Window Newsletter 1.18.24

We are working to create a church and world where all people are welcome and belong in the beloved community of God. Through the ministries of worship, education, compassion and advocacy, Broadway provides a place of grace, beauty, sanctuary, inclusivity, and brave faith.

Dedication of Tristan Christopher
This past Sunday, January 17, Medlin Gracia and Divin Christopher brought baby Tristan to be dedicated in worship. We rejoice with this family and big sister, Audrey, on the addition of this child and their desire to dedicate him to the Lord. 

Bible Presentation
In November we had five children complete the Gateway to Worship class, which prepares them to join us in worship. This past Sunday, they received their Bibles in the worship service as gifts from their church family. A celebration was held afterwards with a family luncheon. Many thanks to the Gateway to Worship teachers: Lucy San, Elizabeth Brown, and Darla Herndon for teaching our kids about the elements and joys of worship.

New Member
This past Sunday, January 14, Saxon Shanks made the decision to become a member at Broadway. We give thanks for the unique gifts and experience each new member brings to our growing church family. Please join us in welcoming Saxon to Broadway!

Agape Meal, Tonight at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Broadway’s weekly Agape Meal is an opportunity to serve in fellowship with our neighbors. Volunteers are always needed, and this is a wonderful way for friends and family to serve together.

Orientation and training for new volunteers is provided prior to the Agape Meal between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Meal service begins at 6:00 p.m. with a worship service from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. There are several ways to volunteer: set up tables, serve meals, host tables, and clean up. Email Josh Lucas with questions. 

Coffee Fellowship Location Change: 9:00 a.m. in the Centrum
Coffee fellowship will be offered in the Centrum this Sunday, January 21 at 9:00 a.m. Enjoy fresh locally made pastries from Three Danes Bakery as well as hot tea and coffee from Cherry Coffee Shop of Fort Worth.  

January Sunday School Atonement Class Location Change
Sunday, January 21 to Fleming Chapel 9:30 -10:30 a.m. 
If you are attending the January class “Not Sacrifice? Other Understandings of Atonement” please note that the class will be meeting in Fleming Chapel this Sunday, January 21 at 9:30 a.m. Livestream will still be available for those that are not attending in person from the church’s website livestream page. Contact Jenn Nelson with questions. 

Sunday Worship, January 21 at 10:50 a.m.
This Sunday in worship we will recognize Michael Cox’s contributions to Broadway. The Chancel Choir will sing “Be Still, My Soul,” arranged by Dr. Cox. Ryon Price will preach from Mark 1:14-20.

Retirement Luncheon for Dr. Michael Cox
Sunday, January 21 Following Worship in Fellowship Hall
The celebration of Dr. Cox in worship and luncheon is planned for this Sunday, January 21. Please make plans to attend as we honor Dr. Cox and his giftedness in directing music at Broadway for 17 years. 

Love Offering: As is consistent with Broadway’s policy for retiring employees, members and friends are invited to contribute love offerings to Dr. Cox in thank you for his service. Offerings accepted through Friday, January 19, 2024. 
 
Checks may be paid to the church or the Give form may be accessed online. Mark “love offering for Dr. Cox” in the note. Please know contributions directed to individual persons are not tax deductible.

Deacon Board Meeting
Monday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 302
The next scheduled meeting of the Board of Deacons is Monday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. in room 302. If you wish to attend as a guest, please contact us at deacons@broadwaybc.org. 

Border Trip Report: Save Asylum Walk for Life 
On Saturday, January 13^th, Broadway member Brent McClain participated in the “Walk for Life; Save Asylum” at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville. The protest was organized by Practice Mercy, Catholic Charities, and Fellowship Southwest in order to address the humanitarian crisis at the border and advocate against restrictive policies for asylum seekers. Current negotiations in congress include capping the number of asylum seekers and even placing them in detention centers until they can be processed (currently a 1-3 year process).

Their day involved recognizing the migrant’s challenges, calls for action, prayer, and a visit to the migrant encampment in Matamoros to hear from the weary sojourner. Alma Ruth of Practice Mercy charged people of faith to bear witness to what you have seen and take action. Fellowship Southwest has created advocacy teams and partnerships with leaders who know the urgency to act justly and love mercy. Resources are available on their website that inform and instruct on how to take action on this issue. Broadway supports Fellowship Southwest financially and is an ecumenical partner in their advocacy. Thank you Brent for representing Broadway at the Save Asylum Walk and sharing about this crisis at our border and how we can respond.

  
Anyra Cano, Director of Programs & Outreach Fellowship Southwest and visit to migrant encampment in Matamoros.

Front Office Reception Volunteers Needed!
We need reception desk volunteers to answer calls, monitor the door, and greet visitors. There are weekly ongoing timeslots available, as well as a need for substitutes. The volunteer shifts are only 3 hours, and training is provided. No computer skills necessary. This is a fun and easy way to volunteer at Broadway! For more information please contact Mary Jesse or call 682-433-6426. 

Broadway LGBTQ+ Hospitality & Advocacy Group Book Drive
Broadway’s LGBTQ+ Hospitality and Advocacy Group is sponsoring a book drive to add books inclusive and focused on LGBTQ+ topics for all ages to the church library. Members and friends are invited to participate in the book drive by purchasing a selected book in honor or memory of a loved one (personalized book plate will be available) or simply to help stock the shelves of our library! 

Save the Date for Sunday, February 11 when we will have an official launch of the new LGBTQ+ inclusion shelves in our church library.

View Book Order List                      PLACE A BOOK ORDER 
 

Pledge Update
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their pledge card in support of the 2024-25 budget.  
To date, we have received pledges in the amount of $1,400,648.37. This represents 82% of our pledge goal of $1.7 million.
 
If you have not yet submitted your pledge card, please prayerfully consider your support for next year’s budget. You can mail your completed pledge card to the church, place in the offering plate on Sunday, or complete your pledge card online through the church website’s GIVE page or the church mobile app.
 
Thank you for your faithful and generous support of Broadway, a place where Everybody Belongs!  

Reel Religion
Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27 at Broadway Baptist Church
Mark your calendars for the 20th annual Reel Religion Film Festival! A festival of films of religious, cultural, and philosophical significance sponsored by University Christian Church, Broadway Baptist Church, and the TCU Office of Extended Education. This year’s festival will be held here at Broadway. View the full brochure here.

Registration is $5 and includes popcorn and water for attendees. A box lunch option is available for an additional cost.

REGISTRATION

Brite Ministry Week
February 5 to 7 at Broadway Baptist Church
Ministry Week is a clergy conference co-sponsored by Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University and University Christian Church held each year in February. This year’s conference “Ministry in the Age of Empire” will be held at Broadway and members are invited to attend. Learn more here. 

December by the Numbers 
Even with the Community Center closed the last week of the month, December was a very busy month at our Community Center.
 
Here’s a brief report of services provided in December:

• Sack Lunches: 1,140 lunches distributed
• Groceries: 322 households served (1,159 persons)
• Agape Meal: 525 meals served (over four dates)
• Adult Clothing Ministry: 107 people served
• Winter Coats: 43 coats, hats, and gloves distributed (total of 255 for November & December)
• Children’s Clothing: 7 children served
• School Uniforms: 467 FWISD students have received school uniforms since August
• Rental and Utilities Assistance: $400 in financial assistance provided
• Diaper Bank: 60 children and adults served
• Volunteer Hours: 137 hours from 60 volunteers

To give you a sense of how much our services have increased, in December 2022 we served 136 families through our May Street Market. This December, that number increased to 322 families: a more than 140% increase since last year. The demand for our services continues to grow. We are looking for additional volunteers to serve in our May Street Market and Adult Clothing Room. To volunteer or for more information, contact Erin Cooper or Holly Alexander.
 
Thanks to our wonderful staff and volunteers who make these services possible and those who contribute financially to support the ministries and mission of Broadway. We look forward to serving our guests and neighbors in the new year!

Food Drive for May Street Market
We are collecting donated food items for our May Street Market. When you’re doing your grocery shopping this week, pick up a few extra items for our neighbors. If you’ve donated, thank you! These essential items make a huge impact for those in need. 
 
Here are the primary items we need, which are currently in short supply at the Tarrant Area Food Bank: 

• Boxed Mac N Cheese
• Canned Tomato Sauce
• Canned Diced or Crushed Tomato
• Bagged Rice
• Bagged Pasta

Place your donated items in the blue bin outside the Centrum office on Sunday or bring them by the Community Center any time it is open.

Cloud Covered Streets
Broadway will again welcome Cloud Covered Streets to the Community Center on Friday, January 19. This faith-based ministry provides showers, laundry facilities, and haircuts to those in need. We are so thankful to offer these services to our guests and neighbors. Cloud Covered Streets will be at Broadway’s Community Center on the first, third, and fifth Fridays every month from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help, especially those who are qualified to cut hair. Click here to volunteer.
 
Here is a list of upcoming dates for Cloud Covered Streets at Broadway:
 

• January 19
• February 2
• February 16
• March 1

Winter Coats & Blankets Donations Needed  
In November and December, Broadway distributed over 250 coats, hats, and gloves to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. As lower temperatures continue, our Community Center continues to receive requests for coats and blankets. Your donations of new or gently used coats and blankets will be a great gift to our Community Center guests over the winter months. Donations can be dropped off in the blue bin near the Centrum office or at the Community Center anytime the Center is open. Contact Holly Alexander for more information about donations.