Bishop Bigham-Tsai Visits Broadway
On Sunday, September 7th, Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai joined us in worship to help celebrate the 175th anniversary of Broadway United Methodist Church! Before the service began she toured the church, asking about our ministries, our community, our history, and our future. When she began to preach however, it became clear that she had already done some homework on Broadway.
The Bishop referenced our new website, then showed she had actually spent some time looking at it as she quoted:
At Broadway, we believe that ALL people are made in the image of an infinite God.
Because we are finite, we are incomplete on our own.
That is why God has called us into diverse communities.
That is why you are not only welcome here at Broadway, you are a necessary part of our becoming!
Across the spectrum of ages, nations, races, sexualities, genders, abilities, ideologies, socio-economics and any other label that separates us in the empires of the world, if you are willing to bring your whole self, and break bread with those wholly different from you, in pursuit of God, you are our people!
(https://broadwayunitedmethodist.com/about/our-beliefs)
She went on to praise our core values of radical hospitality and openness, and to tie them to the vision recently set forth by the United Methodist Council of Bishops to: … form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.
https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/umc-unveils-new-vision-statement-19057587
It was a welcome reminder that we here at Broadway are not alone in our recent efforts to find new and courageous ways to breathe life, hope, and love into our community, and that even our Conference leaders all the way out in Des Moines see and appreciate the work we are doing!
Speaking of being seen by the Conference, did you know that Broadway has been nominated for the 2025 Bishop’s Inspire Award in the category of Best Social Justice Ministry? This award specifically recognizes churches making an impact in their communities, and of the over 100 nominations received, Broadway is a finalist! A group of representatives from the church will attend a red carpet award ceremony where the actual winner will be announced, but regardless of the outcome, you all should be proud of the work God is doing, in and through this church, out into the world! I know I am certainly proud to serve with you all.
Your brother on the journey,
Pastor Brian