If you were at church last Sunday, you know we had a special church conference to approve our budget for 2020. I am grateful to all who were able to stay and invest in the conversation and deliberations. After some very meaningful and honest conversation, we approved the budget!
But let me be clear and share that we approved an unbalanced budget, in faith! You see our financial report in the bulletin every week. You know the financial picture of our community of faith!
However, this is not an uncommon practice for churches. We are always acting/living out in faith! We continue to be in ministry -- trusting that the people who call this church their home will continue to support the work in a way that will sustain us at the end.
However, this has a whole different meaning for Broadway! How, you ask? So, last Sunday -- while we were approving an unbalanced budget in the sanctuary, there were 2 other simultaneous stories that were happening, right there in our building:
The counters were registering a check that came in the offering for the amount that equaled the staff ‘cost of living’ raises, and
Another person handed their bonus check to the church leaders as donation.
Needless to say, my heart is warmed! It is stories like that that happen all the time at Broadway! It is stories like this that keep my hope alive. It is stories like this that make me proud to be a part of Broadway community. I know people believe in the work we do and the welcome we extend to all persons. I know we can do better! I know we have work to do! But together we can continue to be a presence on this corner of Broadway and Buckingham and keep the message of God’s love and welcome alive in this community. If you are in any way inclined to help us end this year in a better financial position, we would welcome your gifts.
This coming Sunday, we will be reminded to not “… be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you -- wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (Luke 2:10-14)
People of God, let us not be afraid of what the future holds -- because we know that God holds the future. God also calls us to be God’s partners in the work of bringing this message of love and joy to the world. Let us continue to be beacons of hope and let us be makers of peace! Let us continue to share the good news of great joy that is for ALL people- - that God loves all of us -- every one of us and God took human form to teach us to love in the same way! May we live and love as God desires for us.
And, as always, please continue to hold Broadway church in your prayers and do all you can to work towards a just and equitable world. And, of course, pray for one another. Prayerfully, I remain your partner in justice.
