Author: Bode
Sheltering in Place
I want to go back in time. Ten years ago, today, the world turned its attention to Chile, where the main ramp of the San Jose Mine, near Copiapo Chile, collapsed, trapping 33 men 2,300 feet below ground. Rescue teams responded immediately, and yet it was over two weeks before a probe reached the place… Continue Reading Sheltering in Place
Sowing Seeds Exuberantly
The 2020 Michigan Conference has now ended. This is one time we can truly say that “We have never done it this way before.” The theme for this year’s Conference was Sowing Seeds: Rooting, Tending and Reaping. The Bishop lifted up a very inspirational message during opening worship. If you can, please share the Bishop’s… Continue Reading Sowing Seeds Exuberantly
Making a Difference
Matthew 25: 31-46 is one of my favorite Gospel passages. When I was considering a life in ministry, it was this passage that helped me say yes to the call God placed on my life. My Aunt Clairette was an awesome woman. She became a minister in the early 1960s, and served as the Associate… Continue Reading Making a Difference
God Still Moves
I am an avid student of film. The stories told through cinema express the creative message of actors, writers and directors. I have classic favorites like Bringing Up Baby with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Several Hitchcock movies are also at the top of my list: Rebecca, The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes among… Continue Reading God Still Moves
Caring for our Health Care Workers
My oldest niece is doing her residency at The Detroit Medical Center. As the pandemic arrived in Michigan, she rotated from her specialty to help with patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19. She shared with me how difficult it was for her and the other residents, physicians and nurses to have the necessary medical supplies… Continue Reading Caring for our Health Care Workers
A Test of Faith
One of my favorite movies is called The Song of Bernadette. The film chronicles part of Bernadette Soubirous’ life and the visions she saw that led to her becoming a saint. St. Bernadette’s visions led to the founding of the shrine at Lourdes. During the opening credits of the film these words are displayed: “For… Continue Reading A Test of Faith
I’m Tired of Cooking
Every few days, my niece posts pictures of my sister’s latest culinary creations on Facebook. The photos could be on the cover of food magazines. On the right is a photo of a baked omelet she prepared a couple of weeks ago. She has also been grilling and barbecuing a lot more. If the pictures are… Continue Reading I’m Tired of Cooking
Midwest District Charge Conference 2020 Announcement
Sisters and brothers in Christ, I continue to lift you in prayer during this time. We are truly living in a liminal space, as we seek to plan for the future. In his June 1, 2020 article, entitled “Begin in person gatherings with care” (https://michiganumc.org/begin-in-person-gatherings-with-care/) Bishop Bard shared that for this year only all annual… Continue Reading Midwest District Charge Conference 2020 Announcement
When Words Fail
It has been a little over two weeks since we witnessed the death of George Floyd. Almost a week ago, his family, leaders of Minneapolis, social activists, and others gathered for the first memorial service celebrating George’s life. Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a powerful eulogy, honoring George’s life, legacy and the hope that this time… Continue Reading When Words Fail
District-Wide Prayer Vigil Offered Tomorrow
Dear Midwest District, We invite you to enter into prayer in the way of your choosing from Noon until 2 pm Friday, June 5, 2020. Issues of racism and violence are out in the open and on the streets around the country. The Holy Spirit gives breath to the declaration that Black Lives Matter. Despite… Continue Reading District-Wide Prayer Vigil Offered Tomorrow