Copy

November 9, 2022

Hi <<First Name>>,

Ten things I’m thinking this week…

1. 8,000,000,000. That’s what the world’s population is set to cross in the next week according to recent data. That’s 80 billion fingerprints or toeprints. He knows each print and died for each person. He wants each person to know it. (See Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 10:13-15)

2. Speaking of people around the world, I received a picture of a small church in Osaka, Japan, that has been joining us online for our series on Hearing God. Technology is amazing. Thank you for supporting of all the ways the message of Jesus and Scripture is disseminated locally and globally here at The Branch.

3. This weekend, we’re at a pause in between series, having just wrapped up our series on Hearing God. You might could think of my message this weekend as kind of a “state of the Branch” message. I hope it’ll serve to bring us up to speed. We want to be on the same page when it comes to what the Lord is doing among us at The Branch, and where we are headed as a church.

4. Our elders and their wives will be spending this Friday night and Saturday together in a short retreat. We’ll be connecting with each other, praying together, and processing how we can best love and serve The Branch in our mission to help people become, live, and grow as disciples of Jesus. Will you pray for our time together? We want to do all we can to be a blessing and source of empowerment and encouragement for you.

5. The prayer booth at our Trunk-or-Treat on the Farmers Branch campus: There was a steady stream of people, most of whom had no church home, that came by to receive prayer for all kinds of burdens and concerns. It never ceases to amaze me how willing many people are to receive prayer on the spot – regardless of what they may claim to believe or not believe or where they come from.

6. Speaking of Trunk-or-Treat. We had families with us in services for the first time ever the Sunday after Trunk-or-Treat. The kingdom of God is sometimes as small as a mustard seed. Who knows where tiny beginnings will lead? (Matthew 13:31-33)

7. Voting is important. What a privilege. But we can only vote once per election. We can pray far more than once. What a greater privilege. (1 Timothy 2:1-8)

8. Moms, I hope you’re planning to attend the Branch Moms Holiday Prep Party on November 12. You’ll enjoy good food, decorate cookies, talk about Christmas, and have a chance to win some incredible prizes. Register here!

9. Humid. In November. Please. Make it stop.

10. I eat a lot more soup in Fall and Winter than any time of the year. Who’s with me? And what’s your favorite? (My wife’s chicken tortilla and smoked chicken chili verde are my favorites)

See you Thursday night or Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Chris