Branches Humboldt

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

YOU WERE NEVER MEANT...to do life alone.As we wrapped up our past series last Sunday "How To: Life", we landed on the fact that leaning on each other, sharing our struggles in honesty and vulnerability, praying for each other, and doing life together is how God designed community to work.But how do we navigate the most difficult relationships in our lives? How might we grow and be strengthened through our trials? Where do we find hope and wisdom to lean in when we feel like running away?Join us as Shane and Marty Couch provide practical tools and biblical wisdom to strengthen your relationships, overcome challenges, and cultivate connection with others. This is a special Sunday you don't want to miss!9 & 10:30 AM // Arcata Veterans Hall

BEING RICH AND FAMOUS was my ultimate goal in life! At the Arcata High Talent Show audition, my guitar playing demonstration was finally cut-off after ten minutes by an exhausted group of judges!Whether it's through fame, attention, manipulation, debt, or outsmarting the competition to win at all costs, there’s a big part of us that selfishly desires to have our own way; to get what we want - all the world can offer us! The "world" being our surrounding culture’s value system apart from God.But there's a problem with that, and James spells it out in Chapter 4; “Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God?"Whoa! What do we do? How should we then live? How to: Life?Could it be that depending on God in honesty and humility, rather than pride, arrogance, or even self-confidence is what truly leads us to wholeness? This Sunday, we'll experience the forgives and grace that sets us free and gives us life!Sundays at Arcata Veterans Hall // 9 & 10:30AM

WORDS GIVE LIFEIsn’t that true? I can remember how powerful words were as I was growing up, words that were spoken to me, or words that I just overheard - that shaped me, changed me. I can also remember words I wished I would have said, and words I wish I could take back or say differently… don’t we all?Mother's Day gives us a poignant opportunity to consider how we are all "life-givers" to those around us. Are our words giving life to the loved ones we care about? The third chapter of James reminds us of the power of words and ends with this poetic picture; "...those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”Branches, let’s plant seeds of peace! Let’s be that kind of people! And it starts with our words - flowing from the "Word" Himself; Jesus. Join Heidi and Justin as they share, connecting us again to Jesus, the true source of life!

DON'T JUST TELL ME...show me! Aren't actions much more valuable than words? Isn't it true that behavior should follow belief - if it's real?Last week, we began a new series through the book of James called "How To: Life". James is a "cheat-sheet of guidelines to have a full and happy life", as Cory Taylor eloquently said.And we're just getting started as Chase Fichtner walks us through Chapter 2 this Sunday. God wants to encourage, inspire, and lead you into the life you've been created to live! Sundays 9 & 10:30 AM // Arcata Veterans Hall

Do you ever wish your life could be like your favorite feel-good movie? Don't we long for a "cinematic life" in all the best ways? Sometimes it's challenging to cope with reality when it's far from the ideal we wish were living... How do we actually DO life well - especially in difficult situations? Wouldn't it be great to have a "How To" manual for living?Enter, James; the brother of John, one of the first disciples of Jesus. James and his brother earned the nickname "Sons of Thunder" because of their passion and unflinching challenges toward living life on purpose. James gave it all for the cause and wrote with the Spirit of God to tell us about it.This Sunday, we begin our new series with the first chapter of James; "How To: Life". We'll look at how to begin living a life with purpose and poise, one that blesses others and draws us closer to our Creator!Sunday 9 & 10:30 AM // Arcata Veterans Hall

Once a year, the world is reminded of the hope found in Jesus. No matter what your faith journey has been like, there is a place for you and your loved ones to experience a grand moment of grace at Branches!Our Easter events were created and designed to welcome people from every walk of life. The fun of the Family Egg Hunt, the reflection of Jesus’ sacrifice on Good Friday, and the fresh start of Easter morning all point to the hope we’re all longing for.This Easter morning includes an original poem from Matt Beard, an Easter reading from Lexi and Granite Price, and a faith-story from Moriah Rugg. It was a grand moment of grace for all of us!Sunday // 9 & 10:30 AM // Arcata Veterans Hall

I sure wish B.B. King was still alive and available to join us this Sunday at Branches! I'd rather have him sing his hit (instead of me!), "When Love Comes to Town", because it goes so well with the message of Palm Sunday... The song was actually written for him by U2, and it tells the story of how real love has the potential to change us, if we let it. The lyrics start out like this; "I was a sailor, I was lost at sea. I was under the waves before love rescued me."Can you relate? Have you ever felt lost? Overwhelmed? To quote another old song, "have you been looking for love in all the wrong places"?This Palm Sunday, we consider the "triumphal entry" of Jesus along with the Church around the world, and we ask ourselves, "When love comes to town, will we notice? Will we receive it? Will we be changed by it?"Sunday 9 & 10:30am // Arcata Veterans Hall