Connexion United Methodist Church not only provides spiritual sustenance for members of the community, but also nourishing meals, clothing, and other important necessities for those in need. — Photo courtesy of Connexion

By Jeffrey Shwom

Inside Rev. Jordan Harris’ office, a mural of a figure shows them holding a colorful depiction of the big room at his East Somerville church, with community members greeting and sharing each other’s company, while bright white lights radiate outward. It is a message of hope, Rev. Jordan tells us, painted by his husband (@nate_devarie on instagram). “The way we nurture community,” shared Rev. Christy Wright, is embodied in the painting. “Hope is so meaningful.”

This week, we visited the community center, free library and worship space that is Connexion United Methodist Church (149 Broadway, East Somerville), to see how the special sauce of community was being cooked up. Connexion’s mission statement is “to build community by creating a welcoming, fully inclusive, just, and loving collaborative and worship space.” Main programs include a weekly Wednesday meal, a free library, free clothing, and Sunday services, amongst other more informal gatherings.

Rev. Jordan, who trained BU’s School of Theology, explained Connexion was born out of the sale of the former College Avenue United Methodist Church in 2012. Then, the facilities cost a lot of money to maintain, and it took away funds for vital services. He pointed out, “part of the vision of moving here was creating a space that is more affordable and accessible. Our doors are open to everything from scouting troops to birthday parties…The (Somerville Community) Growing Center makes maple syrup here. We have a Toy Drive with MAMAS. We love to be able to provide space for. It is a catch all, go-to space for East Somerville and the city of Somerville as a whole.” The space hosted over 400 events in 2024 alone. East Somerville Main Streets has its office there.

Come to the Table Community Meal. — Photo by Jeffrey Shwom

We met with two other staff members to hear their thoughts on what Connexion meant to them. Rev. Christy, Food Justice Advocate, praised Pastor Jordan’s connection with the community. “Connection is the literal term for what he does.” She talked about his early involvement. “Someone was coming in looking for a pair of pants, and Jordan could not find anything” from their stash. “Jordan said he would go to Costco and get them a pair.”

Tim Johnson, Sexton and Worship Tech, shared that when one of their unhoused neighbors, Jose Antonio, passed away, they had their celebration of life at Connexion. “This place feels like my first home. My other home is just other. I am here six or seven days a week.” They were brought to this church through Rev. Jordan and Nate.

The Connexion Collection by All She Wrote Books. — Photo courtesy of Connexion

Tim brought up an important detail about their church. “One of our foundations … is hospitality. To be able to use the money to open our doors and give generously to our community, over and over.” Here is where the ongoing programming fits in. The Connexion Collection by All She Wrote Books is a free library of books by feminist, queer, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) authors. The vestibule is hosting a free clothing space for people in need. And now, Connexion is doing a Winter Coat Drive for new or gently used coats, with a giveaway planned for Saturday, January 25, 2 – 5 p.m.

Every Wednesday, Connexion hosts the “Come to the Table Community Meal” at 5 p.m. From the website, it is “Food Security with Dignity” as they try to provide inclusive and culturally appropriate meals free and open to everyone. About 80 meals are served per week. A soothing atmosphere with social, diligent, and friendly volunteers welcomed a lineup of folks who came to grab some food or share a table with others. On this colder, windier Wednesday evening, chicken, vegetables, rice and beans with delicious gravy were packaged, sponsored by a local East Somerville restaurant.

Connexion Closet. — Photo by Jeffrey Shwom

Rev. Christy told us, “This meal keeps people going. A hot meal is important in the winter time. It is relationship building. It transforms a simple meal into something bigger.” She also was happy to report they are fully funded for 2025, a welcomed sign post-pandemic and a show of strength for a program that almost faltered in the Fall 2024.

To volunteer at 4 p.m. at Wednesday’s Come to the Table Community Meal, contact christy@connexionumc.org. Visit www.connexionumc.org for more information.

Table with packaged meals. — Photo by Jeffrey Shwom

Mural by Nate Devarie. — Photo by Jeffrey Shwom