
Support Broadway United Methodist Church
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I'm helping with this Go Fund Me because this church is amazing in what it offers downtown Orlando and our larger community. It urgently needs financial help to remain sustainable. I believe in its leadership, its mission, and what Pastor Rushing Kimball is accomplishing. Although I'm rarely able to attend services, the church has reached me, a lifelong agnostic, through its events and neighborhood involvement. The Lake Eola Heights Neighborhood Association recently awarded Pastor Rushing with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to the neighborhood.
For 103 years, Broadway United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of faith and service in Orlando’s Lake Eola Heights neighborhood. Its doors have always been open to all—welcoming people of all backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, and identities with the love of Christ.
A Church at a Crossroads: Why Broadway Needs Your Help:
Like many historic churches, Broadway has faced significant challenges in recent years. The decline in membership—partly due to societal shifts and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—has affected their financial stability. Additionally, necessary repairs, including a $150,000 elevator upgrade for ADA accessibility, have created financial strain on a church that has historically operated debt-free. The most recent hurricane resulted in over $40,000 of repairs after flooding.
In order to give Broadway UMC a sustainable future, we need your support.
Broadway's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement is demonstrated through partnerships with various organizations:
Faith in Florida: Headquartered within the church, this multicultural, nonpartisan network addresses systemic racial and economic issues affecting families across the state.
Society of St. Andrew: Also based out of Broadway UMC, this organization operates a statewide, volunteer-driven Gleaning Network, coordinating with local farmers and volunteers to rescue over ten million pounds of fresh produce annually for those in need.
Opera Orlando: Broadway collaborates with Opera Orlando to host community events in the beautiful Lake Eola Community Garden, enriching the cultural fabric of our neighborhood.
Lake Eola Heights Community Garden & Lawn: Situated on Broadway's property, this garden serves as a hub for events like family movie nights and Saturday morning yoga sessions, fostering community connections and promoting wellness.
Broadway's United Women in Faith: Broadway's active local chapter, the "Sonshiners," engages in studying God's will and supports both local and global causes through dedicated efforts.
Reconciling Ministries Network: As part of this organization, Broadway advocates for the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within the United Methodist Church.
Residing Hope: The church proudly supports Residing Hope in their mission to serve abused, abandoned, and neglected children throughout Florida.
Christian Service Center: Through donation drives, Broadway supports this local organization in preventing homelessness, combating poverty, and restoring hope for struggling individuals and families in Central Florida.
These collaborations exemplify Broadway's dedication to transforming lives and serving the diverse needs of our community.
How Your Contribution Will Make a Difference
This fundraiser will provide Broadway with the resources it needs to remain a vital part of the community. Your contributions will:
- Maintain and Improve Broadway's Historic Building – Ensure the church remains a welcoming, safe, and accessible place for worship, community events, and outreach programs.
- Support Community Programs – Help continue community initiatives.
- Strengthen Our Ministries – Fund vital missions that serve downtown Orlando, from feeding the hungry to offering safe spaces for faith and fellowship.
- Provide Stability – Give the church the breathing room it needs to build a sustainable future and determine its own priorities, as we explore partnerships with other Methodist churches in coming years.
Join in Preserving Broadway’s Mission
By donating today, you are not just giving to a church—you are investing in a place of love, faith, and service that has touched countless lives.
No gift is too small. Every dollar gets us closer to securing Broadway’s future and ensuring that its mission continues. If you’re unable to give, please share this campaign with your friends, family, and community.
With your help, we can ensure that this historic church continues to serve Orlando for many years to come.
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Riekki
Organizer
Orlando, FL
Broadway UMC
Beneficiary