PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH

Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbors. When we love and seek the well-being of our neighbors, we are embodying our love of God. Therefore, when people are hurting, or when systems of oppression and injustice harm or neglect those who God has created and loves, love compels us to compassionately respond. As Cornel West says, “Justice is what love looks like in public.”   

There is a mental health crisis in our country. We all know it, and many of us can feel it. This crisis impacts our community in a wide-variety of ways that inhibit the flourishing of life and demands our response.  

Over the past few months, a team of artists, musicians, Black Mental health professionals, and community activists have worked to craft grant proposals to creatively engage our neighbors in breaking down stigma and increasing awareness of mental health supports with the goal to create a culture where mental health is recognized as integral to our overall health and wellbeing both individually and as a community.   

Today, it is my honor and privilege to announce the following two grant awards that will enable us to compassionately respond with love to the mental health crisis we face. More details are posted below about each grant.

Love Ridiculously,

Rev. Aaron Hobbs

Sr. Pastor

He/Him

INDIANAPOLIS AFRICAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVE

INDIANAPOLIS AFRICAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVE (IAAQLI) ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND OF GRANTS 

Grants will fund programs and initiatives to improve the quality of life for African American Residents.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The National Urban League has selected 52 Indianapolis/Marion County not-for-profit organizations as the second recipients of grants from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI). The organizations represent 61 grants awarded with funding totaling more than $21.5M. The initiative is a partnership between the National Urban League, the Indianapolis Urban League, and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis. IAAQLI was created in 2020 through a $100M grant to the National Urban League from Lilly Endowment Inc.

The second round of funding comes after the distribution of awards during the fall of 2022 and the launch of programming designed to address the most critical issues impacting the quality of life for African Americans within Indianapolis/Marion County. The funding will continue to help non-profit organizations implement IAAQLI's goal, which is to support effective programs, policies, and ventures that will make measurable improvements in the daily lives of African Americans in the local community. As with the first round of funding, the National Urban League awarded grants to organizations whose programs, services, and advocacy will address historic inequities existing within Indianapolis' Black communities. This continues to be "an historic place-based initiative...and the country is watching", says Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League.

We are pleased to announce that Broadway United Methodist Church is one of the organizations that will be awarded a grant of $100,000 in second round funding. Broadway’s “Finding Your Center for Black Mental Health” project will focus on reducing stigma related to mental illness and increase awareness of mental health supports among African American youth, families, and adults. We are excited for this opportunity to partner with some wonderful local artists, poets, musicians, and Black mental health professionals in providing a variety of program activities including mental health awareness concerts, special community events, art workshops, and a public service announcement campaign.     

"With this second round of funding we will engage with more organizations who will implement programs that will continue to elevate the mission the IAAQLI," said Indianapolis Urban League President and CEO Tony Mason. “As more organizations receive funding, and our grantees from the first round of funding begin reporting their outcomes, we will begin realizing the depth of issues the community has identified and also begin to identify what, if any, additional resources are needed.”  

Eliminating disparities caused by decades of systemic racism will require involvement from our entire community," added African American Coalition of Indianapolis Chair Willis Bright. "IAAQLI is providing the funding but the organizations implementing the programs will need support to be successful. I encourage all of us to learn more about the programs being implemented and engage with the organizations responsible for developing the programming. This is how we ensure the entire community benefits, and we create sustainable programming that will withstand the test of time."

To learn more about the Indianapolis African American Quality Life Initiative and review a complete project listing along with descriptions visit www.iaaqli.org.

THE CENTER FOR CONGREGATIONS MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Center for Congregations Mental Health Initiative Grant Announcement:  

Our congregation is one of 30 congregations selected to participate in the Mental Health Initiative, a grant program created by the Center for Congregations. The Center for Congregations is funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and has been committed to Indiana congregations for more than 25 years.

This opportunity will begin in the spring and continue through 2024. We will receive education, training, and support from the Center for Congregations to focus on understanding ways that our church and community can benefit from the intersection of mental and spiritual wellness. This Mental Health Initiative will help to equip us to offer mental health resources to support our church and community. Late this year, as part of the learning process, we will be eligible to receive $40,000 in grant funds. 

If you would like to be a part of our congregational team for this initiative, please contact Pastor Aaron at ahobbs@broadwayumc.org or (317) 502-2833.

Save the Date for Broadway's 150 Year Celebration Weekend!

September 22nd-24th, 2023

In the weeks leading up to the Celebration Weekend, we will share with you interesting information about Broadway's history. Click HERE to learn more about the history of Broadway in the early 20th Century in this week's "Remembering Broadway's History in Our 150th Year"!

UPCOMING EVENTS

FIRST FRIDAYS DINNER GROUP

The First Fridays dinner group will meet on Friday, March 3rd. This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends, meet new folks, and enjoy good food. The group meets at George’s Neighborhood Grill (6935 Lake Plaza Dr) at 6:00pm and orders dinner at 6:30pm. All are welcome!

IMMIGRATION & RELIGION:

STORIES FROM THE BORDER AND THE BIBLE

The Bible has been an important resource for many immigrants, migrants, and border crossers. Jesus himself crossed geographical as well as political, religious, and social borders. Hearing the stories of immigrants today opens up new understandings of biblical narratives for Christians, and challenges all of us to attend more closely, and even be transformed by the experiences of our neighbors. On Wednesday, March 8th, at 4:00pm and 7:00pm, the University of Indianapolis Showers Lectureship welcomes Dr. Julia Fogg, who will present on Immigration & Religion: Stories from the Border and the Bible. For more information or to reserve your spot for this free event, please visit: https://news.uindy.edu/events/immigration-and-religion-stories-from-the-border-and-the-bible-showers-lecture/

BROADWAY LADIES' LUNCH

The Ladies of Broadway will be meeting on Tuesday, March 14th, for lunch at Good Morning Mama’s Cafe at 11:00am. Please contact Joanne Solomon at jsjgsolo@aol.com or (317) 257-4737 if you plan to attend so she can make reservations that morning.

GLORIOUS: THE REVIVAL

Experience the Historical Origin of the Indianapolis Black Church as iibada Dance Company presents Glorious: The Revival, March 24th - 26th at the Ben Davis High School Theatre. Tickets are now available! For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://iibadadance.org/glorious-the-revival.

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH BABY SHOWER & LUNCH

Join us for a Soup, Salad, and Dessert Luncheon and Baby Shower on Sunday, March 26th, after the worship service. The baby shower is for the Wee Ones in the Breanna Leath Dorm of the Indiana Women’s Prison. Women who enter incarceration while they are pregnant are allowed to keep their babies with them if their sentences are short enough to allow them to leave prison 36 months after the baby is born. Indiana tax payers, however, do not fund the baby care, so people such as our congregation may give diapers, wipes, or gift cards for Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, drugstores, etc. for the upkeep of the Wee Ones. The food will be good and the hospitality great. Everyone, please come!

ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS

COFFEE WITH PASTOR AARON

Join Pastor Aaron for coffee and a conversation each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Please note that the Tuesday coffee chat has been canceled this week as Pastor Aaron will be attending the Bishops and Clergy Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Statehouse. Join him on Thursday, March 2nd, from 11:00am-12:00pm at Coat Check Coffee (401 E Michigan St). Text Aaron at (317) 502-2833 if you plan to stop by, and he'll keep an eye out...and buy the first round!

CONNECTING CONVERSATIONS

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, March 7th, at Broadway from 6:00-8:00pm to experience Connecting Conversations! This week, we will be joined by Dee Aguilar, who will help us learn more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry. While it is always good to celebrate, some things cannot be easily described; they must instead be experienced. Cathy Pilarski and Pastor Aaron will be moving this gathering around the building each week and encourage you to join us (and invite a friend) to experience the abundant joy, creativity, and collaboration that makes this such a wonderful place.

BELL CHOIR & CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS

Bell Choir rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:15pm in Beck Hall. For more information contact Gisele Dollinger at giseledoll223@gmail.com. Chancel Choir rehearsals are held each Wednesday from 7:30-9:00pm in Beck Hall. For more information contact Rev. Shonda Nicole Gladden at sgladden@broadwayumc.org.

SAVE THE DATE!

PRIDE 2023

Mark Your Calendars: The 2023 Pride Parade is on Saturday, June 10th, 2023. Looking for volunteers to manage the t-shirts, give-a-ways and float design in the March/April time frame. Reach out to Nancy Stortz via text at (765) 516-4954 if you would like to take on a leadership role.

BROADWAY DAY CAMP 2023

Broadway Day Camp 2023 will be held the week of June 12th - June 16th. Mark your calendars now for this fun-filled week! Applications will be available this spring for children who have completed Kindergarten and have not yet begun 7th grade.

EVENTS CALENDAR | MARCH 3RD - MARCH 12TH

FRIDAY, MARCH 3RD

• First Fridays Dinner Group @ George's Neighborhood Grill (6935 Lake Plaza Dr) | meet at 6:00pm/order dinner at 6:30pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH

• Second Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10:00am in the Sanctuary and streaming online

TUESDAY, MARCH 7TH

• The Tuesday coffee chat has been canceled this week as Pastor Aaron will be attending the Bishops and Clergy Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Statehouse

• Connecting Conversations from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Broadway

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8TH



• Immigration & Religion Lecture with Dr. Julia Fogg at 4:00pm & 7:00pm at the University of Indianapolis

• Bell Choir rehearsal from 6:30pm - 7:15pm in Beck Hall

• Chancel Choir rehearsal from 7:30pm - 9:00pm in Beck Hall

THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH

• Coffee with Pastor Aaron at Coat Check Coffee (401 E Michigan St) from 11:00pm-Noon. Text him at (317) 502-2833 if you plan to stop by and he’ll keep an eye out....and buy the first round!



• Thursday Morning Book Group beginning at 11:00am (please call the church office for further information)

SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH

• Third Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10:00am in the Sanctuary and streaming online

The Sanctuary is open for prayer during the week. Please wear a mask and use a disinfecting wipe to clean the spot where you sat before you leave (wipes are available at the entrance of the Sanctuary).

Prayer concerns and celebrations can also be shared via email. If you would like to submit a prayer request or celebration throughout the week, please email them to prayers@broadwayumc.org.

Prayer Concerns & Sharing of Joys:

• Prayers for Professor Harold Brown who has a Stress Test on Monday.  

• Prayers for Carol McCracken as she recuperates following a brief hospital stay this week.

• Prayers for Amy Dilks and her family as they mourn the passing of Amy’s mother on Thursday, March 2nd.

• Prayers for those beginning new jobs, and for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

• Prayers for joy and thanksgiving that Broadway has received two grants from IAAQLI ($100,000) and The Center for Congregations ($40,000) to support positive mental health outcomes for our community.  

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE | SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH

This week, we will celebrate The Second Sunday in Lent  at 10:00am with our In-person Worship Service in the Sanctuary. We will also continue to stream our live services for those who wish to continue worshiping at home. Sunday's worship service will be live-streamed beginning at 10:00am on our YouTube Channel. We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday in whichever format works best for you!

Worship Bulletin:

You can view a copy of this week's worship bulletin by clicking here or by scanning the following QR code:

Mask Policy Update as of 11/9/22:

Broadway UMC has updated its current mask policy for those attending worship and/or conducting activities in the church building throughout the week. Masks are now encouraged but optional. If you are currently ill or experiencing symptoms of Covid or other illnesses, please remain home until your symptoms have subsided. If you are immunocompromised or otherwise at risk for severe illness, please consider continuing to mask while in the building. Thank you to everyone for considering the health and safety of all our staff and visitors when choosing whether to wear a mask.

DONATE TO THE FURNACE BURNER REPLACEMENT FUND AT: 

https://secure.myvanco.com/YJD6/campaign/C-12RS8 

or donate by check with "Burner Replacement Fund" noted in the memo line.