The Broad View October 2026

​A note from the Pastor

This fall I’m taking a class in Church History. This course studies the history of Christianity from the Early Church through the Reformation period of the 1700s. When I registered, I was pretty sure I was going to hate it. As an undergraduate music student in the 1980s I was required to take a class in Early Music, where I remember listening to one scratchy record after another of monks chanting in languages I couldn’t understand. For a 19-year-old, that class was a painful experience. Fast forward to this afternoon, and on my desk is a very interesting copy of a centuries-old document about St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. This Sunday, October the 4th, is his birthday, a day when he is widely celebrated for his contributions to the formation of the Church.
Born in 1181 to a wealthy silk merchant, Francis spent his youth being the life of the party. He had everything he wanted, friends, food, and fun. But in his twenties, Francis begins to feel empty and restless, and one day he is led by the Holy Spirit into an old church where he soon finds himself lying on the floor looking up at a crucifix bearing the image of Christ. In that moment, the image speaks to him, saying, “Rebuild the church.” After two years literally rebuilding that old church building, Francis further discerns that Christ’s directive was probably also meant to be spiritual, and so he gives away all of his possessions, dresses in a simple tunic, and begins to move through the countryside preaching the Word of Christ.
One day, Francis appears in a place to preach and there is a flock of sparrows noisily doing what sparrows do. Francis invites them to hush and listen to the Word of God. Witnesses later recalled that immediately the birds fell into silence and did not move until he has finished. "My sweet little sisters, birds of the sky," Francis began, "you are bound to heaven, to God, your Creator. In every beat of your wings and every note of your songs, praise him. He has given you the greatest of gifts, the freedom of the air.…”
The monks who recorded Francis' sermon to the birds that day wrote that the birds listened intently to everything Francis had to say, and as they did, they would open their beaks, stretch out their necks, spread their wings, and bend their heads reverently toward the earth. Later, they would rest upon his shoulders, arms and hands as he prayed or walked about. To this day, very often images of St. Francis picture him with birds upon his shoulders. Francis believed that his way with birds was a sign to continue preaching Christ’s message, as the freeing nature of the birds was the same as the freeing nature of the gospel.
At this same time, Francis discovers that he has the gift of healing. People would cut swatches off his tunic and were healed. People brought him bread to bless knowing that the bread would then cure various illnesses. Interestingly, as Francis moves through life his number of gifts increase and grow in intensity as to what it is his ministry requires.
Now, if you’re still reading, here’s where I’m going with this. Through this reading of Francis’s story, I realize what a poor attendant I have been with my gifts…how I didn’t grow my gifts when they were presented to me. St. Francis, on the other hand, lived a life wholly on faith. When I was much younger, I envisioned myself at my current age being a seasoned music professor teaching in a small college. But life changed me, God changed me. Instead, I realize now that I am not seasoned at all, but rather I’m a humble student still in class, still studying, still learning-- still reading God’s holy scripture from as many different perspectives as I can. But how blessed I am that as I have moved through these last many years, my life has unfolded with new and very different gifts than I expected. So many of us get to a certain point in our life, in our career, and wonder what’s next. If that’s you, I challenge you to pray and ask, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” And then be quiet and listen. The answer will come, but don’t be surprised if it’s not what you expect. And, be prepared: the answer may be better than anything you could have imagined.
Not a sermon, just what I’m learning in class.
Peace and blessings, Pastor Jeanie

Charge Conference: Oct 4, 12pm @ Springdale UMC
Administrative Leadership: Oct 20 @ 6:00 PM, HH
Ministries Leadership: Oct 26 @ 6:00 PM, HH

​Wednesday Bible Study on the Book of Acts, 6 PM, in Hodges Hall

​Friday Bible Study on the Book of Psalms, 10:30 AM, @ Presbyterian Community

BSUMC Youth Fundraiser
Beef Vegetable Soup $10/qt
We have frozen vegetable soup in Cunningham Center freezer for the cooler weather forecast @ $10/qt. All proceeds go to the Youth Fund. Come by and pick up a few quarts and you can pay one of the youth group or their leaders.

VIMs: Monday, October 19 @ 12 noon in Hodges Hall.
Christy Stroud from the Council for Aging will join us to discuss the services and resources available in Laurens County. Please join us!
To make a reservation, please call the church office, 864-833-0177. VIMS is open to seniors 55+ and retirees who are looking to have fun and fellowship with other members of our congregation and our community.

All Saints Day: Sunday, Nov 1, 2026

Thanksgiving Community
Dinner, Nov 26, 2026

We are extremely proud of our Broad Street UMC Men’s Ramp Ministry and there are so many in this community who have been blessed by their hard work and dedication. Thank you for your service!