The Builder
August 2022
Join Us for Worship In-Person or Online
Year of the People Report
It’s the Year of the People, and that means we’re spending the year loving one another and caring for our neighbors!
I’m writing this article for this August Builder in the middle of July, on the eve of my departure for a long-anticipated trip to Wales and England. Scott and I started planning our 2020 trip in 2019. In short time, it was clear that 2020 would not see any travel. We postponed it to 2021. Again, no travel. Finally 2022, fully vaccinated and boosted, we’re preparing to depart for the UK tomorrow.
I’m sitting at our kitchen table thinking about you before we leave, dear Broad Street. I’m reflecting on all that you’ve accomplished in the past year or so, and giving thanks for how far we’ve come together in such a short window of time.
When I started this pastoral appointment last July, you’d only recently returned to in-person worship in April 2021, just in time for Easter. I arrived in July 2021, and by December 2021, COVID-19 infection rates had skyrocketed to such astronomical levels that we had to make the difficult decision to cease all in-person gatherings again, just before Christmas. We remained “online only” until the season of Lent began in 2022. And we’ve been in-person and online ever since.
And through it all, you have remained positive, cheerful, hope-filled bastions of grace and integrity. But did you know you’ve been and done so very much more than that in the past 12 months?
Consider the following list of accomplishments—in no particular order. In the past 12 months we have:
Finalized a lease agreement with the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless to move their offices to our building—strengthening our shared ministry partnership in the winter Warming Center and the summer Drop-in Center with year-round laundry and shower facilities.
Begun the process of sponsoring a resettled refugee family from Ethiopia.
Hired a new Bell Choir Director, Olivia Sharlow.
Hired a new Organist, Jason Mace.
Hired a new Facilities Manager, Josh Posten, who also runs the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless Warming and Drop-in Centers in our building, allowing us to form an even tighter bond between the church and the neighborhood.
Begun a series of church and office volunteer opportunities, which are filling quickly.
Installed new doorbells and speaker systems inside and outside the building, making us more hospitable and accessible.
Acquired a new VOIP telecommunications system, replacing the outdated and inaccessible telephone system.
Changed internet service providers for a more reliable and stable internet service.
Begun a Shepherd’s program.
Updated our communications strategy with a television monitor in the Tower entrance, scrolling announcements every Sunday.
Reformatted the newsletter for easier access:
Weekly ICYMI every Monday gives a snapshot of the previous day’s announcements and links directly to the pastoral prayer, gospel reading, special music, and sermon.
Weekly Sunday Links every Friday, with links to the bulletin and online viewing for the coming Sunday.
Monthly The Builder newsletter with full article updates from teams and leaders in the congregation.
Started a Technology Implementation Team to assess current and future audio and visual needs in the Sanctuary and for continued, improved online streaming of our worship services for the future.
In-person worship attendance is slowly but steadily increasing.
Participation in seasonal Bible Studies and small groups is drawing participants from outside Ohio.
A “new look” has been given to the online giving platform, making online giving of one-time gifts and recurring gifts simpler and easier than ever before. (If you haven’t checked it out yet, do so—it’s so easy to use!)
Your Finance Subcommittee and Leadership Board committed to paying our apportionments (think Broad Street’s tithe to the denomination) quarterly this year, so we can support denominational ministries near and far year-round, not just at year’s end.
We’ve acquired new fans in the sanctuary which allow us to circulate air without significant audio disruption to our online audience.
We’ve updated our mission statement, addressing one of the questions many of you asked me when I first arrived at Broad Street: “Who are we and where are we headed?” The answer: “We are a building, a people, and a place of inclusive welcome for those seeking justice and relationships for all people.”
We are continuing to find new ways to empower ministry team leaders and individuals to launch the kinds of ministries you are most passionate about.
This fall we’ll launch a new Make A Difference program—designed to enable every single person to do at least one thing that will make a difference in the life of Broad Street Church. Keep watching for more details!
On Valentine’s Day 2022, Pastor Angie and I sent valentines to the congregation just to let you know we think about you often.
On Laity Sunday, Pastor Angie and I hosted a reception after worship so that WE could appreciate YOU!
We’re in the process of updating the elevator and security system emergency phone lines.
We’ve received new members and celebrated faithful lives lived with honor and integrity.
We’ve secured commitments to fund the Kitchen Renovation Project this year.
We participated in 2 different Pride events in Columbus during Pride Month.
We hosted another spectacular and successful Bethlehem on Broad Street in December 2021.
Oakland Nursery donated ALL of the Christmas Poinsettias in 2021, and some of the Easter flowers, because they were so impressed by the Warming Center ministry of Broad Street, and the media coverage of it last winter.
We’ve begun every single Leadership Board meeting in the past 12 months with a celebration and recognition of an accomplishment or achievement in Broad Street’s ministry.
I see more and more smiling faces on Zoom meetings and feel a lighter mood of humor and graciousness in the air around the building.
And in all of this, we’re continuing to press onward, building a vision for the future of Broad Street in the 21st century, post-pandemic. In the next 12 months, I’ll be inviting you to participate in another round of small group conversations to dream and discover our future together.
Well Broad Street, that’s a lot! And that’s just the past 12 months. I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months hold. We’re going places, and I hope you’ll be part of it! Participate to the extent that you can, support in all the ways you can, and hold us each and all in your heart’s deepest prayers as ever you can.
I’ll see you in August!
Bon Voyage,
Pastor John Girard
Broad Street Loving Hospitality and OSU’s Newman Center Community
You have likely heard or read about recent happenings at The Ohio State University’s St. Thomas More Newman Center, though if you haven’t we offer a brief summary and some articles to offer more insight and information from some of the members of the affected community.
On June 30th, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus announced that the Paulist Fathers, a fixture of the Newman Center at The Ohio State University for sixty-five years, would no longer be leading at the Center. The Diocese has instructed that the Center shift its focus to ministry with students and to encourage new vocational calls to ministry. This leaves upwards of 700 people, non-students, who have been worshipping at the Newman Center as their parish of choice for decades, without a church home. The Diocese has said parishioners should go to their local parishes, but for many, these are places that are entirely foreign, and their theological and social values do not necessarily align.
Through a series of conversations between those connected to the Paulist community and leadership at Broad Street, it was clear that the desire for the community to be able to stay together to worship was paramount. Also evident in those conversations has been a tremendous amount of pain, hurt, and feeling betrayed. Broad Street leadership knew the right thing to do was not only to reach out in love and support but also to offer space within the Broad Street building. To that end, the Leadership Board sent a letter to the community indicating our commitment to do both. (You can read that letter here.) As yesterday, July 31, was the last mass presided over by the Paulist fathers at the Newman Center, there is still tremendous uncertainty about how the community might move forward. Whatever path that may be, we are grateful that Broad Street’s love and hospitality have already touched so many in a painful time.
Broad Street has extended to the members of the Paulist community, an invitation to join us for Worship if they wish to do so in future weeks. We know that Broad Street will welcome all with open arms and offer a sense of healing and hope that is deeply needed.
To read more about what has taken place at OSU’s Newman Center and to hear the hearts of the displaced community, please visit the links below.
Online Giving is Now Easier!
Please reach out to Jennifer Blattler (treasurer@broadstreetumc.net) or Lydia Keller (finance@broadstreetumc.net) regarding any questions or concerns you have about the transition.
We’re Getting Ready for Our CRIS Family!
Broad Street is sponsoring an immigrant family, and they’re arriving here in Columbus on Wednesday evening! You all have responded wonderfully to help us fill their home with furnishings, and our CRIS Team is in the final stages of preparing for the family’s arrival. Financial contributions to help stock their pantry and refrigerator are greatly appreciated. Click here to give online and select “Immigration Support.”
To learn more about Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) and the work they do in the larger Columbus area, visit https://www.crisohio.org/about.
Manna Café Needs Your Help!
Our minimum weekly cost (even when others provide the main meal) is $165. The Manna Café ministry has a tremendous need for donations of either supplies or monetary funds. If you are interested in contributing, please see Pastor Angie, email mannacafe@broadstreetumc.net, or give online.
Sound Board and Livestream Volunteers Wanted
Hi Broad Street Friends! We, who are the Sound and AV technicians at Church on Sunday, would like to introduce ourselves and ask for your help.
Eric Laus, Stephanie Laus, and Kirk Keller team up every Sunday in the balcony. We try to provide you with the best sound quality in our Sanctuary as well as the best sound and video quality for members who are with us through our Livestream.
We would love your help in two important ways:
If you have experience in audio/video production or technology, we can always use your advice on how to improve what we do. Feel free to offer suggestions and ideas to our Pastors or Kirk Keller at kirkkeller@yahoo.com.
Whether you have AV experience or not, we could also use more volunteers who would like to join our team! It is a fun and rewarding way to participate in our service.
Summer Events — All Are Welcome!
Summer is in full swing! How about we get together outdoors and enjoy some friendship and fun?
Columbus Clippers. Many home game dates are available in August and September. Schedule info: https://www.milb.com/columbus/schedule/2022-08
Columbus Art Museum has free summer movies outdoors, 9-11 p.m. The August 5 movie is Black Panther. Admission is free and no registration is required. Bring a chair or blanket!
Columbus Art Museum BAM Thursdays, (Bar-Art-Music), 5-9 p.m. Outdoor happy hour with music, beverages, and the chance to meet a featured artist. These are scheduled for May-September. General admission and special exhibition tickets are each offered for $5. For dates/info: https://www.columbusmuseum.org/calendar-and-events/bam-thursdays/
Please contact Shelley Hobson (shelleyhobson999@gmail.com) if you're interested in any of these events.
SAVE THE DATE for the 2022 Central Ohio CROP Hunger Walk
Hello, Central Ohio Hunger Fighters! Please note the dates and info for the 2022 CROP Walk. Once again, we have the choice to walk together with other CROP Walk teams from Scioto Audubon Metro Park, or we can do our own hybrid walk as Team Broad Street and choose our own route.
2022 Central Ohio CROP Hunger Walk Dates
Downtown: Sunday, October 9 at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Hybrid: Time & Place of your choosing
Friends, get a head start on ending hunger this fall and sign yourself up on Team Broad Street's CROP Walk page at https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/team/broad-street-umc. As of July 7, Central Ohio teams have already raised over $825 which could provide a cow in Haiti, 100 chickens to help assist Moldovan families hosting Ukrainian refugees, and over 1,000 meals provided by local partners here in the U.S.! Team Broad Street’s fundraising goal is $1,500, which we, of course, hope to exceed once again! The more we raise, the more we can help our vulnerable neighbors around the block and around the world through the global work of Church World Service and local work of Mid-Ohio Food Collective; Neighborhood Services Food Pantry, Inc; WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry); Westland Ecumenical Community Food Pantry; and Worthington Resource Pantry!
Stay tuned for more updates on the CROP Walk, and please reach out to me with any questions or for help signing up.
Shelley Hobson
Team Broad Street UMC
Volunteers Needed for Exterior Grounds Cleanup!
To keep our Church in the Heart of the City looking its best, we want to present a beautiful, welcoming space. An important part of that is our “curb appeal.” Throughout the year, a small band of volunteers regularly tend to the plants, bushes, sidewalks, flowerpots, and entryways to keep them clean, tidy, fresh, and appealing. Most of the work involves only a few hours at a time, pulling/spraying weeds, trimming bushes, sweeping sidewalks and stairs, and seasonally, raking leaves and possibly shoveling snow. However, we’ve also discussed some bigger jobs like power washing the entryways and steps. We would like to do this on a regular rotation, at least monthly or as needed. Most volunteers bring their own tools, but we have been gifted with an electric blower and 100-foot extension cord, and possibly some other basic outdoor tools.
There is currently no set schedule, so if you have an hour or two to spare and are able to help, anytime, please contact Shelley Hobson at (614) 580-0081 or shelleyhobson999@gmail.com. Many hands make light work. Thank you!
The Amen Corner
I work near downtown, and on Wednesdays, I usually stop by the church to pick up two meals from Manna Café.
Just about every evening, folks are at the exit I take at I-71 and Hudson. While at the red light, and sometimes at a green one, I roll down the window and offer supper to whomever.
Everyone is grateful, and they often say, “God bless.” Some folks dig in immediately, and others carefully set it to the side.
I saw a single man and asked if he knew anyone else who needed a meal. “My old lady is coming soon.” And he took two meals.
One evening in July, there was one guy at the exit. He was lean with a deep sunburn, almost tan. His clothes were neat but needed a good wash. I gave him one dinner. Then I asked if he knew anyone who could use a meal. “Yeah. There are other hungry folks.” So he took the second meal. I think it was nice for my neighbor to be able to help someone else.
Submitted by Kandy Burch
Sign Ups for Ushers, Greeters, Liturgists, and Flowers
As a reminder, for anyone (and we really mean anyone) who would like to assist with Worship by serving as a liturgist, an usher or greeter, or by providing flowers to decorate the Altar, we’d love to help you participate! If you would like to serve as an Usher, please contact Shelley Hobson. Sign-ups for liturgists, greeters, and providing Altar flowers are available in the Narthex every Sunday morning. Sign up for Altar flowers is also available online at bsumc501.breezechms.com/form/altarflowers.
Your continuing faithfulness in giving to the mission and ministries of Broad Street is deeply appreciated. We are especially grateful to those who have switched to online giving, as we do not have to process checks to receive those gifts. To give via check or cash, you are welcome to give in-person on Sunday mornings or mail your offerings directly to the church. To give online, we encourage you to use one of the options below.
Go to broadstreetumc.net and click on “Giving” or click on the button directly below.
Text the dollar amount to (614) 665-0525.
Recurring Events:
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. — Livestream & in-person Worship
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — Church Office Open
Tuesday–Thursday: 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. — Columbus Coalition for the Homeless Drop-In Center
Monday–Saturday: 12:00 p.m. — 501 AA Group
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. — Manna Café
Thursday: 7:00 p.m. — Heart-to-Heart NA Group
Events and Meetings:
August 2, all-day — Broad Street open as a polling location
August 2, 6:00 p.m. — Heart of the City Foundation meeting
August 10, 7:00 p.m. — Finance Subcommittee
August 15, 7:00 p.m. — Leadership Board, via Zoom
