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Midwest District Conference: October 17

Posted on October 16, 2020October 17, 2020 by Bode

The Midwest District Superintendent and the Midwest District Leadership Team encourage you to watch and share the video presentations below.

Dismantling Racism Town Hall (streamed on July 1, 2020)

This presentation is a panel discussion offered by UM Communications. It is one of the Dismantling Racism resources offered by the General United Methodist Church. Rev. Dr. Bobby McClain, Dr. Lisa Dellinger, Ref. Fred Day, III, and Dr. Alison Greene are the presenters. Erin Hawkins is the moderator who facilitates the discussion around racial issues facing our nation and our denomination today. Time is dedicated to history which is an integral part of our current perceptions and understanding of racism, along with consideration of how we begin to shape a different future. The Town Hall is the first of two and is approximately 90 minutes in length. Dismantling Racism Town Hall Meeting is HERE

The Single Board Governance Model – Is it for our church? (streamed on July 14, 2020, from the Dover District of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference)

This is an introductory webinar that represents the attributes of the Single Board Governance Model. Information is presented to help church leaders examine the steps which are to be considered for Single Board Governance, the advantages and disadvantages of the model and the process for transitioning from current Committee governance to the Single Board Model. The video is approximately 45 minutes in length. Note: The beginning of the video contains information specific to the Dover District, which is why the link begins at 5 minutes into the video. Single Board Governance Model from the Dover District of the Pennsylvania-Delaware Conference is HERE

The Midwest District Conference Business Session information and online worship samples are below:

Agenda
2021 Midwest District Leadership Roster
Midwest District 2021 Budget

Please watch the Midwest District Online Worship Celebration presentation created by Rev. Dean Prentiss.
In the links below are the individual church worship services — from the presentation — shared in their entirety.

Lake Harbor UMC Brave

Lake Harbor UMC Dancing and Singing

We Are Called

Posted on October 14, 2020October 14, 2020 by Bode

On Sunday morning, I saw an interesting story about jersey swapping in the NFL. Before COVID, players would give an autographed jersey to a player on the opposing team, following a game. As part of its COVID guidelines, the NFL prohibited the tradition. Until a couple of weeks ago. The story I saw described how the NFL is partnering with Tide laundry detergent. Each player signs a jersey, with a permanent marker, which is then washed with Tide Hygienic Clean detergent, before it is mailed to the player in the exchange. It’s one of those backstories which offers us, the fans, a glimpse of the close relationships that professional athletes have.

I had no idea how the closeness of NFL players would be affirmed during the Cowboys-Giants contest. Sunday evening as I was catching up on the highlights of the NFL games played, I learned about the injury to Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback. As he was running to make a first down, he and a Giant’s defensive player got tangled up. Prescott’s right ankle was broken during the play. As the medical personnel rushed onto the field to tend to him, the Cowboys were seen kneeling, praying, and surrounding Prescott, showing their support for him. Facebook posts and tweets came in from all over the league, with other players and even coaches expressing their support for Prescott.

I couldn’t help but be touched by the way the NFL community came together to talk about what receiving a jersey from another player meant, even if they were delivered through the mail, followed by how Dak Prescott’s injury caused an outpouring of support from other players and coaches. That sense of community isn’t only evident when someone is injured. During the month of October, players don the color pink in honor of breast cancer month. The NFL Players Association has a long partnership with United Way. And this year, as the pandemic began, the NFL contributed $35 million to COVID relief efforts.

The goodwill and mission stories that are part of what it means to be a player in the NFL are often lost in the stats reports, interviews, and featured coverage of who is the best, or who to consider for your fantasy league. In the three hours of shows which typically air before a game, very little time is spent on how the players support their communities through giving away a portion of what they’ve earned, visit the sick or the next generation, and seek to provide a voice for those who would otherwise go unheard.

Does that sound familiar? Isn’t that we have been called to do? Support one another in our communities, by reaching out with kind words of support or gifts like food, a card, or a prayer shawl. Lift up one another in prayer when we learn someone is hurt or ill, sharing our love and concern with the One who created us all. We give back to the Lord a portion of what we have received so that missions and ministries in our faith communities, neighborhoods, cities, towns, and villages can grow.

It may not seem like it, with all the tension that is part of our life journeys right now. However, this is a time of inspiration and an opportunity to cultivate the soil and plant new seeds. We are being encouraged to support, strengthen, and care for one another. And not because of a pandemic, but in spite of it. We can share our best selves with each other, as we seek to become more like Jesus every day. And Amen.

Amazing Grace Shall Always Be My Song of Praise

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Bode

I have numerous new ways of completing my chores and running errands these days. Shopping at the grocery store involves making sure I take a few disinfectant wipes with me, have my mask and arrive early when there are fewer people in the store. I used to spend part of my Sabbath day at Barnes and Nobles, having a cup of tea and a sandwich while I read a book. I still go to Barnes and Nobles, just to make a purchase or browse the shelves for the newest releases. And of course, I am required to wear a mask as I do so. I no longer sit in the café and read.

On the occasion that I actually go inside the bank, like the other customers, I am required to stand on squares indicating that I am six feet from the next person. The tellers were already behind a plexiglass barrier. Now I see that same barrier at JoAnn Fabrics, and City Barbeque. I haven’t been to my favorite restaurant since all of this began. I rely on Grub Hub to deliver my regular order.

With all of that, I think I miss singing the most. Not all of it. Whenever I’m in the car, I sing along with whatever song is on the radio. I’m talking about hymns, spirituals, requiems, and a Hallelujah chorus or two. I miss the 4- and 6-part harmony that happens at Annual Conference whenever we sing together. I miss the gift of song which opens and closes worship time and enhances our prayers. I especially miss singing my favorite hymns as well as the new compositions which continue to tell the story of Jesus and His love. I miss how meaningful it is to sing those songs together, as we praise the Lord, affirm our faith journeys and share how transformative music can be.

I have included a link to one of my favorite songs. https://youtu.be/zewCO0gqRjg

The tune may be familiar. It is Londondary Air. The words, written by Dottie Rambo encompass how grace has transformed and is transforming our lives. Each time I hear it, I remember the first time my sister sang it during a worship service. I also think of how this became our bus’s song as we journeyed through Israel. This is not a new song, nor is it the only way we express how amazing God’s grace is. Still, I sing it during these times of separation to remind me that our Lord is still with us in all ways and at all times. I look forward to the day when we will gather together and sing this and other songs of joy, praise and affirmation of our faith once again. And Amen.

Legacy

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Bode

I am the youngest of four girls. My parent’s marriage was the second for both of them. My father was a widower when he remarried. My mother had my two oldest sisters with her first husband. Growing up, they would recall what it was like to be children and young adults at a pivotal time in world history.

My father was 14 years old when the Great Depression happened. Like other children, he had to leave home in order to make money for the family. He followed an older brother who was a porter on one of the train lines. I believe he held the position until he enlisted in the Army during World War II. My mother was 9 years old when the Great Depression occurred. Her father was a minister, so the Depression didn’t impact her family in the same way. The congregation he served still provided his family with food, clothing, and as much money as they could raise. Both of my parents were young adults, less than 30 when America entered the Second World War.

So, I was very surprised when I saw an ad for Ancestry.com that opened with a woman who served as a nurse during the war. This was the caption under her picture: “Find and honor your ancestors who served in World War II.”

I admit that I am at the end of the Baby Boomer generation, but I never thought I would think of my parents as the ancestors we can learn about. Their story is part of my legacy, and I share it with my son and nieces whenever I can. In some ways my parents were pioneers. My father was stationed in Australia and almost shipped out on the U. S. S. Indianapolis before the ship’s orders were changed. My mother was a mental health nurse at a time when that was a new specialty. Sometimes, they would tell us about what life was like before the war. And though my parents are no longer with us, I continue to share some of their lives with the next generation of our family.

We have lost some dynamic people this year. Congressman John Lewis and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg were advocates of equal rights for all. Through their interviews, Regis Philbin and Hugh Downs helped us gain new insights about celebrities and political leaders. Other nonagenarians and centenarians are going home to glory, signaling the passing of a generation. And it is up to us to preserve their legacy.

This is as much true for our grandparents and great grandparents as it is for our ancient Biblical ancestors. Each year, as I read through the Bible, I struggle with the opening 8 chapters of 1^st Chronicles. It is the naming of the descendants beginning with Adam and ending with Benjamin’s family. When I taught the Old Testament to a Confirmation Class, I talked about how these names were important, because they were our ancestors of faith. Their stories — who they were, and how they contributed to their families — have been lost. But each time we read their names we share that they are threads in our tapestry of faith.

The same is true for those we lift up during our sermons and Bible Studies. From Noah to Zacchaeus, we have a rich heritage of men who showed us what it means to believe. From Deborah to Lydia we celebrate the women who contributed to the foundation of our faith. We still have a story to share with the nations. A story of how we have received the legacy of God’s presence in our lives. May we pass it on. And Amen.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Bode

This is the time of year that I settle down on Sunday afternoons, evenings, and Monday nights to watch contests on the gridiron. During the Exhibition season, I watch as those college athletes who made it to the NFL learn their new roles. I also scan the rosters to see which players are returning for one more year, which have been traded or which ones have been cut by the team.

I am usually surprised by some of the changes in personnel which happened in the offseason. Big-name players like quarterbacks and wide receivers make the news when they are traded. I’m talking about linesmen and special team players. Officials for the game also review the rules from the year before, introducing new ones and clarifying how current ones will be enforced. It takes me a few weeks to adjust to the newness of the season, learn the new players and calls before I can sit back and be a fan, commentator, and coach at the same time.

This year, the start of the NFL, like all other events in our lives, is different. There were no preseason games. In most stadiums, there are no fans. Players, coaches, and those officiating the games are tested for COVID daily. All coaches are required to wear masks. Local bands will not be invited to provide half-time entertainment. I’m not sure if the announcers are on-site or broadcasting from another location. Players received a workout regimen on a tablet or computer to prepare for training camp. New coaches were required to learn their systems quicker than usual.

And somehow football is still football. Teams that ended last season on a winning note are already 2 and 0 with the potential to be in the playoffs again this year. And the teams which struggled to find the endzone last year haven’t solved the problem yet. We are still watching and cheering for our teams.

As many churches begin in-person service again, we realize that being in our worship spaces is different as we continue to journey through the pandemic. There are guidelines posted in most buildings informing us of current restrictions. Masks, singing, social distancing, fellowship time, how we enter and exit the building, along with other considerations have made us mindful of how we gather together in the same space.

Hear the good news. Church is still church. We attend worship, whether online or in-person, to praise God, nurture our souls and affirm how we are living out our call to make disciples for the transformation of the world. We are inspired by sermons that are thought-provoking, empowering, and affirming. We pray for one another and have created new ways to connect with one another. We are recognizing the needs in our faith communities and neighborhoods, changing our mission focus to respond to how COVID is affecting our lives. We are still marching in the light of God. We are journeying into a new age for our faith. We are called by God to share what it means to be Christians at this time in our world. May you be blessed in all that you do. And Amen.

Announcing Midwest District Online Worship Director

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Bode

We are pleased to announce that Jaryd Forbes has been added to our staff as the Online Worship Director. He will be available to consult with and assist churches with their online worship needs. Jaryd’s biography is below.

Jaryd Forbes Bio

Jaryd is a Central Michigan University Senior who is finishing his Bachelor of Broadcasting with a Minor in Multimedia Design. He has always had a passion for the Digital world. He is a lifelong member of St Clair United Methodist Church in St Clair Michigan. He is the recipient of the Doc Mike Emrick Broadcasting Scholarship. He has been employed with the Channel 6 CTV Station for 8 years. He has performed many tasks within this career. He has directed cable television shows, operated cameras and soundboards and has developed a studio to upgrade and retrofit the new systems and advanced camera equipment.

Several years ago, Jaryd combined his first love God and his faith with his talents in the digital media. Prompted by the need for homebound congregation members to continue their worship experience he created a digital platform for those members to continue their faith journeys. Jaryd facilitated the system and training from the beginning. Facebook Live became a weekly viewing of Sunday service and Special Events. This platform also allowed members to have reminders of current events throughout the church. Including the development of the program, Jaryd trained the operators to be able to run the program as well as troubleshoot issues that may happen. Jaryd also held seminars to help train the congregation on how to use the new technology in their own homes. Jaryd has also gone the extra steps to help members set up their accounts and homes to be able to stay connected to their church community.

With the circumstances of 2020, Jaryd’s talents and love of God have been pushed to the forefront. He has helped many churches develop procedures to continue with their worship services despite the extraordinary challenges. Jaryd has consulted many churches with already established systems and answered questions regarding start-up systems. Jaryd also has the capability and training to remotely diagnose and help troubleshoot existing and new systems. This has been an amazing asset to many, especially in this time of remote and virtual meetings.

Jaryd is very excited and looks forward to being able to help each and every church continue to share God’s word in this new age of Technology.

Please contact Jaryd directly via email [email protected]. Questions? Please contact Liz in the Midwest District Office.

19 Years

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Bode

Last Friday was the anniversary of September 11. I dedicated a part of the day watching a few shows about the events that unfolded on that tragic morning. I saw one documentary, 9/11: Escape from the Towers, that was new for me. Survivors of both towers recounted what it was like to leave their offices in the World Trade Center, and try to find a way out. Their spouses also shared what it was like to watch the news coverage, fearing for the worst, and hoping for the best news possible.

Even though I knew that the people sharing their stories made it out of the towers, I still experienced the fear that they conveyed in telling what it was like to move into and down a stairwell, unsure of what had happened above them or what they would find if they were able to get out of the building. At the end of the documentary, viewers were able to meet the survivors, and what they look like today. On September 11, 2001, one of the women was 7 months pregnant. Her daughter, who is now 18, was introduced as one of the youngest survivors.

Like many people, I relive that day as if it just happened. Our lives changed on that day. Whether we think about it or not, some of the decisions we make are influenced by the events of September 11^th. There is a new normal that exists for all of us. Airline travel has never been the same. We have to arrive at the airport two hours before a flight in order to navigate security. Each person must present some form of picture identification. There are luggage restrictions and guidelines for what we can pack and what we can carry. Liquids over 3 ounces are not allowed. So, if one arrives at the airport with a bottle of water, one has to finish it before going through security or throw it away.

I remember when all of the restrictions were new, how awful it was to fly from one city to another. Taking one’s shoes off was torture as we all struggled to get them back on and keep the security lines moving. Unintentionally we’d set off metal detectors as we forgot keys or change in our pockets or didn’t realize that there was metal in our jackets. People were frustrated and sometimes short-tempered because of what was being asked of them. It was new, it was different. It was complicated.

It took time for us to adjust to the new rules for flying. But over time, the new way changed. Now there are several options for security check-ins. There’s an app for that now, along with TSA PreCheck and Clear. The scanning equipment is more sophisticated, and photo id’s now have a chip in them to help the process. Those who manage passengers will continue to adapt to the needs of those who travel so that we can all stay safe.

We are still in the midst of a pandemic. We are already living in a new way, adjusting to the guidelines which have been created to keep us safe. Social distancing, wearing masks, and gathering in smaller numbers are still a part of what we are being asked to do. It will take time for any of this to be routine or comfortable. Please know that we are not alone. Together we can support one another during this time, as we grow more accustomed to what is being asked of us. May we continue to be patient and offer understanding during these days. And Amen.

The New Normal

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Bode

Wow! Sports are back. Well, not quite. Athletes are competing once again, but it isn’t the same. Tennis and basketball have requested that players restrict their contacts with others and have been placed in a bubble for their matches and games. All teams in MLB are playing, but the schedule has been shortened to 60 regular-season games.

Last Saturday, NBC aired its annual coverage of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs was grey as the usual colorful display of Derby suits and hats were missing. And professional football is poised to begin. I’m not sure if any fans will be permitted at those games either. I am sure that the lack of people in the stands will be as much a topic of conversation as which teams have the potential to make the playoffs.

Still, someone at most events has been innovative about how fans are represented. Baseball has placed cardboard cutouts of people in some seats to give the appearance that there are fans. The U. S. Open Tennis tournament has partnered with Zoom allowing some fans to show their support of their favorite players. After each match, a player can stand in front of a larger screen to have a conversation with a family member or receive a question from the fan of the day.

We all know it’s not the same. And for now, it is the new normal. I don’t know if I ever realized how much the fans contributed to the contest. Cheering, waving, and even booing was part of the energy that added to what unfolded on the court, field, or ice. We are coping. We are adapting.

And yet, we still view this time as a temporary adjustment. As soon as the strength of the virus wanes, we will go back to the way things used to be. We will be able to pack stadia to the brim once again. Or will we? I don’t want to make any predictions on how long masks may be required or recommended, or if social distancing will continue to be implemented at restaurants, gyms, stadia, and movie theaters.

That brings me to an important question for us to consider. What is happening with our churches? I don’t know if we ever thought about the amount of social interaction that was so much a part of our Sundays and weekdays until the virus prevented us from gathering in person. From Fellowship Hour before or after the service, the worship service itself, which usually included a time of greeting one another, to pot lucks, craft groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout meetings, being home for Alcoholics, Gamblers or Narcotics Anonymous, UMM, and UMW meetings, Bible Studies and other ways we gather as a community, the church was an essential part of our lives and our relationships.

We are eager to be back in church, to see our friends, to share what’s been happening in our lives, to greet one another with the love of Christ, to break bread together, and to plan for the next mission to support those who have relied on our work to support them in their life journeys. It’s been too long since we were able to be with one another. And sadly, we really had no time to prepare for the difference between then and now.

Hear the good news. We are coping. We are adapting. And more importantly, we are planting seeds for new ways to create relationships and maintain the relationships we have. What are we learning about who we are and especially about who we can become? How are our faith communities making a difference as we continue to journey through the pandemic? What new ministries and missions are we creating? How are we shaping the new normal as we continue to embrace the Great Commission? Be assured that the Lord is with us in all that we do. May we embrace God’s call upon our lives as we live into the new normal. And Amen.

Tour de France

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Bode

Usually, I begin my Summer sports season by watching the Tour de France. It is a very complicated and fascinating race. Over a span of about 3 weeks, the cyclists travel over 2000 miles throughout most of France. Sometimes the tour goes through other countries as well. Because of COVID, this year’s tour was delayed until this week.

Cyclists are organized into teams, with 8 or 9 riders in each team at the start of the race. Most of the teams which were organized when I first started following the tour have disbanded and reorganized. As cyclists travel through the day’s course, there are feature stories about the teams, the sponsors and the noted names of the sport.

On Tuesday, there was a story on the first Israeli team to be present at the Tour de France. It is called Israel Start Up Nation. There are a total of 30 riders, some with former Tour experience. Not all 30 are competing in the tour this year. What caught my attention in the story was when all team members met in Israel and began to journey through the nation.

Team members were shown cycling on the road between Galilee and Jericho. This was followed by images of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives, a visit to the Western Wall, the Holy Sepulchre and to the Holocaust Museum. The team spent time in a youth camp, to build relationships and introduce cycling to a new generation.

Each of the cyclists interviewed spoke about how moving it was for them to spend time in the Holy Land. Their visit created a spiritual bond that was unrelated to cycling. They were moved by their shared experience.

As I watched the story of Israel Start Up Nation, I was reminded that we too have a shared heritage of faith. If you have not yet made a visit to the Holy Land, I hope that you will be able to do so. Seeing the Holy City from the top of the Mount of Olives, or touching the Western Wall are life changing moments which simultaneously affirm who we are and offer glimpses into the mystery surrounding who’s we are.

Our journey of faith is ongoing. It is always full of wonder, reflection, affirmation and celebration. Our lives are constantly being shaped by the one who called us to become disciples and share the Good News of the risen Savior. Our mission is renewed daily as we continue to ask what more can I do for those who hunger and thirst for a holy meal and living water? Our hearts are strangely warmed as we take on the mantle of discipleship and servant leadership. May we be blessed by all that we say and do in God’s name. And Amen.

Chapter and Verse

Posted on August 19, 2020August 19, 2020 by Bode

The other day, I was watching an ad for Xfinity t. v. In it, the announcer was describing the features of the voice remote commands. One can change the channel, find a movie or sporting event by just speaking those words into the mic on the remote. What I learned from the ad is that if you say a well-known quote from a film, like: “you’re going to need a bigger boat,” then Xfinity will provide the movie that contains the quote.

I am a movie buff and since I learned about this feature, I have had some fun with it. Most of the lines I’ve spoken have shown me the films I expect to see. “I’ll be back,” “What we have here is a failure to communicate,” and even “My God, it’s full of stars.” showed me The Terminator, Cool Hand Luke, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. But not always. So far, the feature hasn’t worked with t.v. shows. The question: “Did I do that,” often spoken by Steve Urkel on Family Matters didn’t yield this result on the voice feature. Still, there are enough other lines that I wish to explore, just to discover what suggestions are offered from Xfinity.

As much fun as this search feature is for movies, I also realize how much I have favorite lines from Scripture. The verses have become a part of who I am. I often say them when I learn how the Lord is moving in our lives. Among them are Psalm 23:5, Psalm 32: 1-2, Numbers 6: 24-26, Matthew 22: 36-40, Luke 17:6, and First Corinthians 13: 4-8a. These passages give me comfort, are a source of encouragement and affirm my faith.

Sometimes the words lift me from a valley. At other times, they are a loving embrace when I reach a peak or experience joy. There are also the times when the verses remind me how our relationship with the Lord is constantly changing, growing deeper and stronger.

These aren’t the only Scriptures that I turn to in these days. These are the ones I turn to most often when I am in prayer and conversation with God. There’s something about the living Word of God that offers us what we need today and every day. It has been the tradition in the churches I serve to say these words after the reading of the Gospel or other passages: “The Word of God for the people of God, Thanks be to God.” And Amen.

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