Q. What is ACTS² and why are we doing it? (View Answer)

Q. Why does the campaign stretch over 3 years?(View Answer)

Q. How often do I have to give?(View Answer)

Q. Why is this campaign called ACTS²?(View Answer)

Q. How does ACTS² connect to our Fall Spiritual Growth Campaign Monday Morning Church?(View Answer)

Q. How is this campaign different from past campaigns? (View Answer)

Q. Is there a biblical basis for the approach we are using? (View Answer)

Q. How did we do the last time we had a 3-year campaign? (View Answer)

Q. Don’t the diminished receipts from the last campaign indicate that this is a bad time to launch a new campaign due to the current economic conditions? (View Answer)

Q. What if I’m financially “maxed out”? (View Answer)

Q. If I make a commitment to give, will I be able to change it? (View Answer)

Q. Will my giving be kept confidential? (View Answer)

Q. Is it okay to make a commitment to give an amount that I don’t have in my hands right now? (View Answer)

Q. Can each member of our family make a separate commitment? (View Answer)

Q. May I give a gift in memory of someone? (View Answer)

Q. What about my regular giving?(View Answer)

What do I do if I’m not finished my commitment to our prior campaign, Harvest Time?(View Answer)

Q. Who makes financial decisions at BranchCreek? (View Answer)

Q. What steps have been taken to ensure sound financial accounting practices?(View Answer)

Q. What are the goals for ACTS²? (View Answer)

Q. How will you decide which new or expanding ministry receives priority in the distribution of funds? (View Answer)

Q. What happens if we don’t reach our minimum goal?(View Answer)

Q. How do I give? (View Answer)

Q. How can my business help? (View Answer)

Q. What if I give and then regret it? (View Answer)

Q. What is the calendar of events? (View Answer)

Q. I know some people who have heard about the campaign and are critical of this effort. How should I respond to them? (View Answer)

Q. Is there anything I can do to help? (View Answer)

“Now glory be to God who by His mighty work within us is able to do more than we would dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” – Ephesians 3:20 (TLB)

To My BranchCreek Church Family,

In more than three decades of ministry, I can count on one hand the critical decisions we have made as a church that were pivotal. One was deciding to be a church for the unreached; a second was to put people before programs; a third was insisting on every-member ministry; a fourth was the purchase of our church campus; a fifth—the decision to expand for the sake of “those not here yet.”

I’m now starting to count on my second hand (before I get so old I forget how to do that!). After much prayer and discussion by many different leadership teams, we believe that it is time to re-examine the mission that defines us and redouble our efforts to . . .

It’s been said that growing churches our age can start to become lazy and satisfied. We’ve come to accept as commonplace tens of thousands visiting our campus for yearly special events, thousands in attendance at our weekend services, hundreds of decisions for Christ each year and dozens of teams heading to the far reaches of the globe to deliver humanitarian aid or training for third-world pastors. Many churches would consider these events unprecedented miracles—but to us they seem “normal.” Yet there is a fire stirring in many of us that the Spirit of God intends that our best days are still ahead of us. To those much is given, much is required.

The Congregational Life Survey taken last November alerted us to the fact that a relatively small percentage of the many attenders that come to BranchCreek are devoting significant time, talent and treasure to our efforts. Through the anonymous responses received, we realized even those doing much are capable of much more. There are so many opportunities God would have us capture as we all do our part.

The materials we have provided in this packet reflect our thoughts on how to resource existing and additional ministry through a three-year campaign focusing not on building new facilities (we have been blessed with one of the finest with plenty of room for expansion), but building new lives through investments in initiatives and partnerships – locally, regionally and internationally. We hope to reach our $3-million-goal in over-and-above gifts received in cash and commitments over the next six weeks.

Soon you will be hearing more about the possibilities and how to participate. The opportunities are exciting and require our greatest sacrifice. (After all, the World Can’t Wait!) Join us now by praying about how you might participate.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

With love,

Pastor Craig

Craig Bishop – Senior Pastor

Dr. S. Craig Bishop is the senior pastor of BranchCreek Community Church, a suburban Philadelphia church he helped to lead since its founding 32 years ago. Beginning with 20 attenders, the church now numbers more than 4,000. It is a Purpose-Driven Church Health Award winner and is recognized as a pacesetter in contemporary worship, relevant teaching and a loving and accepting environment.

Craig has taught spiritual leadership principles across the country and around the world. He is known for his leadership, communication, and writing skills that he uses to express passionate concern for the unchurched. He holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Northwest Graduate School in Seattle, Wa. He and his wife Sally have three grown children and one grandchild and live in Harleysville, Pennsylvania.

Chuck Faber – Executive Pastor & KidsCreek Pastor

Chuck and his wife Joanne joined the BranchCreek staff in January 2003 as Executive Pastor. Chuck was on the pastoral staff at Grace Fellowship Church in Baltimore for 14 years before coming to BranchCreek. Before going to Baltimore, Chuck and his wife Joanne served for 8 years at Church of the Savior in Wayne, PA., a mainline suburb of Philadelphia. While in Baltimore, he served Grace Fellowship Church in various roles: Pastor to Children and Families, Interim Senior Pastor, Pastor of Small Groups, Executive Pastor, and member of the Senior Leadership Team.

While in Baltimore, Chuck served as Professor at Baltimore School of the Bible. Presently he consults with other churches in the area on Christian Education and has authored curriculum for children. Prior to his move to Baltimore, Chuck served on staff at Church of the Savior for 8 years in Wayne, Pa. While in the Philadelphia area, he also served as Adjunct Professor for Philadelphia Biblical University.

Before being called to ministry, Chuck was an Internal Auditor for a Pennsylvania bank. In preparing for ministry, he earned a BS in Bible and then an M.E. from Cabrini College in Human Development and Learning Theory. His doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania were interrupted when his children began college. (We call these the lean years). He is an avid reader and is committed to life-long learning and discovery.

Chuck and Joanne have three adult children: E. Kate, a communications analyst for Capital Blue Cross in Philadelphia; Gabriel Alan, an artist, who works for a construction firm in Baltimore; and Sarah Bates Dickens, who is the director of Public Relations for St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.

As Executive Pastor, Chuck works closely with Pastor Craig Bishop in providing leadership to the staff and leaders. As the KidsCreek Pastor, Chuck provides guidance and pastoral support to the KidsCreek staff team. Chuck also serves as a member of the BranchCreek Teaching Team and the BranchCreek Leadership Team (BLT). He also expresses his gifts through counseling, providing leadership to several small groups, parent education, and consulting with churches to enhance their applications to Children in the Church and School. Chuck is ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America.

Dave Detwiler – Pastor of Worship & Teaching

Dave has been at BranchCreek since December of 2000, currently serving in a role that involves overseeing the music ministry, helping to plan the weekend worship gatherings, serving on the teaching team, and mentoring younger leaders. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Biblical Seminary in Hatfield. Dave did his undergraduate work at the University of Southern California (which he manages to refer to ad nauseam – esp. during football season!), and completed both a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degree at Talbot School of Theology in southern California. He and his wife, Kim (also a USC grad), have been married since 1992, and have two children: Elizabeth (born 1996) and Jonathan (born 1999). In his spare time, you can sometimes find Dave playing the tuba.

Jared Byas – Pastor of Encounter & Serving

Jared has been at BranchCreek since May 2006 serving as one of the primary leaders of the Encounter worship gathering on Saturday nights (www.encounteronline.org) and more recently as a pastor of adult spiritual life, where his primary responsibility is to continually figure out better and more effective ways to help individuals and BranchCreek as a whole become better at bearing spiritual fruit in their lives and in their communities. Before coming to BranchCreek he was in charge of the music ministry and college ministry at Faith Bible Church in Lynchburg, VA.

Jared received his B.A. in Philosophy & Religion from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and his M.A.R. in Biblical Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. He is currently working on another degree in Old Testament from Westminster that he’ll finish up in 2009.

He has been married since 2003 to Sarah and has one son, Augustine, born in 2008.

Jeb Shore – Pastor of Connection

Jeb has been at BranchCreek since February of 2007, serving as a Pastor of Connection. He oversees the “Connect” area of adult spiritual life, which includes welcoming and connecting guests and attenders to Jesus and the BranchCreek family. He is a member of the teaching team and leads the Getting Connected class. He considers it an honor to encourage people in their spiritual journey in all types of settings.

Jeb used to talk a good game… After growing up in the western suburbs of Philadelphia and graduating from Eastern University, he was a television sports reporter and anchor for an ABC station in Columbia, South Carolina for nearly six years. He and his wife, Laurie, met at that station and were married in ‘94. Jeb was also a morning news anchor at a NewsTalk radio station in Greenville, SC, while Laurie was the news anchor at the television station next door. Talking about the sports and news of the day couldn’t satisfy his passion for sharing what means the most to him – a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeb moved toward vocational ministry in ’98 and graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in ‘01. He was a pastor for the young adults and singles ministries at Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA from 2001 to January 2007. Jeb was also an adjunct communications professor at Eastern University for a portion of that time. Jeb and Laurie’s lives changed in a dramatic and wonderful way when Jeannie was born in 2005.

Mike Harder – Youth Pastor

a pastor of 22 years, gives oversight to the Middle School, High School and Young Adults Ministry at BranchCreek. He enjoys running, reading, sports, mission trips, and speaking at retreats, conferences and training events. He and his wife Teresa live in Harleysville with their three children—Nathan, Lauren, and Arianna.

Rick Martin – Pastor of Finance

Rick Martin and his wife, Amanda, have two sons, Eric and Drew. When he’s not attending his sons’ soccer, basketball, and baseball games, Rick enjoys reading, skiing, and hanging out at the Wildwood boardwalk.

Click here to go to BranchCreek Family Login

Chosen 300 is an inter-denominational organization that feeds the homeless of Center City Philadelphia. BranchCreek has supported Chosen 300 since 2003 by preparing and serving meals on the first Monday of every month. In addition to providing delicious, hot food, BranchCreek volunteers also provide a time of worship and teaching for the homeless visitors. Approximately 250 guests are fed spiritually and physically by BranchCreek volunteers each month.

On average 25-30 BranchCreek volunteers participate in this ministry each month. There are many ways that you can become involved:

• Food preparation – Food prep takes place on the first Monday in the BranchCreek commercial kitchen and starts at noon and is completed by 3:30 p.m.
• Transportation – Volunteers with vans and SUV’s are needed to help with the transport of the food and the food service volunteers.
• Food service
• Worship – Use your musical gifts to bless the homeless guests
• Donations of gently-used men’s clothing and travel-sized toiletries
• Monetary gifts

Join us and be a source of encouragement and hope for the homeless.

Chosen 300 Ministries Website
Email Us For More Information

Women’s Ministry is a diverse group of women that gathers weekly for Bible study, worship, prayer and fellowship. Together we find support and encouragement as we study God’s Word as well as bear each other’s burdens. We strive to meet one another’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs in the hopes of creating a strong community of believers that will “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Heb. 10:24)

BranchCreek Community Church is an inviting, authentic and diverse gathering of men, women, teens and children.  Our purpose is to share the journey of life, as we seek to understand God’s purpose and place for each of us in His Kingdom.

To accomplish these goals, we encourage BranchCreek attenders to:

• Commit to one another
• Commit to the spiritual journey
• Commit to mutual service and care
• Commit to share discoveries along the way with others

These goals are experienced in the Seasons of Life:

• The Season to Connect
• The Season to Grow
• The Season to Serve
• The Season to Share

Using every available opportunity
In all walks of life
To lovingly persuade the world
To become committed followers of Jesus Christ
And responsible members
Of His growing Kingdom
So that they may do the same

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16)

As the verse above reveals, one of the most important ways that we can better understand and live out the truth about Christ is to sing songs of worship when we gather together. And so we do a lot of this at BranchCreek.

In fact, we have a huge choir, and everyone who attends a weekend service is part of it! That is, when we gather together, we’re not looking to put on a concert or showcase the many gifted musicians we have here. We are simply trying to encourage all those who attend—whether they are spiritual seekers or committed believers—to engage with God and build up one another through singing.

So, we draw from a wide variety of songs, representing both contemporary and ancient texts, as well as a broad range of emotions. And we utilize musical styles that are meaningful to people in our community—people just like you. We want you to be encouraged to jump right in and join in the singing, whether you arrive in a great mood, or are looking for comfort in the midst of hardships.

For a list of the songs we sing here at BranchCreek, most of which are available on iTunes, go to our campus bookstore called “The Vine.”

And if you are interested in using your musical gifts to help us carry out this mission of growing as a worshiping community, simply email our worship pastor at dave.detwiler@branchcreek.org, or download, fill out, and return the questionnaire below.

music ministry preliminary interest questionnaire.pdf

At BranchCreek you’re not just part of a crowd. You are a unique individual and you matter to God – and to us! We’d love to get to know you – so take advantage of one or more of the ways listed below to connect with our church family:

• Stop by the Guest Reception Room in the back of the auditorium after one of the worship services. You’ll meet one of our pastors and receive a gift, too.
• Attend the Getting Connected Class. This class is an ideal way to learn more about BranchCreek and interact with a number of staff members. This class is offered monthly.

Getting Connected with a church family can make all the difference
– in our lives as well as the lives of those God places in our path. Encouragement
is both received and offered, gifts are discovered, service is offered to others and our lives are enriched and fulfilled. We encourage you to join us at Getting Connected
to hear the heartbeat of our mission, meet others new to BranchCreek, learn about our vision and values, as well as the ministries offered through this church. Find out how you can commit to membership and join us in our mission to reach this community, and ultimately the world, with the love of Christ.

At Getting Connected You Will Learn…

• How BranchCreek started.
• Our mission and values.
• About opportunities to grow.
• About opportunities to serve.
• Steps toward membership.
• Our vision for BranchCreek’s future.

2010 Class Schedule

• January 17
• February 21
• March 14
• April 18
• June 13
• August 22
• September 19
• October 17
• November 7

Sign-ups are open! Click here to sign up for a small group.

Small group is a place where we gather together to live in authentic community with one another. It’s a place where we can learn to love and to be loved. It’s a place where we can challenge one another to learn and to grow. It’s a place where we can worship God. It’s also a place where we can eat a lot of food, have a lot of fun, and meet a lot of people. It’s even a place where we can come if we don’t know or believe in God. Small group community is a human thing, not a Christian thing. All together, it’s a place for life to happen and for anyone to join no matter where they are at in their journey.

Small groups at BranchCreek are run on a “trimester” model:  there are three 8-week sessions throughout the year starting in January, April, and September.  This allows for a break over the summer and the winter holidays, as well as around Easter.

Signups are a one-step process:  simply pick a group that fits your location and schedule and fill out the form on the websote.  The group facilitator will get in touch with you and give you the details.  The signup period will run at least four weeks, so you don’t have to worry about being rushed or missing the group of your choice.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact chuck faber at julio1999@comcast.net or 215-256-0100 x148 or x209.

Following the mission of BranchCreek Community Church, the Health Ministry recognizes the connection between body and spirit, and strives to care for the church family and community in order for them to experience physical and spiritual health and wholeness

The Health Ministry Team is lead by a team of Medical Professionals who work closely with the Pastoral Staff and Volunteers to coordinate programs to meet the health needs of the congregation and community. No direct medical care is given, however, the Health Ministry supports health care needs by serving as:

• A referral source for community health resources
• Health educators
• Health advocates
• First aid providers
• Volunteer coordinators
• Program coordinators
• Community outreach

Ministry Programs:

Cancer Support Group
Health Screenings
Fall Flu Vaccine Clinic
First Aid & CPR Classes
Health-Related Small Groups
Medical Missions Opportunities

Are you struggling with the death of a family member or divorce?  Are you overwhelmed by a habit or hang-up?  We have four different support groups that meet on Monday nights from 7-9pm. Childcare is available.

“Twelve Steps” (Celebrate Recovery) in room 115
“Every Man’s Battle” in room 113
“DivorceCare” in room 101
“GriefShare” in room 400

Connect, Grow, Serve, Share

Just like seasons, this cycle is never ending and continues throughout our lives. Also just like seasons, we are all invited by God to engage Him in the season we find ourselves. Very organic. Very easy. And like seasons, very much in God’s control, with God’s power and control. Central to this model will be the active participation in Small Groups, where our church family will be encouraged to enjoy God’s seasonal activity in their lives.

Address:
BranchCreek Community Church
100 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438

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Phone: 215-256-0100
Email: branch@branchcreek.org
Services:
Sunday Morning – 9am, 10:30am & 12:00pm
Saturday Evening – Encounter 6:00pm

Street View of BranchCreek

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How far is BranchCreek Community Church?
According to Google Maps
Collegeville – 23 minutes
Green Lane – 15 minutes
King of Prussia – 27 minutes
Lansdale – 10 minutes
Norristown – 25 minutes
Philadelphia – 37 minutes
Plymouth Meeting – 20 minutes
Quakertown – 28 minutes
Skippack – 10 minutes
Souderton – 12 minutes
Willow Grove – 25 minutes

To serve as one of many BranchCreek ministries that seek to introduce men to the Kingdom of God and work to develop Christian maturity by nurturing, equipping and creating opportunities for fellowship and service.

Most everyone is still sleeping outside. One pastor we are working with was surprised that we spent the first two nights at a particular hotel in Carrefour, because it is cement block. He said, “We don’t trust cement.” That is completely understandable. As we have traveled and seen the devastation and collapsed buildings, almost all are cement or cinderblock. It is hard to understand why some buildings were spared with minimal or no damaged while others that look similar have been completely destroyed.

We did see that clean-up has begun, but it will be a lengthy process. It is hard to imagine how long it will take before they can even think of rebuilding. Tent cities are everywhere. In the area around Port-au-Prince, it seems that every open piece of land has become a refugee camp. One of the compounds we visited at Lamentin has about 25 acres; the UN estimates that they currently have about 20,000 refugees in their new city.

The need is still great. Some aid is still coming in, but what seems to be needed most at the moment is temporary housing. The rainy season has begun and the tents and tarps that are now sheltering much of Haiti’s population will soon be inadequate. We are looking in to something more substantial that can be put up quickly and possibly be reused as the permanent structures are completed. But temporary in this sense could mean up to two years. So we want to make sure we come up with a plan that is practical and cost effective.

The need is great but we have seen much desire to help. We just came back from a tour and luncheon hosted by the Sri Lankan contingent of the UN here in Jacmel. (They made us promise to come visit their country next year so they can show us around.) They have been immensely helpful to the orphanage at Jacmel. They have helped distribute food and offered medical help as needed.

As we prepare to leave for now, we would greatly appreciate your prayers as we plan and make preparations for a full team to return in May.

Delivering aid to Marbiel

Director of World Outreach, Kathy Nomides, along with her daughter, Jennifer, Bill Moore and Blaine Illingworth are headed to Haiti on Sunday, March 7, to assess damages at various sites in Carrefour, Lamentin and Jacmel as we prepare to send a much larger team in May.  They will also be taking in much needed supplies, including tents, tarps, toiletries and medical supplies.  They hope to be able to meet with many of our Haitian partners to find out first-hand how we can best help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.  

 To date we have collected over $26, 000 in relief funds.  Close to $5000 has been released to send in supplies so far.  We will be using the remainder to help with the rebuilding efforts. 

Below is an update from Marlaine Alix, one of our partners in Jacmel.  You can see photos at her website – faithandloveinaction.org

Once again, our trip was a great success and we want so much to thank all our friends that stand with us in this difficult moment with your fervent prayers and your financial support! All the children at the homes are doing fine, except 3 girls with a kind of skin infection, especially for Natacha. But, we are so blessed to have a Sri Lankan medical doctor helping to check up on our kids on site. The kids are happy, keeping their strong faith and are so positive for their future even in a crisis like this. Everyone is still staying outside and a couple of more tents are still needed.  Compared to the extreme damages in Leogane, Port-au-Prince, and other places, I can say that Jacmel was so blessed. There are many that have been killed or injured, houses and buildings leveled (in places like “Bord de Mer” and downtown) and so many are sleeping on the streets. In the remote villages and communities, so many people died from landslides and falling rocks. Despite this, Jacmel is fortunate and there are so many more survivors!

We were in Marbial on Saturday and distributed about 12,000 lbs of food with the help of a Sri Lankan military battalion based in Jacmel. There are still places further north of Marbial where help will never arrive unless we do something. I know where these villages are very well and just need the opportunity to help them. Daniel also went up to St. Rock with a truckload of food for the communities up there. Part of the school we have up there collapsed and many families have moved into the front and back yards since their homes are gone.  As you all know, it is not an easy situation and it is not something that will be solved rapidly. We continue to rely on your support to continue food distribution to the city of Jacmel, to the remote area of Marbial and the surrounding villages, in St Rock, and in Cayes Jacmel. Over the past week, we have been able to reach people that had had no access to any help at all since the earthquake. We distributed what we could but people are hungry and need medical attention. Some places with no means of transportation will need to be reached via helicopter.

I am back in FL preparing for the next trip to Haiti and trying to make sure Daniel and others on the ground are receiving supplies to distribute and help more people. We have so many pictures and there will be dozens posted on the website over the next few days! Daniel and the boys have traveled to Jacmel, Port-au-Prince, Carrefour, Delmas, Petionville, St. Rock, La Plaine and many other cities to locate friends and family as well as give out what they could load into the truck. I’ve attached a few pictures to this email but there is no space for all of them!

I ask that you continue to keep Haiti in your prayers. I have never seen things as bad as they are now and the people’s suffering is more than ever. I know God has a plan and I pray He continues to use us to help these people.

Some of us traveled on to investigate India.  Check it out:
India

If you are interested in joining us next time, email us at Kathy.Nomides@branchcreek.org

Kids and a ball - all that's needed for fun

Valentine’s Day in Sudan, it seemed a bit strange.  No cards or flowers, but we did have some candy hearts that Deanne brought from the States, and Pastor Chuck preached on sharing Christ’s love.  We also got plenty of hugs from the kids. So all in all we celebrated in the true spirit of the day.

After church Nikki and Kristin got a lesson in carrying water the African way.  Not sure they quite mastered the skill, but they were fun to watch.  We foolishly accepted a challenge to a game of basketball; we  soon found we couldn’t compete as they had an entirely different game in mind.  We ended up joining a game of volleyball instead.  Christen enjoyed the afternoon learning some new card games and then actually winning. We went to bed tired and a little sore.

Nurse Kristin and the splinter

Nikki and Kristin learn a new skill

The Team and Mama Lilly

Days are starting to blur together.  But we knew it was Saturday when the kids were allowed to sleep in and we weren’t awakened by the sounds of the children singing in the dining hall.

The Bishop family left today. They will be spending a couple of days in Uganda before returning home.  The driver came back without them so we are assuming they made it safely out of the country.

The rest of us painted, made doors and learned to dance (practice for the church service tomorrow).  Chuck also spent time preparing his sermon as he was asked to preach.  (Another reason he was sad to see the Bishops leave early.)

We also found out that it is more expensive to live in Sudan than it is in the United States.  Most of the grocery shopping for the orphanage is done in Uganda to try to keep costs down.

Breakfast in the piyat

Knocking down way too green mangos

Happy, happy, happy, happy

Today we adjusted our pace. After being here a week some of us realized we’re not as young as we used to be. However we were able to finish the painting in the library and begin priming the walls in the new staff housing. The door crew knocked out another one; they seem to be pacing themselves as well. Matt and Kristin continued their first grade English class and Nikki and Deanne tackled the preschoolers once more. This was even more of a challenge today as they had to work with the class outside while new blackboards were installed in the classroom. It’s really not that easy to keep 60 preschoolers from wondering when they are not in an enclosed area.

Pastor Pooshani asked Sally to spend some time talking with the housemothers again today. They soon had her, along with Charity and Angela, up and dancing with them. Sally had no idea what they were dancing to, but there were lots of smiles and laughter. Sally also completed her task of organizing the huge container full of children’s clothing.

All week we have been taking turns going out with Pooshani and some of the older teens to the house churches which she has started out in the village. Today Nikki, Deanne and Christen went out to help at a group where 104 children gathered in one small tukul (African for hut). Our girls decided to help from outside the hut but they still enjoyed the interaction with the group.

We made a conscious effort to give the kids a bit more space today as Mama told us last night they were starting to act up a bit; she thought it may be because they were all vying for our attention.

Watching...

...while Christen paints

Bath time with Charity

An eventful day  – Matt, Kristin and Kathy were conscripted to teach first grade.  Nikki ventured back into the preschool classroom; the class’ was much improved after a reprimand from the head master.

And then things got interesting.  Five of the house mothers and a washer woman decided to walk off the job because the work was too hard and they didn’t want to have to care for some of the children.  So we pitched in where needed to help take up the slack.  Bath time was especially fun.

In the afternoon we decided to pamper the remaining staff by treating them to the same hand massage and manicure we had offered to the women at the seminar. The ladies seemed to enjoy themselves and went back to work with a smile.  Apparently it is not easy to recruit and train the house mothers needed here.  Turnover is a problem.  The work is hard and the hours long.

We are also so impressed by Mama Lilly; her strength and love for these kids is amazing.  Every meal time we continue to pull out stories of her life here in Sudan and the things she has seen in the almost 10 years she has been here.  We can see God working through her and her husband in so many ways.  This evening we spent time praying over her.

Bath time with Kristin

]]> http://www.branchcreek.org/mission-blogs/mission-blogs/thursday/feed/ 2 http://www.branchcreek.org/mission-blogs/mission-blogs/wednesday/ http://www.branchcreek.org/mission-blogs/mission-blogs/wednesday/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:49:28 +0000 Kathy.Nomides http://www.branchcreek.org/?p=1976

The team and their friends

The women’s seminar drew to a close today.  We ended things by treating the women to a hand massage and manicure.  Most of them seemed to enjoy it but a few were apprehensive about the colored paint.  We thought it very curious that many only wanted their left hand done.  We found out later that it was because they didn’t want nail polish on the hand with which they eat.

Angela and Charity helped out with the preschool today.  It is a bit strange to see the teacher carry a switch, but with over 60 kids in one room, a little tap on the head goes a long way.  The switch can also double as a pointer for the blackboard when needed.

Again the men worked on doors, and Sally and Deanne applied another coat of paint to the library, a lovely sky blue.  Others filled in where needed sorting clothes and watching kids.

Each night at 7 pm, we gather for a short debrief and devotional time.  Kristin led this evening’s time with a discussion on being Christ’s light.  We are all ready to head to bed by the time the generator goes off at 9:30.

Nikki and her new look

Today was the second day of the Women’s Seminar and they were given the task of coming up with a program for their churches that would help reach out to the other women in their communities; something that was practical and didn’t cost anything.  They all seemed to agree that poverty was the biggest hurdle they faced in ministry

We have also had some great discussions with Mamma Lilly.  She is an amazing woman.  She has so many projects to oversee but her constant joy is still just mentoring and watching over the children.

This evening Chuck and Kristin went into the village to visit one of the Pastor Pooshani’s cell groups.  Pastor has asked Chuck to preach on Sunday and we think she was giving him a trial run.

We started the day with a wonderful church service – lots of singing, dancing and praising our creator.  Pastor Pooshani from Malaysia taught on choices using Daniel as an example of one who drew a line and said this far and no further.  Good stuff.

After the service we distributed about 150 gift bags to the kids.  It was pretty amazing to see that many kids sit quietly as we called names.  We saw no riots, but did witness lots of sharing.  It was so much fun watching their faces and then getting to help them play with their new treasures.  We did, however draw the line at sharing the lollipops.  The pictures can not adequately express the joy.

Harvesters Assembly Singers

Waiting for a second Christmas

Surrounded by Joy

Our welcoming committe

Saturday, February 6 – We have arrived

We made it to Yei – all 11 of us and our bags and our extra bags.  Actually things went very smoothly considering all of the arrangements and connections that needed to be made.  We had our tour of the compound today and spent time with the kids (close to 150 of them).    They greeted us with song as we arrived in a huge open air truck that had no problem carrying us and all our belongings from the 10 miles from the Yei International Airport (and I use that term loosely as it looked more like a field with some grave. the orphanage.

Tomorrow we will be attending church and handing out the “Operation Small World Packets”

Kristin and friend

We have arrived in London after a rather bumpy flight, feeling a bit jet lagged.  Pastor Craig, Charity and Angela are out collecting the bags that Charity will be leaving in London as the rest of us relax and wait for the flight to Enbebbe. Hopefully they will have no problems and will be joining us soon as will Matt Bishop who was on a separate flight out of JFK.

Ceremonies Key: Baptisms

Communion

New Member Reception

Parent/Child Dedications

BranchCreek Master Weekend Calendar – 2010

O:Worship MinistryMaster Calendars2010 Master Weekend Calendar (in progress).doc

On February 4 a team of 11 people from BCC head off to Sudan to work at an orphanage in Yei.   Check out their website:  http://www.hrtn.org/default.asp

September Newsletter

October Newsletter

November Newsletter

December Newsletter

January Newsletter

February Newsletter

What are online giving and automatic contributions?
Online giving is a one-time contribution, processed on a secure Web site, where you can request that funds be pulled directly from your bank account or charged to your debit/credit card. Automatic contributions is a recurring giving arrangement, with transactions processed on the same secure Web site, using the same bank account or card each time.

Why should I switch to online giving or automatic contributions?
Simply, it makes the contribution process easier. With online giving, you write fewer checks and can make a contribution whenever you want — even at 3:00 in the morning. And with automatic contributions, you won’t forget to make a contribution, even when you’re on vacation or unable to make it to a weekend service. At the same time, online giving and automatic contributions reduce BranchCreek’s administrative costs. Fewer offering envelopes, less postage, and less work free up staff and funds for vital ministries.

How safe are online giving and automatic contributions?
Safer than crossing the street or walking down a flight of stairs. Bank account drafts (called an electronic funds transfer, or EFT) are regulated by the Federal Reserve and are less risky than checks because they cannot be lost or stolen. Debit/credit card charges are regulated by the high standards of Visa, MasterCard, and Discover and are just as safe as the payments you’re probably already making on sites like Amazon.com or Zappos.com. All information is protected using the latest technology in Web security.

How often are transactions made?
Transactions can be made at your convenience. You decide whether automatic contributions are given weekly, biweekly or monthly. One-time contributions are made whenever you want — any day of the week, any time of day.

Will I still be able to view my giving online? Will I still get a year-end tax statement?
Yes and yes. Online giving and automatic contributions are processed through AccessACS, the same system where your current giving is recorded. Regardless of how you give, we’ve got you covered.

How will I know my online giving or automatic contribution has been processed?
Each time a contribution is processed, you’ll receive an email. No need to check your account each day to see if it went through.

When will my giving record be updated to show online giving and automatic contributions?
Though contributions are processed as scheduled (as verified by the confirmation email), they are uploaded to BranchCreek’s database each Monday and will usually be available for viewing by Tuesday morning.

What if I’m signed up for automatic contributions and I change my bank or get a new debit/credit card?
All you need to do is sign in and update your information. That’s the beauty of this system. It’s all under your control and at your fingertips. In less than five minutes you’re done — no forms to fill out, no calls to make.

What if I’m signed up for automatic contributions and I want to stop?
You’re in complete control. To stop your automatic contributions, simply sign in and delete the automatic contribution. It’s that easy.

What if I want to change the amount or funds for my automatic contributions?
It’s quite simple. Just sign in and update your contribution whenever it’s convenient for you.

What if I still have questions or I have trouble signing up?
Rick Martin, our pastor of finance, would be happy to assist you in answering any further questions. He can also walk you through the process. Contact him via email at rick.martin@branchcreek.org or directly at 215-256-0100 x150.

If you would like to get more information about Men’s Ministry at BranchCreek, or to be added to our email distribution list for upcoming events, please email Eric Holmquist at echolmquist@verizon.net.  You can also reach Eric by phone at (215) 385-2001.

The first chapter looks at how Solomon sought “the gift of wisdom.”  There are 12 questions that we are asked about Solomon and his relationship with God.  Question #10 Asks –  In what ways does our world encourage us to distort the truth?  How can we discern truth from falsehood?  Please respond with your thoughts and comments.

Download

4/19 – Who Questions The Bible – Jared Byas
4/26 – Who Minimizes Women’s Roles – Dave Detwiler
5/3 – Who Is Addicted – Pastor Craig
5/10 – Who Is Trying To Be Superwoman – chuck faber
5/17 – Who Is Scared To Share Their Faith – Mike Harder
5/24 – Who Is In Financial Trouble – Jeb Shore
5/31 – Who Believes in Evolution – Rob Hess
6/7 – Who Is Going Through A Divorce – Pastor Craig
6/14 – Who is Homosexual – Dave Detwiler

Featuring:

• Is Parenting That Bad?
• X31 Camps and Mission Trips
• KidsCreek PEAK Summer Camps
• Ladies Night Out
• “Life Hurts, God Heals”
• Anxiety
• Pudding Freezer Pops Recipe

May 2009 Rising

Do I have a servant’s heart?
Am I willing to ask “How can I help?” instead of “Let me show you how”.

Am I willing to be a team player?
Can I work with others towards a common goal?  Can I accept authority?

Am I flexible?
How do I handle it when things don’t go as planned?  Can I adapt and learn to “go with the flow?”

Am I willing to embrace another culture?
Can I adjust my behavior and dress accordingly?

Can I accept being a guest in another culture?
Can I adapt to more primitive conditions?

Will I be able to survive on a diet that may be very different from what I am accustomed to?
Where you lead me I will follow; what you feed me I will swallow.

How will I handle the financial commitment?
Will I need to find sponsors?  Do I want to be part of the fund raisers?

Can I afford to take time away from my family and/or my job?

Haiti
May 8-15
FactSheet
Construction and Medical
Approximate Cost—$1,200

Jordan
June 1 – 13, 2010
Fact Sheet
VBS program for kids.
Approximate Cost—$2100

Honduras
July 6 -15
Fact Sheet
Construction
Approximate Cost—$1,400

Ethiopia
October 2010
Fact Sheet
Construction
Approximate Cost—$1,100

Listen to what two team members from our recent Haiti trip had to say about the experience.

Laura Micucci:

Haiti, I love to go…I hate to leave. I find it difficult to write this because over a month later I am still trying to “process” it all. They say life is hard in Haiti. I’ve heard that Haiti is the poorest nation is the western hemisphere, most Haitians don’t have clean drinking water, are short on food, and don’t have shoes, at least not adequate ones. But you will never meet a more loving people, especially the kids. Perhaps it’s because there are so many of them and so few adults to love on them. Haiti’s population is 80% children. Haitians – I’m captivated by their children, drawn in by their worship of God, amazed at their strength, in awe of their faith and in wonder at their will to survive.

God has used Haiti to change me in so many ways. I am in awe of Him.

Renie Swartley:

St. Francis said “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” Mission trips are my opportunity to follow in Jesus’ footstep as He shows me His people and His world. It gives me an awareness of God’s grace, mercy and love, through, for and with, me. It reminds me that in Matthew 25:40 Christ said “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of theses brothers of mine, you did for me”, and in Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded: and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” AND, I get to see the world, one mission trip at a time….

On that trip in December our team of 18 was able to screen 550 patients and supply rice and beans for 270 families. We taught English to orphans and quarried rock. We worked hard and felt used by God. We became a team and learned how to be God’s hands and feet.

This is the stuff that mission trips are made of. Maybe God is calling you to be a part of the next one. Why not review the list of proposed trips and take the self-evaluation and then contact Kathy Nomides kathy.nomides@branchcreek.org with your questions or to let her know you’re in.

Ask that question around the BranchCreek teens and you might get some pretty wild answers. Some of our middle-school students went on a trip called “Thirsty,” which took them to North Carolina where they cleaned up a mission camp and helped a low-income housing organization. Some older teens went to Romania where they worked at a youth camp. While they were all over the map, the common denominator was that the teens grew in their faith as they served others.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sixteen students, accompanied by six adults, traveled to Union Mills, NC, in early August as part of a service project designed to open their eyes and hearts to the needs of others. Middle School Director Nathan Schultz wanted the students to provide a helping hand to people in need, and to see the need for God’s hand on their own lives.

“Essentially, we wanted students to experience God’s heart for the world by serving those in need in ways we don’t normally experience,” says Nathan.

In the blazing North Carolina sun and its 100 degree temperatures, the students and adults served at the Center for Intercultural Training (a pre-field missionary training facility), doing landscaping and cleaning to improve the facilities. The group also built several picnic tables and cleared a wooded area around the picnic pavilion.

A second group of students worked with a local, low-income housing group, Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP). The students did yard work, painting and construction of handicap accessible ramps. They loaded and unloaded appliances being donated to RHP by a local apartment complex undergoing its own renovations.

To promote their spiritual growth on the trip, Nathan had the youth address three topics in personal journals:

• Their mission
• God’s heart for the world and
• God’s heart for the poor.

To help the students recognize the harsh conditions facing many people in this country, Nathan and his team took the students on a “Poverty Driving Tour” around the hard-hit, poverty-stricken area where they were staying. At one point, the youth were given $2.50 and told to buy a complete outfit (shoes, pants and shirt) at a local thrift store.

HIGH SCHOOL

Sixteen students, accompanied by six adults, traveled to Union Mills, NC, in early August as part of a service project designed to open their eyes and hearts to the needs of others. Middle School Director Nathan Schultz wanted the students to provide a helping hand to people in need, and to see the need for God’s hand on their own lives.

“Essentially, we wanted students to experience God’s heart for the world by serving those in need in ways we don’t normally experience,” says Nathan.

In the blazing North Carolina sun and its 100 degree temperatures, the students and adults served at the Center for Intercultural Training (a pre-field missionary training facility), doing landscaping and cleaning to improve the facilities. The group also built several picnic tables and cleared a wooded area around the picnic pavilion.

A second group of students worked with a local, low-income housing group, Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP). The students did yard work, painting and construction of handicap accessible ramps. They loaded and unloaded appliances being donated to RHP by a local apartment complex undergoing its own renovations.

To promote their spiritual growth on the trip, Nathan had the youth address three topics in personal journals:

• Their mission
• God’s heart for the world and
• God’s heart for the poor.

To help the students recognize the harsh conditions facing many people in this country, Nathan and his team took the students on a “Poverty Driving Tour” around the hard-hit, poverty-stricken area where they were staying. At one point, the youth were given $2.50 and told to buy a complete outfit (shoes, pants and shirt) at a local thrift store.

No matter where we were born, where we grew up, or whether we’re rich, poor or somewhere in between,God created us with purpose.

This past summer I had the opportunity to get to know one of the sweetest six-year-olds I’ve ever met. My family and I were staying with Amanda’s cousin and his wife, who live near Washington, D.C. George and Jenny live in a small community, and Jenny has become a kind of “aunt” to the two brothers who live next door. The boys are the same ages as my sons, so they were excited to hear we were coming, and knocked on the door early the first morning we were there to introduce themselves.

Tommy (not his real name) is the sixyear- old. He wears his feelings right out in the open. There’s no hiding them. When he’s happy or excited, his head is held high, his chest is puffed out, and he has a big smile on his face. When he’s disappointed, his hands are on his hips and his head hangs a little lower. When he’s upset, his arms are crossed and his head hangs so low his chin touches his chest. What is so fascinating to me is how quickly his body language shows the change in his mood. In an instant, I could physically see his mood change.

We were taking in the Washington sights on our vacation, and the National Zoo was on our list. Jenny and the brothers joined my family and me for this trip into the city. At one point, Tommy went to take a drink at a water fountain and the water shot him in the eye. We giggled a little at the sight, and immediately Tommy’s arms were crossed and his head went down. Understandably, he was upset that we were laughing at him. However, when we tried to console him, it didn’t work. I asked him what was bugging him, and he replied that he didn’t like himself. Evidently, the giggling reminded him.

I couldn’t imagine that there was a six-yearold who didn’t like himself. He seemed too young to have those feelings. So I took Tommy by the hand, and we walked a few yards away so the other boys were out of earshot. And I told Tommy, “Do you know that God made you? He made you special, and there is no one else like you. He knows what you’re going to be when you grow up. He knows how tall you’re going to be. And God loves you. You can like yourself because God made you and He likes you — just the way you are.” Instantly, Tommy picked up his head, he puffed out his chest, and his smile returned. Tommy needed to know that he is loved and that he was placed on this earth for a reason. He didn’t need to know all the specifics that day, but he did need to know the basics. (Though he did ask me what he was going to be when he grew up. I guess he thought I had inside information from God.)

Are you like Tommy? Have you ever questioned why you’re here? Do you ever wonder why you have the family you have, the personality you have, the talents you have? Have you ever thought, “There’s got to be more to life than this”? If so, you’re not alone. It’s not just six-year-olds who have these questions. These questions hit most people sometime between the ages of 6 and 106. They’re classic questions of people, like yourself, who are looking for their purpose.

Each of us has purpose. No matter where we were born, where we grew up, or whether we’re rich, poor or somewhere in between, God created us with purpose. It doesn’t matter what our IQ is, what our talents are or what political party we belong to, we were all created by God with purpose.

This year at BranchCreek, our annual fall spiritual campaign will answer the question “What on earth am I here for?” This campaign is called “40 Days of Purpose,” and beginning the weekend of Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, we’ll set off together on a 40-day quest to discover our purpose. There are three things you can do to get involved in the campaign and discover your purpose:

• Attend one of our services each weekend as the teaching pastor introduces us to one of our five purposes.
• Belong to a small group. We have a number of small groups available every day of the week. If you’re not already involved in a small group, there’s bound to be a group that meets at a time that fits into your schedule.
• Commit to reading along in Pastor Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. There is a short chapter for each day of our 40-day campaign. Each chapter will help you get to the heart of God’s purposes for your life.

For the past six years, the return of school buses after the summer break meant a return to classes for me, too, as I worked part-time on a master of divinity (MDiv) degree. All that changed when I graduated this past May and joined the staff at BranchCreek in June as the new Pastor of Finance.

My decision to attend seminary had confused some of my coworkers. While they were getting MBAs so they could advance in their careers, I was getting an MDiv so I could change my career. Many couldn’t understand why I would spend so much time and money on a master’s degree in order to work even longer hours and have a smaller paycheck. But it was never about the career, the hours or the money. It was about something far greater than all that. I got an MDiv because I know being a pastor is part of the purpose God has for me.

Are you looking for your purpose? If so, join us for our 40 Days of Purpose campaign. Join us each weekend, get involved in a small group, and read along in The Purpose Driven Life. You won’t regret it.

Sign up for a small group in the lobby, by contacting the church office, or online at www.branchcreek.org.

Purchase The Purpose Driven Life and the small group study guide in the lobby after weekend services, in The Vine media store, or online when you sign up for a group.

Who we are: It all started in 1975 the year of  the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Live, Rocky Horror Picture Show and bad fashion. This fledgling church “experiment” had grown out of the desire of several Christian couples to bring Jesus’ love and care to their unchurched community. They met that fall in Ernie and Naomi Clemmer’s farmhouse kitchen for their first worship gathering.

Bucking the judgmental trend of the time, BranchCreek managed to turn itself inside-out  into a “prodigal-hugging” church.  To this day, the church seeks to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere that is understandable to newcomers, eliminating “christianese” and other barriers.

And, that’s what BranchCreek Community Church is all about. Not only are we passionate about adults, but also our children and students. We believe them to be some of the greatest influencers of our church today.

We want to meet you in your comfort zone, with Biblical teaching and messages that deal with everyday challenges, hopes and heartbreaks. Whatever your circumstances—single, married, single again —and no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, you matter to God. So put on your favorite pair of jeans or whatever you feel comfortable in and check us out this weekend to hear the good news of Jesus.

Need more info?