A Note From Pastor Craig

The last time this church focused on 40 Days of Purpose, we were not yet occupying our new building. In our church newsletter of March of 2002, I, by faith, gave my own version of an “I have a dream” speech. I wrote in part:

“May Branch Community Church always be a church built for those who don’t belong to it, a place where the helpless, the hurting, the spiritually lost can once again come “home.” I dream of a church welcoming others with an attitude of hospitality and celebration, full of people who have personally experienced the unconditional, radically inclusive love of God and wanting to ever widen that circle of love.”

In a recent service, I asked how many were new to the church since occupying this new facility and at least half of the people raised their hands. Our dream is being fulfilled. Again, my words from many years ago:

“The only difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians know where the feast is, where the party is, and are actively inviting others to the banquet.”

People are here, received Christ, been baptized, are growing and serving, because you have been a bringer and includer. Let’s strengthen our resolve to extend the invitation to join us at church.

All we do is ask and then trust God with the rest. Listen to the voice of one who was invited:

“I am one of those here because you hung a sign on your uncompleted building that said, ‘Making Room For You!’ The next Sunday I remembered that invitation and have been at BranchCreek ever since. I want to express my heart in a way that signifies to others that I, too, am ‘making room for you.’