​Happy Advent! This is my favorite time of year. I love the traditions, the celebrations, and the opportunities to gather with friends and family and loved ones. I love the opportunity to gather for beautiful services and all sorts of church events. It feels like this time of year more than any other promotes fellowship, and I am so thankful that it is here again. At the root of all of these wonderful things is that first Christmas story. As the verse above shows us, the reason for this celebratory season is that God gives us a message of peace and goodwill. God was giving that message to people in desperate need, living during the time when peace and goodwill seemed to be lacking. For them, and for us, the message of Christmas is that even in the midst of all things - the good, the bad, everything in between - God arrives in our midst with a message of peace and goodwill. May we receive that peace and good will, and may we be equipped to give it to one another.
​Rev. Morgan Byars

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn’t say, “Now is that political or social?” He said, “I feed you.” Because the good news to a hungry person is bread. – Bishop Desmond Tutu

As we enter the holiday season in full swing, I find myself reminded of this quote. I’ve had quite a few opportunities to enjoy the foods of Clinton and those at Broad Street. I’ve seen dutiful preparers of meals and refreshments for grieving families, intense chili cook offs, and youth veggie soup, just to name a few! All of these things have been good news to fellow members and to others in the community. To nourish and care for one another in any way, be it spiritual, physical, emotional, etc., is to live into the gospel. The gospel truly is holistic. When given an option to clarify or even reduce the scope of the gospel, Bishop Desmond Tutu refuses to. Instead, he rightly noted that the God is concerned and cares for the whole person. Indeed, God’s love touches and transforms all aspects of our life. We are also called to embody this holistic gospel, and I believe we have an opportunity to do so with Broad Street’s Community Thanksgiving Meal. SNAP benefits are set to run out Nov. 1, a resource that hundreds of thousands in South Carolina rely on for sustenance. As we prepare for Broad Street UMC’s Community Thanksgiving Meal, I invite all of us to consider how we may be good news to the whole person, body and soul. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all the ways in which Broad Street has already been caring for its members and those in the community. Y’all are doing amazing work, and I am so thankful to see it continue. May we always strive to be a blessing to the whole person!
Rev. Morgan Byars

November 2, 2025, we will gather on this day to honor the saints who have gone on to God’s heavenly kingdom. We will give thanks for their lives of faith and devotion which continue to inspire us.
A luncheon will follow the worship service. Please sign up in the Connector or call the church office. (Adults $8; children under 12 $5)

​A note from the Pastor
He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8
Micah was writing during a tumultuous time: the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire, and it looked like the southern kingdom of Judah would soon be next. There was violence, uncertainty, division, and anxiety abounding. After the news stories that have dominated this past month – stories of violence, division, and injustice – I cannot help but think of these words of guidance given during a similar period in history. When the world is dangerous, we may be tempted to close ranks and retreat to the comfortable and familiar. Yet in this verse we see that God did not rile up the people in defensiveness or aggression, nor did God give them over to complacency or fear. God instead provided them, and us, with a radical command to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Make no mistake, it is a radical act of resistance to the world to not be overcome by its ways of cynicism, division, and violence. To do justice, love kindness, and walk in humility is ultimately to trust in their validity, to trust that God will vindicate all that we do out of justice, kindness, and humility. To do these things is not only to resist the world, but it is to show another way that the world could be. We can be an example of a different and better way of being. Rather than closing ranks, this is a posture of openness; openness to one another even amid differences as well as openness to the community around us. May we, in these tumultuous days, extend open arms to one another and the community around us.
Rev. Morgan Byars

A note from the Pastor
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. – Luke 4:18-19
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These are the words that begin Jesus’ public ministry as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. These words echo what has already been said about Jesus in the Nativity stories, but the words instead come from Jesus himself. He knows who he is, what he has come to do, and embraces this vision for his ministry. As I have spoken with others throughout these last couple of months, I have wondered how we may understand ourselves and what we are called to do. As we prepare to vision together and discuss what Broad Street UMC can be for this community going forward, I find myself thinking of this vision of Jesus’ ministry. He does not offer much in the way of specifics. He doesn’t lay out a series of programs or sermon topics, he doesn’t list out his travel itinerary, and he doesn’t clue the audience in to his coming death (yet). He is very clear, however, about the results of his ministry: liberation, redemption, new sight, and the Lord’s favor bestowed on all. I invite all of us to find where these things are already occurring in our midst. Where are people encountering God’s love, freedom, and grace? Where are people being helped both materially and spiritually? I invite us to ponder these questions both in our personal lives and our communal life. In doing so, we may begin to see more clearly where God’s Spirit is at work in our midst, and where the Spirit is leading us.
Rev. Morgan Byars

Dear Broad Street Family,
Twelve years ago, I walked through the doors of Broad Street United Methodist Church with hope in my heart and music in my soul. I could never have imagined just how deeply this place, this ministry, and you would come to shape my life.
Serving alongside you—through the seasons of celebration, struggle, growth, and grace—has been one of the greatest privileges and blessings I’ve ever known. You have shared your voices, your stories, your trust, and your hearts with me, and I am so profoundly grateful.
Thank you for the generous gifts, the kind cards, the thoughtful words, and the countless ways you’ve shown your love during this time of transition. Every gesture has meant more than I can say. And while this letter marks the end of my time as your Director of Music and Worship Arts, it is not a goodbye. It’s simply “see you later.”
Over the years, members became friends, and friends became family. That kind of love doesn’t vanish with a change in title or address—it stays rooted, grows deeper, and carries forward.
I want to extend a special word of thanks to Mrs. Sherry and Mrs. Betty, our extraordinary administrative assistants, who made Broad Street feel like home from day one. Thank you for always looking out for me, for your grace when I forgot a form or missed a deadline, and for being the steady, caring presence every ministry needs. You both are a treasure.
I believe the bonds we’ve built through worship and song, through laughter and tears, are not so easily unraveled. They are stitched into the fabric of who I am and will go with me wherever the next chapter leads.
It is a rare and beautiful thing to love a place, a people, and a calling so deeply that it brings tears to your eyes to turn the page. What a gift. What a blessing.
So, as I go, know this: I thank my God every time I remember you (Philippians 1:3) —and I always will. And until our paths cross again, may God be with you, guiding and upholding you, folding you safely in His care... till we meet again.
With all my heart, Jeramy P. Oropeza

A note from the Pastor
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. – Colossians 1:3-6

For this first newsletter during my time here I want to begin with a note of gratitude. Anna and I have been recipients of immense love and grace from this community, and we feel so loved. Thank y’all so much!
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Over these last few weeks, I have tried to live up to this newsletter’s name and take the broad view. As an incoming pastor there are so many things to learn, so many people to meet, and so many ministry opportunities to ponder. Among many other things I’ve tie-dyed shirts, gone to a water park with the children’s ministry, met many of our longtime members at NHC and Presbyterian Community, met with many committee heads, and worshipped with y’all each Sunday. Doing all of this has enabled me to take that broad view and see the many gifts and graces present in this church community across ministries and generations. In all these various interactions, I have witnessed grace and love that has persisted even in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty. I have also witnessed passion and love for this church and curiosity for how we may continue to be good news to the community around us, especially as this church enters a new chapter of its life. I am humbled and excited to explore such questions with y’all as Fall approaches and we get into the swing of things together. May we all continue to cultivate our holy curiosity and look for where God will lead us together!
Rev. Morgan

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