Alka's Angle

“We who constitute the [Methodist Church] must find ways to bridge the gap of racial separation in our church, or forfeit the continuing opportunity to preach the Christian gospel of redemption...”  are words by Bishop Charles F. Golden spoken in 1962 at the Convocation on Christian Social Concerns, according to an article on the GCORR (General Commission on  Religion and Race) website, reminding us that there are many unsung heroes and sheroes in our history who we hardly know. One of them was Bishop Charles F. Golden and another is Clara Ester.

Today is the second day of Black History Month in the U.S. Created as Negro History Week in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the month aims to encourage “people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the black experience” (ASALH).

Beloveds, I hope the year has started well for each and every one of you, and as most people do- you also started the year with some resolutions and intentions for 2024. I hope you are able to keep up with them for a long time.

As a church, we also invited you into a commitment with Broadway United Methodist Church, to always seek ways to share the love of God with all the people of God, to the best of our ability.

Beloveds, a friend shared this version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” with me recently- and I felt I needed to share it with you, in light of what we are experiencing in the city of Chicago and hearing from the people in Palestine.

Beloveds, there are some profound images that are being shared from Bethlehem. I am sure some of you have seen this image of the Manger at Christmas Lutheran Church Bethlehem shared by Reverend Munther Isaac who lives in Palestine. Rev. Isaac shares,