Is Olive Branch a church?

Mmm, in some ways. Our roots are in the ELCA, Lisa is an ordained pastor and Richard is seminary-trained. We do a variety of prayer things, Baptism and Holy Communion. On the other hand, we are a community where the particulars of what one believes or doesn’t believe are not what bring us together. 

So are your events religious?

Though we’re grounded in church, not all our events are faith-centered. You’ll be able to tell from the descriptions which ones are theologically- minded and which aren’t.

Is Olive Branch my people?

These are some of the things we hear our community saying. If you resonate with any of this, you just might find us good company.

• Church? I'm Just. So. Done.

• I can’t make it through a church service without doing some serious mental gymnastics.

• Life is complicated, mysterious, and multi-dimensional.

• Can the Bible really be redeemed from the patriarchy in which it was written?

• I'm a pastor. I know too much.

• I’m a pastor’s kid. I know too much.

• A lot of the time, I’ve got no clue what's going on.

• I swear out loud on a regular basis and feel fine about it.

• Love is Love is Love.

• I've been so hurt by the church-- why in the world would I go back?

Do I have to be a member of Olive Branch to do stuff with you?

Nope. In fact, we don’t have membership as such. If you’re into what we’re doing, you’re part of the Olive Branch community! Be welcome to anything that interests you. 

Are Lisa and Richard married?

Yes! But not to each other.

Does Olive Branch have a geographical location?

For our weekly, in-person worship we have found a wonderful home at Gray Duck Theater. Other in-person events take place at various locations in Rochester including Mount Olive Lutheran Church and Fiddlehead, our favorite coffee shop. Many of our events are online. 

Beatles or Stones?

Richard says Beatles. All day long.

Lisa resents only having two options and declines comment.