Author: Bode
The Road Goes Ever On
As we will be gathering at our Annual Conference next week, this will be the closing Puzzler’s Corner for the Midwest District and for me as the Superintendent. I want to say thank you, not only for the celebration on April 30 but also for the privilege and honor to have been on this journey… Continue Reading The Road Goes Ever On
Everyone Counts
At the end of last month, I found myself watching the NFL draft. There are seven rounds, each with 32 slots for teams to fill out their rosters. The first night of the draft is a mega event with glitz and glamour as players, their families, college coaches, and fans wait to hear which team… Continue Reading Everyone Counts
We Are Called
When I began my journey of ordained ministry, my pastor shared Jeremiah 1: 4-10 with me. It is a part of the prophet Jeremiah’s call story, reflecting God’s plan for him. It is the passage I share with others as they begin to discern their call to servant ministry. When I served on the Board… Continue Reading We Are Called
Western Waters District Conference
The first Western Waters District Conference took place via Zoom on Saturday, May 13. The purpose of this conference was to vote on the proposed 6-month budget and leadership roster for the new Western Waters District. The recording and minutes are below along with all the voting items. Minutes View the recorded Western Waters District… Continue Reading Western Waters District Conference
DS Margie Crawford’s Farewell Gathering
The Farewell Gathering for DS Margie Crawford was held on Sunday, April 30 at Grand Rapids Trinity UMC. The worship service was recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1VrMW6OgFE Below are photos from Sunday’s event:
I Love Jesus’ Style
First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the Farewell Celebration on Sunday. I will always treasure the time we have journeyed together as laity and clergy within the Midwest District. I especially want to thank Pastor Dean Prentiss, Liz Bode, and Emil Jensen for planning the party and sharing my story as your… Continue Reading I Love Jesus’ Style
Free Used Clergy Robes and Stoles
Most sleeves are 33” long and robes are 56-57″ in length. If interested, please contact Mara Marsman for pick up in Grand Rapids or to make other arrangements.
A Long Time Ago
In July of 1977, one of those life-changing moments happened. A friend invited me to the movies to see the biggest hit of the summer. That was the first time I saw Star Wars (now known as Star Wars: A New Hope). I was fond of sword battles even then. I’d grown up watching Errol… Continue Reading A Long Time Ago
A Short Time Away
Last week my son and I went to London to celebrate a milestone birthday. We attended the Star Wars Celebration in Europe along with nearly 30,000 other fans of the movies, TV shows, comic books, and memorabilia. Fans were treated to guest appearances by actors who were in the first films as well as those… Continue Reading A Short Time Away
An Event Like No Other
As we journey through this year’s Holy Week, with our eyes looking toward Easter, our time takes us through a week of mixed emotions. We see the events of what happened in those few days through a 2000-plus-year lens. We know that Sunday is coming. But each year, we are invited to relive the days… Continue Reading An Event Like No Other