This has been a rough week for the Broadway community, as some of you may already be aware of.
On Monday night our beloved Satia Orange took her last breath on earth and transitioned into eternity. She had decided on cremation so there is no funeral service planned. The family has gathered in Chicago to support one another and as soon as plans for a celebration of her life are finalized, we will share them with you. Satia touched many lives and was an amazing mentor to many people. She was a lifelong teacher and a change maker in the library world. You can read a little bit about her in this article.
Then on early morning Wednesday, I woke up to the news that our building had been broken into! They broke the front door and the glass on the main office, entered the office and did some rummaging but nothing seems to be missing from the office. I know the news is reporting a few more details so I want to be clear that, in this attempt, nothing was stolen.
There was another incident in the first week of May, when some things were stolen from the YEPP office, but that situation was resolved internally by YEPP staff. The two incidents don’t seem to be related at all. As of now- the doors have been replaced and all is OK. We do invite you to hold in your care, and prayerful support, those who are resorting to such actions. I believe they are simply trying to survive. This is a difficult world we are living in.
I also cannot end this letter without mentioning the brutal experience the students at DePaul University experienced yesterday as their camp was forcefully taken down by police. Let us do what we can to support the students who have bravely stood against the continued genocide in Gaza and Raffa.
I hope to see you at church this Sunday- to remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is present with us always- in times of joy and in moments of challenges, in pain and in joy. She weeps with us and celebrates with us. Wear red, if you remember, but join us nonetheless. And finally, thank you for always showing up in the best way you can, so together we can continue to be the church that God has called us to be. Be blessed, and be a blessing to all you meet, and I look forward to seeing you all at church.
