SUMMER ISSUE / 2019
THE BRANCH CHURCH
BRANCH OUT
HELPING EACH OTHER GROW AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS
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Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s UPCOMING EVENTS................................. 02 A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS...........................04 K I D S C A M P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 6 Y O U T H C A M P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 0 8 BAPTISM HIGHLIGHTS..............................09 SACK SUMMER HUNGER............................11 WA L K I N G A S J E S U S WA L K E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 B E Y O N D M E U P D AT E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3 O U R M I N I S T R I E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 B R A N C H C O N N E C T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 O U R S TA F F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 OUR ELDERS............................................ 29
Hello Thanks for picking up the new Branch Out issue! We are so excited to be rolling out so many amazing things at The Branch with you. Together we are moving and shaking the world around us for Christ in a mighty way. You’ll find that in the issues to follow, we’re going to be focusing more on your stories. How God is refining you, redeeming you and the journey along the way. We hope you enjoy the Spring Issue as much as we enjoyed putting together all the amazing stories you’ve shared with us.
Women in the Word Bible study at the Farmers Branch campus
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Upcoming Events For more details on these events and more, view the events page on The Branch Church App or visit: thebranch.org/events
DAYS Wed-Thurs
DATES 5/1-2
EVENT
LOCATION & TIMES
National Day of Prayer 24-Hour Prayer Vigil
Farmers Branch 7:00p - 7:00p
Saturday
5/4
Branch Men Baseball Night - Rough Riders
Dr. Pepper Ballpark 7:00p
Sunday
5/5
Graduate Sunday Luncheon
Farmers Branch 12:30p
Sunday
5/5
Cinco De Mayo Neighborhood Grill
Farmers Branch 6:00 - 8:00p
Sunday
5/12
Mother’s Day
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Sunday
5/19
Baby Dedication
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Sunday
5/19
Branch Orientation
Farmers Branch 10:45a Vista Ridge 12:30p
Mondays
6/3-8/19
Women in the Word Summer Study
Vista Ridge 6:30 - 8:30p
Thursdays
6/6-27
Neighborhood Chill
Farmers Branch 7:00 - 8:30p
6/7
Branch Youth Summer Launch Party
TBD
6/8-8/3
Sack Summer Hunger
Both Campuses 9:30a
Branch Youth Promotion Sunday
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Walking as Jesus Walked
Farmers Branch 7:00 - 8:30p
Father’s Day
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Friday Saturdays Sunday Wednesdays
6/9 6/5-7/31
Sunday
6/16
Mon-Fri
6/24-28
Kids Camp
Farmers Branch
Wed-Sun
7/10-14
Youth Camp
Lake Lavon Camp
Tuesday
8/6
Branch Youth End of Summer Party
TBD
Sunday
8/18
Branch Kids Promotion Sunday
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WE ARE HELPING EACH OTHER GROW AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS. EXPERIENCING LIFE BEFORE THE GRAVE, NOT JUST BEYOND IT.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEAD MINISTER
As I write, many are reeling from the images out of Paris. The horrific fire consuming much of the Cathedral of Notre Dame has touched the emotions of millions. People are moved by the desolation of sacred spaces in our world. Within 48 hours of the fire, more than a billion dollars in pledges and donations had already been promised for the rebuilding. As I’ve watched this unfold, I’ve found myself thinking about how sacred people are. While it’s appropriate to be moved by the burning of the cathedral, we should also be moved when we see people being consumed by injustice, addiction, anxiety, depression, illness, or their own sin. By the way, Scripture had something to say about us being a temple. The good news is that Jesus is in the restoration business. He’s all about restoring what’s been lost. The prophet Isaiah spoke about the Messiah bringing beauty out of the ashes. If you’re dealing with the ashes, follow Him to a life beyond them. You’ll find others alongside you at The Branch!
Grace and Peace,
Chris Seidman
Lead Minister
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I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. JOHN 14:6
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(NIV)
TRANSFORM CHILDREN’S LIVES + VOLUNTEER CONTACT ALEXIS HALL / AHALL@THEBRANCH.ORG
KIDS
CAMP MON-FRI, JUNE 24-28 9:00a - 1:00p FA R M E R S B R A N C H C A M P U S NEW OPPORTUNITY + OUTREACH Kids Camp is a week-long summer camp for all children who have completed Kindergarten through 4th grade. The camp is free (just bring your lunch) and will be full of learning The Truth about Jesus through service projects, outdoor games, worship, and time alone with God. Campers will learn that Jesus is GOOD, He is our TEACHER, He is our HEALER, and, most importantly, our SAVIOR. Camp will end with a threehour block party on Friday night for family and friends! Sign up today in the Branch App or at: thebranch.org/events Kids Camp is also providing an awesome opportunity for youth (completed 5th-12th grade) to lead small groups of elementary-age students throughout the week. We believe in equipping students to be leaders for the next generation. If you are interested, email us at: kidscamp@thebranch.org
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THE YOUTH EVENT OF THE SUMMER
YOUTH
CAMP W E D - S U N , J U LY 1 0 - 1 4 L A K E L AV O N
Youth Camp is our week-long summer camp for students who have completed 5th-12th grade. Students will learn about what it means to practically follow The Way of Jesus through teaching, worship, small group times, and outdoor activities. Our hope for students is that they leave with a better understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, and stronger relationships to help them along the way. EARLY BIRD PRICING is available at $185 until April 24. We strongly encourage you to sign up ASAP, because after April 24, the price will go up to $205; and on June 1st, it will go up to $235. ALSO, if you register before April 25, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 Amazon gift card! There are scholarships available for camp as well. We never want money to be a reason someone can’t go to camp. Please contact Ketch or Morgan if you need help with camp. We want to help, and we want as many students to be there as possible. Youth Camp is open to all, no matter if they attend The Branch or not.
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A BAPTISM STORY DIANE HILL Diane grew up knowing about Jesus.
declared her pain and longing as
Her mother saw to it that she would.
she reached out to our church
But after suffering tremendously in
leadership. Worship songs like “So
her teens, and a rocky relationship
Will I (100 Billion X)” helped her see
with her childhood church, she
the life she wanted to live, and she
struggled to find her place in God’s
began to pursue it more than ever
family.
before.
She continued to pursue God,
She began to realize that she needed
studying the Bible with her mother
to go back to the beginning by
and seeking pastoral assistance.
following in Jesus’ footsteps. Diane
When she began leading a Bible
attended our Foundations class on
study group, she recalls, “I quickly
April 6th, and at the end of the class,
realized...I was attempting to play the
she was baptized. Praise God!
part of the bride, when I was nothing more than an acquaintance.”
“The timing of the Foundations class and my baptism is not lost on me,
But no sooner had she made this
that they were divinely orchestrated
discovery than the earth dissolved
and I found Him there, at the cross,
beneath her feet.
Her mother
as promised. I have surrendered my
suddenly passed away, and her
shame...not just for my own mess,
position at her beloved job was
but the shame I have felt on behalf
phased out, all within six weeks
of the world.”
time. In removing that yoke from her
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“I felt myself drowning in shame
shoulders, Diane says she has finally
and the air bled out by the most
allowed herself to feel the embrace
desperate aching I’ve ever known.”
of the Father.
In the midst of this heartache, she
“I have finally been able to truly
stepped out in faith and boldly
deeply feel Him.”
C E L E B R AT I N G NEW BAPTISMS
Anthony Rainey
12/2/18
Payton Shoemaker
12/26/18
Cole Vargas
12/16/18
A'Janae Spivey
1/6/19
Jorge Rodriguez
1/13/19
Zebedee Gonzales
1/13/19
Evelyn Vazquez
1/16/19
Maria Saenz
2/3/19
Susan Perkins
2/3/19
Charles Wethington
2/10/19
Ale Ciniceros
2/16/19
Laynie Davis
3/3/19
Matt Hagood
3/17/19
Emma Bordelon
3/24/19
Shelby Tucker
3/24/19
Jessalynn Tucker
3/24/19
Diane Hill
4/6/19
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SACK SUMMER HUNGER S AT U R D AY S AT 9 : 3 0 a JUNE 8 - AUGUST 3 11
WA L K I N G A S J E S U S WA L K E D W E D N E S D AY N I G H T S
J U N E 5 - J U LY 3 1
FA R M E R S B R A N C H C A M P U S Is it even possible to walk as Jesus walked? Well, there’s only one way to find out! Follow along and study the very model of how to live life – the way Jesus lived – and maybe, just maybe, you’ll start feeling the sand beneath your feet.... More than merely highlighting various aspects of Jesus’ life, ministry veteran Dann Spader examines the broad scope of who He is, helping us understand how the life of Christ should transcend our busy, 21st-century lifestyles. With a practical approach, daily lessons in this seven-week study touch on foundational elements of Jesus’ life, including: • His intentionality in fostering loving relationships • His unwavering obedience and reverent submission to God • A life that was steadfast in prayer • His dependence upon the Holy Spirit • His movement of multiplying disciples
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THE BRANCH CHURCH
When we launched the Vista Ridge Campus in 2007, we knew we would have to eventually expand the facility on that campus if we were to help more people in the immediate vicinity come to know and follow Jesus. The Beyond Me initiative is aimed at addressing two specific needs:
1. S ignificantly more space needed for our kids and youth ministries.
2. More space needed for showing hospitality and helping people to connect.
In November 2017, we asked the church to confirm our leadership’s belief that the time had come for us to address the limitations of the Vista Ridge facility. The estimated cost of the project is around $9 million, and when the church responded with commitments of $8.8 million added to the $1.25 million we had already set aside for the project, we knew it was time to get moving. Demolition began in January 2019 with construction commencing in the spring, and we expect project completion in early 2020. If you’ve recently joined us, it’s not too late to contribute! The commitment period started in December 2017 and will run through November 2020, but you can give to the Beyond Me fund even if you didn’t make a commitment.
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If you have any questions about this campaign, please contact David Teutsch: dteutsch@thebranch.org
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C E L E B R AT E RECOVERY Encouraging each other to grow spiritually and to express the love of Christ beyond our walls.
Finding freedom from our hurts, habits, and hang-ups in a weekly, Christ-centered gathering.
MARRIAGES Proactively building healthy, Christ-centered marriages that result in strong families.
HOST TEAMS Actively serving at The Branch in Hospitality, Greeting, Safety, Communion, and Kitchen teams.
Walking alongside families to raise the next generation of disciples of Jesus.
Guiding middle school and high school students to follow the practices and person of Jesus Christ.
Empowering and equipping women in their pursuit of connecting with God and one another.
Connecting men to God, His Word, and other men.
Helping the more experienced in life find active involvement and spiritual shepherding.
Caring for people who are in times of trial or despair through prayer, visits, and other messages of love.
Engaging the Spanishspeaking community in Farmers Branch.
GO TEAM Showing the love of Christ to the communities we live in by being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our Ministries
WORSHIP Leading people to encounter, praise, and worship God with music and media.
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BRANCH GROUPS To experience the most spiritual growth at The Branch, you need to do life with other people. Branch Groups are meant to be gatherings where people, as disciples of Jesus, can learn to listen to God and obey Him.
W H AT A R E BRANCH GROUPS? We want to define Branch Groups in a very simple way. Here are the five things we think make a Branch Group:
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A Branch Group is when three or more people meet. That’s it! Of course, the more, the merrier.
A Branch Group prays together. Praying involves knowing what is happening in each other’s lives. And that leads us to…
A Branch Group meets consistently. The goal is to meet weekly to create the best opportunity for authentic sharing. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same group format all four weeks. Perhaps your group will meet once a month at a different time on a different day to share a meal with one another, volunteer at a church activity, or serve in your community.
A Branch Group holds each other accountable. If you are praying for your friends, chances are you’re going to want to know more about their lives and what to be praying for. Find the best way to communicate with one another (texting, email, facetime, etc.) in order to build relationships.
A Branch Group utilizes scripture. In some way, the Bible should be opened and God’s Word considered.
Hold each other accountable to these two questions: 1. What is God telling me? 2. What am I going to do about it?
W H AT C O N T E N T I S U S E D B Y BRANCH GROUPS? We provide a few options, but the short answer is, it’s up to you! As long as scripture is utilized, you’ll allow group members to hear from God. • Every week, we produce a sermonbased Bible study for Branch Groups to use in conjunction with that weekend’s sermon. Anyone can access it through our app or our website:
www.thebranch.org/ recent-posts • You can pick a book of the Bible to read through and discuss. • You could read through a book by any number of Christian authors to help you study.
• You can use our free subscription to RightNowMedia.com. RightNowMedia is basically the Netflix of Bible Studies. There are thousands of Bible study videos to help your group engage with the Bible. To get your free login to our subscription, type this into your web browser:
www.rightnowmedia.org/ account/Invite/thebranch
W H AT O T H E R R E S O U R C E S A R E AVA I L A B L E T O B R A N C H G R O U P S ? Besides the content-related resources we have listed, we’ve also made some financial resources available. • We want to make it easier for you to interact without distractions. We will help you pay for childcare. We’ve set aside resources to help every Branch Group pay for their own childcare provider by reimbursing them for a set amount.
Tim Ketchersid Farmers Branch Minister tketchersid@thebranch.org
• We believe in meeting the needs of others. So we’ve also dedicated a benevolence fund to each Branch Group that is replenished annually. As your group spends time together, we believe you will start to feel led by God to do things for people and help those in need.
Derek Robinson Visat Ridge Connections Minister drobinson@thebranch.org
If you’d like to start a group or if you’re already in one, let us know! We want to help resource your Branch Group. We also want to celebrate what God is doing in your life and support you in any way we can.
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Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program that meets EVERY week — rain or shine! We all have hurts, habits, and hang-ups, and CR is a program designed to help you find freedom. Come hear testimonies, find encouragement, and step forward in faith THIS WEEK!
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Celebrate Recovery (or CR)
CR emphasizes personal
the New Testament principle that
is based on God’s Word,
responsibility.
cannot
we don’t get well by ourselves. We
the Bible. When Jesus taught
control all that happens to us. But
need each other. Fellowship and
the Sermon on the Mount, he
we can control how we respond
accountability are two important
began by stating “Eight Ways to
to everything. That is a secret
components of spiritual growth.
Be Happy.” Today we call them the
of happiness. When we stop
CR addresses all types of
Beatitudes. From a conventional
wasting time fixing the blame,
habits, hurts, and hang-
viewpoint,
these
we have more energy to fix the
ups. Some recovery programs
statements didn’t make sense.
problem. When we stop hiding
deal only with alcohol or drugs
They sounded like contradictions.
our own faults and stop hurling
or another single problem. But
But when we fully understand
accusations at others, then the
Celebrate Recovery is a “large
what Jesus is saying, we’ll realize
healing power of Christ can begin
umbrella” program under which a
that these eight principles are
working in our minds, wills, and
limitless number of issues can be
God’s road to recovery, wholeness,
emotions.
dealt with.
growth, and spiritual maturity.
CR utilizes the biblical truth
We are seeing hopeless
CR
forward-looking.
that we need each other in
marriages
Rather than wallowing in the past,
order to grow spiritually
people set free from all
or dredging up and rehearsing
and emotionally. It is built
kinds
painful memories over and over,
around small group interaction
hang-ups, and hurts as
Celebrate Recovery focuses on
and the fellowship of a caring
they allow Jesus to be Lord
the future. Regardless of what has
community. There are many
in every area of their lives.
already happened, the solution is
therapies, growth programs, and
To God be the glory! We’ll
to start making wise choices now
counselors today that are built
be praying for you.
and depend on Christ’s power to
around one-on-one interaction.
help us make those changes.
But Celebrate Recovery is built on
is
most
of
We
of
restored sinful
and
habits,
JOIN US AT CELEBRATE RECOVERY TUESDAYS • 7:00P THE BRANCH CHURCH - VISTA RIDGE 3601 HUFFINES BLVD. C A R R O L LTO N, T X 7 5 0 1 0
“… Celebrate Recovery is for ALL people. One thing I have learned is that everyone needs this program. I am proud to be one of ‘those people’ because we are ALL ‘those people.’ We are broken people, sinners of the deepest kind, who have experienced the worst things we have ever felt and need God and this program to give us the strength to push through it. It is a blessing every day that I have this program to go to and help me through the hard times I face....”
NICOLE “Here’s the thing about CR: I not only need to be here, I want to be here. I love it here. Through recovery, I have also been able to become involved with an amazing church family. The old me hated church greeters and people who played in praise bands, but now I do both of those things and love it. God has changed my priorities and goals, and through that has come more contentment and joy and peace than I ever thought possible. ”God is truly good. I can’t say that God has restored to me what I lost. Instead, He has given me so much more than I could have possibly imagined. Getting sober from alcohol kept me alive, but it’s the Christ-centered recovery that I’ve found here in CR that has given my life meaning and brought me to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because of Him, I have found joy, peace, and learned to love myself again.”
JAY
“This experience has definitely drawn me closer to the Lord, His people, and my family, and it’s given me so many good relationships with new friends at CR. My personal relationship with Christ is constantly growing; I pray that He gives me the desire and discipline not to sin. “He has kept me alive through some major accidents, so I know he has a plan for me which is greater than the one I have for myself.”
JOHN 20
Renaissance Dallas Plano at Legacy
THEBRANCH
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Rebekah Pitts
June 7-9
rpitts@thebranch.org
BRANCH MARRIAGES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO BUILDING HEALTHY, CHRISTCENTERED MARRIAGES THAT RESULT IN STRONG FAMILIES.
MARRIAGE CLASS
MARRIAGE MENTORING
PREMARITAL COUNSELING
We frequently offer a nineweek course that will help you discover how your marriage can thrive and be more fulfilling than you ever thought possible.
Marriage mentoring identifies, equips, and empowers couples to disciple other married couples by consistently spending time together as couples, sharing life experiences, and learning more about God and His design for marriage together.
A biblically based premarital mentorship program designed to help dating or engaged couples prepare for marriage. Each participant is engaged individually and as a couple.
Based on the “Love Bank” model from the book, His Needs, Her Needs by Dr. Willard Harley, you’ll learn how communication and behavior styles affect the way you and your spouse act and react to each other. Through an interactive learning process, you’ll identify behaviors that may be damaging your marriage, develop healthy ways to deal with marital conflict, and take concrete steps to meet each other’s needs better than you ever have before. This class is limited to 12 couples, and is first-come, first-served.
One of the most effective ways to make a good marriage great, and a struggling marriage strong, is by getting involved in marriage mentoring. Here, mentors and mentees consistently spend time together as couples, sharing each other’s life experiences and learning more about God and His design for marriage. Both mentors and mentees that have completed the mentoring process give powerful testimonies of how meeting regularly with another couple completely enriched or restored their marriage.
I Promise is our mentoring program for pre-marriage couples. It is designed to help dating or engaged couples prepare for marriage. Each participant is engaged individually and as a couple with thought-provoking questions about biblical truth and their life experiences. This program helps couples better understand each other’s unique personalities, strengths, and communication keys and barriers. The result is a couple better prepared for all God has in store for them in marriage. Sessions include the topics of covenant commitment, roles in marriage, communication, conflict resolution, forgiveness, sexuality, and finances.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET STARTED, EMAIL JANICE INGRAM: JINGRAM@THEBRANCH.ORG 22
BRANCH KIDS
We Believe Children have access to the same God as adults, and because of this, our Sunday morning program walks kids through a Christ-centered, chronological journey through Scripture with the help of incredible volunteers. The Bible is an amazing book. It’s not just a collection
We are privileged to share Jesus with kids every
of stories, it’s one BIG story where everything points
weekend.
to Jesus. Every weekend, Branch Kids is connecting
season at The Branch Church, we’re looking forward
the dots pointing to Jesus throughout the Old and
to the new stories, new faces, and new life that will
New Testament in meaningful ways. Our journey is
come as more and more of these young people grow
even dealing with the “tough stuff” in the Bible.
to know Jesus. We’re seeing children making their
As we move into a new and exciting
own decisions to follow Him, sharing their faith with Jesus’ friends carried His message to the ends of the
everyone they meet, and living differently because
earth. Faithful followers like Peter, Paul, and others
of Jesus. We are striving to equip both our teacher
shared the Good News wherever they went. You
volunteers and, more importantly, families for this
and I have the same calling. We are to share Jesus
mission.
wherever we go until one day when He returns to make everything right again.
If you’re interested in seeing this mission carried out at The Branch, get in touch with us and be part of our ministry to children. We want to hear from you.
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B R A N C H YO U T H
G r o w i n g To g e t h e r Branch Youth (6th - 12th grade) is guiding middle school and high school students to follow the practices and person of Jesus Christ.
Most of us remember what it was like in middle
follow Jesus in our everyday lives. We don’t want
school and high school. It’s a trying time of change,
our relationship with Jesus or church to be a hobby;
where our identities begin to form, and our beliefs
we want it to be all of life and something we filter
are put to the test. In many ways, it’s the most critical
everything through.
time in a person’s development. It’s often also looked upon as the time we had the most fun.
We also do events throughout the year such as Youth Camp, overnighters, and campouts for students to have
Branch Youth meets weekly at both campuses for
fun while growing closer to each other and to God.
games, worship, teaching, and small group time. We are presenting to students the story and practices of
V I S TA R I D G E :
Jesus of Nazareth that lead to a new way of living.
Sundays – 9:15a (Middle School)
We want Sundays and Wednesdays to be a place
Wednesdays – 7:00-8:30p (High School)
where students want to be, where they feel like they belong, and where they learn about Jesus and how
FARMERS BRANCH:
much He loves them. This summer and throughout
Sundays – 9:00a (Middle School)
the year, we will be focusing on how to practically
Wednesdays – 7:00-9:00p (Middle School and High School)
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Create your login at:
CONNECT
THEBRANCH.ORG/CONNECT
Branch Connect is what we call our online database. Using the powerful Church Community Builder platform, Branch Connect enables you to: Update your own information Interact with Branch Groups you belong to Set up a recurring gift, and see your giving statement
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive an activation email from The Branch Church <notifications@ccbchurch.com> with the subject line “New Login Created.” This email has a green button that you will use to activate your profile, set a password, and log in.
Control the way the church communicates with you ...and much more!
NEXT STEPS... When you go home today, take a few minutes to:
1 Log in The first step is to simply “get your foot in the door.” It doesn’t sound like much, but this is a HUGE accomplishment. Congratulations!
You can log in anytime from THEBRANCH.ORG by clicking the link at the bottom right corner of any page.
2 Update your information If you’ve filled out a communication card, that information is already loaded in Branch Connect, but it’s up to YOU to make sure it’s correct and up-to-date. Help us have accurate info about you! Just go to your profile icon at the top right of the screen and then select the EDIT PROFILE button.
3 Add your photo How cool would it be if your name had a face to match it? Upload an individual picture of yourself on your profile, and don’t forget to upload a group photo of your family by choosing the camera icon in your family section.
4 Set your preferences 25
Do you want to allow other church goers to contact you? How about church emails? With Branch Connect, you can use the ACTIONS button to subscribe or unsubscribe from various lists, and control your overall privacy settings.
Confused? Have a question or concern? Contact Jaron Pitts: jpitts@thebranch.org
PROFILE PICTURE T I P S It’s important for you to use a clear and current picture of yourself. Here are a few examples of what NOT to do:
Too out of date
Too far away
Too close
No groups
Not your kids
No couples
Not your pet
Not your car
Can’t see your face
Yes! The real you.
BRANCH CONNECT QUICK FACTS • For security reasons, addresses and phone numbers for church members will not be given out by staff. Please use Branch Connect to look up someone’s information. If they haven’t made it available to you, you can send them an email and ask for it. • You can customize your Privacy Settings for each field in your profile: Church Leadership Only - Fields with this setting can only be viewed by appropriate church leadership. Your Branch Group Leaders are considered Church Leadership. My Groups Members - Fields with this setting can be viewed by members of your groups if the group is set up to allow member interaction. Appropriate church leadership can view the information as well. Everybody - Fields with this setting can be viewed by anyone who has a login and password to use our system. Note - We recommend that you do NOT set every field to Church Leadership Only, but instead decide on a mix that will encourage others to engage with you.
• See your giving record online. It is, of course, completely private, but you’ll be able to log in and print your own giving report. • The more you complete your My Fit selections, the more we can identify opportunities for you to serve in the church. Click on your photo (or initials) in the top
right, then hit the ‘Actions’ button beneath your name, and choose ‘My Fit’ to select your Spiritual Gifts, Passions, and Abilities. • If your child has food allergies or other special instructions, you can indicate so on his/her profile, and that information will be included on their Kids Branch name tag. • Branch Connect customizes your calendar based on which groups you’re in. Your ‘My Calendar’ shows events you’ve registered for, your groups’ events, and needs you’ve chosen to provide. • Log in regularly! Check the message boards for all your groups, and share burdens, praises, and prayer requests. You can post a comment using the link in the email you receive when a message or comment is posted. • The Branch Connect site provides tools for surveys and event registration. If your group needs one of these tools, contact Jaron Pitts and ask how to create it. • The Branch Connect site provides attendance tracking. We encourage our groups and classes to log attendance. If you need help setting up your group, contact Jaron Pitts.
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T H E B R A N C H S TA F F
Chris Seidman
Executive Minister Governance Council dteutsch@thebranch.org
James Asplund
Sarah Asplund
Worship Ministry Director jasplund@thebranch.org
Alexis Hall Kids Minister Farmers Branch ahall@thebranch.org
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David Teutsch
Lead Minister, Elder Governance Council cseidman@thebranch.org
Worship Leader sasplund@thebranch.org
Vickie Hinton
Administrative Assistant vhinton@thebranch.org
Tim Ketchersid
Minister Farmers Branch Campus tketchersid@thebranch.org
Josh Brake NextGen Lead Minister jbrake@thebranch.org
Josh Hobbs
Audio/Visual/Lighting Engineer jhobbs@thebranch.org
Ryan Rainey
Minister Vista Ridge Campus rrainey@thebranch.org
Morgan Eggers Youth Minister Farmers Branch meggers@thebranch.org
Janice Ingram
Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minister jingram@thebranch.org
Everything we do at The Branch Church is possible because of faithful volunteers and servant leaders. The list of folks below are the church staff who are here to help organize, equip, and empower you for ministry.
Eddy Ketchersid Community & Senior Adults Minister
Farmers Branch eketchersid@thebranch.org
Kyle Poff
Lynn McQueen
Facilities Manager lmcqueen@thebranch.org
Jenny Rich
Jaron Pitts
Rebekah Pitts
Sara Rivas
Derek Robinson
Creative/Communications Director Worship Minister jpitts@thebranch.org
Vista Ridge Ministry Coordinator rpitts@thebranch.org
Technology Director kpoff@thebranch.org
Administrative Assistant jrich@thebranch.org
NextGen Coordinator srivas@thebranch.org
Connections Minister Vista Ridge drobinson@thebranch.org
Luis Sanchez
Ketch Smith
Mona Swofford
Adam Toy
Ministro HispaĂąo Farmers Branch lsanchez@thebranch.org
Youth Minister Vista Ridge ksmith@thebranch.org
Operations Director mswofford@thebranch.org
Worship Leader atoy@thebranch.org
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THE BRANCH ELDERS These are our elders and their wives. The elders are the leaders of our church and provide oversight for the congregation. As servant leaders, they aren’t just setting policy and making rules, they are also responsible for:
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Caring for those who are hurting
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Mentoring those longing to grow spiritually
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Equipping future leaders
Don’t hesitate to approach them! Allow God to use them as shepherds in your life.
Elder Terms and Selection Process We ask elders who have served their term (4.5 years) to step back from the eldership for at least an eighteen-month sabbatical. Every eighteen months, we ask the church for recommendations on men who have shown pastoral strengths and other qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Those who are recommended will be considered for the eldership, and over the course of the process, will be put before the congregation to affirm their selection.
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Gary and Rhonda Braugh
Blake and Amy Crowell
Kevin and Becky Drew
Terry and Janet Grimm
Vista Ridge Campus gary.braugh@thebranch.org
Vista Ridge Campus blake.crowell@thebranch.org
Farmers Branch Campus kevin.drew@thebranch.org
Vista Ridge Campus terry.grimm@thebranch.org
John and Tracy Krantz
Ken and Louise Lefler
Bruce and Deana Long
Vista Ridge Campus john.krantz@thebranch.org
Vista Ridge Campus ken.lefler@thebranch.org
Vista Ridge Campus bruce.long@thebranch.org
Ryan and Cheri Nienstadt
Tom and Angie Pitts
Farmers Branch Campus ryan.nienstadt@thebranch.org
Farmers Branch Campus tom.pitts@thebranch.org
Mark and Kay Pope Farmers Branch Campus mark.pope@thebranch.org
Clarke Watkins
Ben and Janet Wheeler
Chris and Tara Seidman
Vista Ridge Campus clarke.watkins@thebranch.org
Farmers Branch Campus ben.wheeler@thebranch.org
cseidman@thebranch.org
Doug and Jan Nash Farmers Branch Campus doug.nash@thebranch.org
Jason and Kimberly Schumacher Farmers Branch Campus jason.schumacher@thebranch.org
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THE NEW APP IS HERE! D O W N L O A D T O D AY ! THEBRANCH.ORG/APP
Available in App Stores
ONLINE SERVICE S U N D AY S AT 1 1 : 0 0 a ONLINE.THEBRANCH.ORG
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I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)