Matters of the Heart and City

A lot matters in the heart of the city.

A lot has happened this week at the corner of Broad and Washington.

This week 40 children in the Heart of the City Freedom School did chalk drawings in the small parking lot to the rear of our building. One child drew a picture of her friend, a fair likeness. She added the friend's name and wrote "Always remember." Her friend had been killed by gun violence in her apartment complex.

In ministry, so much matters.

Last Wednesday we served nearly two hundred hungry souls at Manna Café.

In mission, so much matters.

A phone call this week turned into a forty-five minute counseling session for a parent of a young adult who is struggling to make a way forward in spite of addictions while leaning heavily on the parents' limited financial resources. Tough love? Helpful compassion?

In relationship, so much matters.

Two weeks ago, Broad Street United Methodist Church bid farewell to Janet. This week we say good-bye to Andrew. With their departures for new homes, the grief of the loss of former members and friends rises up anew. When we bless them on their way to Vermont and Iowa, we discover again that leave-taking is never easy.

In community, so much matters.

It all matters. And it can be overwhelming . . . until:

-  We turn to the One who created us with gifts and capacities for this very moment. With God's help, you can, I can, we can!

-   We turn to each other with the trust and confidence that comes from the same truth. With one another in community, we have more together than we have alone.

-   We see in those we help the very imagination and possibility that are required. With companions and partners in ministry, there is a solution to every problem that matters.

A lot matters in the city. But, thanks be to God, we have more than enough, more than a lot, to face what matters with faith and without fear.

It matters.

--Pastor David

Summer Second-Sunday Potlucks Become Picnics in the Heart of the City    

This summer the Membership cluster and Potluck team invite you to participate in the Picnics on the West Lawn on the second Sundays of July, and August for a time of refreshment, fun, and fellowship. There won't be any one watching over a hot stove; there won't be a crew washing dishes at the conclusion of the meal.

Instead, everyone is invited to pack a picnic basket with all their household's needs for plates, flatware, napkins and glasses. Disposable plates, napkins, and cups will be available. Serving utensils and flatware will also be available if needed. Throw in a dish or two to share with others on the community picnic table. Toss in a table cloth or ground cover. Carry along a lawn chair or two. Some tables and chairs will be set up in the shade of the Motorist building. 

Before worship, you can park your picnic supplies in air conditioned Jim Thomas Hall. After worship, invite a visitor to join you, collect your household, grab your stuff, and join others on the West Lawn. Beverages will be provided by the church. 

Church History: 95 Years Ago - Summer Camp for Children and Youth  

Last month I wrote about a playground for children established at the rear of the church building in 1911 during the pastorate of Dr. Hiram Kellogg. Another example of ground breaking ministries to children and youth, during Kellogg's tenure as pastor from 1910-1916, was the establishment of a camp for youth on the banks of the Olentangy River in the summer of 1916. That was 95 years ago!

An article in the Ohio State Journal describes the camp as a dream come true for the campers, "That's just the dream that they're making come true for hundreds of youngsters at the camp of the Broad Street M.E. Church at Flint on the Columbus, Delaware and Marion traction line. Seventeen tents have been pitched at the top of the picturesque ravine that leads to the Olentangy River, just south of Camp Johnson." .....

 Click here to read the rest of Jim's article on Broad Street's main website. Fascinating insights to our past - thanks, Jim!

-- Jim Barbee, Church Historian

Inn at Broad: Cleaning and Preparing for a New Resident 

It is not Spring and it is not Fall, but you probably won't be able to tell if you visit the Inn in the next few weeks. We are preparing for a cleaning that rivals anything done in those seasons. Our resident who lived with us for 2 years and made progress that surprised even her, has now moved into her own place and is moving ahead with her life, her daughter at her side. So her apartment at the INN needs a big cleaning in preparation for the next resident who is waiting in the wings.  

While we have some workers who are close to helping us with the big work, we are looking around to see if other things need to be cleaned or fixed while we are "setting our house in order." When the dust settles...Woops, when the dust is swept away, I will let you know how much has been accomplished. If you'd like to lend a hand, please let me know.

-- Marcia Miller, Inn Board President

Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement: A Family Reunited

We are rejoicing with two Iraqi Christian brothers, Muataz and Maan, who have worshiped with us, helped in Manna Café, and settled in Columbus. Broad Street UMC have helped them in their persistent efforts and special needs.  Now, after close to two years, they have welcomed their parents, Yousif and Nisreen into their home. Yousif worshiped with us last Sunday and plans to bring Nisreen next time. Please welcome them when you see them. Nisreen will probably understand you, but is not yet ready to respond - except with a smile.

-- Emily Schornstein

Social Principles at Work: Palestine and Israel

A flotilla of ships planning to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza is being held in a Greek port. Two ships have been sabotaged and it is believed the US boat may be next. The captain is in prison. The purpose of this flotilla is to force Israel to end its illegal collective punishment of the people of Gaza. (Read more about the issue here, covered by the Christian Science Monitor). Pray for the captain, the Americans who are on the ship, The Audacity of Hope, and the mission of this flotilla.  

Palestine, since losing hope in direct negotiations with Israel, is planning to ask the United Nations (UN) for recognition as a state in September. Over 100 countries have recognized their statehood, but not in the UN. Israel has energized its ambassadors to rally in all countries to defeat this plan. There are resolutions in both the US Senate and House (SR185 & HR268) proposing to impose sanctions on Palestine if they go forward with this. Without moving forward, what is the future for the peace process? Pray for a resolution that moves toward human rights for all. (Click here to learn more about the conflict from the General Board of Church and Society). 

Last month, the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church resolved to "promptly divest their stock holdings from Caterpillar, General Electric and Hewlett Packard so long as these companies continue their involvement in the Israeli occupation." This was decided after years of meeting with these companies. You can read the whole resolution on the conference website. This is our church acting on our Social Principles. Pray that we may be responsible citizens and Christians.