We are a community that is not too big on "we believe" statements. For one, "we" is a diverse group of individuals with many beliefs that we value and two, as Peter Rollins wrote...

"The point is not what we say we serve but what we are truly devoted to in our everyday existence: What we give our energy, our passion, and our dreams to. In short, what we allow to regulate our existence and resources. Our material commitments will show us which master we love and which we hate: not what we confess in our poetry and prose."

That said, words can be powerful and we do have some words that we try to live by:

We believe the Church is beautiful: a place of community where our faith comes alive. We aspire to live Heaven now, loving God, loving others, and producing fruit, together. The journey of faith is sometimes confusing and sometimes frustrating, but we believe that Jesus is our vine and we are branches.

We draw from the rich history of Christianity and its traditions. We find great value and truth in the varied historical creeds and doctrines of our faith. We affirm the centrality of Scripture in our lives.

Where doctrine divides we choose dialog, conversation, and relationship believing that absolute truth exists but no one holds truth absolutely.

We acknowledge the mystery of Scripture, and seek to experience the joy of wrestling through it while seeking the truth found inside.

There are four words at the bottom of this page that are very important to us as well. Feel free to click on them for a little more information...

What's happening at our location and throughout the community in the coming weeks.

If you would like the XML share link click here. If you would like the iCal share link click here.

Lent Calendar 2012

If you would like the XML share link click here. If you would like the iCal share link click here.

Listed below are the three most recent recordings from Sunday mornings.

The three most recent months are available on our iTunes podcast.

If you're looking for archives, they are available via our Table Project site.

We meet on Sunday mornings at 14617 Newport Hwy in Mead, WA.

We are just south of Peone Pines Animal Hospital and across the highway from Arby's:

The Google Map

Sunday mornings get moving at 10am and usually consist of some music, some teaching, some community, and who knows what else...

Childcare is provided for ages 0 through 4th grade.

We don't pass around plates. But, we do have a 55 gallon drum that is always in our foyer if you want to drop something in it. You can also drop something in our digital drum by clicking below:

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You can also drop something in the mail and send it to PO Box 751, Mead, WA 99021.

But money is only one way to give... Below are some other ways:

If you would like to give your time with children Angie would love you to email her.

If you would like to give your time on the music team download this app and email to us.

If you would like to give time creating meals for people please contact Jenn.

If you would like to give time at the sound/video table please contact Ben.

If you would like to give your time in another area that we haven't thought of, or if you would like some other ideas, contact Ryan.

But Branches is only one place to give... there are many others, within our community, and without. If you would like to give to something else, below are a few (of the many) options:

Catholic Charities Volunteer Chore Services - they are in need of drivers. If you are interested email Tabitha Carothers.

Global Neighborhood is an amazing non-profit walking alongside refugees who are coming from all over the world to Spokane. They are always looking for volunteers to help them. Check out their site for more information.

World Relief is a similar organization doing great things for refugees in our community as well. Check out their site for ways to give yourself to those in need.

And if you have any clothing items, housewares, or furniture items both Global Neighborhood and World Relief would love them! Give Barbara Kalin (570-3300) a call and she would be happy to pick them up from your house.

Young Lives is an incredible ministry in Spokane catering to pregnant teens and teen moms. If you are at all interested in mentoring a teen mom or helping out with various events, please contact Young Lives.

Sunday morning is only a part of this thing we call community. Our hope is that we connect in many other ways, some structured, some not, some planned, and some spur of the moment.

We have a mid-week service, every other Wednesday, centered around dialog, community, and creativity. It's a great way to connect and if you're interested in what's happening at "coversations" check the spotlight on the main page or the calendar.

If you would like to find information on other stuff going on at Branches, check our calendar. We try to keep it up to date!

Part of being a community is also meeting the needs that show up within that community.

If you, or someone you know, needs prayer send an email to Amy.

If you, or someone you know, needs meals or some other form of assistance send an email to Janice.

If you, or someone you know, needs financial support, we have need cards on top of the drum in the foyer. Please let us know!

If you would simply like to contact someone from branches, send an email to ryan@wearebranches.com.

Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity, which is in Christ, is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities, which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. [aw tozer]

Simple is not always as comfortable as indulgent. We're okay with that.

The kingdom is not an exclusive, well trimmed suburb with snobbish rules about who can live there. No, it is for a larger homlier, less self-conscious caste of people who understand they are sinners because they have experienced the yaw and pitch of moral struggle. [brennan manning]

We welcome different worldviews, preferences, and opinions and recognize the beauty of diversity centered in Jesus.

If our view of the Good Life is focused on accumulating consumer goods and experiences for ourselves, instead of looking for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others, we could totally miss what this journey is really all about. [tom sine]

It's our intention to keep the budget as small as possible. It's our intention to give away the most we can.

Riskless is hardly worth your effort. [seth godin]

We try new things. Not to be different, but to break out of ruts that are often empty.

We believe the Church is beautiful: a place of community where our faith comes alive. We aspire to live Heaven now, loving God, loving others, and producing fruit, together. The journey of faith is sometimes confusing and sometimes frustrating, but we believe that Jesus is our vine and we are branches.

We draw from the rich history of Christianity and its traditions. We find great value and truth in the varied historical creeds and doctrines of our faith. We affirm the centrality of Scripture in our lives.

Where doctrine divides we choose dialog, conversation, and relationship believing that absolute truth exists but no one holds truth absolutely.

We acknowledge the mystery of Scripture, and seek to experience the joy of wrestling through it while seeking the truth found inside.