Summer of Joy - Joy vs. Happiness
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February 19

Broadway United Methodist Church
Summer of Joy - Joy vs. Happiness
This Sunday's Worship

This Sunday's Worship

Sunday Worship

May 31, 2026
Scripture: John 15:1-12
Rev. Brian Kemp-Schlemmer, Pastor

Sunday worship at 8:30 & 10:30 AM. 
Sunday School for kids PreK-5th grade held during the 10:30 service - begin with us in the Sanctuary.

This coming Sunday we introduce a new sermon series titled "Summer of Joy." As we look for new ways to tell our neighbors about the people of Broadway, we invite you to share those places where you are experiencing joy - either through words or pictures. You can send your stories to Teresa by replying to this newsletter. We will publish with whatever permissions you allow - no names, only first names, or full permission to share - you decide. You can also share on your social media with the hastags #SummerOfJoy and/or #BUMCCB.

For more infomation visit:

https://broadwayunitedmethodist.com/podcasts/media/2026-05-24-stories-of-community

May 31 Message
Summer of Joy

Summer of Joy

With the Memorial Day holiday behind us, we have entered the unofficial start of summer.  For families the routines change.  Kids spend afternoons at the pool with their friends or gather for softball and baseball. Families of teammates gather around ball fields to cheer on and support their young athletes.

The libraries are filled with smiling children as they come together for story hour, crafts, and activities. My own daughter is a program director for her local library.  She is currently busy creating activities that keep kids engaged and growing.

Gardeners have done the work of planting and spend their mornings or evening weeding, watering and watching. Here at Broadway we gather at the community garden to help our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Many parks are filled with the sound of concerts from local musicians. Lawn chairs fill the grounds as people come together to listen and tap their toes. Laughter can be heard from the playground equipment where the kids gather.

I’ve noticed more activity on the links as I drive past the local golf courses. People with clubs slung over their shoulders gather around golf carts talking about the best path through the next fairway. 

During June, many families come together for celebrations of weddings extending their family and friend circles. Throughout the summer families and classmates are reunited providing opportunities for reconnection.

As we anticipate vacations and long lazy weekends, we find joy in the sun and the water, the forest and the trees, or even the path through our own neighborhoods. I find more people are out on the evening walk with the dogs. Recently, our backyard neighbor was also walking his dog in the park near us. We were able to strike up a conversation (6 foot privacy fences tend to get in the way of that). How nice it was to get to know him and Kierra, his Border Collie a little better.

There is joy in community. And, long summer days are suited to finding that joy. 

We see you busy in your families and communities and we celebrate the relationships you are making and strengthening. Yet, we encourage you to take some time after all the busy-ness to put your feet up, grab a good read and sip a cold beverage. Take time to reflect on your time with family and friends, the feel of the cool grass under your feet, and the taste of ice cold lemonade. Notice the stars at night and remember they are not going anywhere. Even when we can’t see them, they are still there, waiting for the next clear night to be noticed. Find the joy in that.

We would like you to show us your summer moments of joy. What did you experience that let you go to bed with a smile of contentment on your face?  We invite you to share stories or pictures of the experiences that bring you joy. Send them to Teresa at teresaf@broadwayunitedmethodist.com with whatever permissions you wish - full names, first names only, no names, etc. You may also share them to your social media with the hashtags #SummerOfJoy, #BUMCCB. If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you can also tag us in the post.

Happy Summer and we hope to see you on Sundays.

Peace,
Teresa

For more infomation visit:

http://broadwayunitedmethodist.com/blog

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Broadway's Community Garden Blessing

Broadway's Community Garden Blessing

On Sunday May 10, 2026 members of Broadway met at the community garden across the street for a garden blessing. During our time, Pastor Brian shared “A Vision” by Wendell Berry and offered a prayer of blessing for the soil, for our work, and for our harvest for the community. We felt it was appropriate on a holiday dedicated to moms that we also remember and honor the earth as created by God to nurture and sustain all life.

Since the blessing we have harvested more radishes that have been delivered to Care and Share. Green onion seeds have been planted. Volunteers continue to show up to water and weed. Everything is growing. Our group of gardeners also continues to grow as neighbors have shown up, asked questions, and are becoming involved.

With a grant from the ISU extension office, Mike is replacing the garden frames. Even while things are growing inside the beds, he is removing and replacing the frames. We look forward to being able to place some features, signage, and seating soon.

If you would like to host a summer meeting of your ministry at the garden, contact the office. We have a pop up canopy that can be set to create shade.

Read “A Vision”

Contact Mike through the church office if you are interested in gardening with us. teresaf@broadwayunitedmethodist.com or 712-322-7741.

For more infomation visit:

http://broadwayunitedmethodist.com/news

All News
Book Club at Broadway UMC

Book Club at Broadway UMC

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Join us at the Broadway Community Gardens to discuss our June title, The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. 

The Gardens are located north and east of the church, across the alley from the ISU Extension office on Benton Street. We will set up the pop-up canopy to provide some shade.  Bring seating or camp chairs and your own coffee or tea.  We will provide light refreshments.

In the event of rain or excessive heat, we will meet at Broadway United Methodist Church in the DeLong Lounge.

The Book Club at Broadway meets every third Tuesday from 10-11:30 AM. At our June meeting we will also select our next title.

For more infomation visit:

http://broadwayunitedmethodist.com/events

All Events
Announcements

Announcements

5th Sunday Potluck

This Sunday is another 5th Sunday where we gather for a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the 10:30 worship service.  We will enjoy lunch and an update from the church board. If you can, we invite you to bring a covered dish, side, or dessert to share. However, if that is difficult, we would rather have you here.  There is always plenty. 

Care and Share June Request

The food reqeust for Care and Share for June is packaged cookies.  THANKS!, Carol

Sunday Opportunities

Scripture Readers - Sign ups are at the Welcome Center Desk through July Scripture Readers.

Story Tellers for Welcome - Pastor Brian is looking for volunteers to share their story at the Welcoming Time of the worship service. Talk with Pastor Brian if you are willing to share and watch for information about signing up.

Coffee Hour Hosts - We are in need of additional coffee hosts for Sunday mornings. The duties include picking up donuts on Saturday morning from Maddox Bakery, preparing coffee, serving and cleaning up the kitchenette on Sunday morning. If you are interested please contact the office as soon as possible.

Popsicles in the Park

Popsicles in the Park

Wednesday June 3, 2026
6-7 PM
Fairmount Park Splash Pad - 1200 Fairmount Park Rd

Come and cool off with us.  Ms. Carey will bring the popsicles.

Next Week at Broadway

Friday 5-29-26
Office Closed
12-2 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open (B03)

Saturday 5-30-26
1-4 PM Fellowship Hall Reserved

Sunday 5-31-26
8:30 AM Traditional Worship
9:30 AM Coffee and Conversation (DeLong Lounge)
10:30 AM Contemporary Worship/Sunday School (begin in worship)
12:00 PM 5th Sunday Potluck and Board Update (Fellowship Hall)
5:00 PM Spiritual Practices (DeLong Lounge)
6:00 PM Student Life Youth Breakthrough (203)
6:45 PM New Way Recovery Group (205)

Monday 6-1-26
12-2 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open (B03)
6:30 PM Bibles at Barleys

Tuesday 6-2-26
7 AM - 8 PM Primary Election Polling Place - Precincts CB 6 & 11 (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday 6-3-26
4-6 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open (B-03)
6:00 PM Popsicles in the Park (Fairmount Park Splash Pad)

Thursday 6-48-26
12:00 PM Soul Food Book Study for Men (DeLong Lounge)
5:30 PM Praise Band Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Friday 6-5-26
Office Closed
12-2 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open (B03)

Sunday 6-7-26
8:30 AM Traditional Worship
9:30 AM Coffee and Conversation (DeLong Lounge)
10:30 AM Contemporary Worship/Sunday School (begin in worship)
12:00 PM All Staff Meeting (DeLong Lounge)
5:00 PM Spiritual Practices (DeLong Lounge)
6:00 PM Student Life Breakthrough (203)
6:45 PM New Way Recovery Group (205)

For more infomation visit:

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=b2ZmaWNlQGJyb2Fkd2F5dW5pdGVkbWV0aG9kaXN0LmNvbQ

Full Calendar

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11 S 1st St
Council Bluffs, IA
US 51503

+17123227741

office@broadwayunitedmethodist.com