WHO WE ARE
Introducing the Bending Branch Family Members
Marney Broderick
The land that became Bending Branch Family Farm began its journey in 2007 when I purchased it with my former husband. Initially partnered with the Montgomery Family through Lamppost Farm, our path has evolved as the non-profit chose a different direction. God has beautifully orchestrated bringing family to this property to build community together, where we continue the legacy of partnering with Him to cultivate order, rhythm, and beauty in His creation. As Christ bent down to earth to redeem and connect with us, we now bend our lives to Him—Jesus, the true "Branch."
My story is rooted in New Zealand, where I was blessed to grow up on a farm, nurturing my lifelong passion for farming in Christian community. Beyond raising my family, I find joy in tending my small flock of Corriedale sheep, using their wool to spin, weave, and knit garments for loved ones. My days are filled with gardening flowers, growing vegetables, tending an orchard, and nurturing herbs.
Family is my greatest treasure. "Nena," my grandmother name, is my most cherished title. I'm blessed to share this community with two of my three children and their families: Erin and Michael Luehrs with their four sons, and my son Michael with his wife Weslie and their daughter. My eldest daughter Wendy lives in New Zealand with her husband Clark and their six children. The growing number of grandchildren both here and in NZ brings me immeasurable joy.
My heart's desire is to faithfully steward God's gift of land and community, allowing His redemptive work to shine through the Farm, within us, and touching all whose lives intersect with ours.
Michael and Erin Luehrs
We've been married for twelve years this September, embracing adventures that have taken us across different living spaces, including time near family in New Zealand. For the past two and a half years, we've been establishing deeper roots in Columbiana, building our A-frame house on this land with our own hands, leveraging Michael's skills as an electrician and versatile craftsman.
Though we initially connected through our love for music and shared faith in Christ, farming and gardening together has evolved into our shared passion. Michael brings valuable experience from his years working on farms, knowledge that will serve our future agricultural endeavors. We're dedicated to homesteading with our four boys, teaching them firsthand where food comes from. This season, we're expanding with weaner pigs, laying hens, and meat chickens—with more animals planned after our home is completed. We aspire toward family sustainability, but believe in removing the "self" from self-sustainability.
While homeschooling and raising our four sons remains my primary passion, I cherish working this land alongside extended family. This year marks our first managing my mother's rental cabin on Bending Branch, and I'm continuing to grow our flower farm for the third summer, offering cut flowers to our community. Through stewarding our corner of creation with hearts for beauty and hospitality, we hope to inspire others to recognize God's goodness in creation and appreciate life's simple joys.
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
– J.R.R. Tolkien
Michael and Weslie Broderick
For us, Bending Branch represents a welcoming haven where we can nurture deep roots in family and community.
We enjoyed several years of strong friendship before Michael proposed dating. We can truly affirm that building a marriage on friendship creates an exceptional foundation—we love tackling projects together, from furniture restoration to landscaping. Our daughter Willa Berry joined us in October 2023, bringing unparalleled joy. We consider it a tremendous blessing that she'll grow up surrounded by family, immersed in learning about God, nature, and creativity.
Michael (Marney's son) possesses diverse skills and finds fulfillment in working with his hands to restore and create. To him, a broken car or damaged gate represents an opportunity for redemption. He serves as our farm's maintenance expert, handyman, and everyone's friend. Beyond Bending Branch, Michael manages NAPA Auto Parts in Columbiana, where his extensive knowledge benefits customers with nearly any automotive question.
As a working artist who has embraced various teaching roles—from middle school art in public schools to after-school programs for children and teens, to my current position as pottery instructor at the Davis Family YMCA—my life has been shaped by artistic expression. My parents, Laura (artist/writer) and Larry (writer/landscaper), profoundly influenced my appreciation for beauty and whimsy. I firmly believe everyone was created to create—yes, even you analytical types!
I established West Meadow Pottery in 2020 but packed up my studio when we sold our house in town. Having a home studio again fulfills a dream—one made possible through my problem-solving, build-anything husband. I eagerly anticipate conversations over coffee with community members while creating together.
Most importantly, we follow Jesus, seeking to experience and share His love through hospitality and creativity. We're delighted to meet you!
