Guest preacher: Bethany Ackley DeBlaay, licensed therapist (MA, LLP, SEP)

Week 2 invites us to consider that we are distress managers, doing what we can (often unconsciously) to avoid what we perceive as uncomfortable, difficult or painful. As a result, when we grow up learning that certain emotions are bad (or worse, sinful), we will do what we can to ignore or surpress them. In order to integrate our emotions, we must learn to face all of our emotions by remaining open and curious.

In the first week of a three week series, licensed therapist Bethany Ackley DeBlaay (MA, LLP, SEP) invites us to see our emotions as hardwired, autonomic responses to the world around us. If we are to  integrate our emotions, we first need to understand that they are automatically happening all the time, whether we are aware of them or not.

Epiphany brings the story of the Magi - a story reminding us that the way forward is rarely straight.

This week, Elliot reflects on John the Baptist's words, as well as research from the book, Tribal (written by Michael Morris) as we consider the good that is ours to do.

We Can't Go Alone

Advent - Week 2

A look at Ruth 1 - a reminder that we meant to walk through this life together, which is a choice of both doggedly moving toward and graciously accepting mutuality.

Week 1: You are A Blessing

Luke 1:26-38

We go back to a foundational truth to help remind us how to live in these unsettled days.

What does the Lord require of you?

We look at the Old Testament book of Micah, and what it has to teach us about who we are to be today.

We use a familiar framework at The Branch as we process all of the things we might be feeling and thinking after the election.

With the election two days away, we are feeling the fraught-ness of it all. How do we traverse this week in a way that is hopeful, grounded and kind?