Author: Bode
Summer Session
Summer officially begins on Friday, the 21st. It has been wrestling with a very rainy Spring for weeks. Saturday, I went to the Asian Festival in downtown Grand Rapids. Although the sky was gray and rain was threatening, the plaza at Rosa Parks Circle was full of people who were enjoying the food, music and… Continue Reading Summer Session
Can We Talk?
In the article I posted immediately following General Conference, I stated that I had questions about the legislative process, the vote taken and what happens next. I can say that the same is true of our Annual Conference. I have questions about what we do next. I attended Bishop Bard’s listening session, which I thought… Continue Reading Can We Talk?
What’s In A Name?
Last week, clergy and laity gathered together for the first official Michigan Conference. As is usual, we began with the Memorial Service, honoring those who journeyed with us, and have now gone onto glory. The Bishop, Laura Witkowski, Associate Director for Lay Leadership, and Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne, Director of Clergy Excellence delivered powerful and… Continue Reading What’s In A Name?
Records
I watch sports on a regular basis. Not every sport, but enough to be amazed by the choices we have to watch competition each week. In memory of my sister who died, I watch the Indianapolis 500 each year. I don’t follow any one racer, but I did notice that a British woman finished in… Continue Reading Records
A Refugee’s Story
Last Saturday evening, I had the privilege of attending the celebration for Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) which was held at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, here in Grand Rapids. Before we shared a meal together, guests were invited to tour the art exhibit, entitled: “Or Does it Explode?” The title of the exhibit… Continue Reading A Refugee’s Story
An Exercise in Reflection
Who am I? When I was an undergraduate student, my Psychology Professor asked the class this question. The instructions were to write 7 answers on a piece of paper. These were the answers I wrote: 1. My name; 2. My family status (daughter); 3. My faith; 4. My ethnicity; 5. My marital status; 6. My… Continue Reading An Exercise in Reflection
*In Mission together with Witness
Often, I encourage faith communities to share their stories of how our Lord has touched their lives and inspired them to be vital and vibrant in their neighborhoods. People need us now more than ever. I often reflect upon the words of Mathew 9 and 25 as I seek to answer the question: “What more… Continue Reading *In Mission together with Witness
Here We Are Again
I don’t want to keep count. There have been too many bombings, and far too many shootings. And yet, there is another. After Sunday’s tragic shooting at a Synagogue in California, where people were gathering to celebrate Passover, last evening, there was another one at the University of North Carolina. Experts have offered explanations for… Continue Reading Here We Are Again
Midwest District EngageMI Ambassadors
The EngageMI Ambassadors listed below are knowledgeable and ready to answer questions and to meet with mission people in the local church. Please feel free to contact these folks to come to your church with more information about the Learn, Give, Act program for 2019. Mark Burkart, Caledonia UMC [email protected] (269) 967-0266 Sharon Burkart, Caledonia UMC [email protected]… Continue Reading Midwest District EngageMI Ambassadors
God Is Making All Things New
The Lord is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Words that are very familiar to us because we are an Easter people. These words proclaim the miracle of the empty tomb. We can only imagine what that moment was like for Mary Magdalene and the women with her. In an instant the grief and loss… Continue Reading God Is Making All Things New