About Us
"I am the vine, you are the branches" - Jesus (John 15:5)
The Branches Community Church is a Christ-centered church in Montpelier, Vermont, made up of everyday people learning to follow Jesus and love our community well. We value honest faith, meaningful relationships, and a church culture where people can belong, ask questions, and grow together.
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Our name comes from Jesus’ words about being connected to Him as the Vine. We believe real life change happens when we stay rooted in Christ and connected to one another. That belief shapes how we worship, serve, and walk alongside each other as we grow in faith and live out the gospel in everyday life.
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At The Branches, you’ll find Bible-based teaching, a welcoming atmosphere, and a heart for serving our neighbors. Whether you’re new to church, returning after time away, or simply looking for a place to call home, you are welcome here.
Meet The Team
We are led by a team of pastors and a leadership board who serve with accountability, humility,
and a shared commitment to the mission of the church.
Jesse Bradley, Lead Pastor
Jesse is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and has been preaching since his teenage years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology from Victory Baptist College in North Augusta, South Carolina.
In 2020, Jesse and his wife, Grace, moved to Vermont with their three children and have made New England their home. The Bradleys were commissioned by the Send Network as church planters to Montpelier and are excited to launch The Branches Community Church in the fall of 2026.
Jesse’s life verse is 1 Corinthians 9:16:
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”
David Book, Administrative Pastor
David Book was born in Henderson County, Kentucky and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served the Lord in a variety of church leadership roles across Kentucky, New York, and Vermont.
David and his wife, Marianne, were married in 1968 and are blessed with two children. Their son, John, and his family serve as missionaries in Penang, Malaysia, and their daughter, Shelley, and her family live in Montpelier, Vermont.
In retirement, David enjoys gardening, birding, and sharing the fruits of both with others. He has volunteered with several National Wildlife Refuges and has been inspired throughout his life by Isaiah 40:31, a reminder to patiently trust the Lord and soar in His faithfulness.
Grace Bradley, Worship & Arts Director
Grace Bradley was born and raised in coastal Florida and brings a background in both education and marketing into her work and ministry. She has a passion for clear communication, thoughtful organization, and creating environments where people feel seen, welcomed, and equipped to grow.
In 2020, Grace and her family relocated to Vermont and quickly fell in love with the beauty, rhythm, and community of life here. Much of her heart is invested in building meaningful connections and helping shape a church culture rooted in authenticity, compassion, and purpose.
Outside of ministry, Grace enjoys listening to music, spending time with her family, and playing video games. Her life verse, Isaiah 49:15–16, continually reminds her of God’s unfailing presence, care, and faithfulness.
Veronica Mascena, Trustee
Veronica Mascena was born in Worcester, MA and moved to CT in elementary school where she later married and became the proud mother of three extraordinary daughters, and one amazing son. In 2017 a wonderful son-in-law joined the family.
On August 1, 2012 she was hired by the state of Vermont and has remained here since then.
Her background is operations/facilities, she graduated from the HR certification program at Villanova University.
Veronica loves to travel, read, walk, and spend as much time with her grandchildren as possible.
A favorite verse is Psalm 3:3, "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me; my glory,
and the lifter of my head", and song, How Great is Our God.
Roger McManis, Trustee
Roger McManis is a native Vermonter who served 21 years in the U.S. Navy and later retired after 22 years as a State of Vermont employee with the Department of Motor Vehicles. He is a widower, a father of five, a grandfather to eight, and a cancer survivor.
Roger has walked faithfully with the Lord for decades and has been part of the Bible-believing church community here in Montpelier for 39 years. His favorite verse, John 3:16, reflects what he calls “the good news in one verse,” and the Gospel of John remains his favorite book for its clear witness to the deity and preexistence of Jesus and the call to eternal life through knowing and believing in Him. Roger’s words to live by are simple and enduring: Love God. Love others.
Jim O'Dell, Trustee & Treasurer
Jim O’Dell was born and raised in Berlin, New York. He served five years in the U.S. Navy and eighteen years in the Vermont Air National Guard, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2004. He holds an associate’s degree in financial management and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
In 1984, Jim moved to Vermont to work for the State of Vermont as a Tax Field Auditor, where he served for twenty-four years before retiring. He later worked for the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Agent for twelve years.
In his spare time, Jim enjoys listening to music, reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing the drums, and learning the saxophone. His life verse is Philippians 1:20.
Marianne Book, Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
Marianne R. Book is a native of Dallas, Texas. She accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age and went on to graduate from Austin College in Sherman, Texas (B.A.), and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (M.A.), where she met her future husband.
Marianne and her husband moved to Vermont in 1986, where she became deeply involved in local church life. Over the years, she has served faithfully in a variety of roles, including children’s teacher, pianist, treasurer, and church clerk. In addition to her ministry involvement, Marianne spent more than fourteen years working at a bank in Barre, Vermont, primarily as Assistant to the President.
Our Beliefs
Our faith is grounded in Scripture and rooted in historic Christian teaching.
We believe the Bible is God’s Word and the foundation for our life and mission as a church. Our beliefs are clearly expressed in the Baptist Faith & Message (2000), which reflects the doctrines we teach and uphold.