The Builder
November 2022
Join Us for Worship In-Person or Online
Year of the People Report
The fall season is upon us! The boilers in the basement have been fired up, the heat is on, and the Sanctuary is warm and waiting for you! Be sure to join us this Sunday, Nov 6th, for a full day in worship, and don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night—Daylight Saving Time ends Saturday night.
Sunday, November 6 is All Saints’ Sunday—the day we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith and joined the communion of saints. We will call the names of those members of Broad Street who have died since this time last year, light candles, toll a bell in their memory, and offer prayers of thanksgiving for their impact on our lives.
Sunday, November 6 is also Communion Sunday and Commitment Sunday. In Holy Communion we remember Christ’s gift to us in the past which secures our future. And in celebrating Commitment Sunday to conclude our Generosity Campaign, we make a pledge to strengthen the future Christ makes possible for us.
In one glorious service, we will both remember and honor our past and forge a strong and hope-filled future! I hope you can join us in-person or online as we take the next step in creating a bold and secure future for Broad Street Church on the corner of Broad St. and Washington Ave.
And in the spirit of honoring our past and forging our future, allow me to briefly look back on some of what you did in the month of October—it was a busy month at Broad Street.
We started the month with a funeral service at the church for a beloved church member, Shirley Chavis, with visitation before the service, and a reception afterwards. It was a lovely sampling of love and hospitality for Shirley’s friends and family beyond the Broad Street community.
We started the Generosity Campaign—the first stewardship campaign at Broad Street since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Each week we’ve featured a brief interview with a member of the church to hear how Broad Street has affected their life and how they envision our future.
Shelley Hobson and Keith Holten coordinated and led two separate fundraiser walks last month. One was the annual CROP Walk to end hunger, and the other a Heart of the City Foundation Walk to raise funds to outfit our new kitchen project post-construction.
In addition to these two fundraiser walks, we also offered hospitality in the early morning hours of Oct 17th for the annual Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon, for the participants and supports of the marathon. We opened the building to offer restrooms, hot coffee, and Timbits out on the front sidewalk starting at 6:30 a.m. that morning. And the number of runners and fans who made a point of stopping to thank us for opening “your beautiful building” for restrooms and refreshments was genuinely heart-warming and humbling.
October also brought the Raphael’s Dresden Tapestries field trip to the Columbus Museum of Art. We had more than 40 people join us for the special presentation designed just for Broad Street. Though the crowd was much larger than the museum was prepared for, it was a fantastic event, and made clear that the museum and the church are eager to forge a relationship with each other as neighbors in the Downtown Discovery District. Keep watching for future plans with the museum!
And in addition to the art museum field trip, we also celebrated people in the church! The Personnel Subcommittee hosted a staff appreciation dinner with a delicious feast and gifts of appreciation. We were well-fed and well-loved. Thank you, Jon, Jenni, and Walt, for coordinating a beautiful evening of hospitality and fellowship. Pastor Angie and I got to celebrate the Broad Street Church community on Laity Sunday with a reception after worship mid-October with balloons, cake, and fellowship.
And finally, we ended the month with our annual Charge Conference, to elect officers and leaders for next year, set clergy salaries, and turn in goals for the year ahead. The Charge Conference was a regional conference this year. This means multiple congregations all met under one roof, at Columbia Heights UMC in Galloway, to worship together and participate in holy conferencing. We split into small groups after worship for some guided conversations about ways to support neighboring churches in their ministries and vice versa.
Read on in this newsletter to find the names of the 2023 Leadership Board members and leaders, elected and approved by Charge Conference action. Watch in the January newsletter for an article on the structure and function of the Leadership Board, after the new year has begun, and the board members have met to set goals for the year ahead.
November will be a busy month as we prepare for Thanksgiving, the start of the Advent season, a new member class on Nov 17th, and the return of the Columbus Landmarks’ Great Hallelujah Tour of Downtown Churches on Dec 3rd, as well as a return to a new and updated indoor Bethlehem on Broad Street event on Dec 10th.
Well Broad Street Church, in this season of looking back and looking forward, I couldn’t be more excited for the work you’ve done, the hospitality you’ve offered, the love you’ve given, and the hope you’re building. You are, in short, simply amazing!
Looking forward to seeing you in church,
Pastor John Girard
Broad Street United Methodist Church
2023 Leadership Board Membership
Board Chairperson: Jenni Cahill
Vice-Chairperson: TBD at January Leadership Bd meeting
Secretary: TBD at January Leadership Bd meeting
Treasurer of Leadership Board: TBD at January Leadership Bd meeting
*Past Chairperson: Kylie Smith
3 with SPRC functional responsibilities (Personnel Sub Committee)
Class of 2023 Walt Jeffreys (Lay Member of Annual Conference)
Class of 2024 Jenni Cahill
Class of 2025 Matt Mallory
3 with Facilities functional responsibilities (Facilities Sub Committee)
Class of 2023 Julie Novel
Class of 2023 Rebecca Craycraft
Class of 2024 Nathan Sims (Chair)
3 with Finance functional responsibilities (Finance Sub Committee)
Class of 2023 Chris Clough (Chair)
Class of 2024 Kylie Smith
Class of 2025 Marge Galloway
Ministry Team Leaders
Class of 2024 Rob Hazlett – Lay Leader (Lay Member of Annual Conference)
Class of 2024 Nancy Roberts – Congregational Care
Class of 2024 Craig Vander Veen – Mission and Justice
Class of 2024 Shelley Hobson – Inviting and Welcoming
By Appt. Rev. Angie Cox – Staff Liaison
Lay Leadership Team (consists of outgoing Leadership Board members, per guiding principles)
Class of 2023 Jon Sadler
Class of 2023 Keith Holten
Class of 2024 Rebecca Craycraft (elected to a 1-year term in 2022, agreed to a 2nd year)
Senior Pastor
Rev. John Girard (ad hoc member of all sub committees)
Resources for Board’s Work (Not members of the Board; Support Board Members’ Work
Church Treasurer: Jennifer Blattler
Finance Secretary: Lydia Keller
Facilities: Josh Posten
Ministry of the Laity: Rev. Angie Cox
Church History: Don Christenson
*Past Chairperson to serve as advisor/support to current chair AND assist with a stewardship focus for year-round stewardship development
An Update on the BSUMC Kitchen Renovation Project
Dear Friends,
We are excited to report that the BSUMC Kitchen Renovation Team met on October 6th and accepted a bid from Apex Construction to serve as general contractor. This long-anticipated project will get underway soon!
Project planning was slower than originally predicted because of construction industry challenges and price fluctuations for building supplies/ equipment. This additional planning time allowed the Renovation Team to identify a construction firm with a history of working with non-profit organizations, a strong commitment to this project, and experience working with volunteers to support projects.
The Heart of the City Foundation (HOTCF) will be providing funds for this project. The Neighbors with a Heart Campaign raised $275,000, which surpassed the goal of $250,000. Because of your generosity, and the donations of over 120 individuals and businesses, the funds are available to move forward with the project. A complete list of donors to the Campaign can be found at the HOTCF website at: heartofthecitycolumbus.org/campaign-donors. Thank you for your financial support of this project!
Our thanks to the Kitchen Renovation Implementation Team for their efforts planning implementation of this project: Co-chairs, Keith Holten and Nathan Sims; Team members Pastor John Girard, Nancy Taggart, and Marge Galloway (Broad Street UMC); Jim Shively (Manna Café and Downtown Kiwanis); Rebekah Mynster (HOTCF and Manna Café); and Tim Reik (Manna Café and State Auto). Craig Vander Veen (Prime AE) is serving as lead architect.
The project will now be led by Nathan Sims, Chair of the BSUMC Facilities Subcommittee, along with members of the subcommittee and church staff. They will work with the contractor to finalize timelines for the project, keep the project on task, and reduce impact on the use of the kitchen facilities. Periodic updates will be provided to the church family.
We look forward to completion of this important kitchen project to support Manna Café and Broad Street United Methodist Church.
— submitted by Keith Holten
Prayer at Broad Street
When a friend shares with me that he or she is suffering with some difficulty, perhaps a physical issue or a life situation, they sometimes say, “Pray for me.” That little phrase always communicates a real and deep need, for connection with me and others who might be asked, and for the healing, or peace, or resolution of that difficulty. I know that as human beings we all experience suffering in life, sometimes in extreme circumstances, sometimes as a drip, drip, drip in our everyday lives. And knowing that someone is out there, praying for me, can help so much. It has for me, and I would guess that it has for you, too.
As the coordinator of Prayer Ministry for Broad Street, it is my blessed opportunity to put people in connection with each other, to help those who are in need of prayer to find that connection. We have a group of about 35 or so people who have made a commitment to respond to my emails asking them to pray for anyone who asks for our prayers. They also make a covenant promise to keep anything confidential if they are asked to do so. This means that every time they hear of a need, they pray, in their own style and way, for those persons who are in need. This is a blessed way to live out our faith in a loyal and loving outreach.
There are two ways that we get requests for prayers. If someone in the Broad Street community asks for themselves, their family, their friends, or anyone, we pray. And we do so as soon as we get that message. Anyone can contact me, our pastors, or the Broad Street office asking for prayer.
The second way that we get requests is through the Broad Street website, where people from all over the country (and sometimes the world!) have found our website online, and have sent a message of request. Those needs are communicated weekly to the prayer team as well, and they also receive our prayers. God surely knows who those far flung people are, and we are honored to be able to pray for those we do not know personally, but who are in great need as well.
God indeed surely knows, before the request is even given, but that linking of the person in need with those who commit to surrounding and lifting him or her up in love is a great and good thing. God does the healing, helps us through all the dark times, gives us the courage and strength that we need. Thanks be to God!
— submitted by Nancy Roberts
Own a Part of Broad Street History
In consultation with the Leadership Board and the Facilities Subcommittee (Trustees), we’re looking for new homes for the long-unused pews stored under the sanctuary in the basement. Beginning Sunday, November 6, the unused pews will be placed in Jim Thomas Hall for sale. The pews are in varying sizes and condition and would be perfect for extra seating in your home, or for decorating, or even using a broken pew for a crafting or renovation project. There’s a limited number of pews available so be sure to measure spaces in your home before you come to church November 6th, and make plans to bring a piece of Broad Street’s history, heritage, and legacy to your home soon.
A Call to Support Our Neighbors
Broad Street United Methodist Church has a statement that we share each week in worship: “We are the Church in the City with the City in our hearts!” There is a green door at the rear entrance of the church (the gym entrance), which, through your generosity, has helped 8,000+ individuals without permanent housing survive on the streets of Columbus.
Back in the 1980s, I was blessed to work for an Executor Director of Public Housing in Huntington, West Virginia. He did not believe in “warehousing” individuals but rather in providing opportunities for all people. In a planning session, he talked about viewing an old theatre in downtown, which he thought would be a perfect site to offer transitional housing for the homeless. I said, “They don’t want to live in a structured environment with rules.” He quickly said, “Did you ask them?” I replied, “No,” then provided my next point. “They have many issues such as drugs, alcohol, criminal records, and mental health concerns.” He then asked me, “Did you ever ask them what happened in their life to bring them to their current situation?” Of course, I had no answer, but how thought provoking!
During a Zoom Bible study last year, Pastor Angie stated, “We could use some volunteers.” I said, “I will volunteer.” I had my eye on the little green door at the rear of the church. See, God used my boss to show me God’s way with those who are less fortunate. Those who had endured trauma, hardships, and rejection. God opened my heart and mind to the scripture, “When you do this for the least of these, you do for me.” (Matthew 25:40–45)
That’s a small story of my work experience in Public and Assisted Housing. God blessed me with the heart and love for others. I am a small part of the successful program through the Leadership of Josh Posten, Director of the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless, which is now based here at Broad Street. I ask each of you, “What would you like to do to support the least of these with your time and talents?” They ask for so little and are grateful for what they receive here when they come through that green door.
— submitted by Myra Talbot
Links for Talbert Award Sunday Recognizing Pastor Angie
If you had hoped to join online or were interested in events from the Talbert Award Weekend with Pastor Angie but couldn’t make it, we have included links for the livestreamed Sunday events below.
Sunday Worship: https://fb.watch/guRvu_oYfO/
Presentation of Talbert Award w/Q&A: https://fb.watch/guRovcF98f/
Upcoming Events at Broad Street
2022 Hallelujah Tour of Churches
Saturday, Dec. 3, Starting at 12:30 p.m.
Join Columbus Landmarks Foundation for a tour of our city's most impressive sacred places - learn about their rich architectural history, enjoy live seasonal music, and gain an understanding of how dynamic congregations care for these challenging buildings.
The tour ends at Broad Street United Methodist Church with coffee, hot tea, and homemade Christmas cookies.
2022 Bethlehem on Broad Street
Saturday, Dec. 10, Starting at 9:00 a.m.
The BOBS Christmas Party is back this year! Each year, we review the Bethlehem on Broad Street program to understand how our efforts made an impact on those receiving services. The pandemic necessitated changes to how we engaged in ministry for the safety of our guests and volunteers, and now our planning team believes it is time for a more hands-on ministry in 2022. The program will stretch in a new direction with a very focused ministry, which will be directed toward the daily guests who are supported by the Warming Center that Broad Street hosts.
Though the focus will be different, we’re still going to have a party, and we’ll need your help to do it! Stay tuned to learn more about ways to participate this year!
West Ohio Conference Discernment Retreat for Laity
If you are feeling as though God is calling you to do or to be something new, you may want to consider the West Ohio Discernment Retreat for Laity as an option to help with that journey.
Kris Shoaf, Barb Knight, and Kim LaRue are leading the retreat for the West Ohio Conference. The Discernment Retreat is a 3-session series on Zoom. The Retreat is a unique opportunity to explore Spiritual Discernment…that is, figuring out what God is trying to tell us, or where God is leading, or making a decision that seems that we should consider God’s input. It will be a commitment and a blessing all at the same time.
There are two sessions one week apart, January 31, 2023, and February 7, 2023, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Then there will be a 6-week break, and the final session will be March 21, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
The break allows participants to ponder, worship, practice a spiritual discipline, be immersed in scripture, read, and pray.
These sessions will be via Zoom to reach all people throughout the Conference. If you have any questions, please contact any of the facilitators. In addition, your pastors would love to discuss with you any ways you may be feeling called to a deeper participation in ministry.
The Retreat will be facilitated by Kris Frantz-Shoaf, an UMC deaconess, and Kim La Rue, who certified in Spiritual Formation. Barb Knight is the administrative assistant and a very active lay person in her church.
Click here for more information and a video: westohioumc.org/laitydiscernment
Kim LaRue – kimlarue@powellumc.org
Kris Frantz-Shoaf – krisshoaf@gmail.com
Barb Knight – baknight101@gmail.com
Supporting Broad Street’s Ministries
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:
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. — Livestream & in-person Worship
Mondays–Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — Church Office Open
Mondays–Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. — 501 AA Group
Mondays–Fridays: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — CCH Warming Center
Tuesdays: 7:30 p.m. — Ringers on Broad Rehearsals
Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. — Manna Café
Thursday: 7:00 p.m. — Heart-to-Heart NA Group
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. — Chancel Choir Rehearsals
Events and Meetings:
November 1, 7:00 p.m. — Fall Bible Study, via Zoom
November 6, in Worship — All Saints’ Sunday and Commitment Sunday
November 7, 1:00 p.m. — History and Archives Committee
November 7, 6:45 p.m. — Sack Lunches with Paulist Community, Kitchen/J.T. Hall
November 8, all day — Election Day (Broad Street serves as a polling location)
November 8, 7:00 p.m. — Fall Bible Study, via Zoom
November 15, 7:00 p.m. — Fall Bible Study, via Zoom
November 16, 7:00 p.m. — Finance Subcommittee
November 21, 6:45 p.m. — Sack Lunches with Paulist Community, Kitchen/J.T. Hall
November 21, 7:00 p.m. — Leadership Board, via Zoom
November 24, all day — Thanksgiving Day
November 27, all day — First Sunday of Advent
