a place where men can get connected with other men to encourage each other and build friendships, so every Thursday night at the Farmers Branch campus, they meet for Men’s Connection. If you’re new to The Branch, these gatherings are the perfect time to get connected in the life of the church, and if you’ve been here for years, these are opportunities for us to welcome those who are new, and demonstrate the same hospitality and relationship we’ve enjoyed. We alternate every other week between Fire Pit nights and Bible Study nights.

Fire Pit nights are casual gatherings around the fire pit at the back of the FB Campus. No agenda, no expectations, just hanging out and alot of laughter. (and Norman always has jokes!).

Bible Study nights are opportunities for us to share what God is revealing to us through His Word, and to be encouraged by each other to grow as disciples of Christ. This Spring, we’re reading through the Gospel of Luke, and then we will transition to the book of Acts.

For more details, contact Tim Scott: tim.scott@thebranch.org

BRANCH BOOK CLUB

MONTHLY GATHERINGS FOR READERS

The Branch Book Club meets at the Farmers Branch campus on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00 AM. Each time, we gather to discuss the book of the month. Here is a list of our upcoming books and expected meeting dates here:

March 28 - He Descended to the Dead, Matthew Emerson

April 25 - The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt

May 30 - Jesus and John Wayne, Kristin Kobes Du Mez

July 25 (June-July Combined) - Paul, N.T. Wright

BRANCH MOMS

MONTHLY GATHERINGS FOR MOMS

At Branch Moms Night Out, you’ll find more than just a fun evening; you’ll discover a community that cares. It’s a gathering of like-hearted moms eager to connect, share stories, and offer support. Whether you’re a new mom navigating uncharted waters or an experienced parent seeking camaraderie, this is the place where bonds are forged and friendships flourish.

HEARTFELT FRIENDS

MONTHLY GATHERINGS FOR WOMEN

Heartfelt welcomes women of all ages and backgrounds to join our Titus 2 group. Our aim is to develop cross-generational connections and strengthen faith. Older women, known as Heart Moms, mentor younger women, or Heart Sisters, in monthly gatherings filled with food, fun, and faith. No loneliness here—just love and care.

New groups start in October. Heart Moms can sign up now; Heart Sisters registration opens in August. Join us and be part of our family of faith!

PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP

GATHERINGS FOR KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS

Playgroup is a space for our younger kids and their parents to build community during the week. We’ll have activities for the kids, and parents are invited to stay and hang out with each other. If you’re looking for a place for your kid (ages 0-6) or for you as a parent to get connected, playgroup is for you! Can’t wait to see you there!

BRANCH SENIORS

Branch Seniors is designed for ages 65+ to find community and fellowship within the church family by hosting annual special events throughout the year. These gatherings are more than just social occasions; they’re opportunities to nurture relationships, share wisdom, and deepen spiritual connections. We believe that staying engaged in the church is essential at every stage of life, and Branch Seniors is here to ensure that those in their golden years remain an integral part of our church community. Join us as we journey together in faith and fellowship!

If you would like to attend or serve at our July Luncheon, reach out to Misty Grimm: grimmmisty@yahoo.com or Hunter Wheatcraft: hwheatcraft@thebranch.org

BRANCH CARES

Branch Cares is for reaching out to those who, for whatever reason, can no longer attend services in-person. Some are caregivers, some are no longer physically able to get out, some are sick, some are grieving, and some just need encouragement. It is our goal that no one at The Branch is forgotten, and that they know The Branch cares about them.

Team members voluntarily send cards, make phone calls, or visit with those on our care list as prompted by the Holy Spirit.

The team meets once a month (usually the last Sunday of each month) to report on activity that has happened during the month, and to discuss needs of any on our list. We also discuss any new situation or person that may need our care. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Tom or Angie Pitts at: twpitts6400@att.net

PEACE & JUSTICE COHORT

The Peace & Justice Cohort is a group of individuals from both campuses focused on exploring how we at The Branch can become more effective peacemakers in cross-cultural communities— particularly in the areas of awareness and advocacy.

We typically meet for lunch at the Farmers Branch campus from 11:00 am1:00 pm on the first Thursday of every month to explore and plan church wide opportunities to engage in social justice. If you are interested in joining our team, or would like to know more about the work we do, please contact Robyn Morton at: s.robynmorton@gmail.com

THE WELL

WEEKLY GATHERING FOR YOUNG ADULTS

If you are in your 20s or 30s and are looking for community at The Branch, come to The Well on Monday nights at the Vista Ridge campus! We’d love for you to join us at 7:00 pm.

BRANCH WORSHIP

TECH TEAMS • WORSHIP TEAMS

We’d love to meet you!

We are always looking for dedicated people to join our worship ministry team. If you have a desire to serve our church community, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Whether you are a vocalist, instrumentalist, have experience in sound or lighting, OR NONE OF THE ABOVE, I would love to hear from you! Our ministry is not only about music, but also about creating an atmosphere of worship that encourages our congregation to connect with God on a deeper level. If you are interested in getting involved, send me an email or fill out the form at thebranch.org/serve

I look forward to hearing from you!

Joshua Hobbs Worship Ministry Director jhobbs@thebranch.org

Pioneer

THE BRANCH CHURCH

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10 (NIV)