Branch Out - Fall 2024

THE BRANCH CHURCH

FALL 2024 ISSUE

BRANCH OUT

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

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S S E R V I C E T I M E S & LO C AT I O N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 1 A N OT E F R O M C H R I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 2 C A L E N D A R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 4 S TA RT I N G P O I N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 5 R O OT E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .07 WAY S TO C O N N E C T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 8 B A P T I S M S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 0 B R A N C H K I D S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1 B R A N C H YO U T H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 3 W O M E N I N T H E W O R D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 4 G R I E F S H A R E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 5 D I V O R C E C A R E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 6 C E L E B R AT E R E C O V E RY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 7 B R A N C H M A R R I A G E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 8 B R A N C H W O R S H I P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 9 MISSIONS & BENEVOLENCE........................20

SERVICE TIMES & LOCATIONS FARMERS BRANCH SUNDAYS 9:00 AM 10: 45 AM 3035 Valley View Ln. Farmers Branch, TX 75234

VISTA RIDGE THURSDAYS 7:00 PM SUNDAYS 9:00 AM 10: 45 AM 3601 Huffines Blvd.

Carrollton, TX 75010 1

A N OT E F R O M O U R L E A D M I N I S T E R

This November marks 61 years since the Kennedy assassination here in Dallas. One of the most interesting stories I’ve read was about how quickly word spread of his assassination.

Research done since then estimates that within one hour of his assassination, 9 out of every 10 Americans had heard of it – with 42% hearing of it within 15 minutes and 70% of everyone hearing of it within 30 minutes. Between radio/ television and the power of word-of-mouth, bad news traveled at an exponential rate for 1963.

The speed at which the news spreads then is the pace of a tortoise compared to the speed at which news spreads today.

Bad news seems to travel a lot faster than good news. So do lies. As Will Rogers once said, “By the time the truth rolls out of bed and gets its pants on, a lie has already made its way halfway around the world.”

Every now and then, though, good news and the truth picks up speed.

In January 2009, Tim Tebow quarterbacked Florida to another national championship. In

the championship game, he wore an imprint of “John 3:16” on the black underneath his eyes.

The next day, it was the number one search on Google — being Googled more than 90 million times as people wanted to know what John 3:16 was referencing.

It’s our desire for the good news of Jesus and the difference He makes in people’s lives to travel fast, far, and wide. At The Branch, we desire to help people become, live, and grow as disciples of Jesus for the glory of God and the good of all. I hope this edition of Branch Out will give you a window into some of the opportunities for service, connection, and growth here at The Branch. We’d love to have you join us on our journey at The Branch!

Grace and Peace,

Chris Seidman Lead Minister cseidman@thebranch.org

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Scan here to see more event details.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Find out more about our upcoming events and register on the “What’s Happening” page at thebranch.org or in The Branch app.

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DAYS

DATES

SUN

8/18

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH

SUN

8/25

STATE OF THE BRANCH

SUN

9/8

STARTING POINT

SUN

9/8

ROOTED BEGINS

SUN

9/8

BRANCH GROUPS BEGIN

MON & WED

9/9 & 11

SUN

9/15

FRI

9/20

SUN

9/27

FRI & SAT

10/4 & 5

EVENT AT ROSEMEADE RAINFOREST VISTA RIDGE

WOMEN IN THE WORD BEGINS BABY BLESSING BRANCH KIDS

FAMILY EVENT VISTA RIDGE

NIGHT OF WORSHIP FALL WOMEN’S EVENT STARTING POINT

SUN

10/6

FRI

10/18

SAT

10/26

FALL FESTIVAL

SUN

11/3

STARTING POINT

FARMERS BRANCH

NIGHT OF WORSHIP

BRANCH YOUTH

FRI-SUN

11/8-10

FRI

11/15

PARENT CONNECT NIGHT

SAT

11/23

SACK THANKSGIVING HUNGER

SUN

12/1

STARTING POINT

WED

12/18

SUN

12/1-22

MON

12/23

TUES

12/24

TUES

12/24

MON & WED

1/13 & 15

YOUTH FALL RETREAT

BRANCH YOUTH

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY FARMERS BRANCH

ADVENT

VISTA RIDGE

7 PM CANDLELIGHT SERVICE VISTA RIDGE

3 & 5 PM CANDLELIGHT SERVICES FARMERS BRANCH

4 & 6 PM CANDLELIGHT SERVICES WOMEN IN THE WORD BEGINS

SUN

1/19

ROOTED BEGINS

FRI

1/24

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

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New to The Branch?

S TA RT I N G P O I N T You were designed to be a part of a church family. That’s exactly what The Branch Church is intended to be — your family. A healthy family has common beliefs, purposes, and commitments. That’s why we want to share what we believe and where we’re going.

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

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

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

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

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A N 1 1 -W E E K D I S C I P L E S H I P E X P E R I E N C E

T H E N E X T S T E P I N YO U R DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY Rooted is an 11-week, group-based experience designed to help you develop Christ-centered rhythms, fostering a deeper connection with God, the church, and your purpose. If you’re unsure about your next step, Rooted is tailored for you! We’ve heard some incredible testimonies from the hundreds who’ve already participated in this transformative experience at The Branch. New groups will begin this fall, so keep an eye out for your chance to sign up in the “What’s Happening” section of The Branch app, or simply scan below to visit our website.

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VISIT OUR “WHAT’S HAPPENING” PAGE

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a mordecai to me

BY CHRIS GIGL

Over the past two years, we’ve had the honor of meeting many great men through our relationship with the Sober Living of America program. Wenduel Stanley caught our attention due to his joy and consistent outward focus on others, including bringing many to The Branch. Eventually he left Sober Living to go to a program in Richardson.

When I had the privilege of baptizing Charles Willis several months ago, it was the Sunday that Chris asked us to honor and recognize someone in our life who was a Mordecai.

So, while in the baptistry, explaining how Charles started worshipping with us and how this ultimately led to his baptism, I mentioned that Wenduel is a Mordecai to me.

telling him this news, he started weeping and said, “Chris, I have to go get on my knees and praise Jesus.”

When the day arrived to go car shopping, we stopped for lunch. I asked Wenduel how I could be praying for him, and he told me several requests. I asked if we could pray about him being estranged from his family. He said, “I’ve had no relationship with them for many years and deservedly so. It’s hopeless.” However, knowing that our God is a God of restoration and reconciliation, we prayed for exactly that.

The next day, Wenduel reached out to his exwife. For the first time, she responded. He asked if she would give him his son’s phone number, and Although he didn’t have unbelievably, she said yes. a car, Wenduel had been He messaged his son, and bringing Charles with not only did he respond, him all the way from he said, “Dad, I want to Wenduel Stanley and Chris Gigl Richardson by taking an take you out for Father’s Uber to the nearest bus stop, then the bus as Day!” They have talked or texted every day since. close to church as possible, and then the two of So much more than Wenduel could have hoped or them walking the rest of the way. When I asked imagined! him why he would do all of that, passing so many other churches along the way, Wenduel said When Wenduel picked out his car (a used Lexus), he through tears that attending The Branch was looked like he had won the lottery! He has recently the first time in his 60 years of life that he felt so been named House Manager at Eudemonia warmly embraced, like a regular person and with Recovery House in Duncanville and has already not even a hint of prejudice because of his race. been using his vehicle to bring many more people That after getting out of prison and struggling to church and our bible studies on Saturday with addiction, coming here actually saved his life. and Sunday from out-of-the-way places such He said he had known God all his life, but now, for as Garland and Richardson. In Wenduel, a true the first time, he has a relationship with Him! Mordecai, we can clearly see the fruit of a man whose life is marked by new life in and relationship A couple was so moved by this testimony that, the with Christ that we are all offered. next day, they offered to buy Wenduel a car. Upon

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Penny Schroeder

3/5/24

Erika Saldana

5/19/24

Grace Fournier Isaiah Dickey Leah Alcala Preston Pleitez Alma Pleitez Andrew Rivera Alejandro Rodriguez Tracy Francis Major Ogilvie Olivia Wirth Jarrod Mariano Jesse Potter Brodie Nash Brielle Knutson Ella Bonneau Mark Sawicki Ethan Vanegas Eileen Hua Christabelle Alexander Chris Hull Erin Yeang Bobby Ibarra Kevin White Joshua Hamilton Scott Carman Katelyn Van Dyke Jacob Van Dyke

3/21/24

5/19/24

5/6/24

Ethan Putnam Isaac Barrera Charles Willis Heidi Camarena Aaron Wilson Abi Rainey Isabel Varela Matthew Stone Autumn Velez Harrison Jones Jake Brooks Joshua Senase Jimmy Latta Siena Vasquez Sawyer Vasquez Addison Ragosino Clint Dye Hattie Arthur Sadie Arthur Becky Klein Mark Egan Benjamin Coventry Sergio Varela Zachary Street Harold Dortch Sebastian Macias

5/6/24

Willie Busuego

7/28/24

3/24/24 3/24/24 3/24/24 3/24/24 3/26/24 3/29/24 3/30/24 3/31/24 3/31/24 3/31/24 3/31/24 3/31/24 4/7/24 4/7/24 4/7/24 4/7/24 4/8/24 4/8/24 4/8/24 4/21/24 4/21/24 4/25/24 4/26/24 4/28/24

C E L E B R AT I N G RECENT BAPTISMS

5/19/24 5/26/24 6/2/24 6/2/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/9/24 6/12/24 6/12/24 6/12/24 6/23/24 6/30/24 6/30/24 6/30/24 7/1/24 7/12/24 7/14/24 7/14/24 7/21/24 7/28/24

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BRANCH KIDS In Branch Kids, we want kids to become, grow, and live as disciples of Jesus!

Working alongside families and volunteers, our goal is for our kids to live lives deeply rooted in His word and the truth of the gospel as they love, serve, lead, and worship. Kids can be a part of it all!

Branch Kids is a highly relational ministry led by loving and caring adult and teen volunteers. Our prayer is that kids draw close to the Lord and build a personal relationship with Jesus. We pray that they know that they have access to the same Holy Spirit as adults, and The Spirit fills them with power, love, and a sound mind. We believe every child that comes to Branch Kids is a child of God: fully seen, known, and loved by their Heavenly Father. Our volunteers are an extension of that love.

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

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

If you’re interested in being a part of our ministry to children, we want to hear from you!

Katie Gray

Kids Minister Vista Ridge kgray@thebranch.org

Allison Lankford

Interim Kids Volunteer Coordinator

Farmers Branch alankford@thebranch.org

Vera Holloway

Kids Minister Farmers Branch vholloway@thebranch.org Starting October 27!

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B R A N C H YO U T H Branch Youth (6th - 12th grade) is guiding middle school and high school students to follow the practices and person of Jesus Christ.

WEEKLY GATHERINGS

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

Sundays Farmers Branch: 9:00 am Vista Ridge: 10:45 am

Branch Youth meets on Wednesdays for games, worship, teaching, and small group time.

We want Branch Youth to be a place where students want to be, where they feel like they belong, and where they learn about Jesus and how much He loves them. Throughout the year, we focus on how to practically follow Jesus in our everyday lives. We also do events throughout the year, such as Branch Camp, hang-outs, and retreats for students to have fun while growing closer to each other and to God. 13

Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm • 6th - 12th Grade Both campuses currently meet at Vista Ridge on Wednesday nights 3601 Huffines Blvd. Carrollton, TX 75010

Marlee McFarland

Zack Richardson

Vista Ridge Youth Minister mmcfarland@thebranch.org

Farmers Branch Youth Minister zrichardson@thebranch.org

Stay up-to-date by signing up for

TEXT REMINDERS!

Send “YOUTH” to 972-440-2470

WOMEN IN THE WORD M O N D AY N I G H T S • 7 : 0 0 P M • V I S TA R I D G E W E D N E S D AY M O R N I N G S • 1 0 : 0 0 A M • FA R M E R S B R A N C H

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

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

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

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NEED HELP DEALING WITH GRIEF? O u r G r i e f S h a re s u p p o r t g ro u p i s h e re fo r y o u .

There’s no “right way” to grieve Feeling angry or full of regret? Are you depressed and wondering how to heal? Do you walk around in a mental fog? All this is normal. And while your grief journey is unique, you’ll find many grieving people are facing the same struggles. And others who’ve gone before you can help.

Grief cannot be rushed You may wish you could bypass the difficult emotions or push down the pain. Or maybe others are pressuring you to “get up and move on.” But healing from grief and loss requires you to go through your grief. We have resources that can help you find relief and stability.

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

Register in the “What’s Happening” section of The Branch app or at: thebranch.org 15 Questions? Reach out to our Care & Recovery Minister, Ryan Rainey: rrainey@thebranch.org

FIND HELP AND HEALING

fo r t h e h u r t o f s e p a ra t i o n a n d d i v o rc e .

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

DivorceCare Topics Emotional healing • Deep hurt • Anger • Grief & depression • Loneliness • Fears & anxiety Overcoming relationship struggles • Family & friends after divorce • Conflict • Forgiveness • Interacting with your ex

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

Video seminar • 30-minute video • Practical advice and insights from divorce recovery experts • Real-life stories from people who have been where you are Focused support group • Discussing what you learned from the video and how to apply it • Sharing how each group member is doing (only if you want to share) Participant guide • Exercises and articles for recovery and personal growth • Parenting tips • Practical tools to help you heal

Handling practical challenges • Single living • Financial & legal issues • Moving forward

Register in the “What’s Happening” section of The Branch app or at: thebranch.org Questions? Reach out to our Care & Recovery Minister, Ryan Rainey: rrainey@thebranch.org 16

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!

“Finding camaraderie and support when you’re going through some of the worst times in life is what keeps me coming back every week.

Having accountability partners and a sponsor to consistently help me navigate life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups roots me stronger in my faith and my life’s purpose. I’ve learned so much in this program that I can apply to every situation life throws at me!” - Niki Wight

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

We are seeing hopeless marriages restored and people set free from all kinds of sinful habits, hangups, and hurts as they allow Jesus to be Lord in every area of their lives. To God be the glory! We’ll be praying for you.

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

J O I N U S AT C E L E B R AT E R E C OV E RY T U E S D AY S • 7 : 0 0 P M 17

T H E B R A N C H C H U R C H - V I S TA R I D G E 3 6 0 1 H U F F I N E S B LV D .

BRANCH MARRIAGES A P R O A C T I V E A P P R O A C H T O B U I L D I N G H E A LT H Y, C H R I S TC E N T E R E D M A R R I A G E S T H AT R E S U LT I N S T R O N G F A M I L I E S

MARRIAGE MENTORING Marriage mentoring identifies, equips, and empowers couples to disciple other married couples by consistently spending time together as couples, sharing life experiences, and learning more about God and His design for marriage together.

YO U R R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S N E E D E D We are in need of qualified mentor couples who can facilitate and shepherd other couples. If you know of a couple who would be good at this, please visit thebranch.org/marriages and send us your recommendations.

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BRANCH WORSHIP TECH TEAMS • WORSHIP TEAMS

We’d love to meet you!

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you!

Joshua Hobbs Worship Ministry Director 19

jhobbs@thebranch.org

Biblijski Institut

Camp of The Hills

Christian Community Action

Biblical Institute of Zagreb - Central European Christian Education Foundation

Christian Summer Camp

cecef.net

campofthehills.org

ccahelps.org

Beyond

Great Cities Missions

Metrocrest Services

Missionaries Seth & Emily P. making Jesus known among the unreached in Indonesia

Sharing Christ with the Latin World

Helping individuals, families, and seniors

beyond.org

greatcities.org

metrocrestservices.org

Namikango Mission

Pioneer Bible Translators

Missions Resource Network

Empowering African communities through Christ-centered transformation.

mrnet.org

namikango.org

pioneerbible.org

Solutions of North Texas

SomeOne Cares

Touch A Life

Advocacy and Pregnancy Center

Rescueing, renewing, and restoring survivors of child trafficking

sontx.org

someonecaresfamily.com

touchalifekids.org

MISSIONS & B E N E VO L E N C E Organizations The Branch Financially Supports

THE BRANCH CHURCH

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

John 10:10 (NIV)