I am writing this message to you from Schaumburg where Paula Roderick (your lay member/leader) and I have been attending the 2022 Annual Conference session of the Northern Illinois Conference. It is wonderful to be back in person, to sing together and conference with one another. We opened the session on Wednesday with the memorial service, celebrating the lives of clergy and laity who have gone ahead of us. We have listened to the stories of clergy that are retiring this year, and we have questioned and welcomed the new persons in ministry. Tomorrow (Friday) we will ordain these candidates- one of which is our own Keri Rainsberger. COVID restricts physical attendance but anyone who desires can watch it on the conference facebook page or YouTube channel- Paula and I will fill you in on other things that happened here in our yearly report a few weeks from now, but let us also be reminded of what's happening at Broadway-
As you already know- we are starting a new 4 week sermon series, based on Obery M. Hendricks Jr’s book, “The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted,” during which we will focus on the message of liberation that Jesus brought for all people- defending the least, the last and the forgotten, and demanding justice for all. Please join us for all 4 sessions and I would love to hear your responses and reactions each or any Sunday.
Following Jesus’ command to help our siblings in creation, we are collecting school supplies which we will distribute to any and all desiring kids in September, Please bring your donations on Sundays or any day during the week when the office is open. You can always leave them at the parsonage door also.
In keeping with the quest for justice for all and accessibility of healthcare for all people- we have scheduled a vaccination clinic at Broadway on June 12th and 19th, from 11am till 2pm. You can get any of the four vaccines (Vaccine 1 or 2, and Booster 1 or 2) on these days- so please sign up here for your spot. Registration is required!
We will worship in the yard on the 2nd Sundays of each summer month, so come prepared to be outside on June 12th for worship and later for picnic. Jon Fallon will let us know what he needs from us as he continues his plans.
We will have PRIDE PARADE this year, and the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches will be marching in it! The theme for 2022 is "Embracing all and loving boldly" If you will march with us, please register here. We want as many participants as possible to show the world that our church welcomes and celebrates all persons!
Beloveds, Jesus healed, taught, spoke with passion and looked at people with compassion, but Jesus also over turned the tables of money changers and spoke against the abuse of power by the Roman authorities. He called out the wrongs he witnessed, and did not shy away from standing against the oppressive practices. We are called to do the same. We are called to ‘seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God’ always. May we continue to strive to do our best, be our best and do all we can to leave a livable world for the generations to come, and a safer place for our generations. And remember God loves you and so do I, and I look forward to seeing you in worship.
