Gospel Night at Beloved Saturday, May 2nd
Category Archives: Get to know Beloved
Holy Week at Beloved
Palm Sunday Potluck
Sunday, March 29th, immediately following 6 pm worship.
131 41st Street South, Birmingham
Come as you are, bring friends, family, share what you can – all are welcome!
Lenten Reflections: On the Bridge
Last week, several of our Beloveds traveled to Selma along with members of First Congregational Church, Pilgrim Church and Covenant UCC to commemorate the Bloody Sunday Bridge Crossing. Here are some of our reflections.
“As a white women, being in Selma was like reconnecting a bridge between the ignorance that has been my black history lessons, and the reality of 50 years ago. Bloody Sunday is the point of contact for that bridge – a moment in history which embodies so starkly the experience of so many black folks in America for too many years, and too many years which linger into the present.
Continue reading Lenten Reflections: On the Bridge
Selma 50th Anniversary Bridge Crossing Jubilee: God’s Work Continues Among God’s People
Thousands returned to Selma this weekend to remember God’s liberation of God’s people and to rekindle a sense of purpose and unity, to go back into the world with eyes and hearts and minds wide open to those things that stand between the people of God and the justice, mercy and abundant life promised by God
The Selma commemoration is act of remembrance, of gratitude to God and people of faith and courage. It is also an act of recommitment to be about God’s work in the world –
Bloody Sunday brought to light the American state-sanctioned violence against African-Americans and the liberating spirit of God to bring an end to that violence and bondage.
That is the liberating work of the spirit of God even now, and if it is God’s work, it is our work.
As John Legend said, “Selma is Now!”
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, two to three Black people were lynched every week in the American South. The same number of Black people are now killed every week now by white police officers; a Black person is killed every 28 hours at the hands of police.
To end this violence and bondage is the liberating work of the spirit of God today, and if it is God’s work, it is our work.
This we know: Nothing and no one will stand in the way of the liberating spirit of God.
Lenten Reflection: The Egg
You were on your way home when you died.
It was a car accident. Nothing particularly remarkable, but fatal nonetheless. You left behind a wife and two children. It was a painless death. The EMTs tried their best to save you, but to no avail. Your body was so utterly shattered you were better off, trust me.
And that’s when you met me.
“What… what happened?” You asked. “Where am I?”
“You died,” I said, matter-of-factly. Continue reading Lenten Reflection: The Egg
Lenten Reflection by Grace Roberts
“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, or sisters, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:36-43
This dialogue is from a text message exchange between Lynn Phillips and Grace Roberts. Mary Jane Falletta, Lynn’s mother, is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, and Grace has been helping out as Lynn’s Care Team leader.
Grace: She is so special to me and I’m thankful you are sharing her with me. I’m so honored. It makes me swell with happiness watching you love and care for your mom. Every mother and daughter should have that relationship.
Lynn: Your words about mom and me bring tears to my eyes. I have not always appreciated her/us, as I should. Thank you for being such an important person in our lives as we make this walk. Continue reading Lenten Reflection by Grace Roberts
Lenten reflection by Miguel Carpizo: my kind of Jesus
I believe there are two kinds of Jesus in today’s world:
First, the one that is taught and creates a subculture that excludes people who are different.
Second, the one who walks in the red zone of a city, who visits a bar with their friends, who sits among gay and lesbians listening to their stories, who works with the undocumented immigrant for minimum wages, suffering deplorable conditions and the constant rejection and racial comments of the local community. Continue reading Lenten reflection by Miguel Carpizo: my kind of Jesus
How Sweet It Is To Be-Loved Music Festival Thursday, March 19
Concert starts at 7. Wine will be sold prior to concert.
All proceeds benefit Beloved’s community ministries.
Beloved Lenten Reflections
Dear Beloveds,
Will you submit a Lenten Reflection?
We send out a daily writing by our Beloveds during Lent, and they are as varied as are our Beloveds. There are no rules or boundaries on the kind of thing you can write – just something that you’ve been pondering, wondering about, something that inspires you, gives you hope or keeps you going. It doesn’t need to be all Lent-like, just whatever comes naturally from you.
Continue reading Beloved Lenten Reflections
Beloved’s 2015 Budget
It is important to us that our budget spending reflects our church covenant.
With that in mind, we wrote a budget based on our community values. Here is how our church spends money:
1. Building Faith & Fellowship
What we do: church gatherings, fellowship, music & worship
What we spend: 35% of budget spending; 15% of volunteer hours
What it means: “Beloved is one of those rare places that you can walk into and feel loved, accepted and completely relaxed — while at the same time knowing that you will be challenged to figure out ways to live out your faith.” -Jennifer
Continue reading Beloved’s 2015 Budget
