As I had shared with you last week, we are in the ‘Stewardship season” at Broadway. Stewardship is a difficult word for some, because we associate it mostly with finances. And, even though there is nothing wrong with talking about money in church -- stewardship does not refer to only finances. Webster Dictionary defines stewardship as “conducting, supervising, or managing of something, and “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.” So, when we talk about stewardship we are talking about everything that we are entrusted with. So I ask -- are we, as a church, being good stewards of all that God has entrusted us with? We decided to ask a few church members to answer that question. Here is what our long-time member Charolette Lill has to say:
"...Over the years that I have been a member at Broadway it has been many things...a continued Methodist connection, a church community which has offered many opportunities to participate such as choir and SS, stimulating connections with the broader church via seminary interns, and small enough to be a church family.
Through the years Broadway has continued to work to be open to cultural changes and accepting of the diversity in our neighborhood, to be a welcoming church in Lakeview, and to find and respond to the many mission opportunities in the city.
From the care of a now 30 year old church building and a 100+ year old parsonage to helping church members who are without family connections to caring for youth who have come to our neighborhood with needs, Broadway’s small family always seems to meet the challenge. I’m proud to be a sister in this family.” ~ Charolette
Charolette has a handyman, Elbert, who frequently helps her and also does some work for us. Charolette asked him the same question and this is what he said: (we have chosen to not edit his message):
"To the pastor and the Church congregation Family of the Broadway Church you are prime examples of what a Church should be Loving kind and supportive of the community and from the heart unconditionally and God fearing the Heart beat of the Community to all walks of life no matter of color, race, religion or sexual orientation they have also supported my Family and i thru some very cruel and hard times when we weren't able to keep up with our bills they were there to assist pastor Alka Lyall is a strong very loving and kind and compassionate person who really cares about others especially those who are less fortunate she has a heart of Gold and I am Blessed Honored and grateful too have True Friends in life and may God continue to Bless her and her family and the Congregation, by one's work one knows the workman or woman. Thanks for all that you do. peace and love. Elbert Conley and Family.."
Next week you will hear from another member of the church, but if you wish to share your thoughts, please feel free to email them to me at pastoralkalyall@gmail.com.
Beloveds, I pray that you are doing well, taking good care of yourself -- washing your hands, wearing a mask, maintaining safe distance when seeing family and friends, and doing all you can to keep our infection numbers going down. May God give all of us the strength we need for each day. And remember, I am always your partner, in justice and in ministry,
