Broadway Brouhaha

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS:October Teachings

2010-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Marcia Fleischman will begin a new series:
“Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear”
Oct. 3 Awakening
Oct. 10 Transforming
Oct. 17 Healing
Oct. 24 The Party

Spiritual Musings: from Dr. Paul White's Blog

2010-09-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Rejuvenation — What re-energizes you?
Posted: 24 Aug 2010 07:54 PM PDT
I am just returning from a few days off. And it never ceases to amaze me how different people are in what constitutes a “vacation”.
I think it is critical to know what rejuvenates you and to actively include these activities in your schedule. I will admit that I am not very good at taking long vacations (although I am starting to think about them more seriously), but I do think I am fairly good at knowing what re-energizes me, and including those activities in my daily and weekly schedule.
Unfortunately, I think the media blitz we all face daily plus reports from others around us bias us away from those activities which we may really desire. Let me share a few examples of categories of rejuvenating activities (and feel free to share your own ideas).
Nature. This is first, because it is my #1 category. I truly don’t feel like I have been on vacation unless it includes some significant time in nature — staying at a cabin in the woods, hiking, fishing, rafting, swimming in the ocean or a lake. I am fortunate that I live in an area where I have nature surrounding my house (trees, birds, singing insects & frogs, deer and other animals). So when I come home from work, I have the opportunity to have a brief respite from the stresses of the day.
Music. Music can be very restorative. And different kinds of music help us in various ways — soothing instrumental jazz, mellow folk music, energizing bluegrass or classic rock, classical music of various genre’s. I personally am finding selective use of music is more impactful than having it on all the time (e.g. in the background).
Silence. We live in a busy, noisy world. And we add more noises to our lives with talk radio, the news on TV, background music. Finding a quiet place can be a challenge, but incredibly rewarding. Sometimes after I arrive and get settled in my office, I take just 5 minutes to sit, be quiet and enjoy silence.
Solitude and reflection. I am an extrovert by nature, and in my early adult years, I would rarely choose to have an extended time of silence and reflection on my own (I was always looking for a party!). And I still cannot take as much time by myself as my wife enjoys, but slowing down, not sitting in front of the TV (or computer), getting by myself, reading some reflective material (and even occasionally writing in my journal), certainly has a place in restoring my inner soul.
Social interaction. Some people (usually extroverts) actually get energized by being around others. They (we) enjoy the energy from being in a social situation or experiencing an event with a large crowd. Like anything, getting energized by being around others needs to be done in moderation (extroverts can become like over-tired two year old’s — everyone else knows they are tired and need to go to bed before the person themselves do!)
Spiritual reflection and learning. This could be similar to solitude and reflection, but sometimes activity is more self-focused — reflecting on one’s life. This activity may include reading sacred writings, inspirational books by spiritual leaders, or going to a retreat to obtain spiritual instruction. Without keeping one’s life centered on your core spiritual beliefs, your life is at risk for spinning out of control.
Physical activity. For many of us, our work and daily lives are sedentary and inside. Getting physical activity and exercise, along with experiencing the sunlight and breeze on our skin gives us more energy than if we continue to sit at a desk or lying on our bed. (For me, the combination of physical activity + nature is a wonderful combination.)
Hobbies, artistic activities and recreation. This is a combination of a fairly broad range of activities but, when done appropriately, they are restorative — they re-create us. The activity can vary tremendously — painting & drawing, building models, gardening, playing softball, knitting, woodcarving — which is part of their beauty. Each person can pursue a wide range of hobbies over their lifetime (think of the different hobbies you have done over the years.)

I am sure there are many other ways to become rejuvenated. The real trick is to: a) find out what is restorative to you (and not do something because someone else likes to); and b) do it as part of your daily, weekly and seasonal life.
I want to continue to learn and grow in practice in these areas. Please share lessons you have learned over the years in how to consistently restore your energy for life.

Moving

2010-05-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Broadway Church blog is moving, but please note all posts currently on Broadway Brouhaha are moving with it. Please take note of the new address, bcevolve.org. We'll leave this location up for a while until you get used to going to the new address.

Please also visit Broadway Church at our facebook page or our website at http://broadwaychurch-kc.org/.

Thanks for visiting.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Boutique Spirituality

2010-04-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

The following excerpt is from the teaching April 25, 2010 by Sheryl Guth Stewart at Broadway Church:

"So, what about that boutique? Well, yes, I am calling Broadway Church a boutique, but think about it. One of a kind, unusual, much more interesting than most. Broadway is one of the few places I've been introduced to the richness of life in Christ that would characterize what might metaphorically be inside that boutique. Even people who no longer go here remember it fondly and have trouble finding a church as compelling."

AN OLD CHURCH WITH NEW IDEAS

2010-04-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

2010 Membership Growth Campaign
20 individuals & 10 families
Growth As Members – Growth in Numbers

The heart, soul and spirit of Broadway Church is alive and vibrant with healing presence of the universal light and love that is the source of all spiritual transformation. I believe that the core values of our church family are some of the best kept secrets in Kansas City. I also believe that the healing message of our spiritual community can restore a connectedness to the source of all life – our Mother/Father God.

I believe, as a member of this community, it is my job to make our presence known in the community. I want to cause people to be talking about Broadway! Our Spring Project is a great opportunity to break free from the ‘routine of life’ and focus our attention on making a difference and serving others.

Requirements for the task: an open mind and a willing spirit!

I invite you to join us on May 15 and June 5 as an expression of faith and a way to ‘pay it forward’ for all the blessings and healing transformations that have been afforded to you.

We meet at the church at 9 a.m. to get volunteers assigned areas to canvass and then leave around 9:30. Canvassing takes about an hour and a half and then we meet back at the church to share information on how the time went and for a brief lunch. Hope you can join us!

From Steve Sanders

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: "29 GIFTS"

2010-01-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

Need a lift? Need some encouragement? Need some joy in your life? Listen to Marcia Fleischman's series, "A Season of Giving," partially based on the book "29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life" by Cami Walker. Inspirational in its message, the series includes topics of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace and offers simple suggestions of how you can reach out to others and be blessed.

You may order a set of these CDs from Broadway Church by calling 816-561-3274 or e-mailing office@BroadwayChurch-kc.org. The set costs $10 which includes shipping and handling.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS:DVD Available

2009-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Teaching Topic by Paul Smith, CoPastor
“Learning and Discerning the Religions of the World”

Jan 3 Buddhism: Why is doing nothing so popular?
Jan 10 Hinduism: Why should I breath like a yogi?
Jan 17 Nonreligious: Why the fastest growing in America?
Jan 24 Islam: Why the fastest growing in the world?

If interested in a DVD of these teachings, please contact the church office at 816-561-3274 or office@Broadwaychurch-kc.org.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS

2009-12-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Wild Woman Theology

2009-10-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Rev. Marcia Fleischman will be signing copies of her new book, Wild Woman Theology: In the Arms of Loving Mother God, on Sunday, October 18th after church in the Fellowship Hall.

She was inspired to rewrite the stories of the women of the Bible based on the image of a loving, encouraging mother God instead of an angry punishing God. This is most obvious in the story of Lot's wife who turned into a pillar of salt, not because she disobeyed God's command and was punished, but because she was so sad at being betrayed by her husband. With over 40 illustrations, the stories are written in rhyme and have a bit of humor and anachronism for fun.

The book sells for $26. Contact the church office at 816-561-3274 to order a copy.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: How to Spend Ten Minutes with God

2009-08-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

How to Spend Ten Minutes with God
Having TEA with God
By Paul Smith

Jesus had a close relationship with his Abba God. Following Jesus began as an experience of also connecting deeply with that God. That was the religion of Jesus.

This changed as the institutional church took over and Christianity became something you believed in with the emphasis on creeds, dogmas, doctrines, rules, and regulations. Christianity became a religion about Jesus instead of the religion of Jesus.

The religion of Jesus began with his deep prayer life, which revealed an intimate relationship with God and spiritual realities such as spiritual guides, angels, and divine guidance. This led to his ministry of compassion and care for the oppressed and vulnerable.

Most Christians agree that praying is important. However, it is also a challenge. How do we do it? Why is it so difficult at times? What is prayer for us today? Here is how I understand it.

Jesus said, “Whenever you pray, go into your closet and shut the door. (Matt. 6:5)

First, going into your closet begins with getting away from outer distractions. Jesus went away from the crowds and into deserted places. Sometimes he climbed mountains. He really got away. We can turn off the TV and phone, and sit comfortably and alert where we will not be interrupted.

Second, mystics throughout the centuries have also seen the reference to “your closet” as meaning the inside of you. This means getting away from inner distractions. Prayer is an interior experience.

Some describe it as sinking down into the quiet and peaceful bottom of a lake. You can breathe and feel comfortable. When we find boats and other objects floating above us on the surface, figuratively speaking, we will be tempted to move back up and explore them. These are the distracting thoughts that always come to our minds such as work, people, and things to do.
(Over)
It can be very helpful to ask God for a centering word to use at these times that can bring us back down to our quiet self. The word may be peace, Jesus, Spirit, or any word that helps you reconnect with the center of your being.

1. Talking to God
A good way to begin your ten minutes of prayer is by telling God how you feel and what you want. Talk to God about wherever you are and what you want. Saying what you want from this prayer time focuses your intention and helps you be receptive. You may also first read or reflect to begin this time. Then tell
God what you are wanting.

2. Engaging God
Next we become conscious of the Spirit’s response to what we are wanting. Become aware of seeing images in your imagination, hearing words in your mind, sensations in your body, or an inner sense or knowing. During this time wandering thoughts may also come. Use your centering word to help you return to your inner awareness. Letting go of distractions allows us to hear the Spirit’s thoughts.

3. Abiding in God
Jesus said, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Abide in my love.” (John 15:4, 9) In abiding, we sink down deeply into God’s presence. We let all words, images, and sensations pass. We are simply quiet and still. When nothing is left of our ego and outward forms, all that is left is God. Eastern meditative traditions often call this “emptiness” since it is empty of ego and forms. Christians often call it “fullness” since we understand this as experiencing God’s presence. This is where we experience our deepest self as the divine light of the world, just as Jesus said we are. This is where we can, as the Psalmist said, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10) We may take the “I’ there to mean not only the Infinite and Intimate Faces of God but also our own Inner Face of God

I have outlined three levels of praying, with each level becoming progressively deeper. They are

Talk
Engage
Abide

Now you are ready to have TEA with God!

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Faces of Jesus Gallery

2009-05-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Bill Tammeus, the Kansas City Star "Faith Matters" blogger, toured the Faces of Jesus gallery located in Broadway Church in March.
His write-up regarding the gallery can be read on his blog: http://billtammeus.typepad.com Go to the March Archives, scroll to the bottom, click on "next" and scroll until you come to The Faces of Jesus 3-10-09.

Or to avoid all that scrolling click here.

SPIRITUAL MUSICINGS: This makes you feel good!!

2009-04-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Spiritual MUSINGS: Christianity and Homosexuality-the major issue of our time

2009-03-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

An e-mail from bgloverhic@hotmail.com

It is clear that all of the problems homosexual Americans have in gaining equal/civil rights come directly from religion-all religions.

So in most cases thinking homosexuals have left religion-since "religion" left/rejects them. But there are those who do not leave their religion. And so there is a 'conflict" in the community/movement in how to deal with the opposition coming from religious institutions and people.

It is time that homosexuals stop doing to each other what bigots in religions have done to us-refuse to listen to other views, possible methods/tactics.

A resource to start this dialogue is found in such a book as Christianity and Homosexuality-some Seventh Day Adventists perspectives, edited by David Ferguson, Fritz Guy and David Larson, published in 2008 by Adventist Forum, in Roseville, California.

The problem, as usual, is getting such an excellent tool to the very people who need it-not only members of the Seventh day Adventist Church, but all people dealing with religious issues. For while there are a few small sections that deal with specifically Seventh Day Adventist issues, over 90% of this book has material-facts and views- that are not only useful to everyone, but in a few cases have not seen print anywhere else.

Since religious problems are a personal issue, the first section is from personal experience as a glbt Adventist, and most of the writers came from a deep SDA background.

Then there is a remarkably good "history" of the biomedical professions in dealing with homosexuality. The major people are covered, such as Hooker, Kinsey, and Bergler and Bieber, etc. Then there is the behavioral aspect, sociology etc. Then a scriptural discussion, overwhelming in a sense, and as is later pointed out, irrelevant to most people since logic is not a good argument to people who have a fixed view, pro or con. Then there is the question of how the church should handle the issue, how it should act over making laws-a very special issue for SDA people since the church has suffered greatly as a church that worships on Saturday and thus its members have been punished for not being like "normal" Christians.

While some homosexuals will not understand the homosexuals who insist on staying in their church, there is a good thought presented, some of us are incurably homosexual and incurably religious.

The book is mainly a product of the lgbt group of SDA members, Seventh Day Adventist Kinship International. They have been active since the1970, incorporating as a group in 1981, and later had to fight a legal battle with the church over the use of the church name, which they won.

A type of thinking toward the Bible and history is called "present truth" which means having beliefs that are based on study and revelation as well as word for word use of the Bible.

There can be no doubt, as is covered in the book, that the behavior of the church has harmed young people. A good use for the book is to show to young people that there have been other SDA people who have overcome the terrible injustice of the church.

As an aside, I thought the issue of having a partner was handled well when it is said that if you can't find a good Adventist partner, it is better to have a good Methodist than settle for a bad Adventist.

One problem I have with the coverage, which is excellent on how the world has looked at homosexuality, is the complete failure, with only the usual exception, to acknowledge that the advance made in this area has been the result of the civil rights movement for homosexual citizens started mainly in Southern California in 1950 with early Mattachine, moving onward with ONE. Inc/Homosexual Information Center, later Mattachine, the Daughters of Bilits, SIR, etc. It is hard to understand why all of the writers seem to ignore or not know of this history and only think this movement started as virgin birth at Stonewall in 1969-it will not make those people happy to know that the one mention calls it a riot, since those there constantly point out that it was a revolution, a big difference.

This is relevant since there might not have been a Dr. (Evelyn) Hooker, or even a good Dr. (Alfred) Kinsey had there not been the help of Mattachine and ONE. Yet their work is presented in a good timeline of events and people in the long procession toward today.

The writers do accept the relationship among the various civil rights movements-black, women, etc. So it is clear that the people, who then and now rejected homosexuals, also rejected blacks, poor, etc. (Which again makes it hard to understand why so many blacks stayed in the church that supported slavery, or women stayed as major supporters in a church that kept them as second-class members, and also why homosexuals stay.

The book discusses the ex-gay movement, especially how the church accepted a fraud, Colin Cook, and it also points out the fact that, as some relatives kept saying to those who came out as gay, that-you know what the Bible says, and you know the devil knows how to use it, and that applies to our movement, which seems to worry about letting our work be known-in both cases the fact is that "Satan knows the Bible better than we do" and our enemies know what is going on in our movement faster than we do.

The ideas come forth that having companionship is important, both as a support group and as a partner, and thus comes up the issue faced in the very first public discussion of gay marriage, in ONE Magazine in 1953- it may lead to an idea that there are good/moral homosexuals, who are monogamous, and the rest who are bad and NOT monogamous.

The point is made that giving long factual arguments does not always work-and I want to say people should have read this issue a long time ago, in such books as In Defense of Homosexuality, by R.O.D.Benson. Logic doesn't work with bigots or fanatics. And the more "religious" someone is, the more judgmental-an example being that relatives often constantly harassed a person who said he or she was homosexual.

Another aside, some of the people writing in this book should be the type of guests Oprah has, and not all the suddenly outed celebrities, who have never suffered the loss not only of a job, but of a family, church, etc.

One of the better chapters is by the mother of a gay son. She covers all the usual stereotypes and dismisses them, and gives a list of resources.

I also found it interesting to know that the daughter of H.M.S.Richards, a radio preacher, has two gay children. So, being a leader of a church does not mean your children will not be homosexual. (I had listened to him, but don't recall him discussing this issue.)

In a list after each chapter there are resources and references, discussion suggestions, and I see some, such as Wayne Bensen, and wonder if he and others have seen this book.

An issue is raised by one writer about wondering if the church should be encouraged to start discussing homosexuality. At first thought the answer today would be no since it would be a negative one. That is like what Don Slater and ONE said about having sex courses in school-don't, as none of them would allow the homosexual viewpoint, so it would be more harmful, and of course we see- think of the daughter of the governor of Alaska- that abstinence only classes have proved worthless.

I don't recall hearing before a term used, but it is used wisely. It seems in years past many people were classed as social degenerates-meaning those who were not white men mostly-and that was racism. Slavery, anti-Semitism, anti-homosexual, anti-poor, etc. Medicine often did not correct this anti-human view, and the writing makes it clear that while Freud did not consider homosexuality a problem, later Jewish physicians did and often caused harm, and the problem was that their views were not based on medicine, or research, but on their religion, and they often tried to prove that Jewish doctors were just as good as none-Jewish. Only later did sociologists, etc understand that it is not homosexuals who are ill, but society. And it is to the shame of what should be a great medical school- Loma Linda- that works to make people healthy, that it would use medicine to harm homosexuals. And like too many medical schools, a person could graduate without ever having talked about homosexuality.

In this regard, the change in the view of the psychiatrists and psychologists is discussed, and it is pointed out that it was NOT politics that made them change their views, and in fact it was politics that had made homosexuality an illness in the first place.

The point is made that in medicine the issue of homosexuality should not be a theological or moral issue. It is past time to allow prejudice to become "evidence." And no matter what the view a school cannot allow bullies to harm a child, and the schools must be attacked legally if they do.

In the discussion of "change" it is pointed out that if someone claims no longer is homosexual, the claim is disproved when it is admitted that when they have sex in a dream, it is still homosexual.

The church claims to be a caring church, but it turns out on this subject to be like President Bush's compassionate conservatism-nonexistent.

A question being asked today is where in a church's priorities is the issue of homosexuality. This church has spent much money on Colin Cook and his Homosexuals Anonymous and Quest, and lately against gay marriage. This is in direct violation of the history of the church, which suffered greatly from laws against it. It promoted separation of church and state, as of course did early Baptists.

This church often talked about freedom. Yet has fought gay marriage. And much of the religious discussion seems to deal with Paul-strange that Christians ignore Jesus and push Paul. If the church is not ready for gay marriage, the church may not be ready for Jesus. Certainly the early religious practiced incest and polygamy, and no one talks about David and Jonathan.

But the worst sin of this church is that it is not using these wonderful resources, these fine men and women who seek to join and serve.

Certain phrases stand out-the gospel is first, the law is second. We can be "correct" and be wrong. And the closing pages go directly to what seems irrelevant, but is pure Jesus. Rethink what is said in the story of the Good Samaritan-lawyers and preachers passed the hurt man by, the outsider did the right thing. Others would seek to call a conference to deal with the generic issue of criminals, set up a committee, find any excuse, but talk rather than act and take responsibility.

And then finally there is the return of the prodigal Son. He is given equality, which doesn't make the son who stayed happy.

The church today, has to face reality-if Ellen White could allow members to accept racial segregation if they lived in the south, and not try to end prayer in school, then it is past time for the church to deal with the fact that a Bible that accepted slavery is not a Bible that should be used to make homosexuals outcasts, and the future of our nation will not have a place for a church that is less Christ-like than the government.

This book is almost a one-stop history of all issues of homosexuality. Every library should have it, and every young person should be able to read it. It gives no false hopes, but it gives an honest view of the past and present and perhaps the future, and considering the world of a President Obama, that is a good start.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS - A New Version of Christianity

2009-02-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

A New Version of Christianity.

Yesterday I read some of what Bruce Sterling writes about needing a new version of the Green movement. Some of his thoughts grabbed me as applying directly to the Christian movement also.

He says, concerning today’s environmental movement, “Civil society does not respond at all well to moralistic scolding.” I agree. The old moralistic variety of Christianity does not work, either. Reasonable people do not respond to the church’s moralisms of the past. Moralisms are those fussy, sex-focused, rulesy, pronouncements from church clerics who don’t seem to know the difference between the fresh wind of the Spirit and an institutional fart. Jesus’ ethical guidelines were quite clean, fresh, and simple – If it’s loving do it. If it’s not loving, don’t do it.

He continues with, “This can’t be one of these diffuse, anything-goes, eclectic, postmodern things. Forget about that, that’s over, that’s yesterday. It’s got to be a narrow, doctrinaire, high-velocity movement. Inventive, not eclectic. New, not cut-and-pasted from the debris of past trends.”

The postmodern version of Christianity has brought some good things, but it is not enough. It is diffuse, anything-goes, and eclectic, considering that the essence of being progressive. Postmodern Christianity drifts into New Age eclecticism. Let’s take a little bit of this religion, a little bit of that, a little bit of all religions, blend it together, and call it the new spirituality. After all, we want to be inclusive. It considers focusing on Jesus to be narrow and doctrinaire. But that is exactly what we need. Being all things to all people means that we are two miles wide and two inches deep. I find that Jesus gives me that “narrow, high velocity” path that this new age now needs. Give me those high velocity rapids that cram a lazy river into a rushing torrent of heady, white water rafting.

He writes, “About abundance of clean power and clean goods and clean products, not conservative of dirty power and dirty goods and dirty products. Explosive, not thrifty. Expansive, not niggling. Mainstream, not underground. Creative of a new order, not subversive of an old order. Making a new cultural narrative, not calling the old narrative into question.”

Traditional Christianity not only appears “dirty” to an increasing number of people today, it is dirty! We desperately need a “clean” version – one that smell clean, looks clean, and is clean. That’s what Jesus brought to the Jewish culture 2000 years ago and eventually the whole world. But his freshness has gotten dirty with the debris of religious institutionalism and bogged down in the past. I love the words “explosive, not thrifty, expansive, not niggling, mainstream, not underground. Those of us Christians yearning for more need to explode, expand and unniggle! We no longer need to hide underground. Not only are we mainstream, we are the future!

As we create a new order, we do not need to focus on how bad the old order is. We must save our energy for shouting the new, not blasting the old. (Although am occasional blast or two can be helpful.)

Finally, Sterling challenges us with, “The limits aren’t to be found in the technology anymore. The limits are behind your own eyes, people. They are limits of habit, things you’ve accepted, things you’ve been told, realities you’re ignoring. Stop being afraid. Wake up. It’s yours if you want it. It’s yours if you’re bold enough.”

Yes, the church needs to embrace every new technology at hand to spread its message. But the limits as behind our own eyes. Those of us at the edge cannot afford to be afraid. We can be as bold as Jesus was in his day. The Spirit of Jesus comes to us from the future, not the past. It lures us into the realm of God that is ahead of us, not behind us. It builds on the past but is in no way limited to the past. It dares to boldly go where no one has gone before.

This is what the Spirit is saying to the churches today!

©Paul R. Smith 2009

Quotes from Bruce Sterling, Enlightenment Next.
http://www.enlightennext.org/magazine/j38/bright-green.asp

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: "Angels Everywhere"

2009-01-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

Marcia Fleischman, co-pastor, has recently published a book, "Angels Everywhere." Both the story and illustrations of this extremely creative and heart-warming affirmation were created by Marcia. Books are $12.00. Call the church office for details on how you can get a copy, 816-561-3274, or e-mail office@broadwaychurch-kc.org

Spiritual Musings

2008-11-11T03:43:00.000-08:00

I will direct you to another blog by Rolfe Schmidt. Click here.

Being a "9" on the Enneagram, I generally do not confront others on their views the way this blog does. However, it does give some food for thought for some who are still in the law and order stage of their spiritual journeys.

Having recently attended a PFLAG meeting and having recently attended sessions of the 2nd annual Academy of Welcome of the Kansas City Coalition for Welcoming Ministries, I guess these thoughts are fresh on my mind.

David A.

SpiritUAL MUSINGS: Prayer Cloth

2008-09-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Larry N. returned to church Sunday. He had been in the hospital for weeks, starting off with heart bypass surgery. The prayer team had prayed for him while holding a prayer cloth which we splashed with fragrant anointing oil. We have been praying for people outside the fellowship for six years, sending prayer cloths as a symbol of our prayers. Larry said that he kept his prayer cloth on his chest except for the time he was in surgery. His recovery was touch and go. He remembers that one time he left his body and was "on his way out," floating above his body. He remembers that he could smell the oil on the cloth and that is what brought him back into his body. The prayer cloth continued to keep him grounded and knowing where he was.

Co-Pastor Marcia

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Two Encounters with Jesus

2008-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

This past week, I had two extraordinary encounters with Jesus. At the end of her Sunday morning teaching, Marcia asked each of us in the congregation to listen for the answer to this question: “How much does God love you?” After a brief time of quiet, she asked for people’s responses. From their answers, I knew that most folks had heard something. At that point, I realized that I hadn’t heard anything; rather, I had seen something.

What I saw was an image of Jesus, standing in front of me and looking down at me. We were close enough that he was grasping my shoulders, and then cupping my face with his hands. The scene was brief, but powerful. I sensed very strongly that Jesus was completely engaged with me and in our interaction; nothing else mattered to him at that moment but me. He was completely involved with me!

I continued to think about the experience after the picture had faded. While the image was important, it was the accompanying feeling that struck me deeply. I felt a very intense sense of connection; again, the word that keeps coming to mind is “engaged.” At that particular moment, Jesus was engaged with me to the exclusion of all else. I was important to him and he wanted me to know that at the core of my being.

On Tuesday, I shared my encounter with Marcia and Paul. As I described it to them, I once again felt the intensity of that sense of engagement, of Jesus’ interest in me. It wasn’t that I was interested in him; it was that he was interested in me. It wasn’t a feeling of love or caring; it was how very sincerely Jesus wanted to be with me.

Paul was excited by my “vision” and characterized it as a mystical experience. Internally, I discounted Paul’s enthusiasm; he had taken a brief mental image and raised it to unwarranted heights. At the same time, the experience seemed valid and important. For most of my life, I’ve not been able to connect with Jesus on an emotional level. I’ve felt a sense of connection with the Spirit, and through the Spirit to God. But, I didn’t have a deeply felt, emotional bond with Jesus. The idea of a personal relationship with Jesus didn’t resonate.

On Wednesday, I shared this experience with Patricia, my counselor and mentor. As I recounted my story, I began to weep. Once again, the sense that Jesus had been totally focused on me seemed very powerful. I was keenly aware of how difficult it is for me to believe that I’m worthy of such attention.

Patricia then asked me to close my physical eyes and to open my inner, spiritual eyes. She invited me to envision an intense white ball of light, much like the sun, in the near distance. As I did so, she asked me what or who came out of that light. Once again, I began weeping. Jesus came running out of the light towards me, grabbing me under my arms and swinging me around. It was as if we were playing. Jesus gazed at me with great fervor and said, “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.”

I continued to cry and to feel the presence of Jesus’ spirit in the room. As the image faded, I realized that Patricia was weeping also. She, too, was strongly aware of Jesus being there.

In retrospect, I think Paul was correct – I did have a mystical experience that extended over several days. In addition to the vivid images, I was also left with a confidence that Jesus would now be accessible to me. My spiritual life would be enriched by the addition of Jesus as older brother and guide to my more familiar experiences with the Spirit.

David H.

PRAYER REQUEST

2008-08-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Please share with us a prayer request(s) of yours. First names or anonymous entries will be fine.
Blessings.

AFTER THOUGHTS - The kingdom of God

2008-08-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have been mulling over the teaching a couple of weeks ago.

Broadway is definitely not your grandfather's baptist church. I don't think you would have heard a pastor make an analogy between the miracle of turning water into wine at a big party and the kingdom of God. (And to be truthful, I don't think Paul used the term kingdom of God . . . maybe he will correct me.) But the point is Heaven is within us. And it should be a wonderful party . . . like the wedding parties of Jesus' time. And in this case, it was a fabulous party where the very best wine was saved for the last. And make no mistake, this is wine, not grape juice!! The party gets better and better as the party progresses.

The heaven in us should get better and better as time progresses.

The other point is that Heaven/Kingdom of God are not some far-away place. It is within us. We don't have to wait for some kind of rapturous event to experience it, we should experience this wonderful party now!

We need to discover the divinity within us and within each other so that we can celebrate at this wonderful party where the best is saved for last.

Most of the weddings of Jesus' time used up all the good wine at the beginning of the marriage celebration. As the party progresses, the host started to bring out the less tasty (and probably less potent) wine. But when Jesus changed the water into wine . . . as the wine was running out . . . it was better than the wine that was served previously.

This is a prototype for the Heaven in us that gets better as the party progresses.

This is my simple way of mulling over this teaching.

David

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: Experiencing God

2008-08-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Come pray, meditate and listen during Broadway's "Experiencing God" meetings on the first Wednesday of the month in the sanctuary from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

This is a monthly time for quiet meditation, inner listening, giving and receiving peaceful energy.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: From a Chinese Take Out

2008-07-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

My husband and I like Chinese food. We’ve found a little place that suits us just fine because it’s close to home, the servings are generous, and the price is extremely reasonable. The place we go to is on 40 highway in a former Dairy Queen now converted to a Chinese take out. The lady who gets our order at the window, dishes it up, and takes our money recognizes us since we’ve been there so often. She knows not to give us any soy sauce nor any sweet and sour sauce, but she always slips an extra fortune cookie in our bag. Fortune cookies usually have mundane little sayings, but it’s a ritual for us to open the cookie, read the saying silently and exchange the paper to see what the other person got as their fortune. The last time we went, though, my fortune cookie saying was different. It read, “God looks after you especially.” Wow! What a wonderful thought! God—the Almighty—Creator of Heaven and Earth—looks after me, but it doesn’t stop there; She looks after me especially! That made me feel so secure. No matter what the circumstances, God is watching over me. I knew that, but it was nice to be reminded, even if it was from a fortune cookie at our local Chinese take out.

Carol

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Love One Another

2008-07-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Note: The lovely lady who wrote this article for one of Broadway’s publications is no longer living, but her words are very much alive with her spirit.

What is God doing in our midst right now?

God is calling us to LOVE. A simple answer that is not easily lived.

God is calling us to Think Bigger, to Act Bolder, to Believe Stronger, to Love Boundlessly.

God wants us to Expand, to Open, to Grow, to Risk, to be Vulnerable, to Practice Her message of Love from a Higher, Wider, more encompassing perspective.

God is calling each of us to Be the person we were born to be. To Be the teachings his son, Jesus Christ, taught us. To Be more than we thought we ever could be. To love in ways that we thought were impossible.

God is calling me and you to Be the process of loving, even when we don’t want to, don’t know how, even if we don’t like the person, even if it makes us angry, or scared, or feel helpless.

There is only One Message from God. “Love One Another As I Have Loved You.” It may take us a lifetime to be living that, and that is our only purpose for living.

Every problem in the world would be solved, if Love were the basis for solving it. Every wound of every victim would be healed, if Love were the healing balm that was applied. Every war would be avoided, if Love were the basis for the negotiations. Every relationship would be healed, if Love guided each person and their communication.

How would Love behave in this situation? How would Love dissolve this conflict, this problem, this estrangement, this fight, this distrust, this judgment, this pain, this wound, this hurt, this feeling, this emptiness, this loneliness, this abandonment, this ego, this victimization, this desperation? What would Love do? Love would dissolve the pain, wounds, hurts, emptiness, loneliness, abandonment, victimization and desperation that my ego is afraid to let go of and replace all those feelings with only Love. Love can love me into wholeness. Then I will know how to love another.

God never said it would be easy. In fact, it will be the hardest thing we ever do. And it will be the most powerful. It will set us free. The Message is a simple one. “Love One Another As I Have Loved You.” And Jesus taught us how.

God, Give Me the courage to take one simple step and then another and then another until I am responding more and more from my Love center, until each time I can Love as You have always Loved me.

Jana R.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Receiving the Blessing

2008-07-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Paul Smith spoke one Sunday on prayer. He said that the one component that is often left out of the prayer cycle is the receiving. In keeping with this, “Conversations with God” says, “When you thank God in advance for that which you choose to experience in your reality, you, in effect, acknowledge that it is there. Thankfulness is thus the most powerful statement to God, an affirmation that even before you ask, I have answered. Therefore never supplicate--appreciate.

“If you have but the faith of a mustard seed, you shall move mountains. You come to know it is there because I said it is there; because I said that, even before you ask, I shall have answered; because I said, and have said to you in every conceivable way, through every teacher you can name, that whatsoever you shall choose, choosing it in My Name, so shall it be.”

“The process of prayer becomes much easier when, rather than having to believe that God will always say, “yes” to every request, one understands intuitively that the request itself is not necessary. Then the prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving. It is not a request at all, but a statement of gratitude for what is so.”

I truly believe that if we just receive what God gives us so generously, without being attached to a certain outcome, everything that comes our way is part of our journey and is ultimately a blessing in our lives.

Carolyn T.

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: Unloading Life's Burdens

2008-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

After living in their home in DeSoto, KS for 51 years, my aging parents were beginning to feel the burden of being responsible for the upkeep of that home, especially since my father suffered a stroke, leaving him without the use of his right hand and little mobility. They decided to move to an assisted living facility in Overland Park last September. My dad, especially, held on to the belief that he would get well and go home again. This meant my folks still were paying taxes, paying the utilities, and paying for lawn care on the home in DeSoto. They also felt it necessary to check on the place at least once each month. When the hope of returning to their home faded, and they decided to sell, a burden lifted. They felt freer to call their assisted living facility “home,” and no longer felt torn between the two dwellings.

We all carry burdens on a daily basis. That is why on Sunday mornings at Broadway we are often asked to sit quietly, breathe deeply a time or two, and chase away the baggage we have brought with us to the worship service. That simple exercise clears our minds and allows us to focus on the teaching. Spiritual energy renews us and we find ourselves free to experience God in his home.

WHAT KIND OF A CHURCH IS BROADWAY? - My thoughts

2008-07-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm on a spiritual journey through life. My education at a small Baptist College in Missouri informs my journey, but doesn't completely define it. I guess you'd say I'm a recovering Baptist--and I believe that Broadway is a recovering Southern Baptist congregation. Definitely, Broadway is evolving into something more--not simply dropping Baptist from its name. Heaven forbid, Broadway Church ordains women and is gay-affirming. Thank God for evolution.

Actually, I do not believe that Heaven forbids our thinking for ourselves. And I believe that our faith is a vibrant and living faith that does indeed evolve as we continue on our spiritual paths. I find Broadway a challenging place because I must think for myself there. No dogma is dictated to me there. This can often be uncomfortable. It certainly is not an easy way out. However, I believe that my faith has become stronger since I have been a journeyer at Broadway.

Since my graduation from that small Missouri Baptist College, it seems I have often been a member of a church (granted they have always been Southern Baptist Churches) that have been disfellowshipped from the other churches in their areas: Northwest Baptist Church in Ardmore, OK and Second Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX. And now I have evolved from being a Baptist with Broadway Church which is no longer Broadway Baptist Church.

I no longer have the audacity to determine whom God calls to lead his flock. I no longer have the temerity to decide whom God counts among his children. (Excuse the mixed metaphor.)

I believe that everyone is on a spiritual journey and I hope that I accept all wherever they are on that journey.

David

SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: A Goal for the Broadway Blog

2008-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

A Goal for the Broadway Blog

Broadway Church has a special place in my heart for several reasons. This is where I learned that I could speak with God and that God could speak with me. Healings take place here. Spiritual Gifts can be recognized and utilized here. The power of the Holy Spirit can easily be felt here. This is a place of inspiration through the music, worship, and teachings. My husband and I were married here and so were both of my children. My grandson has attended here. Broadway members and friends are charged with continuing the work of the kingdom.

Since its very conception, Broadway Church has been a refuge for those who were seeking a place of worship where they felt comfortable and at home. My heart’s desire is that this blog will draw new people who are searching for deep spiritual experiences to come to our services and see if Broadway is the answer to their longing.

Carol

I Believe

As a young person growing up Methodist, I recited Sunday after Sunday:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Now, still as a child of God, but one who has grown spiritually, I no longer recite my beliefs. They have expanded.

I believe in a Mother/Father God who loves us all.
I believe in miracles, both big and small.
I believe in visions of others and mine.
I believe in healing by the Holy Spirit.
I believe in small, core groups of caring believers to help us on our journey.
I believe in ultimate reconciliation.
I believe in Jesus having many faces.
I believe in the power of prayer.
I believe in the dignity of every human being.
I believe.

Carol