Strong Branches

07/17/2026

Strong Branches is collecting returnable bottles and cans. Please let us know if you'd like to make a donation.

07/11/2026

In light of our recent fundraiser - here is an interesting debate. For the record, our Yoopie baker, Barb does add what she calls "rutabeggy"! They are amazing! Look for possibly one more fundraising offering in the next several weeks.

Rutabaga in the pasty. Yes or no. And think carefully before you answer because UP people have very strong feelings about this. 🥟🫛
If you grew up in the Upper Peninsula or anywhere near the Keweenaw, you already have a position on this and it was probably handed to you by a grandparent who would not negotiate. The rutabaga question has divided pasty opinions in the UP for as long as the pasty has existed here, which is to say since the Cornish miners brought it over from Cornwall in the 1860s and the Finnish and other immigrant communities adopted it as their own working lunch.
The purist position: rutabaga belongs. It is in the original Cornish recipe. It adds a slight sweetness that balances the beef and onion. A pasty without rutabaga is not a pasty, it is a meat pie, and the distinction matters. The opposition: rutabaga makes the filling too wet, overpowers the other flavors, and was only ever in there because that was what the miners had available. Modern pasties do not need to carry every ingredient constraint of 19th century Cornwall.
Both sides are fully represented at pasty shops across the UP, which is the only region in the United States where this debate has any stakes at all. Lehto's in St. Ignace, Toni's in Calumet, Lawry's in Marquette — every shop has a position and a following. Visitors who order without asking which kind they are getting are taking a risk they may not be prepared for. Where do you stand?

07/11/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/11/2026

Strong Branches - rooted in strength, reaching out to serve!
A ministry serving widows through Downtown Church
Love God, Love People, Serve God, Serve People!

Strong Branches was launched in 2020 to obey the scriptures to serve and care for the widowed saints of The Downtown Church.  

07/02/2026

Please get your orders in!

🇺🇸 Red, White, and Berry Delicious! 🍓

Need a last-minute dessert for your Fourth of July celebration? Strong Branches has you covered!
We're offering delicious homemade Strawberry Pies, only $20 each.

📅 Pickup Options:
• Friday, July 3rd from 5:00–6:00 PM at Downtown Church
• Sunday, July 5th immediately following service

⭐ Limited Availability! ⭐
Only the first 20 orders will be accepted, so don't wait!

To place your order, text Barb Russell at 269-213-8807 with:
• The number of pies you'd like
• Your preferred pickup date
Your order not only gets you a sweet treat, but also supports this very important ministry!

Bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday celebration while supporting Strong Branches. 🇺🇸

06/30/2026

🇺🇸 Red, White, and Berry Delicious! 🍓

Need a last-minute dessert for your Fourth of July celebration? Strong Branches has you covered!
We're offering delicious homemade Strawberry Pies, only $20 each.

📅 Pickup Options:
• Friday, July 3rd from 5:00–6:00 PM at Downtown Church
• Sunday, July 5th immediately following service

⭐ Limited Availability! ⭐
Only the first 20 orders will be accepted, so don't wait!

To place your order, text Barb Russell at 269-213-8807 with:
• The number of pies you'd like
• Your preferred pickup date
Your order not only gets you a sweet treat, but also supports this very important ministry!

Bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday celebration while supporting Strong Branches. 🇺🇸

06/29/2026

Strong Branches would love to have this vehicle for our outings! Anyone looking for an opportunity to be a blessing?

06/09/2026

Leave a message here with your order!