The Branch Church

Teresa leads us through the fruit of faithfulness - a fruit that both grounds us (because God is faithful) and calls us to be steadfast with one another.

Our second week with these two virtues considers not just the definitions of goodness and kindness, but the nonsensical example we see in Jesus.

We take two words this week - kindness and goodness. These "sister" virtues begin not by giving them away, but by receiving them.

Chris invites us to consider the fruit of patience - a fruit many of us desire to have in greater abundance. Patience carries with it the idea of integrity, making patience a fruit that helps us stay true to our values even in the midst of suffering.

Steve leads us in a reflection on peace -- a fruit that is more than a lack of conflict, but a force that brings wholeness.

This week Katie leads us in the second fruit listed in Galatians 5: joy.

All the fruits of the Spirit find their grounding in the first: Love.

We begin a fall series on the Fruits of the Spirit -- fruit we -- and our world -- desperately need. This week is an intro, considering our role in transformation: tending the soil.

We conclude our series in Amos, taking a look at the transformational process the prophets exhibit and invite us to join. We also hear the courageous journey of Lynee and Trevor as they have navigate the difficulties of long Covid (begins at 22:10).

We're nearing the end of Amos. Teresa leads us as we consider anger's role in our transformation. We also hear from Phil Ackley starting at 17:45.

The prophet, Amos, tells the people that because of their cruelty and injustice, God will take away 'the word of the Lord' and it will be worse than a famine of food or water. What does this phrase mean and what practices can we live out in order to remain in touch with the word of the Lord? We also have the privilege of hearing from Katie. Katie's recording begins at 20:50. NOTE: the...

Steve invites us to consider Amos 7 and a dialogue between the prophet and king. This conversation invites us to consider if and how we receive feedback and even criticism from others. Are we set in our ways - can we remain open to new possibilities? And at 22:30 we hear Sarah Lundberg share part of her story!

Amos 6 challenges us to consider both the gift and the risk of comfort. At 21:30 we also hear part of Andrea DeWard's story. We are grateful for her willingness to share her experience as a chaplain, as we are thankful to all those who have shared their stories this summer. It has been a considerable gift to us!

The first part of the podcast is our continuation through the book of Amos. This week, Chapter 5. The second part (starting at 28:30) is the privilege of hearing from Joan Hulst tell a part of her story. 

It's a Gruszka Sunday! Elliot leads us through Amos 4 - a much needed call to humility. And Sera shares a part of her story - a story of pain, difficulty, hope and even joy.

Sundays this summer include a look at the book of Amos as well as a story from a different Branch person each week. This week, Teresa leads us through Amos Chapter 3, and we learn a little bit about Noel DeWard and what travel has taught her the last few years.

Sundays this summer include a look at the book of Amos as well as a story from a different Branch person. This Sunday we begin the series by considering the first two chapters of Amos and asking what it says about our lives, as well as the current brutalities unfolding in Gaza.

Today we consider power -- specifically which power can change the world. Matthew 26 is our text -- a story from Jesus' final hours which speaks to two sources of power. Which will we choose?  At 24:36 we showed a trailer to a documentary. This is not in the podcast. To watch the trailer, head here:  Singing Revolution

Ephesians 5 calls us to be people of light - people who follow the example of Jesus. In the gospel of John, just before the last supper Jesus washes his disciples feet - an absolutely stunning act. He then tells his disciples to do the same. How do we move beyond this world's philosophy (that we use our power for profit) and instead choose Jesus' philosophy: use your power to serve.

Our second week considers the lie that only some people matter. We look at Matthew 20:1-16 and learn from Jesus who gave dignity to all.

We need stories of light -- stories that point us to the world God desires, the world we are to work toward. We begin this series by considering a story that calls us to set a table instead of building a wall.

When two bedazzled messengers greeted Jesus' disciples, they did not dismiss their grief or confusion -- or was their doubt disqualify them. Instead, resurrection met them precisely where they were. The same is true today - and everyday.

Janelle offers insight into Luke 13 - the story of the fig tree. It's a story filled with tension, a call, and hope.

Our series continues as we learn about the journey of vocation for Nate DeWard.

Week two considers Luke 10:37-42 - a story of sibling tension, which often leads us to conclude that one was right (Mary) and the other (wrong). But is it that simple? We consider what they have to teach us about two absolutely critical elements for those following the way of Jesus: action and contemplation