ART, ROMANS 12, AND MATT BEARD

Could it be that all these things have something in common? Is it a stretch? Probably, but we're still so excited to have a renown artist with us this Sunday as we continue looking into the truths and encouragements found in the twelfth chapter of Romans.

We'll take a look back at the verses we've covered so far; 1-8. What has God been stirring up in you? What are you most challenge by, and most encouraged by?

If you've ever wrestled with the "rules", and that dreaded sense of guilt or shame when thinking about a relationship God, you're going to treasure what Matt has to say. Matt Beard has been creating art here in Humboldt for decades, walking with Jesus even longer, and embracing divine mercy in brand new ways. He'll be sharing what God's been doing in His life lately, how it relates to these verses in Romans 12, and inviting us to find a whole new creative freedom in God's grace!

Being part of a team and having a positive impact on others' lives is an unparalleled experience. If you've felt it before, you understand the significance.

Here at Branches, we're passionate about helping every person discover their unique, God-given talents. It turns out God has a very special interest in the natural skill-set He's woven in to each of us. And, He even wants to impart "spiritual gifts" to us out of His abundant, amazing grace, so that we can truly be a GIFT to others - and to the world!

This Sunday, we look at verses 6-8 in Romans 12, reflecting on some examples of how we might be gifted to help others. We pray it'll be a time of inspiration, encouragement, and action! Remember, YOU are a treasure, created to be a gift to others, and we can't wait to see how God might be inviting you further into the mission here at Branches!

10am - Arcata Veterans Hall

The passage we looked at this Sunday; Romans 12:3-5 passionately wants us to see the truth of ourselves, in connection to God, and in relationship to one another. And this truth is good news:

You are a treasure, created to be a gift to others.

Can you believe it?

Join Justin and guest musician-poet Andy Squyres as they attempt to describe the mystery of this truth and invite us all to respond.

Sunday - 10am

Arcata Veterans Hall

"God brings the best out of you..."

Could that be true? Have you experienced something like that in your life? If Romans 12, verse 2, has anything to say about it, God seems to be in the transformation business - and everyone's invited to this work of grace!

This Sunday, we'll look at God's "Three Move" prescription for our own personal growth. If you've ever desired to live the life of freedom and beauty that God designed for you to live, you'll want to check out this encouraging message with us!

Sunday - 10am

Arcata Veterans Hall

Have you ever been so lost, you wondered if you’d ever make it back alive? When daylight is fading and your phone is dying, and that sinking feeling of panic begins to surround you...

All of us have this longing for clear direction in life; where to go, where to find the "good life" we’ve always wanted. We’re going to see in this new series based on Romans 12 that the Creator of the Universe, God Himself, loves to give directions - the best advice imaginable.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go…”

If you've ever asked, “God, what do you want me to do with my life?", you're not alone. Let's see what Romans 12 has to say to us, together.

Sundays 10am

Arcata Veterans Hall

Does God speak to us today? Could He speak to you? Would you know it was Him if He did?

“We often miss hearing God's voice simply because we aren't paying attention," Rick Warren says. Could that be the case in your life?

If prayer is a conversation, then it follows God must must have something to say to us, as well... Psalm 85:8 declares, “I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people.” I could sure use more PEACE in my life these days - how about you?

Let's discover together how God's peace meets us as we pause to listen to His voice...

What is PRAYER all about? What does it do?

How do we engage with prayer in the most helpful ways?

Stop #4 on the ROADMAP takes us to this familiar, yet often misunderstood and mysterious practice; having a conversation with God. The invitation to talk to a God who hears us changes everything.

But sometimes, even the most frequent pray-ers forget the real meaning behind it. We can get caught up in the formalities and miss the life-changing relationship that is nurtured through prayer. And some of us, who rarely pray, wonder why start now?

This Sunday, let's discover again the grace and power of prayer; a place where we can be honest with God, a place we can be ourselves, and a place where we can get direction and strength for every challenge we face!

10am - Arcata Veterans Hall

Stop #3 on our ROADMAP is "fasting", a practice and exercise where we're invited to take a thoughtful break from something (like a meal, social media, work, TV, shopping, etc...), so we can connect with God in a clear, unobstructed way. The Bible's examples center around taking a break from food for spiritual purposes, so we'll dive into that in detail and find out that the most important aspect of the discipline of fasting is its influence on prayer.

Fasting is one of the best friends we can introduce to our prayer life. Fasting does not ensure the certainty of receiving clear guidance from God but it does make us more receptive to the God who loves to guide us.

How might this experience change and shape you? What's the best way to approach it and give it a try? How does God step in when I open the door for Him in my life?

Our guest-speaker, Michael Delamarian, shares from his experience of 37 years as a pastor and community leader, and we trust his message will help you discover fasting in a new way!

If there was a map, a path to travel, that led you to the good life - a place of peace, emotional and spiritual health, and growth - would you take it?

In this new message series Road Map, we explore exactly what practices and habits make the most difference in our lives. Last week we looked at the Bible and how to engage with it in a way that not only informs us, but forms us - and this Sunday we'll check out "Stop #2" on the route; Christian community.

We know that in the world today as we look around; everyone longs for relationship. Can I belong anywhere? Who are my people? God never intended for us to go through life alone. In fact, authentic life-change happens in the context of relationships.

But how do you engage in life-changing ways with Christian community? It’s more than just attending on Sunday and filling a seat, right? How does it actually work best? What's it all for, and how do you make the most of it?

10am - Arcata Veterans Hall

Every great summer adventure requires a good map to the best spots and most beautiful vistas...

If there was a "map", a path to travel, that led you to the good life - a place of peace, emotional and spiritual health, and growth - would you take it?

In this new message series, we explore exactly what practices and habits make the most difference in our lives. What can we do that really changes us and grows us for the better?

Don't get lost in the distracting chaos and twisting backroads of life. Instead, mark out a clear path forward, find your way with clarity and focus, and discover the life that God has destined for you to live!

Sundays 10am

Arcata Veterans Hall

*P.S. AND hear a little "Huckleberry Flint" flavor with special-guest Dustin Taylor leading "How Great Thou Art" at the end!