The Spire - 3-29-23

OUR MISSION: Seeking, growing and serving with unconditional love and acceptance.

OUR VISION:

Weaving a community of hope through connection.

Rev Alexis Johnson, Pastor pastors@broadwayunitedmethodist.com 712-322-7741

THE SPIRE

Providing Inspiration and Information

It's Not the Destination, It's the Journey

Teresa Fletcher, Communications and Media Ministries

Inspiration

Signs and Wonders

• Gifts to Grace

• Holy Week and Easter Schedule

• New Series begins Easter Sunday

• Our Prayer List

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Information Easter Lilies

• Ways to Give

• Care and Share

Next Week at BUMC

Sunday Worship

8:30am - Traditional Worship with organ music, hymns, liturgy

10:30am - Contemporary Worship with the Praise Team, Free-flowing worship prayers

5th Sunday - one service at 9:30am Communion is normally served the first Sunday of each month at both services. and on special occasions. We offer an open invitation and all are welcome at Christ's table.

Both services will be held in person and livestreamed to our Facebook page or broadwayunitedmethodist. com/live.

I am ready for Easter. How about you? It will do my heart good to see you all here as we celebrate the resurrection and new life.

However, I have to set aside my impatience and first look toward the cross. During this Lenten time, the memory of the cross has been kind of fuzzy but as I move through next week it will focus as I move closer. It's kind of like driving towards the mountains from the plains of Nebraska. From a distance you begin to see these forms that look like clouds touching the horizon. As you move closer you see their shape develop and eventually you stand at their base, crooking your neck upward to see what is at the top.

Many years ago when Dave and I led youth ministry, we used a resource called, "Destination Easter." Youth were immersed in experiences that brought them through Lent with lessons and activities that gave them an up close and personal perspective. During Holy Week they were led on a blind trust walk, using their 4 other senses to connect with the events of the week.

On Easter Sunday, one youth was moved to tears. These happy tears came from the realization of the gift of grace available to them. They had heard about God's love, but had not felt it until then. I witnessed that moment in a person when Easter became more important than Christmas.

Holy week is next week and I hope you will join me us as we dig into the events leading to the crucificion and resurrection. We start Sunday waving Palms for Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem, "remember Jesus' mandate to his disciples to, "love one another" on Thursday and Friday we travel the stations of the cross before arriving at the empty tomb on Easter morning. For detais see and share pages 3 & 4 or visit broadwayunitedmethodist.com/lent-and-easter.

Signs and Wonders

Extension Questions

Seeing Again

Mark 8:22-26

AJ notes this miracle story could be Mark’s “riff” on the Allegory of the Cave from Plato’s Republic. Invite someone, before your session, to research Plato’s story; or find a brief and accurate video about it online that your group could watch during the session. Compare and contrast the two stories. AJ says Mark’s conclusion is that Jesus, not philosophy, reveals truth. Of what value, if any, is non-Christian philosophy to Christians, and why?

Invite someone who works (professionally or on a volunteer basis) as an advocate for people with physical disabilities to a discussion.

From Signs and Wonders Leader's Guide by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine,

From Gifts to Grace

Repairs to Sanctuary Walls Continue

Because of your support of Broadway's 20/20 Capital Campaign, work is now being finished in the sanctuary to restore the balcony and stairwell walls. Water damage had caused plaster and paint to peel and fall from the ceiling and the walls. We previously completed the tuckpointing from the outside and have made sure the seal is good and are now doing the final work inside.

It's looked a bit like Cirque du Soleil as the contractors climb ladders and scaffolding to reach the top. We appreciate the effort and pray for their safety.

We are hopeful that work will be completed by Easter Sunday.

Holy Week at Broadway

Palm Sunday Worship

8:30 & 10:30AM services

Interactive Seder Teaching

5-7PM

Maundy Thursday

April 6th at 7:00PM

Jesus' last meal teaching the disciples.

COMMUNION OFFERED TO ALL

Good Friday

April 7th from Open from 7-9PM

Prayer Stations "Stations of the Cross"

Breathing Underwater Worship Series

Begins Easter Sunday

Beginning on Easter Sunday, we will spend five weeks in worship hearing sermons that teach about the power of the spirituality of the Twelve Steps and how we might all incorporate them into our lives. We will be turning to Scripture, Breathing Underwater, and the fourth edition of The Big Blue Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Sunday April 9th - Surrender All - Steps 1, 2, & 3 and Communion

Sunday April 16th - Telling the Whole Truth - Steps 4, 5, 6, & 7 - Pastor Patti will be preaching

Sunday April 23rd - Reconciliation of Relationships - Steps 8 & 9

Sunday April 30th - Daily Work - Steps 10 & 11 - this is a fifth Sunday, so one service at 9:30am

Sunday May 7th - Pass It On - Step 12 and Communion

Hear Our Prayers...

Please take time to say a prayer for those listed along with those on your heart...

❤ Our homebound and Care Center friends: Carolyn Ashman, Shirley Ashcraft, Ruth Brink, Mary Charles, Richard Dallinger, Darrell & Nadine Dreager, Allan Feinhold, Anna Johnson, Betty Mains, Pat Mahlberg, Sally Myer, Roger Olsen, Jack and Mary Pedersen, Jean Pentico, Ardis Scheffel, Marie Swanson (Kelle Cline's mother), Donna Walker

❤ Health and healing for Janis Schutt.

❤ Health and healing for Marilyn L., neighbor of Amanda E. and Rose D.

❤ Health and healing for Gloria G's brother in law Roger, and daughter of Gloria's friend

❤ Health and healing for Allan Feinhold

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Reminder: If you wish prayers or pastoral care, you must contact the church and let us know. In the event of an emergency, please call or text Rev. Alexis at 319-430-0700. Please leave a message.

Celebrations

We extend warm Birthday Wishes to those celebrating next week.

4-3 Emily Newby, Katherine Webster

4-6 Susan Larsen, Christopher Parrish

4-7 Virginia Bechtold

4-8 Carolyn Ashman, Debbie Tritsch

Happy Anniversary to Ray & Kathy Davis (4-4) and Dustin & Sarah Townsend (4-5)

If your name is missing, please contact us and share your important dates.

Easter Lilies

Each year, Toni and Garry Milbourn do such a nice arrangement of lilies to honor our loved ones on Easter. We invite you to help provide this beautiful backdrop to our worship by making a donation to the flower fund in memory or in honor of loved ones,. Please com plete the form below and leave it in the offering with your check designated for flowers. You can also donate online by texting the $amount followed by the word "flowers" to 84321 then make sure we have the memorial information by completing the form below or emailing the information to office@broadwayunitedmethodist.com. A list of gifts and loved ones will be provided on Easter Sunday and The Spire on April 12th. Suggested donation $10.00 but no gift is too small.

Easter Lilies In Memory of:

Name(s): (please print)

Easter Lilies in Honor of:

Name(s): (please print)

Your Name(s):

Phone:

Ministry Update - Scholarships

Broadway is pleased to announce the opportunity to apply for fall scholarships and grants. The Scholarship Team is accepting applications from now until May 1, 2023. If you are a spring high school graduate and are considering some higher education, please take the time to read over the qualifications for scholarships and grants. All the information and application forms are available on the BUMC web site (broadwayunitedmethodist.com) or a paper copy may be picked up at the church office.

There are applications for current college students, and even opportunities for someone returning to college as a full-time student after several years off. Grants are also available and have a different set of criteria than scholarships, so make sure you check out all the possibilities! You can apply for either the scholarship or the grant, but not both.

Follow the link on broadwayunitedmethodist.com to get the correct application. You will see four different choices:

1. High school senior - May graduate starting some type of post-HS education as a full-time student this fall and next spring. (12 hours or more per semester) this fall and next spring.

2. Current college student & previous scholarship from BUMC - plan to attend classes as a fulltime student (12 hours or more per semester) this fall and next spring.

3. Current or new college student and has never applied for or received a scholarship from BUMC - plan to attend classes as a full-time student (12 hours or more per semester) this fall and next spring.

4. Walker Grant - plan to attend classes as a full-time student (12 hours or more per semester) this fall & next spring.

When you get to the applications, you will see the criteria for both scholarships and grants. Please note: If you received a scholarship from BUMC in the fall of 2022, you may re-apply this spring ( 2023). Scholarship criteria must still be met. Scholarships will be announced at the church services on May 21, 2023.

All applications are due on or before May 1, 2023.. If you have questions, please contact scholarship chair, Nancy File (filen@cox.net)

Ways to Give

Offerings - Sunday Offering Box; Text $amount to 84321; or Paypal (scan the code to the right). Your gifts may also be brought to the office or mailed to: Broadway United Methodist Church, 11 S First Street, Council Bluffs IA 51503

Electronic Fund Transfer Look for the blue from at the Welcome Center desk, complete it and return it to Lori in the office. If you have questions or need help please contact Lori in the church office. 712-322-7741

Special Offerings

• UMCOR U. S. Disaster Relief

Designate checks to Advance #901670 or text $amount umcor-nat to 84321. Currently the most urgent need is helping those affected by the recent tornadoes in Mississippi repair and rebuild. To make your gift online, visit broadwayunitedmethodist.com/giving and click the "give now" button. After entering the dollor amount you may select any of the funds from the drop down menu.

Next Week @ Broadway

Sunday 4-2 Palm Sunday

8:30AM Traditional Worship

9:30AM Coffee & Donuts

10:30AM Praise Worship

5-7PM Interactive Seder Teaching

Monday 4-3

12-2PM Philip’s Cupboard Open

6-8PM BSA Pack 40

7:30PM Bibles @ Barleys

Tuesday 4-4 9AM 205 Reserved

Wednesday 4-5

5:00PM Women’s Book Study

5:30PM Praise Band

6:00PM Foundations meal

6:30PM Foundations Groups for all ages

6:30PM Bells Rehearsal

7:30PM Choir Rehearsal

Thursday 4-6

12:00PM Men’s Brown Bag Study

6-8PM Girl Scouts

7PM Maundy Thursday Worship

Friday 4-7

Office Closed

12-2PM Philip’s Cupboard Open

7-9PM Good Friday Prayer Stations Open

Sunday 4-9 Easter Sunday

Communion offered to all

8:30AM Traditional Worship

9:30AM Coffee & Donuts

10:30AM Praise Worship

Care and Share April Special Request:

For the month of April Care and Share is requesting boxed dinners such as Hamburger Helper and Tuna Helper as the food donation for our food pantries. Store brands of those items are just fine! Thanks for your ongoing support of our food pantries every month!

~Carol Thien

MINISTRY STAFF

Children’s Ministry- Carey Garafalo | kids@broadwayunitedmethodist.com

Student Life - Shane Coffey | studentlife@broadwayunitedmethodist.com

Caring Congregation Team - Pastor Patti Ford | careteam@broadwayunitedmethodist.com

Communications and Media Ministries- Teresa Fletcher | teresaf@broadwayunitedmethodist.com

Church Administrator - Lori Andersen

Facilities Manager/Praise Band Leader - Garry Milbourn office@broadwayunitedmethodist.com

Choir & Bells - Jan Williamson

Organist - Joyce Mynster

Sound - Stephen Spink, Dave Fletcher

11 S. First Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503 712-322-7741 | Ext. 1 for Rev. Alexis | Ext. 0 for all other staff office@broadwayunitedmethodist.com | pastors@broadwayunitedmethodist.com

www.broadwayunitedmethodist.com