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BRANCHOUT SUMMER 2018 Make the most of your time with us at The Branch Church. See inside for the lastest stories of what God is doing in the life of our church family. Be a part of our story.

BRA N C HO U T

CON T E N TS Publisher/Designer: Jaron Pitts Editor: Vickie Hinton

UPCOMING EVENTS

FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER

BAPTISM HIGHLIGHTS

GO WEEKEND

SACK SUMMER HUNGER

BEYOND ME UPDATE

MEET OUR INTERNS

YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE

KIDS BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS

VISTA RIDGE UPDATE

THE BRANCH EDUCATION FUND

YOUNG AT HEART UPDATE

The Branch Church Farmers Branch Campus 3035 Valley View Ln. Farmers Branch, TX 75234 t. 972.247.2109 Vista Ridge Campus 3601 Huffines Blvd. Carrollton, TX 75010 info@thebranchchurch.org www.thebranchchurch.org   

facebook.com/thebranchchurch instagram.com/thebranchchurch twitter.com/thebranch

BRA N C HO U T

UPCOMING EVENTS For specifics and more details on these events, view the calendar on The Branch Church app or visit our website:

thebranchchurch.org/events

JUNE

3 9

BABY DEDICATION We join with parents to celebrate their newborns and dedicate them

by the Farmers Branch Campus for free snow cones and fun!

6TH GRADE EVENT

PROMOTION SUNDAY

Incoming 6th graders will be introduced to the student ministry

GO WEEKEND

18-21

Thursday nights this summer, stop

to God.

and build some new relationships.

15-16

NEIGHBORHOOD CHILL

Working together to make a difference in the lives of our

On this day, our youth and kids are promoted to begin attending the next grade level.

SACK SUMMER HUNGER Help us pack and deliver food to kids in our neighborhoods on

neighbors.

Saturdays this summer.

ALL-STAR WEEK

BRANCH CAMP

A FREE fun-filled week of sports, activities, and friends for kids.

29-3

Our summer camp for 6th-12th grade students.

JULY

ROSEMEADE RAINFOREST A refreshing evening of fun at the aquatic complex in Carrollton.

SPOTLIGHT

15-20

Our kids will learn a musical and perform it for the church at the end of the week.

10 27

PRESCHOOL EVENT An event just for our preschool-aged kids and parents.

SALAD & SUNDAE SUPPER An evening of games and fellowship with our Young at Heart group.

AUGUST

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Take control over your finances with this nine-week interactive class.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WEEKEND Blessing our students, teachers, and school administrators.

WELCOME TO THE BRANCH CHURCH

FRO M THE SE NIOR M INISTER

“Do for someone what you wish you could do for everyone.” Technology has made it possible to be exposed to so much need in our world. We are bombarded with a neverending stream of stories and data on a variety of issues plaguing our city, country, and world. Some are numbed by the sheer volume of it all. Others are discouraged. Others become characterized by the “narcotizing dysfunction.” It’s a theory that describes how people become apathetic to an issue once they’ve been inundated with information about it. They equate being informed about it with doing something about it. We can’t be everywhere and we can’t do everything. But we can be faithful where we are. We can do something when it comes to the spiritually lost, or struggling, or hurting person-in-need in our midst. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6). There’s so much to be said for asking God to help us love the people in front of us. “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” If you’re new to The Branch Church, I hope you’ll take a few moments and familiarize yourself with this issue of BranchOut. It’ll tell you about some of the things we are doing as a church to love the people in front of us and in the communities surrounding our campuses. These are wonderful opportunities to dive in, get to know others who are a part of The Branch, and make a difference in the lives of others. Grace and Peace,

Ch ris Seid ma n Sen io r M ini ste r

B R A NC HO UT

Branch Camp is our student ministryâ€™s biggest event of the year. Students from both of our campuses will travel to Glen Rose for a Friday - Tuesday filled with bonding activities, powerful worship, in-depth times of teaching, and insane games. Students will be divided into small groups, each lead by adult volunteers. If your middle school or high school student attends ONE student ministry event this year, BRANCH CAMP is where itâ€™s at. Register at: thebranchchurch.org/events

HIGHLIGHTS

Baptisms

CELEBRATING NEW

BAP T ISM

FAMILY OF FIVE

4/8/18

Janessa Avila-Thorn

5/6/18

Stephanie Russell

5/6/18

Nate Carlisle

5/6/18

Lucas Carlisle

5/6/18

Mikayla Russell

5/6/18

Cassie Blake

5/14/18

Ivy Moseley

5/14/18

Ruby Moseley

5/20/18

Daniel Masih

At the Vista Ridge Campus, we were recently blessed to witness Brian Russell baptize his wife, Stephanie, along with their son, Nate. Stephanie then baptized their other son, Lucas, and daughter, Mikayla. What an incredible moment in the life of this family! As it turns out, they're now moving to Michigan! We know the Lord has great things in store for them and are excited to be part of their story. Please pray for God's blessing on them. During the renovations at the Vista Ridge Campus, we're using a portable baptistry in the lobby on the first weekend of each month. We also have the baptistry at the Farmers Branch Campus ready at all times. If you have questions about baptism, don't hesitate to ask your campus minister or attend the class on September 23.

BAPTISM CLASS Sunday, September 23

HIGHLIGHT

MISSIONS & BE N E VOL E N C E

READY. SET. GO.

Don't have plans on June 15-16? Well, now you do! Come lend a hand to serve the needs of widows, the elderly, the disabled, children, the homeless, and the impoverished in our community. H OW D O E S I T WO R K ?

STEP 1: Join the Go Weekend group using the form in The Branch Church app or at: thebranchchurch.org/go STEP 2: Watch your email in the weeks leading up to June 15-16. We’ll be sending out opportunities for you to serve. They’ll be called “NEEDS,” and you’ll easily be able to say “I’ll take it” for the tasks you want. Another way to view the list of NEEDS is by logging in to Branch Connect and clicking “Serve” in the black menu on the far left side. Then click the NEEDS tab to see the list. Every Go Weekend volunteer will get a free t-shirt! Get yours in the lobby after you’ve signed up.

If you need any help signing up, please email Kyle Poff at:

kpoff@thebranchchurch.org

SACK SUMMER H UNGER SATURDAYS AT 9:30 am

HOW IT WORKS At the Farmers Branch Campus, enter the building through the double doors under the car port and walk into the Family Life Center. At the Vista Ridge Campus, come to the main lobby. Our Go Team will organize the food into an assembly line. You will grab a sack with

a unique label and go through the line, filling your sack with the allotted food items such as cereal, bread, peanut butter, and vegetables. When that sack is full, you will take it to the designated spot with the corresponding label. Once the bags are filled and checked, teams will be formed in order to travel to homes in the area for distribution. If you volunteer to be a team leader, you'll be given a map and a route with the family names and corresponding sack labels. We hope you'll take the opportunity to meet the people you're delivering food to. These are our neighbors. Let's show them the love of God this summer!

June 16 June 23 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 11

B R A NC HO UT

When school takes a break, so do the healthy school-provided breakfasts and lunches that students in our community rely on. So, during the summer, we distribute sacks full of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to families in our neighborhood. We work closely with Metrocrest Services to identify families for the program, and our Go Team picks up the food and brings it to our campuses. This is where YOU come in.

DATES:

we need

SUMMER VOLUNTEERS Sign up at thebranchchurch.org/serve

Small Groups thebranchchurch.org/small-groups

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” ~ Hebrews 10:24-25 We all need friends – people we meet with on a regular basis to hang out, talk about our lives in a biblical context, and pray. That’s a Small Group! Interested in joining or starting a Small Group in the coming year? We can help. Contact Derek or Tim and they will help connect you with an existing group or walk with you through the simple process for starting a new group.

Need Group Content? Sermon-Based Bible Studies

Tim Ketchersid

What is it? Get your group talking with these weekly guides that are meant to coincide with the sermon.

tketchersid@thebranchchurch.org

Where can I find it? You can quickly find it in The Branch Church App under the “Resources” option. OR visit thebranchchurch.org/resources

Farmers Branch Campus Minister

Derek Robinson Connections Pastor Vista Ridge Campus drobinson@thebranchchurch.org

BRA N C HO U T

U P D A T E As of May 20, $2.0 million of the $6.3 million committed has already been given. This doesn’t include $2.5 million of matching contributions which then brings the total committed to $8.8 million.

God is so good! We're rapidly

WHAT IS "BEYOND ME?"

approaching the end of the

address the limitations of the If you're new to The Branch,

beginning.

time had come for us to Vista Ridge facility.

you may be wondering what Our architect (HH Architects) is nearing completion of the drawing

package

for

the

new children’s wing and the renovation of the existing Kids Branch space. They are working with general contractor RogersO’Brien during this phase of the process in order to ensure an accurate and cost-effective drawing package is completed. current

schedule

has

construction on the new wing beginning in the third quarter of

When we launched the Vista

million,

Ridge

church

That

leads

renovation. a

Campus

2007,

and

when

responded

the with

commitments of $8.8 million

the

added to the $1.25 million we

facility on that campus if we

had already set aside for the

were to help more people in

project, we knew it was time

the immediate vicinity come

to get moving.

eventually

expand

to know and follow Jesus. If you've recently joined us, The Beyond Me initiative is at

addressing

it's not too late to contribute!

two The

specific needs:

commitment

period

started in December 2017 and 1.

Significantly more space

will run through November

needed for our youth

2020, but you can give to the

and children’s ministries.

Beyond Me fund even if you

2. More

space

needed

didn't make a commitment.

planned

for showing hospitality

completion in the second quarter

If you have any questions

and helping people to

of 2019.

about

this

connect with others.

please

don't

nine months for the entire and

cost

we knew we would have

2018, and lasting approximately construction

estimated

the project is around $9

aimed Our

The

this is all about.

November,

asked

the church to confirm our leadership's belief that the

contact

campaign, hesitate

David

Teutsch:

dteutsch@thebranchchurch.org

Phase 1 Renovation

Phase

1619

Class 615 SF

Class

506 SF

403 SF

235 SF

68 SF

Nurs 2 451 SF

Pres. 3 539 SF

Pres. 1 451 SF

Circulation

Redundant Room

Pres. Recp.

Toilet

Men

235 SF

70 SF

199 SF

Circulation 682 SF

Pres. 4 403 SF

Women 241 SF

Jan. 34 SF

2790 SF

Elect. 77 SF

Stair 168 SF

263 SF

Circulation

Admin 457 SF

The Branch Church - Vista Ridge

Redundant Room

Elev. 48 SF

Storage 26 SF

Vestibule

Changing

112 SF

21 SF

539 SF

Changing 101 SF

Changing

Lobby

Baptistry

21 SF

4799 SF

412 SF

Changing 26 SF

Changing

Toilet

49 SF

68 SF

Todd 2 503 SF

403 SF

Pres. 2

235 SF

AV Sound

68 SF

506 SF

Nurs 2

Pres. 1 451 SF

108 SF

Toilet

386 SF

Cry Room 122 SF

506 SF

41 SF

145 SF

Fire Rm. 24 SF

Admin 157 SF

40 SF

2790 SF

77 SF

28 SF

Toilet

Children / Multipurpose

Elect.

Admin

115 SF

263 SF

77 SF

Play Stair

Nursery Recp.

Admin 457 SF

Vestibule Stage

26 SF

21 SF

Lobby

Baptistry

21 SF

Changing Support 26 SF

Changing 49 SF

Worship

Youth / Multipurpose

Coffee 140 SF

Back of House

Platform

519 SF

Storage

1257 SF

37 SF

AV Sound

539 SF

Vestibule 51 SF

Nurs 1

Storage

BackAV of House Booth 519 SF

2576 SF

45 SF

108 SF

235 SF

Admin

24 SF

4848 SF

Vestibule

Support 364 SF

Class

438 SF

489 SF

1879 SF

Jan.

277 SF

Multipurpose Venue

539 SF

68 SF

503 SF

Elec. Rm 78 SF

489 SF

65 SF

Toilet

Nurs 1 403 SF

Admin

152 SF

65 SF

Corridor

Support

337 SF

364 SF Class

1023 SF

Class

1879 SF

Class

217 SF

211 SF

Circulation

Jan.

221 SF

34 SF

Redundant Room

Storage Men 53 SF

65 SF

Kitchen / Hospitality

Stair

287 SF

390 SF

Elev. 48 SF

Class 409 SF

Play

642 SF

Nursery Recp.

390 SF

Storage

186 SF

168 SF

Storage 186 SF

Circulation

Redundant Room

Open to Lobby Below

Support Worship Youth / Multipurpose

Elev. Elev. 48 SF

48 SF

Vestibule 112 SF

Changing

Vestibule

101 SF

Lobby

Baptistry

112 SF

4799 SF

412 SF

Changing 26 SF

Vestibule

Lobby

Baptistry

49 SF

Storage

15 SF

Changing Vestibule 26 SF 146 SF Changing

41 SF

140 SF

Men

62 SF

37 SF

Kitchen

StorageWomen

109 SF

15 SF

Storage 41 SF

296 SF

146 SF

Table Storage

Laundry

601 SF

Storage

46 SF

Pantry

297 SF

Storage

15 SF

108 SF

37 SF

75 SF

325 SF

41 SF

Women

Elec. Rm

151 SF

Admin 115 SF

Admin 145 SF

Admin 110 SF

Phase 2 41 SF

28 SF

Toilet

46 SF

78 SF

Toilet

296 SF

Main Entry

64 SF

386 SF

Toilet Corridor

51 SF

40 SF Scale: 1/16" = 1'-0"

Admin

522 SF

632 SF

222 SF

Class

Toilet Storage 41 SF

28 SF

1023 SF

Corridor

Admin

Toilet

157 SF

AV Booth

Admin

108 SF

96 SF

Commons

Storage

2576 SF

45 SF

195 SF

Class

217 SF

211 SF

325 SF

65 SF

151 SF

Admin 145 SF

46 SF

Storage

289 SF

Toilet 40 SF

Admin

96 SF

115 SF

Fire Rm. 24 SF

Admin 110 SF

Admin

Upp

Class

Elev.

390 SF

48 SF

Storage 186 SF

Circulation Corridor 325 SF

277 SF

Nursery / Preschool

4031 SF

Restroom

Family RR 78 SF

Toilet Main Entry

Stage Elec. Rm

Corridor

Toilet

78 SF

Toilet

386 SF

Vestibule Vestibule 222 SF

Class

1023 SF

65 SF

64 SF

Storage 152 SF

Toilet Corridor

Class 211 SF

28 SF

65 SF

337 SF

Class 217 SF

632 SF

Class

1023 SF

221 SF

157 SF

Storage

53 SF

195 SF

96 SF

Class 211 SF

Admin

Class 217 SF

Storage Support Storage 152 SF

Worship

Admin

Children / Multipurpose

Youth / Multipurpose

Youth Lobby

613 SF

Circulation - Secure Kitchen / Hospitality

Platform Multipurpose Venue

Circulation Class 221 SF

Circulation - Secure 09/19/17

Kitchen / Hospitality

*Proposed plans as of 9/20/17.Nursery / Preschool

Admin 154 SF

LEVEL 1

409 SF

Children / Multipurpose Class

277 SF

Multipurpose Venue 4031 SF Storage

64 SF

Admin

195 SF

Class

Admin

152 SF

53 SF

51 SF LEVEL 1

Toilet Storage 41 SF

65 SF

Jan.

214 SF

Storage

Platform

Vestibule

Youth Lobby Corridor 632 SF

Admin

1443 SF

Elect.

526 SF

221 SF

44 SF

621 SF

Admin

34 SF

Class

Youth Lobby

613 SF

122 SF

157 SF

Jan.

LEVEL 2

337 SF

Vestibule Vestibule

Cry Room

Admin

23 SF

513 SF

75 SF

Serving

337 SF

Admin

Fire Rm

Table Storage

Laundry

Kitchen

Vestibule

122 SF

386 SF

613 SF

438 SF

62 SF

277 SF

601 SF

Jan.

214 SF

Cry Room

122 SF

Vestibule

Class

1879 SF

78 SF

51 SF Serving

Elec. Rm

222 SF

438 SF

Pantry

Corridor Platform

4031 SF

Family RR

Vestibule

109 SF

296 SF

Table Storage Class StorageMultipurpose Venue 513 SF 526 SF

Laundry

601 SF

AV Sound

297 SF

2576 SF

45 SF

Storage Kitchen 44 SF

4848 SF

Men

62 SF Commons

Storage AV Booth

Worship

78 SF

Vestibule

1879 S

Support

140 SF

Main Entry

621 SF

Secure.

284 SF

Coffee

4848 SF

Toilet Storage

Girls

526 SF

Jan.

23 SF

214 SF

Vestibule 51 SF

223 SF

471 SF

Class

513 SF

75 SF

Fire Rm

Serving

379 SF

Boys Secure Cir.

Vestibule

Pantry

297 SF

Storage AV Sound

Men

110 SF

23 SF

Suppo

489 SF

LEVEL 2

Fire Rm

Coffee

49 SF

1619

Class

09/19/17

146 SF

4799 SF

412 SF

78 SF

Corridor

Open to Lobby Below

1156 SF

48 SF

Storage

Play

Upper Commons

Stage Elev.

Class

168 SF

642 SF

Nursery Recp.

Nursery / Preschool Restroom

241 SF

2790 SF

1156 SF

1443 SF

Class

2790 SF

Upper Commons

Circulation - Secure

Elect.

199 SF

682 SF

438 SF

Secure. Cir.

489 SF

287 SF

Children / Multipurpose

Class

409 SF

615 SF

Class

Stair

438 SF

451 SF

Class

1879 SF

Support

Youth Lobby 632 SF

Secure. Cir.

284 SF

287 SF

Storage

Toilet

235 SF

Nurs 2

Girls

Stair

64 SF

223 SF

471 SF

510 SF

199 SF

Boys 1443 SF

Secure Cir.

Elect.

Class

Men

Nurs Recp.

Class

34 SF

4031 SF

Circulation

Redundant Room

Toilet

Todd 2

379 SF

489 SF

Platform

Todd 1

Class

Secure. Cir.

Support

Class

325 SF

101 SFChanging

51 SF

Cry Room

615 SF

Class

364 SF

Secure. Cir.

Worship

154 SF

Family RR

Class

Support

Jan.

Corridor

Changing

Admin

115 SF

526 SF

26 SF

145 SF

Admin Fire Rm.

1879 SF

438 SF

Class

513 SF

46 SF

Admin

44 SF

Secure. Cir. Support

Table Storage

75 SF

214 SF

40 SF

Storage

510 SF

LEVEL 2

62 SF

Serving

296 SF

Class

Pantry Laundry

601 SF

451 SF

457 SF

289 SF

1257 SF

Girls

23 SF

Nurs 2

Admin

151 SF

Platform

Worship

403 SF

Kitchen

Nurs Recp.

621 SF

Admin

Fire Rm

41 SF

284 SF Men

297 SF

Corridor

Admin

Storage

15 SF

09/19/17 Commons522 SF

471 SF

510 SF

Storage

223 SF

Secure Cir.

Class

Toilet 68 SF

Women

489 SF

Boys

146 SF

Women

109 SF

Class

489 SF

Vestibule

21 SF

Changing

4799 SF

412 SF

379 SF

Class

Todd 1

Storage

21 SF

Storage

101 SF

Support

489 SF

Circulation

Changing

489 SF

Redundant Room

Storage Changing

112 SF

21 SF

Class

77 SF

Stair

287 SF

263 SF

Elev.

615 SF

Open to Lobby Below

186 SF

71 SF

Resource

48 SF

Changing

LEVEL 1

263 SF

Restroom

Changing

34 SF

Resource

Nursery / Preschool

26 SF

Class

48 SF

Storage

Elect.

168 SF

Redundant Room

457 SF

1156 SF

Elev.

390 SF

Women

Jan.

287642 SF SF

Kitchen / Hospitality

Admin

Upper Commons

Class

Circulation

403 SF Elect.

Admin

Circulation

Storage

235 SF

Pres. 4

Circulation Circulation - Secure

Resource

409 SF

SF 241451SF

Pres. Recp.

Toilet 34 SF 70 SF

195 SF

96 SF

154 SF

Stair

287 SF

Class

Women Pres. 1

Jan.

Admin

110 SF

613 SF

539 SF

Toilet Storage

Admin

151 SF

289 SF

34 SF

65 SF

68 SF

Vestibule

Vestibule 222 SF Pres. 3

621 SF

Admin

682 SF

Pres. 2

403 SF

Corridor

Admin

1443 SF

Elect. Stair

287 SF

Circulation

Main Entry

Pres. 4

522 SF

34 SF

78 SF

235 SF

70 SF

Admin

Jan.

Family RR

Pres.Vestibule Recp. 51 SF

682 SF

241 SF

451 SF

44 SF

Circulation

Jan.

Pres. 1

Storage

Circulation Worship

4848 SF Redundant Room

Men

199 SF

Women

2576 SF

45 SF

AV Booth

1257 SF

235 SF

Commons

Storage

539 SF

Platform

Pres. Recp.

1879 SF

37 SF

51 SF

Pres. 3

519 SF

438 SF

Secure. Cir.

Storage

68 SF

Vestibule

451 SF

Back of House

Class

364 SF

71 SF

Pres. 2

109 SF

506 SF

438 SF

503 SF

140 SF

Nurs 1 Nurs Recp.

1879 SF

Support

Todd 2

Coffee

71 SF

Secure. Cir.

284 SF

642 SF

Nursery Recp.

Resource

LEVEL 2

Girls

Play

287 SF

Todd 1

223 SF

471 SF

510 SF

Phase 1 Renovation

Nurs 1 Nurs Recp.

71 SF

Pres. 2

Open to Lobby Below

Boys Secure Cir.

Class

The Branch Church - Vista Ridge

68 SF

503 SF

379 SF

489 SF

THIS DRAWING IS RELEASED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF BRUCE E WOODY, REGISTRATION NUMBER 14419, WHO MAINTAINS THE ORIGINAL DRAWING. THIS DRAWING IS INCOMPLETE AND MAY NOT BE USED FOR REGULATORY APPROVAL, PERMIT, OR CONSTRUCTION.

Toilet Todd 2

Support

Class

The Branch Church - Vista Ridge

539 SF

Todd 1

ons

489 SF

Restroom

LEVEL 1

Stage Storage Support Worship

Youth / Multipurpose

A LL-STA R WEEK

VISTA RIDGE CAMPUS

JUNE 18-21 FREE

B R A NC HO UT

BRA N C HO U T

MEET OUR SUMMER INTERNS Each summer, we enlist the help of some amazing college students to support our NEXTGEN ministries while our regular volunteers take a much-deserved break. After extensive recruiting and interviews, these are the interns who are serving among us this summer.

Sienna Guerra

Ella Wasser

Kids Intern Farmers Branch Campus ACU Graduate Attending UNT this fall Speech Pathology

Kids Intern Farmers Branch Campus ACU Junior Elementary Education

Hannah Arnold

Erin Turner

Youth Intern Farmers Branch Campus Baylor University Junior Elementary Education

Youth Intern Farmers Branch Campus UT Arlington Graduate Degree in English and creative writing; Pursuing a career in playwriting

Mary-Kate Goff

Kenzie Krantz

Kids Intern Vista Ridge Campus ACU Junior Elementary Education

Kids Intern Vista Ridge Campus Samford University Senior Elementary Education

Liz Downey Youth Intern Vista Ridge Campus Baylor University Junior Elementary Education

Travis Mack Youth Intern Vista Ridge Campus ACU Junior Advertising and Graphic Design

YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE by Josh B rake & Ketch S mith

Middle School Sundays (During early service)

High School Wednesday nights @ 7

For more info, please contact one of our Student Ministers:

Josh Brake Farmers Branch Student Minister jbrake@thebranchchurch.org

Ketch Smith Vista Ridge Student Minister

ksmith@thebranchchurch.org

God is moving in big ways in our ministry to middle school and high school students. Lindsie Darvin, sophomore at Ranchview High School, shared with us how her involvement and commitment to The Branch has transformed her life. â€œLeadership group on Mondays has had the most impact for me personally. I've learned how to share the gospel and my own 15-second testimony. Since learning these skills, I've been able to lead FCA at my school and lead others to Jesus. I now go out and actively seek to make disciples for God. Also, my small group leaders are the best!! Stephanie, Abby, and Kristan have become my very own personal role models for how a Christian woman should live. They lift me up and encourage me through my week. I learn so much

about God through them every week. It's definitely a blessing to have them in my life! My favorite thing I've done in the student ministry so far has been leading worship on Wednesday nights at large group. I was definitely nervous at first to sing in front of so many people, but to look out and see others worshipping God with me was an experience that I'll truly never forget. Singing is my passion and God is my life. It was great to share that side of myself with all my friends and leaders.â€? God has been working in the lives of the students at the Vista Ridge Campus. One particular student, Michael Badillo, has really stuck out to me. He has been serving in the worship team on Sunday mornings and Tuesday/Thursday nights. He has also been a leader on Wednesday nights, taking

new students and showing them around and making sure they are involved and welcomed. My leaders are incredible. They always show up early, and they come to love the students and to show them who Jesus is. They have a heart for the students in their small groups and always do an awesome job communicating to the students that they are loved by God and by them. There is momentum right now. God is moving. New students are showing up. Every week we have fun. I believe Jesus is fun and church should be fun. Our interns just got here as well so, itâ€™s getting more and more exciting. I am excited to see what God does in and through the students at The Branch Church.

Our youth ministry has been very busy recently. On April 29th we celebrated our graduating seniors and charged them with the commission to go and make disciples wherever the Lord takes them. Also, we are welcoming the students entering 6th grade and transitioning many students from 8th grade into high school. This is a big time for our students. Our goal is to make these transitions as smooth as possible by putting committed, gospel-centered volunteers into their lives at every stage in their time at the Branch. Summer is a huge transition time as well. Branch Camp is an amazing time for your student to get to know who Jesus is, what He has done for them, and what His purpose for their lives is. In times of transition, students make many decisions. Our desire is that every student believes in and seeks to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by the time they graduate. Branch

Camp is a catalyst in this process. There will be powerful worship, engaging and applicable teaching, and relationships built that will last a lifetime. Please donâ€™t miss out on this opportunity. Our vision is to see lives changed by the power and good news of the gospel. As you might imagine, this takes a lot of time and effort specifically from our volunteers. Trey and Kristan Renshaw and Bryan and Courtney Stone have hosted our Farmers Branch high school students this past school year. They have opened up their homes to provide an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for students. We have seen God use their hospitality in huge ways this past school year. Thank you for your commitment to the gospel and to our students at The Branch! Josh Brake & Ketch Smith Student Ministers

01. Students hanging out at brunch between services at the Farmers Branch Campus.

Our youth ministry desires to see that every student believes in and seeks to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe the power of God revealed and accessed in the gospel is able to transform the next generation, and our students at the Branch have a part to play in that. We are so thankful for all the Lord is doing in and through our students.

02.

Jaydee Wagner being baptized by Josh Brake at Branch Camp last year.

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No matter who comes to the youth gatherings here, every student will know they belong and they matter.

03. Incoming 6th grade students getting a tour of the student ministry.

04.

Middle schoolers interacting at the Vista Ridge Campus. 04

26 HIGHLIGHTS

K IDS BRAN C H

KIDS BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS by Kristan Renshaw

We have been blessed by the Lord in Kids Branch at both campuses. We offered a baptism class in March, and several families attended. This opened

Kristan Renshaw Farmers Branch Kids Minister krenshaw@thebranchchurch.org

up great conversations with families about next steps of faith. Working with children is partnering with parents, and we have incredible volunteers who make a commitment to serve our families in preschool and elementary. Brittany Moore Vista Ridge Kids Minister bmoore@thebranchchurch.org

A few volunteers shared with us about of their stories on the next page.

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volunteering in Kids Branch. See some

HIGHLIGHTS

K IDS BRAN C H

VA N E T T E H U T C H E S O N

I have attended The Branch Church for about eight years. We were first drawn to The Branch because of the preaching. We love our small group and the encouragement/ opportunities the staff gives to grow spiritually through Bible studies, seminars, and retreats, but I am most passionate about teaching in Kid's Branch. Trying to help young students grow in their relationship with Christ is very meaningful. Great support is given by Kristan in the way of curriculum, weekly teaching suggestions, and continual encouragement. It is a great feeling to be a part of a team working together in a God-given mission. The serendipity is that as I give to these students in Kid's Branch, I grow in my own relationship with God. It is a win-win.

M E AGA N D OV E R

We had family and friends attending The Branch, and they encouraged us to try it out. We got involved with Kids Branch because I love working with children, and Jon needed to get some practice being around kids before we had some of our own (wink). Kids Branch is a huge blessing to our family. Our kids are so important to us and knowing there is a safe place for them to learn how much God loves them is such an amazing blessing. So is having teachers who love and encourage them. It's extremely important

for our children to have people who love them and enjoy being with them. Kids Branch has been such an amazing opportunity to volunteer because I get to tell children how much God loves them. I also get to sing, play, read, and pray with them. Another great part is the relationships with the other volunteers. It's such a blessing to work along other people who see the importance of speaking into the lives of children. It is very encouraging!

Janet and I came to The Branch in 2000 after moving into DFW from Abilene. We became newlyweds shortly after arriving at The Branch, and still had A LOT of growing up to do. The Branch, especially small groups, has been critical to us. We credit God's divine intervention to help us find The Branch as a church home, for saving our marriage that was off to a rough start, but more importantly, helping us grow in our faith in Jesus. About 10 years ago, we were asked to serve in the nursery at church because of a shortage of volunteers. We never imagined ourselves serving in the Kids Branch ministry, but were asked to fill a need. The Lord knew that our hearts would be impacted by answering this call, and me over time, helped us fall in love with serving children and helping them grow in their faith. After serving in the nursery for a few years as substitutes, we were asked

to help with a preschool class. We have taught this class of now 5th graders since they were in preschool and have thoroughly enjoyed watching them learn to love Jesus. Our story is a clear testimony of how the Holy Spirit equips the called. When we were first called to fill a need, we felt very ill-equipped. The Lord gave us everything we needed, every step of the way, including a desire to serve kids and help them grow in their faith. God is so good, all the time! We feel so thankful that the Lord chose us to serve in Kids Branch, and we just love watching kids grow in maturity and in faith. We hope you'll consider serving in Kids Branch so you can discover how the Lord will provide if you answer the call!

E M I LY L O N G

I have been attending The Branch Church for two-anda-half years. We first began attending because it was a church where we felt our family could get connected. I love serving with the kids. I realize how much the kids look forward to what we do in class each week. They just love being there. Itâ€™s amazing how much joy they bring each week, and it makes me happy to be there and be a part! Whether Iâ€™m serving or worshiping, I always find something that feeds my soul at The Branch. I see growth with the number of visitors weekly and the expansion of the church. God is alive in this church and you can see it with the generosity of Beyond Me. People are coming to visit and coming back. It is God working through the people of this church, and they are reaching out to others.

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BEN WHEELER

30 HIGHLIGHTS

K IDS BRAN C H

Because of great volunteers, Kids Branch is able to accomplish the mission of reaching children for Christ. Men, women, and students give their time, gifts, talents, and heart to pour into the lives of families. Our vision is for every family in our ministry to hear the gospel and make a decision to follow Jesus (Joshua 24:15). In childrenâ€™s ministry, we are planters, sowing seeds of the good news to the children of our church, and we are so thankful for volunteers and parents who work together to find the joy in planting these seeds. There is power in building relationships, and we know that Kids Branch is a part of our village of families, raising kids to become followers of Jesus. Relationships are built in spending extended time together.

We are excited to see what the Lord does this summer, and all He has planned. We thank all the volunteers in advance for all they will do to make an investment in the lives of children in our community this summer! Kristan Renshaw Farmers Branch Kids Minister

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This summer, we have two great camps and a preschool event for families. We want to provide opportunities for our children to hear the good news of Jesus Christ through All-Star Week (June 18-21) and Spotlight (July 15-20). The best way for a parent to maximum the benefit of these camps is to get involved.

32 COOKIES

GOOD F OOD

ISSUE

Branch Cares thebranchchurch.org/cares

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress….” ~ James 1:27 Branch Cares is a ministry designed to look after, pray for, and take care of people within our church body. The vision for this ministry is to reach out, help, and connect with:

Widows • Widowers • Single parents • Homebound • Grieving • Caregivers Ministry volunteers provide care in a variety of ways. These can include simple acts of writing cards and praying, hospital visitation, or delivering communion to the homebound or any others who are unable to attend services. If you are interested in becoming a Branch Cares ministry volunteer, or if you know of someone connected to The Branch Church who 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, or reach out to us via the contact info below:

RightNow Media Are you looking for a family Bible study or some new content for your Small Group? We invite you to check out RightNow Media! It’s basically Netflix for Bible study videos and Christian content. We’re making our church subscription available to you FOR FREE! To sign-up and receive your free invitation to RightNow Media, visit: thebranchchurch.org/rightnow Or scan the QR code to the left to get started.

TH E SYA H I M MAG

Farmers Branch Email: fbcares@thebranchchurch.org Vista Ridge Email: vrcares@thebranchchurch.org Church Office: (972) 247-2109

33 33

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UPDATE

V ISTA RIDGE

GIVE THIS HOUSE NEW LIFE by Jaron Pitts

It's been over 10 years since we launched the Vista Ridge Campus. Until January of this year, the worship center had remained the same as it was when we first purchased the property in 2007. The first image you see to the top left was taken the week we moved into the building. Last year, two anonymous donors made contributions that would enable us to address the growing need for more seating in that space. When the building was originally built for what was then the Rosemeade Baptist Church, they had constructed much of the space to support a large choir. There were also entire rooms constructed for the sole purpose of having enough space for projectors to rear-project onto the side screens. It was determined that all of this space could be

reappropriated and used for increased seating capacity. So after five months of a temporary wall and even more cramped seating, weâ€™ve finally unveiled the new worship center at the Vista Ridge Campus. Before the renovation, the worship center would normally have 480 seats available, and in special circumstances such as Easter or Christmas, we would squeeze up to 570 chairs. Now we have a comfortable 580 seats available on a regular basis, and if we need to squeeze more in for special occasions, we can fit up to 670 chairs. Iâ€™m so thankful for how everyone has responded first to the construction compromises, and now to the finished result. Along with increased seating, we were able to rethink

how we used technology to support our mission. Because we rely on video preaching so often, screens were obviously a high value. Thankfully, LED technology has become so prevalent in recent years (and therefore less expensive) we were able to move away from the limitations and space restrictions of projectors and are now seeing the benefit of 320 small square LED panels fitting together to bring light. You noticed my wording there, did you? In many ways I hope this renovation is symbolic of what God is doing in us as a people. I pray for God to prune away the empty dead parts of our lives and tear down those walls to create room for people. That we would be built up and brought together to shine our light before others, that they may see and glorify God in this place.

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I want The Branch to truly be like Jesus describes in Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I want us to continue to be a city on a hill. Whatever we

do, I want to see us pointing towards Jesus. I know God makes a habit of bringing restoration in us individually. I’ve seen it time and time again. But I also believe that God does this with groups of people. Whether you’re at the Farmers Branch Campus or the Vista Ridge Campus, I believe God is on the move and His renovation is only just beginning. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable for a season. Sometimes the remodel doesn’t go the way we think it will go. Sometimes we think God is going to change someone else and He ends up

changing us. Are we open to His call?

Where there are hearts of stone, may we be given hearts of flesh; a new spirit within us. We know that "church" isn't a building, or a performance, or even a service. It's the people. We're all in this together. So when we turn on the sound system and fire up the screens and lights, what we're doing is lighting a signal fire that's calling everyone together so we can glorify God with one

voice. I want to make a deal with you. If you see me doing/ singing/saying anything that encourages you to watch me instead of engaging with God, come tell me about it. The screens and lights are meant to create an environment of worship. To the extent to which we’ve come to worship with corrupt motivations, I look to Ephesians 4:21-24: “…when you heard about Christ… you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old

self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” That sounds difficult to me. But then I realize, that all it takes is coming to “the altar” with an open mind, an open heart, and an attitude of surrender. It’s amazing what God will change in us when we offer ourselves to Him. This is just the beginning. We’ve been through a season

of cramped conditions, of technology not going right, of the power going out; and yet, even now with this new space, I hope we can continue to overcome and be set free in worship. My prayer is that God will breathe new life into this house. That just as we tore down walls, swept the dust away, and rebuilt the “altar” for a sacrifice of praise, that God will renovate our hearts as well. Jaron Pitts Worship Minister Vista Ridge Campus

The money class that will

CHANGE YOUR LIFE Take control of your ďŹ nancial future once and for all. Sign up today!

Sundays at 9:00 am beginning August 12 more info

Farmers Branch Campus Cost: $93 per family

(covers all materials)

Enter your class date/time/location Register at thebranchchurch.org/FPU and contact information here.

THE BRANCH CHURCH

EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP The Branch Church Education Fund was established to support active members of The Branch Church who are enrolled in college and have at least completed their freshman year (24 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Financial need, academic performance and a history of involvement at The Branch are considered when making scholarship awards. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please complete the form at the link below no later than July 1st, 2018. Regards, The Branch Church Education Fund Committee

Apply at thebranchchurch.org/educationfund

30th Anniversary Celebration October 12-14, 2018 This year we will be celebrating 30 years in our facility at 3035 Valley View Lane. Our present building was officially opened for services in August, 1988. For many, it was the most exciting and thankful day of their church lives. A handful of us had worshipped at 2570 Valley View Lane, by the Farmers Branch City Hall, for over fifty years. Some of those had forefathers who had helped found the church in 1905. This new building was a new beginning and a fresh start in the Lord’s work. It is only fitting that we should pause for a special observance to thank God and renew our love and gratitude to those who served at The Branch Church these past thirty years. Plans are just beginning! If you would like to help with this celebration, contact Tim Ketchersid at: tketchersid@thebranchchurch.org

A note from Paul and Linda Barner Linda and I recently read this article, God’s Lesson on Love, by Kenny Vaughn. It is so poignantly powerful we wanted to share it with our Young at Heart members. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” I used to think this meant dying for another person. What I have since learned is that I can and must lay down my life for others, even as I live, in order for love to rule my life. I can’t do it to get anything. I must do it just like Jesus did for me, expecting nothing in return. What you eventually learn though is that you can spend your whole life chasing what you want and never find it, or you can put God and others first and find that what you want chases you down.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Brother Eddy Ketchersid Community Minister eketchersid@thebranchchurch.org

Cell: 972-345-1645

How do I live this out in my own life, as a friend, as a co-worker, as a parent, or as a spouse? It starts by making Jesus first in my life. In Him is the power to love. Without Him, we can do nothing. Even with Jesus, love is hard work. I have to push myself to think about other people. Love will always cost you something, but not loving will cost you more. Love requires sacrifice, and the only person we can lovingly sacrifice is ourselves. Blessings, Paul and Linda

This June, we are partnering with buildOn to provide bricks to build schools in developing nations!

Every 6 check-ins will provide one brick to build a school. BuildOn’s mission is to build schools in villages that historically have had no adequate school structure. BuildOn has built more than 1000 schools in seven countries around the world: Burkina Faso, Haiti, Mali, Malawi, Nepal, Nicaragua and Senegal. For the month of June, check-ins at our location are going towards building a school in Malawi. If you want to learn more about buildOn, you can check them out at: buildon.org Thanks for checking in to help build a school in Malawi! The hashtag this month is #bricks4schools. *At the time of this printing, the July partner was not yet announced. Please continue to check-in in July as your check-in will be going towards a worthy Kingdom-building cause. Thank you!

How it works: We make a donation to a Kingdom-building cause every time our community checks in on Facebook OR tags our locations on Instagram. It’s a great way to tell your friends about The Branch Church, and do some good in the process. If you need some help checking in on Facebook, just ask any of our staff members and we’ll show you how.

The Branch Church Farmers Branch Campus

The Branch Church Vista Ridge Campus

FARMERS BRANCH CAMPUS

JULY 15-20 $85

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SPOTLIGHT MUSI C CAMP

BRANCHOUT

SUMMER 2018