Alka's Angle May 30, 2025

Dear Broadway Community, 

If you were in worship last Sunday, you will understand these comments, I received by text this week, a bit better:  

“Reflecting on the day. I’m proud of being at a church that welcomes people who don’t fit the mold, who celebrates the birthday of someone who is transient, who offers love instead of judgement for those suffering from substance abuse and mental health. Thank you for doing God’s work and demonstrating love.” 

“I loved hearing your laughter during what must have been a difficult service for you. As hard as it was for you, while listening online, it made the perfect background for your message.”

These comments, along with many others that were shared with me in person warmed my heart and I share them with you to celebrate the church we are a part of and the people you are! I am so proud of each one of you! That is what a church needs to be! For some it may have been a bit uncomfortable, for some it may have been disruptive, but no one allowed those feelings to take over and react- in fact many responded in beautiful ways to the lovely soul that was part of worship last Sunday! 

Beloveds, many times during worship, I said under my breath (it was heard clearly by those online) that ‘I have lost control of this hour,’ but that was church last Sunday! That is what we strive for every Sunday- that all may feel safe and welcomed in our space! 

June will be a busy month for us. Here are some details:

• June 8th we celebrate PENTECOST Sunday and will also be the last day of Young People’s Sunday School before summer break!
• June 15th is Father's Day! We will also celebrate the baptism of Benjamin Denler that day and ‘officially’ welcome Ben’s dad Rob into the Broadway family, since he has already transferred his membership and become an integral part of this community. 
• June 22nd we will worship in the yard! All summer long, 4th Sunday of the month we will ‘worship in the yard.’ This Sunday we will also be challenged by our ‘Green team” for some activities that you will hear more about as we get closer! 
• June 29th is PRIDE SUNDAY and like last year, we will again host the worship service for the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches (CCWC) in our yard! People from around the city and suburbs join us for this worship before they enter the PRIDE march, so to give everyone time to get in the parade line, we will begin worship at 9:30am.    

Beloveds, as I complete my 10th year with this community, I just want to say it again- I am very PROUD of each of you and am honored to serve a church that welcomes all people, hard as it may be sometimes! Jesus reminds us that love isn't simply about feeling warm feelings toward each other, it is more about the act of caring for one another. Thank you for being a caring and compassionate space and let us continue to seek ways to support our siblings around us! May God bless you as you do so, and may you be a blessing to all you meet.