District News

I Love to tell the Story

Posted on by Bode

I am a student of film.  My mom and older sister had their favorite movies and whenever they were aired on television, the entire family would watch them together.  My mom would point out subtle plot lines or camera shots that enhanced the story that was unfolding on the screen.  My sister would usually talk about other films by the same actor, and how they grew or didn’t grow during their careers. 

There are some movies that are so well done that a remake is not possible.  Examples from the early era of films include Citizen Kane, San Francisco, and All About Eve.  Some films have been retold for new generations because the plot is adaptable.  The Shop Around the Corner, In the Good Ole’ Summertime and You’ve Got Mail recount the same story of star-crossed lovers. 

In the mid to late 50s, the golden era of MGM musicals was replaced by epic movies filmed in Cinemascope and Panavision.  Wide screen, location films that told or retold stories in real places and not on studio sets.  Bridge on the River Kwai, The Ten Commandments, and Giant were among them.  One of my favorites was and is Ben-Hur (1959).  Directed by William Wyler, this was the second version of General Lew Wallace’s novel titled: Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ. 

The story is basically about two men who grew up as friends, but due to the pressures of being part of the Roman Empire become enemies.  We watch as hate dominates their lives and culminates during a chariot race.  Jesus only appears a few times in the film; at his birth, when he gives Ben-Hur water, after Ben-Hur learns his mother and sister are lepers and as he is being crucified.  In his last appearance, Jesus shares these words: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” With these words, Ben-Hur is transformed, and the hate that ruled his life for so long is gone.  He is able to forgive his Roman friend, the nation of Rome and even himself for where his life was headed. 

Even though Jesus is physically present in the film for less than 5 minutes, the Spirit of our Savior is apparent as we watch how Ben-Hur learns who he is and how Jesus saved him twice.  I have watched this movie more times than I can count, because I never tire of the way Jesus was there for Ben-Hur even if Ben-Hur didn’t realize who Jesus was.

For me, the Bible is the same.  I never tire of reading and re-reading this wonderful, Holy book.  Each time I read it, I discover something new, see familiar names and families in new ways.  Through sermons, pastors and laity have the joy of sharing what they have discovered from a first, second or other reading. 

This is our story.  May we continue to share it, chapter and verse, so that others may know that our Lord is still here, shaping who we are and moving us to transform others.  Like Ben-Hur, we may only see Him from a distance, and not realize at the time who is watching over us or journeying with us. We also might talk about our own epiphany, when we recognize how God touched our very lives and souls, transforming us to become more and more like the one who redeemed us. And Amen.

Sheltering in Place

Posted on by Bode

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 where the miners were trapped. The miners sent a note which stated that they were all fine and in the shelter.  Rescuers began sending the miners food and water, as the meager supplies in the shelter were not enough to sustain the miners for a prolonged time period.

And then we waited.  Through August and half of September.  As people discussed and debated how to rescue the miners, we watched.  The best angles which would gain access to the miners were discussed.  Drilling equipment was set in motion. Plan A was attempted and failed.  Plan B was then implemented, then delayed when the drill broke. 

The plan was simple enough.  The Plan B drill would widen a 5.5” diameter hole to 28” in 2 stages, which began on September 3rd.  The first miner, Florencio Antonio Avalos Silva, was returned to the surface on October 13th, and the last one, 54-year-old Luis Alberto Urzua Iribarren arrived in the capsule 22 ½ hours later.  From reports at the time, the only disagreement the miners had, was the order they would travel in the capsule. They all wanted to be last, and make sure the others were returned safely to the surface. 

Miners shared their stories of what happened while they were underground.  A community of support was born out of their isolation.  They understood that they needed to work together until they could be rescued.  Water and food supplies were rationed, exercise routines were established.  The men prayed together, sang together, and shared messages to and from their families.  I still remember how I watched through that night as the capsule descended empty, to bring up another of the miners.  I was overjoyed when the last miner arrived at the surface and everyone celebrated one of the greatest rescues in our lifetime. 

Unfortunately, as is usually true with time, the story of this event has faded.  After a decade, I’m not sure which of those miners are still living, which ones returned to work because there was no other employment or which ones chose a different career.  What I still remember is how their time in isolation created new relationships of support, caring and sharing.

I don’t need to remind you that we are living through a different kind of isolation.  There is still a need for us to shelter in place.  We are not trapped underground, but this pandemic has caused us to limit what we do and where we go.  At the same time, we are able to create new ways of relating to one another, supporting one another and sharing what it means to be in community with each other.  This is truly a time for us to live out these words, often attributed to John Wesley: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” And Amen.

Sowing Seeds Exuberantly

Posted on by Bode

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 message with those in your church who were not able to view it on Sunday evening. We can be like the sower in the parable, scattering seeds wherever we can, so they may take root and grow.

There were several videos presented which shared stories of how we are doing just that.  HAPI (Haitian Assets for Peace International), which is headquartered in Grand Rapids, was one of the featured missions shared during our time together.  All of them can currently be found on the 2020 Annual Conference website in case you missed them or would like to view them again.

We cannot possibly share how we are transforming lives in the two days of Annual Conference. In his opening devotion, Rev. Brad Kalajainen asked us to consider six questions about what we do and who we are as faith communities.  As the Midwest District Superintendent, I encourage each church to continue to reflect upon these questions as we shape who we are and how we can serve in the present and the future.  Are we conversational, invitational, relational, glocal, digital and foundational?  And if not, what can we do to accomplish these things.  As we answer each of these questions, we can begin to cast new seeds, connect with people in new ways and create new paths for persons who seek to answer the Lord’s call upon their lives.

I don’t want to overlook the issues which are before us.  We are in a new kind of liminal space. Richard Rohr describes a liminal space: “where we are betwixt and between the familiar and the completely unknown. There alone is our old world left behind, while we are not yet sure of the new existence. That’s a good space where genuine newness can begin. Get there often and stay as long as you can by whatever means possible…This is the sacred space where the old world is able to fall apart, and a bigger world is revealed. If we don’t encounter liminal space in our lives, we start idealizing normalcy.”

We have had to place the future of our denomination on hold for a while longer.  We have been made painfully aware of the hurt and injustice our sisters and brothers of color have and are experiencing. Conversations about racism are necessary in order to learn how we can make significant changes in the ways we perceive and relate to one another. Our commitment to care for the least must continue.  Food pantries, ways to shelter the homeless and ways to ensure children have a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and thrive will be needed.  We will still be called to respond to disasters like the breaking of the Edenville Dam in Midland, or the devastation of Hurricane Hanna.  May we sow seeds for our common Christian walk.  May we have faith that one day we will be able to yield a harvest which is thirty, sixty or even a hundredfold.  And Amen.

Making a Difference

Posted on by Bode

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 Pastor at a church in Columbus, Ohio.  With her husband Harry Woodson, she led Wednesday night Prayer Services and was the preacher for the Sunday evening service. She was also a baker for the Lazarus department store. In the evenings she took orders for pies and cakes each week. 

She made the best cinnamon rolls in the world.  A couple times a year, she would bake a couple dozen rolls, and send them to our home the same day.  She’d call my dad, her brother, to let him know that the rolls would be delivered on the next Greyhound bus.  And to thank the bus driver, she would also bake a ½ dozen rolls for him. 

My aunt never learned how to drive.  She took the taxi or the bus everywhere.  Once, just as the taxi arrived at her house, her foot slipped and the driver rode over her ankle, crushing it.  He was devastated. I don’t remember if he took her to the hospital or called an ambulance.  And though her ankle never fully healed, my aunt never blamed the driver. In fact, she made sure that she sent him a Christmas card each year.  She would also bake a special pie for him whenever he stopped by to see how she was doing. 

And for several years, when my oldest sister was unable to raise her child, my aunt was willing to take her in.  She never had any children of her own and was delighted to foster my niece. As I grew older, I came to understand that my aunt was the embodiment of Matthew 25: 31-46. She showed loving kindness to others.  In her own way, she sought to make their lives better through praying, preaching, baking, sewing, cooking and cleaning.  And I don’t think she ever thought about the difference she made in the lives of those around her.

I don’t tell her story as often as I should.  She was more than a pioneer as one of the first female ministers in Columbus.  She shared her gifts with others.  Not only her baking and sewing.  My aunt would retell stories from the Bible and quote Scripture to frame what she was experiencing throughout the day.  She dedicated her life to being a servant of our Lord who called her and each of us by name. 

This year’s Annual Conference is about celebrating the ways we are making a difference for those we serve.  Whether we are worshiping in person or through the internet, may we share stories of how the mission and ministry of our faith communities is transforming lives.  And Amen.

God Still Moves

Posted on by Bode

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 them.  The original Star Wars trilogy is still the best in the series. I have favorites in nearly every genre.  And each year, I look forward to adding more movies to the list.

In my Introduction to the New Testament course, the professor gave us a different kind of final project.  We were invited to use a familiar reference point to describe each book of the New Testament.  One student, because he loved cartography, presented the books through the places traveled, literally a road map of the New Testament.  Because I love films, I selected films as the foundation for my description.

God still moves in us and with us in more ways than we will ever know or understand.  As I watch new movies, I can’t help but see (whether it is intended by the filmmakers or not) how our Lord is speaking through this art form. 

One of the last films I saw in movie theaters was Knives Out. It is a tribute to classic whodunnits with a modern twist.  The viewer is introduced to the complex family dynamics which possibly contributed to the murder (or suicide) of the patriarch.  A second story that is interwoven with the family relationships, is one of loving kindness and devotion. 

No spoilers here.  The elements of the loving kindness are what spoke to me of God’s presence in the lives of these fictional characters, and in our lives as well.  The relationship between this patriarch and one person was shown through the little ways they shared time together, had conversations and truly were present with one another.

I saw all of this before COVID-19 arrived to change our routines.  Still, I want to ask, how are we sharing loving kindness with one another? I understand that visiting people in their homes is not possible, at present.  How are we staying in touch with our congregants?  How are we making new connections, to begin new relationships? Are we contacting family, friends and colleagues to help them know God is with all of us during these unpredictable times?  Have we encouraged others to do the same for us?

I know that many of us have taken to social media as one way of creating spaces for conversation and connection.  Zoom, Google Chat and other programs exist for small groups to gather together virtually.  These times also invite us to be innovative about how we stay connected. 

A couple weeks ago, Hugh Downs, passed away.  In one of his roles at ABC, he was a long-time co host of 20/20.  As I watched a story about his life, I remember his sign-off from that show.  I wish to share it with you as we seek ways to continue to support one another during this time.  “We’re in touch, so you be in touch.”  And Amen.

Caring for our Health Care Workers

Posted on by Bode

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 they needed to stay safe.  Gowns, gloves and masks were all in short supply.

At that time, I began searching for a way to help her by purchasing some of what she needed online.  Masks were nearly impossible to get.  Each time I checked with Amazon, the estimated arrival date changed from a few days to several weeks.  Gloves were much easier to get, with no wait time.  I was able to send her a case, hoping that it helped a little with what the hospital was facing.

On May 1st, I decided to order masks, because I am curious about how long it would take to receive them.  [I am not requesting that anyone send me masks that are greatly needed elsewhere.] It is now nearly nine weeks later and I have yet to receive the masks I ordered.  Each time I check on the status of the purchase, I am informed that the arrival date is delayed. 

At first, Amazon would offer other dates for the shipment, but that stopped at the end of June.  I’m not sure how long an order will stay open until Amazon asks if I want to cancel it.  Still, I wait.  And if it’s like that for me, I can’t begin to imagine what our doctors, nurses and hospital support staff are experiencing these days.

As our experience with this pandemic has become almost a new routine, I invite us to continue to find ways to support and care for those persons who have dedicated their lives to caring for those who are sick and injured.  As the numbers who have COVID-19 begin to increase once again, let us pray for all dedicated health care workers.  I also invite you to do something special for the doctors, nurses, orderlies, chaplains, janitors, valets and other hospital employees and volunteers in your area.  We can make a difference for those who are caring for us during these times.  And Amen.

A Test of Faith

Posted on by Bode

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 those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.  For those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible.” What follows is a film crafted around those who believe and support Bernadette along with those who try to discredit her visions and miracles which occurred at the pool of Lourdes.

The film premiered during World War II. It’s possible that it was released at the time in order to give people hope about what they were experiencing in their lives.  It is a wonderful testimony of faith. I can’t say how many times I think about the words which introduce the movie. Those words have inspired me as I have witnessed miracles in my life and the lives of friends and family. 

We are living in a time when our faith is being tested as never before.  We are learning new ways to be in relationship with one another.  We are experiencing what it means to be part of worship in new ways.  We are casting new visions as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission.  We are asking questions of ourselves and one another as we begin to plant seeds for the future.  And each time I reflect on what’s unfolding in our nation and around the world, I think of the words from this film.  I can’t explain what is happening, or more importantly why.  I will not speculate about what the events may mean for our future. 

              Instead, I offer these words from Psalm 27:13-14 to help us during this time. 

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
    be strong, and let your heart take courage;
    wait for the Lord!

And Amen.

Midwest District Charge Conference 2020 Announcement

Posted on by Bode

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 meetings will be Charge Conferences. 

This document will serve as guidelines for the Fall 2020 Charge Conferences. 

The description of the Charge Conference are outlined in Paragraphs 246-251 in the United Methodist Book of Discipline.
For reference, Paragraph 247.2 states: “The membership of the Charge Conference shall be all members of the Church Council or other appropriate body, together with retired ordained ministers and retired diaconal ministers who elect to hold their membership in said Charge Conference and any others as my be designated in the Discipline.”

Staff Parish and Charge Conference meetings will be held via Zoom.  As we cannot predict whether the COVID-19 infection will increase in the Fall months or not, it will be safer to continue to follow CDC guidelines for staying safe.

Liz and I will be developing the schedule for Charge Conference meetings.  We ask that if you know dates that you are unavailable due to vacation or attendance at workshops or other reasons, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we may accommodate your availability in the schedule of Charge Conferences.

In consideration of those who may be vulnerable in your congregations, only church leaders are required to attend Charge Conferences.  If other church members wish to attend, that is permitted.  You know your faith communities best and would be able to facilitate who would still like to be part of the Charge Conference gathering.

Each meeting will last approximately 1:15 hours. 

              Meeting with Pastor and Staff Parish Committee, followed by

              Meeting with Church leadership to present action items for a vote

              The Action Items are included in the Business of the Church Conference document 

              A recording secretary is still required for the Charge Conference

              Note: It is imperative that all documents be completed at least 10 days before the Charge Conference. Click HERE to visit the Forms page located on the Michigan Conference website under the Resources tab.

Charge Conferences will be scheduled on weekday evenings, all day Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. 

If your church does not have strong internet capabilities, please reach out to another church in the area which has stronger signals in order to participate in a Zoom meeting.

This will be a new process for all of us. Please be patient and understanding as we begin to work through the possible complications online Charge Conferences may cause. Feel free to ask questions as we journey through this process together.

Thank you,


Rev. Dr. Margie R. Crawford
Midwest District Superintendent

I’m Tired of Cooking

Posted on by Bode

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 true, my sister is being very innovative about the meals she is preparing. Before the time of sheltering in place began, my sister would eat out a couple times each week. It’s not that she can’t cook, she would just prefer not to have to cook.

I still prepare meals from scratch most of the time. I never thought that I ate out very much. But lately, I am dreading the question: “What do I want for dinner?” I’ve lost my knack for creating new dishes and default to old and easy favorites. I won’t bore you with the list, but a Summer favorite are BLTs.

I watch Top Chef all the time, and the other day thought about what a deconstructed BLT would look like. Still, all I did was make the toast, slice the lettuce and tomato, cook the bacon and voila. In a way, I am still doing the same old thing, even though this is a time to try new ways of bringing meat and vegetables together. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to think outside the box when it comes to meals. I’m going to try and spice it up, deconstruct it, or even bring the same ingredients together in new ways. This is an opportunity for me to get excited about what happens in the kitchen 3 times a day, each day of the year.

These times call us to be innovative and intentional in what we do. As we begin to come back together for in-person worship, we are also discovering that our time together is very different. There are masks and social distancing. Notices are posted on the doors of our churches, informing us what we need to do to stay safe. We are creating a new way of relating to one another, a new recipe for being in relationship with one another and with our Lord. We have the opportunity to try something new as we gather to celebrate worshiping together. We can share our story and God’s story for us in ways that deepen our understanding of what it means to be God’s children in these days. May we embrace this time as a way to start afresh and begin anew. And Amen.

When Words Fail

Posted on by Bode

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 will be different.

Rev. Sharpton asked for 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence, to close the memorial service.  This is the amount of time Minneapolis police restrained George Floyd, knelt on his back and neck and ended his life. This is one of many images that I have watched as news coverage of protests continue.  The mural of George Floyd, with the words “I CAN BREATHE NOW” etched across the bottom is a poignant tribute to this tragedy.

Pictures and videos have shown us at our best.  Protestors protecting a storefront so it would not be looted, policemen and women marching with protestors and kneeling in solidarity with those asking for change.  People walking and gathering together to seek justice and bring voice to the systemic racism which is too much a part of our nation’s heritage. 

Unfortunately, there are also pictures which show us at our worst.  People breaking into stores, smashing windows, destroying merchandise and looting.  Setting buildings and cars on fire with little regard for who might be injured.  Police officers shoving a 75-year-old man to the ground and then walking by him without stopping to determine the extent of his injuries. 

I wish that I could find the right words to bridge the gap that racism has caused and is causing in our nation.  I also wish that we could have the conversation that would truly begin the healing process, laying the foundation for a new and better relationship with one another. 

There are other images that have helped me during these past two weeks.  Items I have taken for granted in my home, which are bringing me peace and comfort, in the midst of the sorrow and anguish I am feeling. 

On one wall in my living room is a cross I received from Haiti.  People from all over the world are painted on the cross illustrating that our Savior is there for all of us.  In my kitchen is a cross made out of the name of our Savior.  And there is also a painting of Jesus surrounded by a crown of light which hangs in my study.  These are ways that I am reminded that God is with us.  Especially during this time, our Lord continues to walk beside us.  And when necessary, God lifts us into His loving arms to comfort us.  May we continue to lift up one another in prayer, and share God’s love with one another, as God has shared His enduring love with each of us.  And Amen. 

                 

 

Midwest District