Author: Bode
Were You There?
On Monday, I watched as Notre Dame Cathedral burned. As the steeple fell, engulfed in flames, my heart skipped a beat. I watched the news for hours as the fire continued to burn, not knowing how much of the church would survive. And then the singing began. People gathered all around the building, began to lift… Continue Reading Were You There?
This Little Light of Mine
Last weekend, my next-door neighbors had a bonfire in their backyard. They said they were celebrating the last weekend of Spring break. I hadn’t noticed how they set up the wood during the day. About an hour after sunset on Friday night, they started the fire and gathered around it in a circle. Saturday night… Continue Reading This Little Light of Mine
Becoming More Like Jesus Everyday
The winter of 2019 is quickly becoming a memory. I learned new phrases to describe the snowstorms that brought the state to a standstill in late January and a good part of February. Polar vortex and cyclone bomb have been added to our lexicon. As I write this blog post, all but a few inches… Continue Reading Becoming More Like Jesus Everyday
A Sobering Moment
We are midway through the season of Lent. Each year I commit to giving something up, as well as taking on a new spiritual discipline. Often, I spend these 6 ½ weeks in prayer, sometimes by reading the Psalms, and others creating or reading a different prayer each day. I try to pray without ceasing… Continue Reading A Sobering Moment
Tell Your Story
This past Saturday, I attended a funeral for a friend, Rev. Mark Spaw. He was the former District Superintendent for Ann Abor and served in that role for 8 years. I first met him when I interviewed for Commissioning with the Board of Ordained Ministry. I still remember the first question he asked me after… Continue Reading Tell Your Story
Creating New Spaces for New Faces
On Saturday, the Bishop called a special session for clergy in the Michigan Conference to come together for a time of worship, conversation and connection following General Conference, 2019. I want to thank all those from the District who were able to attend. There will be more opportunities for us, including Conference lay leaders, to… Continue Reading Creating New Spaces for New Faces
We Are Still The Church
“The poor are always with you” (Matthew 26) was the verse that Rev. Faith Fowler of Cass Community shared with the congregation of Court Street United Methodist Church while I served there as an Associate Pastor. As Rev. Fowler gave this particular verse new life, she focused on the importance of each word. Those who… Continue Reading We Are Still The Church
I Wonder As I Wander
Like many of you, I have spent the last few days watching the live feed of the special General Conference convened in St. Louis, Missouri. It began with a day of prayer, emphasizing this essential part of our faith practice. Songs of praise were lifted up throughout the day, mostly in English. The day ended… Continue Reading I Wonder As I Wander
Take time out to pray: GC 2019
St. Louis, Missouri is also known as the Gateway to the West. In an earlier time in American history, this city marked the border between cities and towns and unexplored and unsettled territories. The city also has a special place for me because it is my adopted son’s birthplace. It is the city he called… Continue Reading Take time out to pray: GC 2019
Midwest District Treasurer’s Report
In January we received $37,800 from our churches toward the Midwest District ministry budget of $225,000. Thank you for your support. At the start of 2019, the Midwest District supports the programs of the former Grand Rapids Metro Ministry. These programs include Native American Elders Program, ReadGR, Circles. Grants for other programs will begin in… Continue Reading Midwest District Treasurer’s Report