First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham’s got a busy week on tap.

First, they’re celebrating as Open House, their new mid-week service of “prayer, meditation and music,” begins this evening at 5 p.m., with the church’s historic entryway on 19^th Street North opening at 4:30 p.m. The ability to enjoy some quiet reflection is something that all of us seek at one time or another regardless of religious affiliation.

We’ve also learned that this Sunday U.S. Congressman Artur Davis will be speaking in the church’s dining hall between 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. The man who seconded the Democratic presidential candidate’s nomination been told he can talk about whatever he wishes, though he’s been asked to make comments about the role of communities of faith in urban settings.