THE SPIRE
March 13, 2025
Broadway United Methodist Church
OUR MISSION
Seeking, Growing, and Serving with Unconditional Love and Acceptance.Â
Inside this issue...
- Dirt and Glitter
- Sacred Conversations
- Preparing for Our Second Quarter Mission Partner
- Announcements
Worship Times
Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 AM
Worship Series: Â Looking Back, Moving Forward
This Week
Scripture: Â Romans 18
Message: Â What Got Us Here
Rev. Brian Kemp-Schlemmer, Pastor
Dirt and Glitter
On Wednesday March 5 an Ash Wednesday service was held at Broadway UMC. Pastor Brian's message went a little like this...
"Good evening, everyone! Thanks for being here. So, who here likes playing in the dirt? [Pause for responses] I hear some yeses and some nos, and that's perfectly fine. When I was a kid, I absolutely loved it! I'd dig, I'd play in the mud... some of us might have even tasted it! [Light laughter] I bet even those who said 'ew' were told not to play in the dirt at some point.Â
Now, as an adult, especially with kids, I spend a lot of time cleaning up dirt. But when I let myself get a little messy, it's still fun.
But let's be honest, 'dirty' isn't usually a compliment, right? [Pause for responses] We tend to think of dirt as... well, dirty. Yes?
"Dirt is for plants and food!"
Exactly! I'm going to circle back to that in a moment.
"We want to dig in dirt!"
I know you do! Unfortunately, we won't be digging today. But you can definitely dig at home with permission.
Now, tonight, we're doing something a little different. We're using ashes, which are basically a form of dirt, and we'll be putting them on our foreheads. It might sound strange, but it's a reminder.
We'll say, "From dirt we came, to dirt we will return." This reminds us that, according to our stories, we were made from the earth. It's a way to stay humble. It's hard to be arrogant when you're reminded you're made of dirt, right?
But, and this is important, dirt isn't just about being humble. As someone mentioned, dirt is where life comes from. It's where plants, food, everything grows. The sun gives energy to the earth, plants use photosynthesis, and then we eat the plants or animals that eat the plants. All the energy on Earth originates from the dirt.
So, when we put ashes on our foreheads, we're remembering both our humility and the incredible miracle of life that God is creating around us. That's why we've added a little glitter to our ashes. It's a reminder that even in our humblest state, we are part of God's amazing creation.
When you leave tonight, you might have a bit of dirt, and a bit of sparkle, on your forehead. If someone asks, you can tell them it's a reminder that you're part of the miracle."
Sacred Conversations Group
Aliyah Richling, Spiritual Director (aliyah@broadwayunitedmethodist.com)
During Lent, we’ll be learning the art of listening paired with the art of storytelling. This is an opportunity to develop the spiritual practice of listening deeply to the stories of others as well as the stories we tell ourselves. We’ll also engage in the spiritual practice of sharing our own stories in a safe and confidential setting. Using several resources on listening, we will practice healthy communication skills that we can bring into our lives outside the group!
If you plan to attend, please speak with Aliyah or email her by Monday noon. Â we would also be interested in knowing if you are interested, but the timing is inconvenient for you.
Upper Room Executive Director to Visit Broadway
We introduce The Upper Room as Broadway's second quarter ministry partner. We will be sharing ways we can support their ministry and work for women and children in Council Bluffs.
The Upper Room is a crisis center for women and children coming out of crisis caused by domestic violence, exploitation, homelessness, and addictions. They strive to offer a haven for individuals to find mental health resources, life skills training, support, mentorship, and care through difficult times and to find healing and help as they gain indepencence.
The Upper Room exists as a Christ-centered sober living refuge for single women and mothers with children who are experiencing homelessness, battling addictions, domestic violence, and exploitation.Â
Join us March 19th  from 5:30 - 7 PM as Executive Director, Gabby Dowdy will visit with members of both the Women's Bible Study and the Adult Small Group.  She will meet with the Women's group at 5:30 and then after the 6 PM community dinner will visit with the adults. Both groups meet in the Lounge. You are welcome to join them. Ms. Dowdy will also be with us in worship on Sunday,  April 6th. Come and here how we can help.
Broadway Trivia
March Question
What was the original name of the Ladies' Aid Society at Broadway?
Hint: Â ask a United Women in Faith member, they might know.
Submit your answers at the Welcome Center Desk by Sunday March 30th for a chance to win a Broadway UMC t-shirt.
Announcements and Deadlines
Philip's Cupboard March Request
- Baby wipes
- Small bottles of Dawn dishsoap
Your gifts may be left in the shopping cart outside the office. Monetary gifts are also helpful. Cash or checks can be left in the offering or brought to the church office. Be sure to designate your check or envelope for Philip's Cupboard. Envelopes can be found at the Opportunities Desk in the Welcome Center.
5th Sunday Potluck
March 30th
12:00 PM
Fellowship Hall
March has 5 Sunday and you know what that means, right? Bring a covered dish and join us for a potluck lunch after worship.
Next Week at Broadway
Sunday 3-16
Worship - 2nd Sunday in Lent
- 8:30 AM Traditional Style
- 10:30 AM Contemporary Praise
- 9:30 AM Coffee and Conversation
5 PM Spiritual Practices (Lounge)
6 PM Student Life Youth Breakthrough   (2nd Floor)Â
6:45 PM New Way Recovery Group (210)
Monday 3-17
12-2 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open
3:00 PM Harmony Court Worship
6:00 PM Pack 40
6:30 PM Bible @ Barleys - a small group Bible Study for those over 21 at Barleys Bar across the street in the 100 Block
Tuesday 3-18
1:00 PM Sacred Conversations (Lounge) - Please RSVP by Monday noon.
7:00 PM DeLong Lounge Reserved
Wednesday 3-19
-4:00 - 6:00 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open
-5:00 PM Introduction to Meditation and  Centering Prayer (Sanctuary)
-5:30 - 7 PM Gabby Dowdy w/ Upper  Room with Women's Bible Study and  Adult Small Group
-5:00 PM Women's Bible Study (Lounge)
-5:00 - 7:30 PM Foundations Night
- 6:00 Community Meal (Fellowship  Hall)
- 6:30 Small Groups and Ministries for all ages: Â Kids Faith in Motion (Lower Level), Student Life Youth (2nd Floor), Adult Study (mail floor lounge)
6:30 PM Bells Rehearsal (B02)
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal (B02)
Thursday 3-20
12:00 PM Men’s Lunch Hour Study -pack your lunch or grab drive through and join the men in the DeLong Lounge
5:30 PM Praise Band Rehearsal
Friday 3-21
Office Closed
Deadline to order Hockey Tickets
12-2 PM Philip’s Cupboard Open
Sunday 3-23
Worship - 3rd Sunday in Lent
- 8:30 AM Traditional Style
- 10:30 AM Contemporary Praise
- 9:30 AM Coffee and Conversation
5 PM Spiritual Practices (Lounge)
6 PM Student Life Youth Breakthrough  (2nd Floor)
6:45 PM New Way Recovery Group (210)
Broadway United Methodist Church
11 S First Street | Council Bluffs Iowa 51503
712-322-7741