A note from the Pastor

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” Selections from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for all things. Time is something we covet, something we never feel we have enough of. We wish that time would simply stand still. But as the earth quickly rotates, so too do time and seasons.
I have been thinking a lot about time as my time at Broad Street draws closer to its end. As an itinerant pastor, I know I only journey with a congregation for a season, yet it doesn’t make it any easier when it’s time to depart. I am grateful that God led me to Broad Street. Even though I wish things were different, I am thankful for the love you have shown me. Being part of the seasons of your lives, even this most difficult season, has brought me joy. I have had the opportunity to laugh, to cry, to grieve, to plant, and to be a part of all the wonderful things at Broad Street.

I remember my first Sunday with you and how nervous I was. In my time here, I feel that I have grown into being a better pastor, preacher, minister, and friend. All of this is because of you! You have shown me love and grace, and I am deeply humbled and grateful to you all. I hope you have felt my love and care for you, and I hope we have learned from each other through this season.

I leave you with this: A time to heal- I know our time together hasn’t always been perfect. I know our hearts are grieving in our recent struggles. But I do know this time of mourning will not last forever. God will heal and renew! A time to build- though we have experienced tearing down, we must remember there is a time to build. God has not abandoned us in this season! A time to trust- there is much we don’t always understand, but we trust that in the fullness of time, God will bring beauty from the ashes, peace from the pain, and restoration where there once was loss. God’s story for Broad Street is far from over! It’s only just begun!

Thank you, Broad Street, for the season we had together! I pray for each of you and Pastor Morgan as this new season begins. I love you all!

Rev. Justin Ritter

​GIFTS IN MEMORY OF:
Eddie Robinson (Mary Ross Martin’s Brother)

• Altar Guild: Bob & Leigh Smith

Marion Simmons

• Budget: Richardson Construction & Richardson Family
  

Mary Jean Timmerman’s April 15th Birthday

• Budget: The Lunch Bunch

Charlie & Myrtle Wesson

• Music: Tim & Dawn Wesson

Marvin Gault

• Special Furnishings: Barbara Creel

Beth Copeland

• Special Furnishings: Barbara Creel

Sharon Venable

• Budget: Charles & Mary Buice, Terry E. & Deborah S. Rosamond, James & Margie Martin
• WARM: Bob & Leigh Smith, David & Sara Ramage

Bryan Cason

• Budget: Steve & Jerri Lynn Lamb

GIFTS IN HONOR OF:
Steve Martin

• WARM: Ann P. Martin

Betty Copeland

• WARM: Ann P. Martin
• Budget: Joe & Sue Fuller

A note from the Pastor

As we approach the holiest time of the Christian year, we reflect on the highs and lows that Holy Week brings. It begins with the triumph and tragedy of Palm/Passion Sunday. Throughout the week, we experience the emotional journey of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, culminating in a stripped sanctuary and a somber atmosphere. Finally, we celebrate Easter Sunday with the incredible joy of the Resurrection of Jesus.

We may find ourselves in a challenging time as a church family, but I am reminded of the hope that the Resurrection brings. The Resurrection signifies new life, and on Easter Sunday, we will joyfully proclaim, “But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because He lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.” During this holy season, let us hold on to that truth.

It has been my privilege to celebrate this sacred time over the past few years, and I am looking forward to celebrating my last Easter with you here at Broad Street UMC. Join me during Holy Week as we observe Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunrise, and the Easter Service. Let us continue to G.R.O.W. Forward Together! Love you all!
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Rev. Justin Ritter

A note from the Pastor

In October 1915 "Scientific American" magazine published a piece which told about an employee at the Patent Office in Washington DC who wrote the following in a letter. The year was 1833... “Dear Sir, Because everything that can be invented has already been invented, it is inevitable that this office should go out of business. In as much as I shall soon lose my position, I hereby resign to look for work elsewhere. Sincerely,”
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At that time there was no telephone or telegraph; no automobile or bicycle, or airplane or wireless, and people walked miles and miles to get sight of a railroad. Today there are millions of patents. Whoever wrote that letter clearly lacked vision.

Vision is more than a buzzword; it has become a necessary tool of every church. Vision is not what we dream about during a Sunday afternoon nap or after eating spicy chili after 10 PM. It is rarely a "burning bush" experience like Moses'. Vision, as modeled in scripture and throughout church history, came as God's people saw the needs around them and sought God for God’s guidance for what he wanted them to do. Moses leading the people of Israel out of Egypt, David's fighting Goliath, Nehemiah's rebuilding the temple wall, Jesus' calling His disciples, Paul's writing to the church in Corinth— these and other stories in scripture indicate the vision of these leaders. They saw in their mind a future that was preferred more than the present. And their vision propelled them forward to do courageous things.

We are in a new season at Broad Street and to help us cast a vision, the staff and I chose a theme for us to guide us this year: “G.R.O.W. Forward Together.” “G.R.O.W.” stands for: God- our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer who is first in our lives and brings us together; Relationships- with God, each other, and the community; Opportunities- there are plenty of ways to use our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in the community and church; and Worship- we humbly give ourselves in praise and thanksgiving. These 4 words, I believe are essential to who we are at Broad Street while we look to the future together. Yes, we are in a new year and new season at Broad Street, but I firmly believe that God is actively using us to build His Kingdom here! So let us G.R.O.W. Forward Together! Love you all!
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Rev. Justin Ritter