Online with Kate

Episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on UTube... Hot Dog!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Kate...

Loves her new pony!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

My WiiFE

I got Sarah the Wii Fit for Christmas. It was a little tough to get because they were in such high demand this year. But I had an insider... The UPS lady that serves the Branch Christian Academy also serves the University Game Stop store right down the street. She knew what the Wii Fit boxes look like and agreed to give me a call when she had a shipment and was close to delivering. I got the call and beat her over to the store and was greeted with, "Sorry... no Wii Fit yet." I think I was gloating when I replied, "Oh... they will be here soon." A line immediately formed behind me and my confident reply just as the UPS lady walked in and shot me a knowing wink... Look what Brown did for me!

So, I got it and now Sarah has a world of fitness in her living room. The best part is watching Kate try to play along by putting her MagnaDoodle on the floor and imitating Mommy while yelling, "Shake it, Mommy, shake it!"

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

For Me

MERRY CHRISTMAS Branch Family Church!

Sarah and I love you and trust this Christmas is the best ever.

Thanks for another year of being the Church. It is a pleasure doing life with you. I have been listening to a song (How Many Kings - DOWNHERE) that expresses what I was trying to get across last Sunday.

I wanted to share it with you. Lyrics below:

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you

Hear it @ iTunes

Rescued

Every year before Christmas we have the kids join us for an all family service. They all gather around the front of the stage and I read the Christmas story and hold an impromptu interview with questions like, "What is your favorite thing about Christmas." John Blake MacManamy expressed the joy of seeing his father struggle putting up the Christmas tree. Others spoke of the gifts they wanted. There seemed to be an inordinate number of requests for new flat-screens in their rooms and sweet iPods. Back in my day we longed to get the new Sony Walkman (cassette, of course)! I'm sure there were many in the congregation that were thankful to get an orange in their stocking. But everyone always agrees... the best gift is Jesus.

So, last Sunday I continued a series called SERVE. I focused in on the rescue plan that God accomplished by sending a baby. If I were God (you may now rejoice loudly that I am not!) I would not have chosen this method. I would send in a crack team of shock & awe angels and established my dominance. You can listen online at BranchChurch.org. My 11 year old, Caroline, took notes during the service... Here is what she wrote:

What did God show me today? That Jesus could have come to Earth with all the wonders a king would have, but He didn't. He came as a little dude in diapers, so that He could die in my place. Why would a king die for his citizens? Why would God come as a baby? Why would the Creator of the world step down from His throne to save a broken world? Because He loved me! And He wanted me to live with Him forever even though I did not deserve it! The world who didn't want God and actually killed God got and invitation to live with Him and be a part of his family. We should have gone to hell, but God said, "I forgive you. You're my kid now and I love you!" He saved us from hell and picked us for His team:-) Merry Christmas!

Enough said... I should have let her speak!

Addicted

It's official... my family is addicted to the Wii. Well, everyone except Kate. It's Mario Kart and it is our current obsession. It looks like Christmas break will be filled with hours of unlocking new tracks and talking smack with my Wife and Caroline.

K8 Song

Remember the old classic, God Is So Good? Back in the day, we wore the tar out of that tune. You could add all kinds of cool lyrics like, He Answers Prayer, He Loves Me So & He Cares For Me. My Brother Scott and I added a few of our own like, Derek is a jerk, Scott wears a skirt... But as long as you ended with, He's So Good To Me... it was all good.

Recently, Sarah taught Kate this classic... So it's secure for at least another generation. Click play and prepare for the anointing!

Worship Pit Crew

Last night we celebrated Patty MacManamy's birthday and left the restaurant to find the Mac truck with a flat. I felt obligated to help since I am currently doing a series @ the Branch called SERVE. Grayson was on hand so we sent the ladies home in my truck and proceeded to GIT-R-DONE. NOTE TO SELF: When stranded with a flat and only musicians & pastors are available... call AAA!

Anyway... we finally got the tire changed and I could not resist taking this photo and sharing it with you. It's not everyday you see your worship pastor using instruments other than a guitar!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Santa Vs. Jesus

Obsessed with velvet... I Love this video!

Click the play arrow and enjoy.

Branch Academy Google Street View

Just found this online while hunting down an address. We are so thankful for this building that God gave to us. The Branch offices and Branch Christian Academy have been immortalized on Google! Click the arrows on the street view map to get the full view.
View Larger Map

Gift Card December

Hey Branch Family Church! It's gift card December.


Here's how it works:

1. As you are out shopping, pick up gift cards to places like Target, Old Navy, Walmart, Toys R Us. You choose the place and the amount.
2. Bring the cards to church on Sunday or drop them by the Branch Christian Academy during the week.
3. Bask in the Joy of knowing that you are helping someone at the Branch have a great Christmas!
   

Galatians 6:10 NLT - Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Andy Squyres @ the Branch

Andy Squyres led worship @ the Branch today. Why do I love Andy? Let me count the ways...

1. He is a fellow ginger.
2. He has a huge ginger family... 5 girls and a new boy (Hank pictured below with stuff on his face).
3. He loves God and loves to lead others in worship.

Psalm 92 in the Message says, What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the high God! To announce your love each daybreak, sing your faithful presence all through the night.

The Branch loves it when you visit. Thanks Andy.

Get your Andy fix @ i Tunes!

Branch Party Pics

Thanks to everyone for coming to the party last night. It was so good to spend time with you and hear the great things God is doing in your lives.

I love being the pastor of The Branch Family Church! Me & the staff of the Branch thank God for you and wish you a Merry Christmas!
Colossians 1:3-20

FOOD...

Is scriptural!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Party room

15 min til party time... More to come!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

PARTY!

Hey Branch!

Tonight is the annual Christmas party. Everyone is busy decorating the Branch Christian Academy and I am getting together my best Christmas playlist. I will also be blogging live, so check back for updates.

There will be food, fun and the ever popular and coveted Branch Christmas ornament. So check BranchChurch.com or click the Swinging Christmas Party picture for details and Merry Christmas!

The Amazing Tori

I just got out of chapel at the Branch Christian Academy and had to brag on Tori Berkowitz. Here's the scene... Kindergartners through Fifth Graders begin filing in the assembly room at 8:45am. Tori greets them, picks a few volunteers and leads them in a rousing song complete with motions. Then they bring their Change Your World offerings to the front and pray over the missions that the money (over $500 to date) will be supporting. The kids do all the praying and there is a sweet sincerity and purity in every prayer. One boy prayed that the money and gifts that would go to the kids overseas would bring smiles to their faces! Tori facilitates a boy versus girl game where they have to race to the back of the room, pick up a tray of stuff and carry it server style to the front. All this emphasizes the point she teaches that Jesus came to serve so we are here to serve. She actually taught my message for this Sunday! She repeats the lesson at 9:30am in a little more age appropriate fashion for the Middle School (6th-8th grade). Tori has captured their hearts and is a imparting life to the students at the Branch... Way to go Tori!

Walk With God

It's a little hard to express what is going on in my heart right now, but I hope it was clear this last Sunday at the Branch. I issued a challenge to all... me included!

It's time to fully commit to living for Jesus and letting His life flow out to everyone. It's time to walk with God in every area of our lives. Listen to the message Signs of Hope - Walk with God.

Here are my notes:

The Branch Family Church
Signs of Hope - Walk with God

Get Planted

• Jeremiah 29:11 – God has great plans for your life.
• Genesis 5:21-24 – When Moses wrote about Enoch he noted that he walked with God. Not that he had a great prophetic ministry. The most noteworthy thing was his intimacy with God.
• Amos 3:3 – Agreement with and obedience to God's Word is the only way to walk with God.

Grow Strong

• Proverbs 27:7 – The problem with most Christians is that their soul is full of other things. What we feed on is what we hunger for. Develop a hunger for God's Word by spending time in it!
• James 4:8-10 – God's not holding back anything. It's up to you to draw near.
• Knowing about God will produce pride. Knowing God will produce humility.

Branch Out

• What is the most noteworthy thing that will be written about you?
• Drawing near to those that truly walk with God will rub off. When others draw near to you do they desire more of God?