Alka's Angle December 1, 2023

Dear Broadway Community,

 

Yep, it is December 1st today! The first day of the last month in 2023 and that means we are preparing for the season of preparation! LOL! I know- I am just having fun with words today but in all seriousness we are almost into the season of Advent and as we have been doing for several years now- our Advent Worship series is adapted from the series produced by Worship Design Studio, titled, ‘The Gift of Being Present.’

Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all- our very presence.

 

Rev. Marcia McFee, reminds us that ‘our spiritual ancestors were also worried— often about survival in the midst of political occupation. And the response of the scriptures is “the Holy Living One is with you.” Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close.’  

 

So this season, we are invited to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most- being present with Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.  We hope you will join us for all of these experiences and bless us with your presence. We also invite you to join us this evening from 5-7pm, or tomorrow, Dec 2nd from 9-11am to get our building ready for the season.

 

In addition to this we will also hold a “Blue Christmas Service” on Sunday, Dec 17th @ 5pm for anyone for whom this season may not be as joy-filled and festive as the world makes it to be, who may be grieving or those going through a difficult season in their lives for any reason.

 

I would be remiss if I closed this letter without thanking everyone who filled out their pledge cards- either last Sunday during worship or on line during the week. If you did not receive the email or missed it for any reason, but have not made your commitment yet, we invite you to use this link to make your 2024 pledge.

 

That’s it for now friends! I am thankful for each one of you and for all the ways you faithfully show up to make Broadway a community of welcome, love and grace. I feel blessed, every day, to be a part of this community that is always willing to step up to offer support and aide wherever it is needed.

 

Let us continue to be agents of hope, and pray for peace as we also bring care and help where needed. Be blessed and be a blessing, beloveds, and I look forward to seeing you all in church.