Each of our congregations makes time to gather and experience the story.  We go through the drama in an intentional way because the story is a place for us to encounter Jesus again.  Our Broad and Washington congregation met on Monday night at Independence Mall to read the gospel of Mark up to the Monday of Holy Week (Chapter 12).  Check out this picture of Nichole Jackson at the mic and the whole crew listening.  Jesus was teaching in the temple, the center of Jerusalem.  We went to our nation’s cultural/historical center to proclaim truth there too.  Lot’s of people read and many people listened (even though it was cold) to the story from start to almost finish.

The story continued on Tuesday as Art Bucher took us on a tour of Jesus’ teaching in Mark 13 about the end of all things. Tonight we’re in Bethany where a woman anointed Jesus in act of extravagant devotion.  Thursday we’ll be with Jesus at the last supper, washing feet and sharing communion.  Friday we’re following Jesus to the cross with a vigil from 12-3 that includes an opportunity to take an imaginative prayer walk through our neighborhoods and the Stations of the Cross.  Saturday we’ll be in the grave with Jesus learning about Sabbath at the Monthly Training at Marlton and Crescent.  And on Sunday we’ll be greeting the Risen Lord on Lemon Hill at 6:00 a.m.

I love Holy Week because of it’s intensity and the experiences our leaders design for us that get our whole beings into the story.   — Ben White

Free Speech
Friday 7/23/10 at 7:30pm
Broad and Washington: 1125 S. Broad St. 19147

Circle Thrift Clothing Swap

Over 60 people turned out for Circle Thrift’s first-ever clothing swap on Saturday. The event was held from 2-5pm in the main worship space upstairs at the Broad and Washington congregation.

The room was decorated with funky posters; some were creative, some had inspiring messages of peace. There was a random, yet interesting collection of pictures showing on the projector and enough indie music to soothe any swapper’s soul.

There was also a huge table of snacks in the lobby, complete with an array of snacks and vegan treats.

More importantly, we had the chance to meet some new neighbors and welcome them into our space. The chance to mingle over plaid shirts, skinny jeans and hummus doesn’t happen every day. It was a delightful and refreshing way to use our space!

Click here to see more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Shalom House—soon to be home to four peacemakers

Yesterday, Shalom House reported that it will have a new member join them this summer. Kristen Ridgeway will become the fourth member in the house.

Emily Kephart, who lives in the house, spoke about Kristen’s decision to accept the invitation from Shalom House.

“Kristen just graduated from Haverford College with a degree in Psychology.  She also has an interest in restorative justice and community organizing.  Kristen brings many talents and much enthusiasm to our community, and we are glad to have her!”

Shalom House provides community for committed peacemakers to spend at least two years deepening and applying their calling in Philadelphia and learning about and connecting to God’s worldwide community of peacebuilders. The house lives in peace, works in the community for peace daily, creates a network of peacemakers and includes Circle of Hope in it.

Shalom House has two more available rooms. Visit shalomhouse.us for more information on who they are and also how to apply, if interested.

More information on Kristen and her move coming soon!

See Paul (and his journey) on our wall
On Sunday, 51 people gathered at Broad and Washington for the monthly network AMPM, a public meeting designed with kids and families in mind.

Courtney Jones recaps what happened on Sunday:

“We went on a journey with Paul and Silas, got thrown in jail, sang praises, had an earthquake, and introduced the jailer to Jesus.  We also learned to do the Fanga (a Nigerian dance) and ate trail mix as part of our journey!”

As part of the journey, the kids (with some help) created a huge map that shows all of the places Paul visited along the way. The map is now hanging up in our hallway for all to enjoy!

The AMPM happens every second Sunday at Broad and Washington at 10am. Join us next month!

Stakeholders met

Over 40 people from the Broad and Washington congregation turned out to Rod and Gwen’s backyard on Saturday night for a stakeholders meeting. Rod said he was encouraged and energized by the meeting and the peaceful, but intense discussion was amazing.

New song to sing along

Bryce led the Haddon and Fern congregation with a new song he had written, along with Kent and Lizz, based on psalm 30. Nate Hulfish said it was the first new song created by the congregation and he felt moved by it.

Why this pain? Why this pit?
You’ll hear no praises from the dust…
…while I am dust.

I will exalt you –
I will exalt you –
I will exalt you, O LORD

You turned my wailing into dancing
You gave me clothes to wear, and covered me with joy –
My heart will sing and sing and sing to you
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever

Art Shop Garden Fest

Over 50 artists came together at Frankford and Norris on Friday and Saturday to selling their wears and homegrown warm weather crops. The first summer Art Shop was a big success!

Film Screening

On Thursday, Broad and Washington hosted a film screening of Soldiers of Conscience. Over 30 people turned out for the event. The film documented the lives of eight American soldiers, including four who decide not to kill and become conscientious objectors and four who believe in their duty to kill if necessary.