The Broad View - September 2026

8/28/2026

A note from the Pastor

Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

Friends,
This summer I’ve been spending my devotional time in the Psalms, and this week as I studied Psalm 50, I heard something particularly meaningful: a message about thanksgiving.

Sunday morning worship is a very personal experience. The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us in different voices and with different intent. Some come to church devoted to prayer. Others come to study scripture and hear the message. Still others are moved by music and fellowship. All of us are drawn together by the love of God. As I think about this, I pause over Psalm 50’s last verse, “Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.” This verse reminds me of how thanksgiving to God is so very important, and how church is where many of us have that opportunity to express to God our gratitude. We sing praises, we pray, we study, we fellowship, we work together, all with the intent of pleasing God as we commit to the “right way.” Jesus.

Many of the Psalms, including Psalm 50, reflect that God has promised to be present in the worship of a congregation. This is reassuring given that Christians come from many different traditions and experiences.

The church that has had the most influence on my faith journey is a one-room rural Methodist church in Gilmer County, WV. My grandparents are among its saints. It has no frills and no formality; the sanctuary has one red and yellow stained -glass window over the altar. But no matter how simple, God is present there, as it is a church that never fails to worship with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for God, and thanksgiving for one another.

Although I have only been with Broad Street United Methodist Church a handful of weeks, I am filled with joy as I take in that same sense of devotion as we worship on Sunday mornings. From our youngest to our eldest, dedication and love and enthusiasm fill our church. Our ministries and leadership in the community reflect God’s calling upon us. And for that, we give thanks to God for directing our hearts and efforts. No doubt, we, as a whole, are our greatest blessing, be it building ramps, praying for our neighbors, or supporting local missions. Thanks be to God for bringing us all together -- for using us to the good of the Kingdom. May we continue to honor God with our thanksgiving.

Thank you all for doing the work of the Church. I am grateful to God for each of you.

Pastor Jeanie

Bible Study will begin on Wednesday, September 2, at 6 PM.
We will start a study of the Book called The Acts of the Apostles.
We'll meet in Hodges Hall. Bring your favorite Bible of any translation! To read ahead, look at Luke 24:36-53 and the first two chapters of Acts. The Book of Acts is a great place to start a new study group, as we'll quickly be introduced to many of the influential characters of the New Testament. It begins with the ascension of Jesus, closes with the story of Paul's shipwreck and later arrival in Rome, and has a lot of action in between.
Bring a friend, all are welcome!