Author: Bode
The First Day
Today begins our Lenten journey of 2021. This year the time we spend in the valley which signifies this part of our Savior’s journey seems an extension of how we have spent most of the last year. And yet, these next 40 days (46 if we include Sundays) are set aside for us to reflect… Continue Reading The First Day
Paczkis
When Terrance and I first arrived in Michigan, it was Summer. We moved to the state from Iowa and were looking forward to watching the July 4th fireworks. At the time, we didn’t know that Detroit scheduled the annual display for late June, rather than on Independence Day. As we got to know the city,… Continue Reading Paczkis
Ash Wednesday & Lenten Resources
Michigan Conference website Lenten Resources page is HERE Bishop Bard has also offered some recommendations for the observance of Ash Wednesday — Click here to view The Lent Kit project below and pictured was submitted by Rev. Ryan Wieland, pastor at Grandville UMC. Lent Kits will be delivered by volunteers on February 15. Each kit… Continue Reading Ash Wednesday & Lenten Resources
God’s Call
When I first began my journey toward becoming a pastor, I was asked to share my call story frequently. I remember my first meeting with my District Superintendent, now Bishop Linda Lee. As we sat in her office, she invited me to share how I heard the Lord asking me to serve. Over the next… Continue Reading God’s Call
What Is Our Mission Field?
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to be present for 3 worship services. Each sermon encouraged me to deepen what I do as I engage in my spiritual practices. Most days I pray without ceasing. I pray for and about a variety of things. Some days I begin prayer with a psalm which captures how… Continue Reading What Is Our Mission Field?
Esperar
I took Spanish in high school. I began learning the language in the 8th grade and continued to take it into my senior year in college. It was actually the second language I learned. The first was French. I also know some American Sign Language, a little Japanese, and a few words of Korean. Back… Continue Reading Esperar
Balance
When I lived in Iowa, one of the goals I set for myself was to earn a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. It took about 2 ½ years. There were four aspects to our training. The first series of classes I took were learning the basic kicks, punches, and stances that were then incorporated… Continue Reading Balance
COVID-19 Resources
Click HERE for a very useful and thorough COVID-19 resource list curated by Rev. Dean Prentiss, pastor at Wesley Park UMC There is also much information on the Michigan Conference website page Health Risk Management page HERE Guidelines on how to count online worship attendance HERE The weekly Midwest District E-Newsletter is also a resource with… Continue Reading COVID-19 Resources
And So, We Begin Again
Today is Epiphany, the day the Wise Men found the baby Jesus. Their story is told in the first 12 verses of Matthew Chapter 2. The author of Matthew doesn’t really describe those who were in the entourage, which first traveled to Jerusalem seeking the King of the Jews. When King Herod and his court… Continue Reading And So, We Begin Again
Christmas Eve Candle Pass from Midwest District Churches
There are two versions from which to choose: 4 minutes 27 seconds and 8 minutes 50 seconds, both are below. The third video below is Silent Night from Wesley Park musicians Sara Kropp, Dave Strumfeld, and Adrianne Prentiss. A big thank you to Rev. Dean Prentiss for creating these videos!