Author: Bode
Listening to Hearts and Souls
As part of my journey toward ministry, I spent time in Iowa, as an Assistant Professor in the Speech and Hearing Department at The University of Iowa. It is one of the few departments on the Iowa campus that has its own building. It’s located between the football stadium and the basketball and wrestling arena.… Continue Reading Listening to Hearts and Souls
Prayer, An Essential Part of our Christian Identity
February has arrived. The first four weeks of 2019 have been historical in a variety of ways; some good, and others not. No matter how we reflect upon what is before us; realize there is much work to be done. I want to focus on what is possible for us here in the Midwest District. … Continue Reading Prayer, An Essential Part of our Christian Identity
Winter is Here But Spring is Coming!
“Winter is coming.” These three words have a new interpretation since George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series became popular as an HBO series. For those of us in the Midwest District, winter is here. We are definitely in the midst of an historic storm, with Michigan State closing for the 6th time in… Continue Reading Winter is Here But Spring is Coming!
I Have A Dream Too!
“I have a dream.” These four words, uttered by Dr. Martin Luther King on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, have shaped my life in more ways than I can describe. I wish I could say that my parents were with him on that historic day. At the time they had their hands full… Continue Reading I Have A Dream Too!
Clergy Disciple Groups
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, This year is a pivotal time for our Conference and denomination. I invite you to spend time each day in prayer as those who are delegates to this year’s special General Conference prepare for conversation and decisions which will impact all of us going forward. The Disciple Groups which… Continue Reading Clergy Disciple Groups
A “Stitching” Challenge to Start the New Year
This year is already a week old. Stores are in the process of clearing the shelves, offering shoppers huge deals for any Christmas decorations and New Year’s items they no longer want. Storage tubs are everywhere, encouraging us to pack up our trees, ornaments, wreaths and other symbols of the holiday, until next year. The… Continue Reading A “Stitching” Challenge to Start the New Year
Share the Light Within You
Christmas is just a few days away. So much is happening to make this year’s Christmas even more special than usual. I spent last night searching the skies to view the Christmas Comet. I am an amateur astronomer, but I found the directions for where to look a little more complicated than they needed to… Continue Reading Share the Light Within You
Midwest District Lay Speaker Certification Meeting
The Midwest District Lay Servant Committee will be holding their annual Certification Meeting for Lay Speakers on Saturday, March 9 at 10am at St. Paul’s UMC in Grand Rapids. Applicants must pre-schedule their time with the committee by emailing Jody Pratt [email protected]. The deadline to schedule your time is February 28. Click HERE to view the Michigan… Continue Reading Midwest District Lay Speaker Certification Meeting
2019 Leadership Updates: Ezra Dashboard
Now is the time to update the local church dashboard with leadership changes as of Jan. 1, 2019. Click HERE for more info. Stumped? Please contact Jennifer Gertz 517.347.4030 or [email protected].
November 21, 2018
Life is always full of changes. Some of them we are aware of as we drive through Michigan. Colorful leaves, in a rainbow hue of vibrant golds and reds, softer yellows and a few oranges have been part of the scenery as I travel to Church Conferences here in the Midwest District. There are also… Continue Reading November 21, 2018