Columbia Theological Seminary’s Rev. Dr. Kathy Dawnson, Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education and Project Director for the Wonder of Worship Grant, will be our leader. She will share the latest in Children and Youth Faith formation and share a little bit about her sabbatical research project about children in worship. She is intrigued by the work we do at BSPC to integrate children in worship and will interview our children later in the day for her project!

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Session met on March 18 with a busy agenda. Two items will be presented for approval at a congregational meeting tentatively scheduled for May 5 (full meeting details to follow): 

• The bylaws of Broad Street Presbyterian Church (review and approval is required periodically)
• Election of officers; a slate of nominees will be announced

In addition, session reviewed a projection of needed capital expenditures over the next several years, and approved a capital budget for 2024. Ongoing discussions in session include improved communication and transparency around the church’s committee structure, as well as a consideration of what the exterior façades of the church (especially along Broad Street) now communicate and what might be made more effective.

At its February 26 meeting, Session focused on one of its 2024 priorities, which was to be updated on the work of the Broad Street Food Pantry. Kathy Kelly-Long, Director of the Broad Street Food Pantry, described many changes since the Pantry’s formation in 1971 by women in the congregation, through the present.

Growing out of the Food Pantry’s understanding that Nutritious Food is a Human Right, its mission is: To honor our neighbors by serving as a reliable source for ingredients to create healthy meals.

The Pantry’s 2024 Goals are:

1: Increase Broad Street Food Pantry Funding

2: Develop a sustainable operational plan to ensure adequate staffing.

3: Develop a sustainable budget plan to monitor income, expenses, and variances.

4: Actively engage stakeholders (neighbors, volunteers, church leadership, donors, and food providers) to solidify and empower our mission.

A 2-minute video on the website, The Broad Street Food Pantry: What to Expect, was viewed. View here. The Food Pantry is able to provide for the growing number of pantry shoppers due to volunteers and Broad Streeter monetary gifts. Kathy was joined at the meeting by Tracy Ross, Director of Neighborhood Ministries, and by the new chair of the Food Pantry Committee, Jon Bunker.

Session also received an update from the Personnel Committee. They are busy with the ongoing processes of performing annual reviews and refreshing job descriptions.

At the January meeting, session agreed to enter a six-month trial relationship with Life Transformation church, which would worship on Saturday mornings in BSPC’s Dining Room. A covenant is in development with an anticipated start date on March 23.

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We had such a good time, children and adult volunteers, that we are bringing Justice Camp back. Justice Camp really is fun for all ages and we need youth and adult volunteers to make the magic happen. Camp will take place June 3-6. This year’s themes are Gender Equality and Justice, Anti-Racism, Water Justice, and Advocacy. We have some fabulous speakers and workshop leaders from our community lined up from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Pint Size Protesters, Ohio Environmental Council, Ballet Met, and so on!

We need volunteers for MANY roles, from sorting shirts to leading a group! Please consider helping and sign up here.

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Honor a loved one or note a special day by providing flowers for Sunday worship in the sanctuary. Following worship, deacons deliver flowers to those who are hospitalized or homebound. You are welcome to take a bouquet home as well. Sign up on the Church Hub at www.bspc.church/flowers or contact Pam Strange at office@bspc.org to select your date in 2024.