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The Branch Church

The Branch Church

By The Branch

Messages from The Branch Church in Grand Rapids Michigan
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recalibrate (Participate) - Week 5 (10.10.21)

The Branch ChurchOct 14, 2021

00:00
21:31
The Seventh Story - Week 4 (3.10.24)

The Seventh Story - Week 4 (3.10.24)

Teresa leads us through a look at the Story of Isolation

Mar 11, 202431:36
The Seventh Story - Week 3 (3.3.24)

The Seventh Story - Week 3 (3.3.24)

Teresa and Chris (from Palestine) share thoughts on the third story in our series -- the Story of Purification.

Mar 04, 202446:10
The Seventh Story - Week 2 (2.25.24)

The Seventh Story - Week 2 (2.25.24)

We consider the story of revolution/revenge -- the story that tells us that the only way to happiness and security is to repay pain for pain.

Feb 25, 202429:52
We Choose....Boldness (2/4/24)

We Choose....Boldness (2/4/24)

We are choosing to be bold -- to take risks, to purposefully keep a compelling vision close to our heart, and to lean into each other.

Feb 15, 202432:19
We Choose...Inclusivity (1.21.24)

We Choose...Inclusivity (1.21.24)

Jesus is our example, and at every turn Jesus extends welcome to all. Those on the margins, those society considered 'last', those disregarded are all included.

Within the community Jesus creates, we find significant difference (socio-economic, political, gender). This is by choice. Jesus chooses to include those who he knew would disagree -- those who would see the world very differently -- those who the world would say should be opponents, if not enemies.

What happens when we choose to include? What happens to us? What happens to the world? We consider these questions together.

Jan 23, 202434:38
We Choose...Humility (1/7/24)

We Choose...Humility (1/7/24)

Who do we want to be?

Who will we choose to be?


These are questions often asked at the beginning of a new year. And while related, they are not the same.

We may want to be many things -- or to change much -- but without a choice (likely, many, daily choices) those desires will go unrealized.

We must be intentional - purposeful.


Together we consider three choices Jesus invites us to make. This week, that choice is humility.

Luke 18:9-14

Jan 09, 202434:44
Christmas Eve - There is Always Room

Christmas Eve - There is Always Room

From moving trucks to our hope for reconciliation to an inn (or house) in Bethlehem, it often feels like there is no room. No room for repair. No hope of things getting better. No space for this or that group. But the Christmas story reminds us that God is able to make room, to make the last first, to find space for all, to open our often-closed hearts.

Dec 31, 202317:44
Advent - Week 4 (12.17.23)

Advent - Week 4 (12.17.23)

For the final Sunday of Advent we consider the power of song - especially the way in which it can help rekindle hope.

As we sing multiple carols, hear poetry and consider what lyrics to our own song of hope might sound like, we work together to find strength and resolve to move toward the lives and world we are invited to by God.

Dec 18, 202334:58
Advent - Week 3 (12.10.23)

Advent - Week 3 (12.10.23)

As we considered last week, it is possible for joy to surprise us and show up at any moment, in any circumstance.


This week, Elliott shares the story of the days following John the Baptist's birth - a story in which Zachariah's muteness ends and he breaks into a song of sorts -- a blessing for the world and for his son.


In this story, awe and wonder are prevalent. In fact, they are prevalent in all of the stories surrounding Jesus' birth. What do we make of this? Is there a connection between awe and joy? And is it possible to cultivate awe in our everyday lives?

Dec 10, 202335:15
Advent - Week 2 (12.3.23)

Advent - Week 2 (12.3.23)

"Choose joy!"

This phrase has become an anthem of sorts, but is it true? Is joy something we choose? Can we, therefore, do certain things to create or manufacture joy?


We look at the story of Elizabeth and Zachariah and explore these questions, working to clarify what joy is and how it arrives in our lives.


The good news is that joy can be present in any circumstance, at any time. Even when we are weary and worn.

Dec 03, 202321:09
Advent - Week 1 (11.26.23)

Advent - Week 1 (11.26.23)

Our theme this year is "a weary world rejoices".

We're borrowing that line from the Christmas carol, O Holy Night. It's a line that holds tension and hope. Tension because both weariness and joy are present at the same time and hope because...well...weariness and joy are present at the same time.

This morning we consider the ways in which we doubt joy and even resist it. We explore the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth - a story of both weariness and joy -- and let it inspire us to consider how we might more and more become people ready to receive joy when it sneaks "into the cracks of our imperfect life".

Nov 27, 202334:54
What is Mine to Do?

What is Mine to Do?

Teresa follows up on the conversation we had about Israel/Palestine (on 10/29) by asking the question - what is ours to do? How do we move toward wholeness in the face of constant pressure to perform, achieve and fix all things?

Nov 12, 202329:00
Two things I'm wrestling with as I watch the war in Gaza

Two things I'm wrestling with as I watch the war in Gaza

The attacks by Hamas, as well as Israel's response, have created so much pain and destruction. Our hearts are heavy with the weight of this war and the decades long conflict that has preceded it.


What are we to do in the face of such violence and loss? What can we do, if anything?


Chris shares some of his wrestlings from the last few weeks and invites us to wrestle too -- not just with this war on the other side of the world, but with the way vengeance and demonization can easily took root in our own lives.

Nov 02, 202330:22
Q&A on Israel/Palestine

Q&A on Israel/Palestine

After our gathering, folks stuck around to ask questions about the current war, the larger Israel/Palestine conflict and what it might mean for our lives.

Nov 02, 202333:53
Core Values - Week 5: Courageous Creativity

Core Values - Week 5: Courageous Creativity

This is a moment in history full of change, questions, uncertainty and loss. So much is shifting so quickly -- including what it means to be Christian (not to mention...if...I want to be Christian).


A moment like this calls for courage. Courage to dream new dreams; to allow our imaginations to be reignited. To admit our limitations let go of old patterns that no longer work. We are committed to being that kind of a community.

Oct 08, 202338:03
Core Values - Week 4: Purposeful Presence

Core Values - Week 4: Purposeful Presence

Presence is one of God's greatest gift to us, and in turn, it is one of the greatest gifts we can offer to each other. We consider this core value -- an intentional choice we can make to be present in our world, here and now.

Oct 01, 202332:25
Core Values - Week 3 - 9/24/23

Core Values - Week 3 - 9/24/23

Week 3: Relational Grace

Sep 26, 202337:58
Core Values - Week 1 - 9/10/23

Core Values - Week 1 - 9/10/23

Our first week on our core values considered the value of Partnership.

Sep 26, 202337:08
Core Values - Week 2 - 9/17/23

Core Values - Week 2 - 9/17/23

Week 2 considers the core value of Inclusivity.

Sep 17, 202339:26
Acts - Week 11 - 8.27.23

Acts - Week 11 - 8.27.23

Our final Sunday in Acts considers the last chapters of this book - chapters that show us the promising reality that God's Spirit is given to us precisely in our gritty, messy humanness.

Aug 29, 202334:08
Acts - Week 8 - 8/6/23

Acts - Week 8 - 8/6/23

One of the consistent themes in Acts (and the Bible) is conflict. From the very beginning of the story (Acts 6), we find rumblings of discontent.

How do we overcome difference? Acts 15 doesn't give us a 1-2-3 step plan, but it does offer insight to steps we can take to help conflict become something that grows us.

Aug 08, 202337:45
Acts - Week 7 - 7/30/23

Acts - Week 7 - 7/30/23

We all know what it is to feel the tension between our differences. At the center of the stories in Acts is the tension between Jew and Gentile. Those first Christians were constantly having to work out what it means to not just tolerate 'the other', but to be their brother and sister.

Jul 30, 202334:06
Acts - Week 6 - 7/23/23

Acts - Week 6 - 7/23/23

Our dear friend Deborah leads us through the stories of Stephen. His life is the first witness to the scattering of those following Jesus -- out from Jerusalem to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Stephen is willing and able -- and that open posture leads to changed lives, including his own.

Jul 16, 202335:24
Acts - Week 5 - 7/9/23

Acts - Week 5 - 7/9/23

We consider Acts 3 and 4 - a story of boldness and courage, including a willingness to speak truth to those in power. How do we do the same?

Jul 13, 202341:10
Acts - Week 4 - 6/25/23

Acts - Week 4 - 6/25/23

Something has happened in Jerusalem -- a pouring out of the Sacred Breath (Holy Spirit) -- and it has begun to change people's lives. Today we look at the end of Acts 2 where we see the impact of this revolution of intimacy.

Jun 25, 202338:55
Acts - Week 3 - 6/18/23

Acts - Week 3 - 6/18/23

God promises to come - and that coming takes place at Pentecost. But could anyone could have expected the way in which the Divine Spirit came to those first followers? What might this coming of fire, wind and language mean?

Jun 18, 202345:00
Acts - Week 2 - 6/11/23

Acts - Week 2 - 6/11/23

The disciples pose a question to Jesus in the days following his resurrection - a question that exposes their longings and hopes. Jesus' response to their question was not what they expected. This week we consider this story and what it might mean for us.

Jun 11, 202333:56
Acts - Week 1 - 6/4/23

Acts - Week 1 - 6/4/23

We begin a summer long journey through the story of Christianity's beginnings. This week, we consider the larger context and themes of the book.

Jun 04, 202328:25
Seeking - Week 7 (5.21.23)

Seeking - Week 7 (5.21.23)

Our last installment in this series explores John 4 - a story of an ordinary, everyday encounter that ends up leading to a transformative connection — a connection rooted in vulnerability.

Could it be possible that our everyday, ordinary connections offer the same possibility for change? 

May 21, 202333:59
Seeking: Who Sinned? Week 6 (5-7-23 )

Seeking: Who Sinned? Week 6 (5-7-23 )

John 9 is a chapter full of questions, and to be honest, some are better than others.

We take a look at the host of questions asked in this story and consider what makes a lesser and better question? What mistaken assumptions often undergird our questions? And how might we follow the example of Jesus in this story who invites us to not just ask, but act.

May 10, 202339:14
Seeking - Easter (4.9.23)

Seeking - Easter (4.9.23)

It's a story we know well. Perhaps too well. Can we listen with fresh ears -- like that time we first heard encountered the unbelievable world of chemistry, poetry or jazz.


When Mary meets Jesus in the garden she doesn't recognize him. The disciples who ran with her to the tomb don't understand. Questions abound. Confusion is everywhere. Into the fray steps the risen Christ - meeting Mary and the disciples where they were and calling them by name.

Apr 30, 202325:46
Seeking - Week 5 (4.23.23)

Seeking - Week 5 (4.23.23)

In Ezekiel 37 the prophet (by the same name) is given a vision -- a vision that not only captures the hopelessness of his world, but perhaps of his own life as well. And yet, this same vision also breathes hope and possibility. In our world, there is no shortage of hopelessness. What might this ancient vision offer us and our context today?

Apr 30, 202322:50
Seeking - Week 2 (3.19.23)

Seeking - Week 2 (3.19.23)

Our second week in this series (from March-May we'll be preaching roughly every other week and having Group Sundays on the other weeks - see our blog for more) considers the story of Nicodemus. This religious, pious and seeking leader is confronted with an idea that confuses and shakes him: you must be born again.


To be willing to 'begin again' seems to be a consistent message in Jesus' life. Whether it's having the faith of a child, letting go of an old wineskin, or putting a seed in the ground, Christ consistently teaches us that growth and transformation only happen when we are willing to begin again.

Mar 23, 202324:51
Seeking - Week 1 (3.5.23)

Seeking - Week 1 (3.5.23)

Our first Sunday in our Lenten series explores the question: "Who Will You Listen To?"

Mar 05, 202330:28
Sabbath - Week 6 (2.19.23)

Sabbath - Week 6 (2.19.23)

Our final week in the series considers what Sabbath has to teach us about our relationship with the rest of the created world.

Mar 05, 202329:55
Sabbath - Week 1 (1/8/23)

Sabbath - Week 1 (1/8/23)

We begin a series considering the ancient practice of Sabbath.

Jan 31, 202335:15
Sabbath - Week 4; Work (1/29/23)

Sabbath - Week 4; Work (1/29/23)

Teresa invites us to consider what Sabbath might mean for our work -- and our identity.

Jan 31, 202333:28
From Generation to Generation - Week 3 (12.11.22)

From Generation to Generation - Week 3 (12.11.22)

Joseph had a choice to make. Would he separate from Mary or stand with her? It, no doubt, was a difficult choice. 

While our circumstances are certainly different, we too face the same type of choice: will we separate from those in need - those we disagree with - those who are on the edges of society -- or will we move toward and stand with? 

Joseph's story invites us to choose a better way.

Dec 13, 202237:24
From Generation to Generation - Week 2 (12.4.22)

From Generation to Generation - Week 2 (12.4.22)

When Mary is visited by Gabriel and told that she will give birth to the long awaited Messiah, she is understandably afraid and troubled.

What does Mary's response to this visit have to teach us about our response to fear? And what might Gabriel's words prompt us to remember about God's promises?

Dec 07, 202225:31
From Generation To Generation - Week 1 (11/27/22)

From Generation To Generation - Week 1 (11/27/22)

The genealogy of Jesus (in Matthew 1) is often overlooked. But what does this long list of names have to tell us?

As we consider it together we find an unlikely lineage full of unexpected characters. But perhaps that's the point. Even Jesus' beginning is through and through marked by those we continually dismiss or try to explain away.

Nov 27, 202228:48
SUNDAYS THIS FALL!

SUNDAYS THIS FALL!

Not only is our gathering move to 10am starting September 11, but we're also experimenting with and exploring new ways of practicing our faith and connecting with each other on Sundays. This podcast lays out what to expect and how you can be involved.

Sep 07, 202214:37
What is God Like? - Week 5 (8.21.22)

What is God Like? - Week 5 (8.21.22)

Both the Old and New Testaments use the same word for Spirit and wind. Elliot helps us reflect on this as a valuable metaphor to teach us about what God is like.

Aug 22, 202220:05
In the Beginning... Week 3 (6.19.22)

In the Beginning... Week 3 (6.19.22)

The beginning of our story (Genesis 1 and 2) is a story of utmost goodness. So is the end of our story (Revelation 21 and 22). Between these bookends comes God's call to care for, tend to, serve and guard the created world so that it might be good, whole and complete.

Jun 22, 202223:50
In the Beginning... Week 1 (6.5.12)

In the Beginning... Week 1 (6.5.12)

The beginning of a story matters, and Genesis is a beginning of profound goodness. This tells us something fundamentally important about the Creator and about ourselves.

Jun 14, 202234:57
In the Beginning... Week 2 (6.12.22)

In the Beginning... Week 2 (6.12.22)

Our second week in Genesis 1 invites us to consider how deeply connected we are to the creation and how God's 'first language' can draw us more deeply into relationship with the Creator

Jun 14, 202225:17
Wholehearted (together) - Week 11 (5.22.22)

Wholehearted (together) - Week 11 (5.22.22)

Our final week in this series considers the overall goal: deeper and more meaningful connections with those in our lives. Which begs the question, what exactly does it mean to be connected and how do we connect? Jesus shows us a compelling way (Mark 10:46-52).

May 24, 202220:13
Wholehearted (together) - Week 10

Wholehearted (together) - Week 10

The Scriptures ask us to do a difficult thing -- to live in a way that both honors every person's individuality and intentionally integrates their lives in the larger body. This week we talk about that both/and and give time to consider what it might mean for us.

May 17, 202218:52
Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

Easter is a paradox: death leads to life. Emptying ourselves leads to a filling -- a renewal. It is only by descending that we are lifted up. Philippians 2:5-11

Apr 21, 202224:57
Wholehearted - Week 6 (4.10.22)

Wholehearted - Week 6 (4.10.22)

The last Sunday in Lent points us to the story of the prodigal sons and father (Luke 15) as a way to explore the common experiences of shame, guilt, humiliation and perfectionism.

Apr 15, 202228:25
Wholehearted - Week 4 (3.27.22)

Wholehearted - Week 4 (3.27.22)

We continue to expand our vocabulary of the heart by considering an all to common human behavior: comparison.

Envy and jealousy -- and two German words - schadenfreude and freudenfreude -- are emotions and experiences connected to comparison. We see them in action in a story from Mark 10:35-45.

Mar 31, 202224:19