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“Let justice roll down like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
(Amos 5:24)

 
Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

I give thanks to God for you and sincerely appreciate the faithfulness, resilience and love for the Lord Jesus Christ and Metropolitan that you have shown during this extended restoration endeavor  and the more  recent  issues  we unexpectedly  faced at the Madison Hotel. Most of us have been uncomfortable crossing the picket line and many have voiced concerns and stated your position regarding the labor dispute.   

Please know that over the past weeks, the officers and I have wrestled with and deliberated over the best course of action for the church that would balance both the founding principles of our faith and denomination around human and civil rights concerns and our need to worship in a warmer environment.    Our faith gives us the courage, strength and wisdom to understand that we must be willing to make some sacrifices in difficult times. 

 You will recall that our decision to move in the first place was based on the temperature in the sanctuary and our desire to turn the church over to the contractors to complete the restoration project on schedule.  When the pickets appeared, the decision to remain at the Madison Hotel was primarily because of the “pass” that was given to us by union representatives.  From the feedback we were given, some of you approved of our decision and others did not. Most of us enjoyed the hotel’s warmth and hospitality. That said, however, we as African Americans and African American Methodists must never appear to be neutral when it comes to issues of social justice.

Fortunately the contractors have informed the church administration that we may now occupy the building on Sundays without causing any interruption or delay to the construction efforts.  Both the Board of Stewards and I have come to the decision that it is best for us to move back into the church building starting this Sunday, February 20. at the 9 a.m. service. It is our expectation that the restoration work will be completed in the next six weeks.  Please know that the sanctuary conditions are not perfect but are temporary.

 I will extend to the Madison Hotel our appreciations for their gracious and neighborly help in our crisis. I will also thank the Union for their consideration and understanding by giving us the pass and showing us so much kindness as we entered the hotel each Sunday to worship.  I am prayerful that the labor dispute will be resolved and that those who have lost jobs can soon go back to work under favorable conditions.

 In His Service,

Pastor Braxton

Related posts:

1. Worship Service Updates
2. Worship Service to be Held at Madison Hotel
3. Worship Updates for 12/26 and Watch Night
4. Worship Location Update and Office Closings
5. Temporary Worship Location