Walking into a Bible Branches club meeting, you’ll be met with smiles so genuine one will find them infectious, the comforting and inviting aura felt the moment the doorway was crossed bringing a smile to one’s face. Looking around and seeing members engaged in cozy and joyful conversation, one will easily feel right at home.
Bible Branches, one of CVHS’ faith-centered clubs, focuses on aiding its members in becoming closer to God. Through a variety of meaningful everyday club activities, such as group prayer and creating cards of appreciation, Bible Branches ultimately brings together many Christian students at CVHS under a strong sense of belonging and valued religious community.
“Our primary purpose is to get closer to God. That’s what we’re here for– to help you get closer to God, whether if it’s a verse that just struck your heart, or, we sometimes send out Reminds of, ‘Hey, this is today’s devotion,’ just to be a reminder that you can always go back to Him.” said club President Taylor Nguyen.
Since its establishment around four years ago, during the start of COVID where times were especially trying, Bible Branches, previously named Christ on Campus, has been receiving members with open arms. They welcome any students that seek to strengthen their relationship with God through many of the nurturing and engaging club activities performed each Tuesday.
As explained by Nguyen, club meetings typically start off with a unique icebreaker “centered around Bible verses.”
“It’s like Wordle, except you have to identify the chapter and book.”
Though difficult, the challenge of the game encourages members to open up, discuss, and laugh with one another– everyone gets to express their knowledge of scripture as well- with pride. Additionally, club members engage in joyful noise, during which they identify things in life that they’re grateful for. Joyful noise encourages members to see the everyday positives in life and appreciate them despite the downs, overall teaching members to prioritize the good life has to offer.
“We always start with joyful noise. Something we’re grateful for, because that’s a really important aspect of your life– to show that you’re grateful for what you have.” said Nguyen.
Members then proceed to partake in a meaningful song of worship together, before closing out the meeting with a group prayer.
“Then we do like a worship song, just one because of the time limit we have… And then we’ll go into the verse, whatever verse that was on my heart to share, and then we pray out as a group.”
By the end of each meeting, not only do club members feel closer to God, having expressed their faith and love in an encouraging and open environment, but they also feel closer to one another.
“To see a community where people have an option and that, if you are a Christian, and you have a full heart for God, you have a place if you need– versus, especially when I was first coming into the school as a freshman, I was a little bit like: I’m not accepted here. But [Bible Branches] is giving [Christian students] an option.”
Bible Branches has offered much to the school over the years under the value of giving back. For instance, during Thanksgiving season, the club creates appreciation cards in order to ensure that staff members feel valued.
“We always do Thanksgiving cards for teachers. Last year was really great. A ton of cards were given…” said Nguyen. “I think it was nice to see them receive those cards, and so we’re doing that again.”
Since their establishment at CVHS, Bible Branches has seen many members come and go over the years, and members aren’t as abundant as they once were. Despite this, Bible Branches is still going strong, continuing to branch out and seize any opportunity to grow and develop as a club.
“I would say member counts are kind of like a heavy part of my heart. I think especially because the past years we had mostly seniors, and, you know, they leave. But I think, as you get older, you learn what you need.”
Despite any setbacks, Bible Branches remains an excellent way for CVHS students to connect with one another through the worship and praising of God, giving students of the Christian faith a safe and encouraging environment to express their love and devotion.
“I don’t do miracles. I don’t save your life, but [God] does. And so whatever it takes to get you and your relationship closer to God, so that wherever you go, you can listen to the Holy Spirit, you can have that peace in your heart. And that’s about us,” said Nguyen.
