This Sunday, Rev. Andy will be preaching on Mark 6:30-34, 53-56. In this story, Jesus sees that the people are like sheep without a shepherd. This is a shot at incompetent leadership in the institutional religion and moral/ethical structure of the time. They’re all clamoring for healing and clamoring for a word, it’s like they haven’t gotten one ever. Maybe they haven’t. It’s tempting to take the same shots now but the difference is that we’ve already heard what Jesus has to say, we’ve already been healed and redeemed, we’ve already received the Holy Spirit, and we’re already a part of Christ’s church. Therefore, we are no longer sheep without a shepherd. Some of us have that narrative from past religious experiences. Some of us sure as hell act like sheep without a shepherd. Some of us spend our time and money and God-given talents like sheep without a shepherd. But we are no longer sheep without a shepherd. We have a shepherd and there are people coming after us who need to feel the same way when they come in to BSM.
We look forward to having John Francis lead us in worship. We’ve got some great songs planned: He Turned the Water Into Wine by Johnny Cash, Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff (I like these two as openers), Everlasting Arms by Vampire Weekend, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need and Touch the Hem of His Garment by Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers. We cannot wait to worship together as a community.
We also look forward to welcoming the Providence Church from Holland Michigan to be a part of the Youth Initiative. Please join us in welcoming them here.
Every Sunday after worship, we also have community engagement groups. These groups are a great way to get to know people, maybe learn something about yourselves, one another, and/or God, and get to know a few more peoples’ names. Here’s what we have on deck: Sara Corse will lead a group on Spiritual Autobiography that explores the development of faith and spirituality. Reflect on your own path and learn from each other. Robert Arrington will be leading Tell Your Story. Join the discussion in which you will be able to share the story of who you are and how you came to call this place home. Whitney Krape will be leading a conversation and have an opportunity for folks to sign up to Volunteer at BSM. Why does volunteering here matter? How is the world and our faith different because we pitch in at breaking bread? Come and find out!
Broad Street Ministry is a broad-minded faith community committed to extending radical hospitality and creating a spiritual home for all, especially those who feel like they don’t belong anywhere else. For more information click here.
