It’s easy for any community — even a church — to turn inward and get comfortable. How many of us have felt the sting of being excluded or ignored? But Jesus calls us outside the walls, where the real action is!
Listen to how Hebrews 13:10-14 says it; "So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This 'insider world' is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come.”
Join us this All Saints Sunday as we explore what it means to follow Jesus beyond our comfort zones — to love, serve, and reach those who feel left out. Come ready to be challenged, inspired, and reminded that Jesus is better than keeping to ourselves!
We’ll be encouraged to take small, bold steps of love, where Jesus is at work in the world around us. It’s a Sunday to realign our hearts with His mission and celebrate that we were once outsiders, too… until Jesus came for us!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
CAN YOU RELATE to that feeling of thinking and preparing for something for so long, waiting for the moment to finally arrive.. and then, it's HERE! It's time!
Let's gooooooooo!!!
Coming off the celebration of last Sunday, looking back on THREE YEARS of God's faithfulness and goodness, it's time to focus our gaze once more on the road ahead. This Sunday, we begin our journey through the last chapter of Hebrews. A culmination of all that God's be showing us throughout this book. All the history, all the theology, all the encouragement - it comes down to this last chapter and these final instructions on what it looks like to actually "run this race marked out for us".
In light of all this, how should we then live? What does it look like, practically?This first section of chapter 13 will challenge us in so many ways. It will remind us that JESUS IS BETTER than being selfish, in every area of our lives - that giving, not getting, is what brings real freedom. It's how we start running this race, and it's the fuel that will carry us to the finish!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
We have so much to celebrate as Branches crosses the three-year mark of meeting together every Sunday! Wow - what awesome things God has done! Could you even count the stories? It's like a tidal wave of Jesus' love and grace changing lives everywhere we look.
This Sunday, we take some time to reflect and celebrate on these amazing three years together (with three faith-stories!), and we'll be challenged and encouraged to look ahead for more of what God has in store.
Chapter 12 of Hebrews will remind us that God is building an "unshakable Kingdom" in and through us. It's not promised to be easy, though. There's no Lazy-Boy seats in the house; this is a long-distance race - a marathon. But it's WORTH IT!
Jesus is better than sitting around in lazy comfort. He's got a mission and purpose for us all. And only with God can we confidently say "the best is yet to come!"
Sunday 10:30am // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
FAITH in our culture’s view is something you acquire and develop within yourself. You know; “...gotta have faith, faith, faith!” Or, how about this cliche in positive thinking: “Trust in yourself, have faith!”
But God invites us to a totally different reality; faith not in ourselves, but in something -or someone- outside of ourselves; faith that comes from Him as a gift.
When we doubt, we’re welcomed through the grace of God to bring Him our doubts and ask for His gift of faith to strengthen us. It’s not important how much faith you have (‘a mustard seed’ is all it takes!), the important thing is what you’re placing your faith in.
Remember, JESUS IS BETTER than giving up!
"Faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living." (Hebrews 11:1)
This Sunday, we arrive at Chapter 11 of Hebrews, the great “Hall of Faith”; a list of inspiring heroes, examples to look up to when we feel like quitting (which members of our church read aloud from their seats - and microphones couldn't pick up unfortunately). But, it's not a list to compare ourselves with and try to “go and do great things” - it’s a list that reminds us to trust in God - a reminder of WHERE our faith comes from and WHO it’s directed toward!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
WE CAN BE TEMPTED to give up on faith when doubts and questions swirl around us. We can be tempted to give up on love when disappointment and rejection knock us down. We can be tempted to give up on hope when our situations are confusing and difficult. When following God's path seems murky and the way of Jesus unpopular, there's a real pull to abandon it all and just do what feels 'right' and easy.
This Sunday, we get to chapter 10 of Hebrews and come across this famous passage; "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Are you ready to be encouraged and stengthened for whatever you're facing?
JESUS IS BETTER than giving up!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
Some might look back with fond nostalgia on the past and say this was the "good 'ol days", "things were better back then" - but, really?
Sometimes new developments are truly helpful. And that couldn't more true in the case of Jesus' arrival! Jesus came to bring a "new covenant"; a new relationship between us and God. There's no going back, why would we want to? JESUS IS BETTER than the past!
Yet, old thinking, old habits, old hurts, and old ways sometimes hold us back. This Sunday, we'll look through chapters 7-10 of Hebrews and see why we can look forward in hope, because Jesus is so much better than anything in the past!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
WHAT VOICE has the most influence in your life? Who do we listen to - and how does that affect and impact us? Is it Podcasters? Preachers? Youtubers? Parents? Grandparents? Big brothers or sisters? Even the best Pastors?
Last week, as we kicked off our new series, we looked at Hebrews 1-3 and saw how Jesus Is Better than angels or any spiritual beings, and this Sunday, we'll move on to chapter 4 and see how Jesus Is Better than any human being, ever. The most important, influential person you can think of can't measure up to Jesus - not even close!
And often times they let us down anyway! People disappoint, they don’t come through, they break promises and hurt us, but JESUS never does and never will. Lots of “leader types” are trying to tell us stuff, sell us stuff, but there’s one leader above them all...
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
Whether you're a Christian, or just checking out church for the first time, you know that angels have actually gotten a lot of press throughout the centuries; statues, paintings, tattoos. In fact, the Devil himself was an angel at one time - one who rebelled (interesting story!).
Humboldt County is a very “spiritual place". There’s all sorts of spiritual entities or transcendental experiences offered around here - just take a look at your favorite coffee shop bulletin board!
Have you ever been tempted to try out something spiritually new or different? Or maybe thought, “You know, I’m not so sure about Jesus and His unpopular teachings, God seems too mysterious, church too rigid, people too flawed - maybe an angel or some other spirit-being can help me!”
You're not alone in this.
As we kick off our brand new sermon series on Hebrews, entitled "Jesus Is Better", we looked at chapters 1-3 to see how incredibly amazing Jesus really is, how He's better than any other spiritual experience out there, and how His invitation to help and wholeness is like no other!
This Sunday (even though we only recorded the last 10-minutes!), we went cosmic, pulling back the curtain, going back to the beginning, to creation itself, to see that Jesus was, is, and always will be the center of it all!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
THERE'S ANOTHER JUSTIN in the house...but this one's from Texas!
Justin Gambino headlined Unity in the Community last Saturday AND, he agreed to be with us the next day; this Sunday morning!
Raised in a Christian home, Justin Gambino rebelled in high school and was arrested for theft at the age of 18. His judge gave him the option of military service, and at 19, he began an 8 year enlistment in the Navy. While serving in Iraq, Justin was asked to lead worship on base, renewing his love of music. Upon returning stateside, he battled PTSD and anger issues, leading him to depression and despair. At the bottom, Justin cried out to God from his apartment floor, and a new journey of redemption, hope and purpose began. Bringing his life full-circle, Justin performs a revival annually on the steps of the courthouse where he was sentenced as a teen.
Listen in to this inspiring morning of music and the life-changing power of God's grace!
Sunday - 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE THIS, but one of my longest friendships in leadership is with a "Strongman" who shares God's love and grace all around the world by performing feats of strength! Yah, crazy, right??! Well, when you meet Jon this Sunday, you'll love him as much as I do!
I was with Jon in England for an outreach when he broke the Guinness World Record. I sidestepped street-riots and water cannons in Sri Lanka with him, navigated washed out roads in Ecuador, and led worship as we walked into a primitive prison in Costa Rica to share the freedom found in Jesus! It's been an incredible partnership for 35 years, and he's finally back in Humboldt!
Hear Jon share a message from the Bible along with some of his personal story. It was an honor to have him at Branches!
Sunday 10:30am // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
WE ALL UNDERSTAND the concept of gardening; we get out what we put in.
In this last Sunday of the "Good & Beautiful Community" series, we consider once again this truth.
And God uses it (and the analogy of sowing and reaping) in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians to talk about generosity: 2 Corinthians 9:5-6 reads, “So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”
Giving, practicing generosity, identifying needs and meeting those needs with our resources, can be like gardening the perfect plot of land in all the best ways! Whatever you’re looking for; awesome, healthy food to eat, or beautiful flowers and plants in a tranquil oasis, when you put in a little bit of time and energy and effort you get a little result, but when you put in more - plant more seeds - you get a harvest of MORE.
Let's see what God's showing us all as we close out this series with the invitation to become a generous people!
Sunday 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
A mark of a "Good and Beautiful Community" is that we're a prayerful people. We know that God is the source of strength and hope in all situations, and so we turn to Him around every corner of our lives.
Join us this Sunday as Mike Haley shares and we pray in the new school year, enjoying these last weeks of summer - together!
Sunday // 10:30AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
IT TAKES PRACTICE...learning the ways of a good and beautiful community. It's who we are in Jesus (already!), but growing into this reality, stepping into this truth; these are action-steps, practices that we get better at over time.
How are the practices going for you so far? What's it been like practicing being "A Peculiar People", "A Hopeful People", "A Serving People", "A Jesus People", "A Forgiving People", and "An Encouraging People"?
Before we dive into the last few weeks of this series, let's reflect on what we've experienced so far. What's God been stirring up in your heart? What have you been challenged by? What's been encouraging?
As we return to prayer, to a dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a deeper trust in God, we get to experience His unconditional love for us once again.
Sundays - 10:30am // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
HOLY AND BROKEN...broken and holy.
We are both of these things, in balance, and a "good and beautiful community" has the power to remind us of this truth. Our world doesn’t tell us the truth about ourselves, but as a faith family gathers together, through song, scripture, and prayer, we get a glimpse of who we are and what we can become.
Paul says it like this in Ephesians 4:1 “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
I want a community that reminds me constantly of who I am and will watch over me with love—which means both comfort and warning—so that I might live a life worthy of my calling.
Do you desire such a community for yourself? What attracts you to this idea, and what reluctance do you feel toward this type of community? How do we do this with humility and grace, not judging or condemning, but in love?
Let's find out this Sunday!
10:30 AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
LET'S TALK about the "F" word; Forgiveness.
"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." ( Robert Muller)
But haven't we all wrestled with what actual "forgiveness" is supposed to look like? Have you wondered if you're doing it right, or even doing it at all? Have you ever felt guilt or obligation around this topic?
Deep down, we know that being a "forgiving people" is the path to a good and beautiful community, but the pursuit of reconciliation can be complicated and we often get tripped up along the way.
This Sunday, in our SECOND gathering at the new location, with one, unified service at 10:30am, we'll see the gift of God's forgiveness in a whole new light.
Can't wait to see you there!!!
70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
“If we disagree, then we must divide.”
How WRONG is this statement??? Have you ever felt the temptation though, to separate from people who don't think like you or believe like you? Did you know the original Greek word for Church is "Ecclesia", and it implies a diverse group of people, called out from every corner of life, to be united together under one mission, one cause, one person actually; Jesus.
This Sunday, as we celebrate our FIRST gathering at the new location, with one, unified service at 10:30am, we'll see once more how good and beautiful this unity can be!
Can't wait to see you there!!!
10:30 AM // 70 Stephens Ln. Bayside, CA 95524
THE VETS HALL STEPS have seen a LOT these last three years!
There are so many memories to reflect on, God-enounters, and changed-lives walking up and down those steps. This Sunday will be our LAST time to worship, sing, pray, and learn together at this historic and special location.
We'll take time to recognize the veterans for their service and hospitality to us, and we'll let their service inspire us once again to the service each of us is called to in following Jesus. Jesus came to SERVE, and in connecting with Him, receiving His Spirit, power, and friendship, we in turn get to be people who serve others and make a difference in our world.
Our grand adventure as a Church is one of unselfishness generosity, of giving ourselves away so others can get blessed! As we close this chapter at the Vets Hall, we look forward with great anticipation and excitement to our future in a new, larger location beginning next Sunday, July 6th!
Join us as we remember, reflect, and rejoice in all that God has done and is continuing to do!
"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." (Martin Luther)
There's nothing more crushing or demoralizing than the feeling of hopelessness. When a situation feels hopeless, it's impossible to move forward... Where do you find hope in those moments? Where do "Jesus-people" find their hope? How can we discover and experience a grounded, solid hope that not only strengthens us but draws us out to make a lasting, eternal difference in the lives of those around us?
As we look ahead to a BIG MOVE for our church; setting up our Sunday gathering in a new space - as early as July 6!!! - let's remain rooted in the hope that calls us forward, that fuels our mission.
This Sunday, we'll hear more about the move, our vision and mission together, and get reconnected to the only hope that lasts!
Sunday // 9 & 10:30am // Arcata Veterans Hall
LEADERS are hard to find.
Have you experienced a good leader in your life? What was it about them that made the most impact? Or, have you been hurt and disappointed by leaders? Although you may have never considered yourself a "leader", did you know that everyone is a leader, somewhere? We all have a circle of influence; people in our lives that look to us and are impacted by who we are and how we act. To know people are looking to us, that we influence others (whether we mean to or not, or whether we're a father or not on this Father's Day Sunday), can be intimidating and overwhelming. We often feel inadequate, not up for the task...
And that's exactly how Moses felt!
This Sunday, Jason Beam takes a look at his story in Exodus; how God invited Moses, a reluctant, self-doubting, troubled-soul with a past, into the adventure of a lifetime. We'll also see how each of us has been invited into a meaningful life of impact by the greatest leader and Father of all!
Sunday 9 & 10:30AM // Arcata Veterans Hall
SUMMER IS HERE...and some days it actually feels like it!
What's your summer going to look like this year? Are you imagining some travel? New experiences? Time with family and friends? How might this summer be different than any other? We're excited about bringing some intention to the summer together - and that's the key word; TOGETHER.
Our last series "How To: Life" took us through the letter of James. Now, we'll get to take James' encouragements and challenges and practice them, together in community; the "Good and Beautiful Community" that God has created right here at Branches!
We'll follow along with a popular book of the same title, so feel free to order it and track with us if you'd like. God wants to continue to do something special in and through us! 1 Peter 2 describes who we can be together; “God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”
What an awesome invitation! Let's jump in together this Sunday!
9 & 10:30 AM // Arcata Veterans Hall