Author: Bode
Pictograms
Every other year (or so, due to the pandemic) I look forward to the Olympic Games. This Corner is not about the sports or the athletes or even the countries represented, though there were a few countries who are making their first appearance this year. I usually watch the Opening Games to see how the… Continue Reading Pictograms
Leadership Opportunities to Deepen Your Involvement in UMW
Has your spiritual gifts inventory revealed a desire to provide hospitality, serving others, shepherding, or being a helper? United Methodist Women have opportunities to use these gifts on the District United Methodist Women Team. Positions available are: ► Vice President/Program Coordinator: Coordinates District events with the help of the leadership team and fills in… Continue Reading Leadership Opportunities to Deepen Your Involvement in UMW
Selfies
As I was traveling in the car the other day, I was listening to a comedian who raised a question that has stuck with me. In his Correct Angles set, Vir Das began talking about selfies. He observed that when people took pictures of themselves, they were better than when the camera (phone) was passed… Continue Reading Selfies
Greatness
When I was in high school my English teacher explained that there were some words in the language which were overused. She never wanted us to use “nice” or “like,” encouraging us to find synonyms instead. My teacher believed that constant use of these words made them fillers, diluting the intended meaning. To this day,… Continue Reading Greatness
Shabbat
Just breathe. Every so often I remember to do this. It’s not like my body doesn’t breathe automatically. However, there are moments when I feel the weight of what is unfolding in our lives, our churches, and our nation, and I say these words to myself. In the midst of all that I do, just… Continue Reading Shabbat
Psalm 137: 4
Last weekend we gathered for only the third time as the Michigan Annual Conference. In his remarks, Bishop Bard reminded us that we have met twice virtually, and only once in person. I don’t want to say that we are adapting to online gatherings. However, this year’s Conference was closer to what has been our… Continue Reading Psalm 137: 4
You Are Known
Over the past year, all of us have had to change how we journey through our lives. As much as it is true for us, I believe that late-night t.v. hosts have had to be very inventive with their opening monologues, guest interviews the creation of new skits and routines to capture an audience and… Continue Reading You Are Known
Life Interferes with Plans
Today is my niece Brittany’s birthday. I still remember the day she arrived. My sister’s due date was the first week in June. So, she planned to have the baby shower during Memorial Day weekend, and afterward, she and her husband would get all the items that were not gifted at the party. Well, my… Continue Reading Life Interferes with Plans
Hope Springs Eternal
I have traveled to Israel twice in my life. My first journey was in 2011 as the wall around Jerusalem was being constructed. The second visit was in 2018, between the 2014 conflict and the one that is unfolding now. On the day that our tour group was in Bethlehem, I watched as Israeli planes… Continue Reading Hope Springs Eternal
Please Help Our Sisters and Brothers
The world is our community. Everyone is our neighbor. We live in a time when events are shared instantly. Our phones alert us that there is breaking news. Several channels are dedicated to stories, editorials, and documentaries 24/7. Social media platforms record our reactions from friends and strangers alike. I have seen many heart-rending reports… Continue Reading Please Help Our Sisters and Brothers