District News - Page 22 of 24

God Is Making All Things New

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Bode

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 they were feeling was replaced with joy and awe. And those words now echo through the centuries. “Jesus is not here. He is risen.” (Matthew 28:6, Mark 16: 6, Luke 24: 6)

During Kids Time of the Easter service I attended, the pastor asked the children what was so special about this particular Sunday. She asked them to share the miraculous news of the empty tomb with someone in the congregation. Excitedly, the children walked around the Sanctuary, telling people that the Lord is risen. They continued to spread the Good News of this great morning.

I began thinking about how the world changed on that Holy Sunday morning. If there was one word I would use to describe Easter, it would be new. At the dawn of a new day, the darkness of Good Friday, and the sorrowful Sabbath the disciples endured, was dispelled by God’s great light. Jesus’ life began anew, when the Lord raised Him from the dead. The disciples’ received the Great Commission from our resurrected Lord. They were called to a new mission for the transformation of the world.

The empty tomb was and is a symbol of new hope for Jesus’ followers. For our Lord, all things are possible. Death is not the end. We all have the promise of new life because of what the Lord has done for us. While Jesus walked among us, He gave us a new Commandment to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

And on the night in which our Savior gave Himself up for us, so that you and I might live, He established a new covenant for the disciples and the world. Each time we partake of the bread and the cup, we remember God’s commitment to us and our devotion to our creator.

Our journey of salvation and redemption continues with each new day. We are able to transform lives, bring hope, live out the Great Commandment and share in the finest bread and sweetest juice as we remember and renew the covenant that the Lord brought to all. Let us celebrate what the Lord has done for us. For the Lord is risen, the Lord is risen indeed. And Amen.

Were You There?

Posted on April 16, 2019April 16, 2019 by Bode

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 their voices in song; a prayer for this ancient structure, a prayer for those battling the fire, and a prayer for what people around the world were witnessing. The commitment to rebuild the church came quickly, even before Tuesday’s dawn revealed how much damage there has been.

We are in the middle of Holy Week. Tomorrow, on Maundy Thursday, many of us will gather to celebrate the beginnings of the Last Supper. This is a solemn time for us as we remember our Savior’s sorrowful journey to the cross. Each year, I can’t help but wonder how that night, and our Savior’s life might’ve unfolded differently, if one of the disciples had remained with Him.

I know that the Gospels inform us that this was the path Jesus had to take for our salvation. And yet, if John, James, Thomas or even Peter had declared their support, would that night have been any different? As I enter into a time of deep sorrowful meditation and reflection, I still struggle with this “what if”. We are an Easter people who know that Sunday is coming, that our Savior’s death was only temporary, and that His Resurrection is assured.

For now, as we once again lift up the events of Thursday and Friday, may we give the Lord thanks for all that He has done for our salvation. We have been forgiven for all the ways in which we have broken the covenant with our God. We have received an invitation to be a part of the heavenly banquet which will hold the finest bread and the sweetest cup. We have been cleansed by the one who has many names, including the Lamb of God. We live in the loving embrace of our Creator, who is with us as we journey through valleys, face struggles and carry the burdens that sometimes life will bring.

May you be blessed as we remember this Holy Thursday and Friday and know that Easter is coming. And Amen.

A “Stitching” Challenge to Start the New Year

Posted on January 7, 2019April 16, 2019 by Bode

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 wave of people going to the store to return or exchange items has also decreased. Those who measure the economy during this time will be crunching numbers and announce whether or not this has been a banner year. That is the way most of our retail world works. For them, the opportunity to celebrate Christmas is gone. I’m not sure if they even pause between taking away the Christmas items and bringing out the Valentine Day ones.

Many of us have also begun to undecorate our homes. As I write this article, I am celebrating El Dia de los Reyes. It is the 12th day of Christmas. On my Christian calendar, it is also the Epiphany of the Lord. Is it possible that only 12 days later, we need a reminder that Jesus didn’t come for just a season, but to transform the world forever? According to the Gospel text of Matthew, which contains the narrative of the 3 Wise Men (Matthew 2: 1-12), they were the first Gentile messengers to carry the news of our Savior’s birth to other nations. Lost in antiquity is what happened when the 3 Wise Men returned to their homes. We never discover if anyone else made the journey to see the baby Jesus. We can only wonder if, like in the film Ben Hur, one of the Wise Men returns to find Jesus as a grown man. Balthazar, never lost his sense of wonder and amazement each time he beheld Jesus.

I am hoping the same is true for all of us. The spirit of Emmanuel is with us, not only on Christmas Day, but also each day of our lives. I am hoping that in the New Year one of our resolutions can be to keep the spirit of Christmas alive each day. With that in mind, I am inviting each faith community in the Midwest District to help with a giving project.

Below is a flyer, asking us to continue to make prayer shawls, lap blankets, cancer hats and port pillows for those who are in need. Can we take a little more time to knit or crochet just one more shawl? Can we cut, measure and sew just one more lap blanket? Or can we even try a new pattern and make a hat to replace hair that has fallen out because of chemotherapy? Can we learn how to make a port pillow and use up some remnants? And as we take on each new project, can we lift up those in prayer who need to know the spirit of giving is alive and well in each of us? Items will be accepted at the listed drop off sites between now and Ash Wednesday. I am hoping that each church already has or can begin a new ministry that reaches out with the spirit of giving to those in need of prayer and healing.

And Amen.

STORY UPDATE:

This story and challenge will be featured on UMC.org in the near future! Videographer Jessup Warnock — from UM Communications in Nashville — came (April 6-11) to take photos and conduct video interviews for this story. A few photos from our shoot at Cornerstone Church: 84th Street Campus, Midwest District Office and Spectrum Health: Butterworth Campus are below!

Detailed Flyer with links to patterns is ⇒ HERE

Donation Sites

Big Rapids Area: Big Rapids First UMC
Muskegon Area: Mercy Health Mercy Campus Please email Jan Johnson for delivery instructions [email protected]
Grand Rapids Area: Midwest District Office

This Little Light of Mine

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Bode

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 was a sleepover for one of the children. She and her friends added another circle to the one already set up to bask in the glow of the flames. Each fire burned for about six hours before the flame began to ebb. From time to time, I looked out my window to watch the flames as they danced in the night. When the fire started they were about three feet high, but as the night progressed, they dwindled down to no more than a few inches. I was never up late enough to see the flames go out. And from my angle, I couldn’t see where the embers were, as the burning logs created their own bed of glowing ash.

By daylight, there weren’t any remnants of the bonfire. The flame my neighbors lit was short-lived. Still, it created a time of togetherness for family and friends. Even my dog, Tucker, was able to watch the flames and get a couple of rubs from the children next door. I have used candles and fireplace flames as part of my centering meditation; before, during and after prayer. There is a different kind of peace which is reflected in the dancing light of fire.

There is another flame in our lives. We call it the eternal flame. There is a special spot in each church reserved for this heaven-sent light. Sometimes its container is difficult to see. The light is small and often sits in a red vessel perched high above the altar. Rarely have I heard anyone talk about its significance during the time of worship. The flame which shines in the Sanctuary is a reminder of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Our denomination is at a crossroads. I don’t know what the future holds. I hear the voices of those who believe the ruling from Generation Conference means we are done. I also hear the voices of those who believe we are just beginning a new conversation around how we care for those who are marginalized and discriminated.

The eternal flame still burns in each worship space within our District, across the nation and around the world. The Holy Spirit of the living God dwells within each of us, calling us to be transformative agents for the world. God’s light will never go out. It is fueled by the love God shares with all of us. It is a reminder that God is still at work in the world, in our lives and in all that we say and do for the least, the lost, the sick and the sinners, who journey with us or may even be us. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to continue to be God’s instruments of grace, peace and especially love every day. And Amen.

Share the Light Within You

Posted on December 19, 2018April 3, 2019 by Bode

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 be. First, I was to find the Constellation Orion, then look northeast-ish from there, to find Taurus. Using the red star, as a guide, then I was to locate the Pleiades star cluster. The comet was just below that, and looks like a green ball. A lot of work for a soft blur. In searching for that one specific light, I was still amazed by the number of stars visible in my backyard. I could see hundreds of stars, despite the brightness of the moon. The comet only added to the wonder of starlit nights during December.

There are other lights that are a part of this season. A Christmas Tree isn’t truly decorated unless there are lights on it. Some people invested time in the Summer months hanging lights that would only be displayed during this time of the year. Luckily, there are stores which offer us standing sleighs, reindeers and even Nativity scenes with their own lighting. No need to untangle the strings of lights anymore.

The most special light I have seen this year sits in the Sanctuary of one of our churches. The light’s journey is a remarkable story of Emmanuel, God with us. The flame began at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The church commemorates the birthplace of our Lord and Savior. A flame from the Grotto of Jesus’ birth was taken to light a candle which made its journey across the waters between Israel and the United States. One of our pastors then went to Lansing where the light was being displayed, and brought it to the Grand Rapids area.

If that light could speak, imagine the story it would tell. In a way it was born and laid in a special little chamber, to make it ready to travel around the world. Every so often, someone might look at it to make sure that it didn’t go out. The vessel which held the light needed to be checked every so often, to make sure that there was enough fuel to sustain it. Traveling over land, water and possibly by air, the little lamp would’ve been jostled and wind blown as it made it from point to point. At each destination, people would come and touch the flame, and what was once a single light became hundreds, maybe even thousands more. Each of those lights has been touched by people who have wanted to bring a bit of God’s light into their churches and homes. That first light came from the eternal flame located in the Grotto of the Nativity. And, in just a few short weeks, the light has spread around the world.

The pastor in our District carried the light from Lansing to Grand Rapids, and from Grand Rapids to Cedar Springs. The light has been in their church, shining each day, and reminding us of the light which is to come. Over the past couple of weeks, I have looked through my supply of candles, trying to determine which one I would take to the church. That way, I could keep the light from Bethlehem in my home until Christmas. I realized that candles don’t last forever. Even if I used my tallest one, I could only keep the flame going for about 24 hours. I thought about purchasing a lantern, but then I would need to trim the wick and refill the oil regularly, to keep the flame burning.

As I attended a Cantata at the church yesterday, I realized I could take a picture of the flame, and store it in my phone and on my computer (Dare I say “duh”?). That way, each time I see it, I will be reminded of the place of our Savior’s birth and how that one event continues to transform our lives. I share it with you and invite you to remember that the light of Christmas, present in this lantern, also shines in each of our hearts. Imagine how the world would be transformed, if each of us shared the light which is in us with another person. I believe that is how the wondrous news of Jesus’ birth was intended. Go tell it on the mountain! Jesus Christ is born!

I wish each of you and your families the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years.

Winter is Here But Spring is Coming!

Posted on January 30, 2019April 3, 2019 by Bode

“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 6^th time in its history. By Saturday, according to those most familiar with our weather patterns, there will be a significant warm up.

This brings me to one of my favorite events. Saturday is Groundhog’s Day. Punxsutawney Phil will once again make an appearance, informing us how much longer this particular winter will last. If you have never visited the website, in these days when we are huddled in our homes, please take a moment to check it out HERE. The tradition, history and humor around the care and comfort of Phil (who according to the information there will be celebrating his 133^rd birthday) may bring some warmth and sunshine to your day.

I can probably guess that Phil will give us 6 more weeks of winter. The good news is that spring is coming. The promise of new life, new growth and new possibilities follow a time of dormancy, even if it comes from seasons of the year. As we do every spring, we will celebrate the hope and promise of the risen Savior just as flowers begin to bloom, transforming the land around us into a kaleidoscope of colors. Our faith is renewed. Our dedication to the One we serve is re-invigorated. Our relationship with our Creator God is deepened. And the love we share shapes us in amazing and wonderful ways.

As we look toward clearer skies and warmer weather, I invite you to hold the promise of spring in your hearts. Please take time each day to celebrate the risen Savior is in our lives. Seek ways to help those who are suffering through this Arctic blast. Lift one another up in prayer as we prepare for one of the holiest seasons of our Christian year. Be assured that our Lord is ever present in all that we say and do in His name. And Amen.

Prayer, An Essential Part of our Christian Identity

Posted on February 6, 2019April 3, 2019 by Bode

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. Last month, I sent out an invitation to create prayer shawls, lap blankets, cancer caps and port pillows for those in need of support during a time of spiritual or physical trial. I encourage each church to invest time in making something for those who are ill, grieving, or in distress. Praying for those who are facing struggles will make a difference in their lives and in ours. Embracing these items as we create them for others, will touch and transform lives.

Our founder, John Wesley, spoke of the importance of prayer in his sermon: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection. In his sermon, John Wesley encouraged his listeners to embrace the words of First Thessalonians 5:17; to pray without ceasing. Wesley stated that by practicing constant prayer, we express our desire to please our Lord and exhibit our love for our Creator.

Prayer is an essential part of who we are as Christians. The cares and concerns we lift up to our Lord, the names we share and the words we utter deepen our relationship with God. The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers for all times. Some, like the 23^rd Psalm, we know by heart. This particular psalm offers us comfort in times of loss. It also gives us assurance that we are never alone. There are 149 other psalms that give us ways to express how we are feeling when we struggle to find any words or seek to find the right words. Let us find ways to pray for one another, speaking the words of the Psalms or sharing the words in our hearts.

The special General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri will convene between February 23 and 26^th. Our denomination is at a crossroads. If you have not already committed to doing so, I invite you to pray for the delegates, the Conferences they represent, and the decisions before us all, between 2:23 and 2:26 pm each day. Pray the psalms. Speak from your hearts. Share your thoughts, hopes even your anxieties as this crucial time for our denomination approaches. May the Lord bless us and keep us in His loving embrace, now and always. And Amen.

I Have A Dream Too!

Posted on January 23, 2019April 3, 2019 by Bode

“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 with our family. Their eldest daughter had presented them with their first grandchild. They were raising a teenager and two toddlers. If they had known what an historic moment the March on Washington would become, they might’ve traveled there to hear Dr. King speak.

Still, they embraced his words as they began to invest in their daughters’ future. We grew up to be an actress, an administrative assistant, a physician and a professor who then answered the call to ministry. My parents did all that they could to ensure that my sisters and I could achieve the dreams and goals we had for our lives. That doesn’t mean it was easy.

My sisters and I all struggled to succeed. Some of the barriers before us were of our own making. Other pitfalls and detours occurred because we dared to make a difference and to be the new voice, inviting others to see the world through our eyes.

Our Lord called me to service in another way. I don’t consider the ministry as my second career. All that has come before has been in preparation for the journey we now share. Because I also have a dream. My dream comes from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22: 37-40. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I still dream for a better world, built on a foundation of love. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech encouraged the people who accompanied him on a journey to Washington, D. C. to create new ways of being in relationship with each other, just as the Greatest Commandment calls us to love God and one another with our entire selves. This is what I hope for each of us as I celebrate Dr. King’s message and legacy. May we one day live out what it means to truly embrace each other with God’s love at all times and in all ways. And Amen.

Clergy Disciple Groups

Posted on January 16, 2019April 3, 2019 by Bode

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 have been created are more than clusters or zones. I invite and encourage each of you to connect with those persons in your groups to pray together, speak with one another and listen to one another as this year unfolds.

It is also important that we continue to reach out in mission and ministry to those who have yet to learn of God’s presence in their lives. It is essential that we model love and grace for those who hunger and thirst to be heard and understood. It is our calling to be God’s messengers in today’s world; bringing the Good News of Christ to those who attend our church, those who knock at our doors and those who are still seeking to find a place which will feed and transform their spirits.

Faith communities in the Midwest District are already engaging in transformative ministry in our neighborhoods. Together we can do more than each church has already accomplished. Speak with one another about what you’re doing. Envision a new ministry that can be shared by members of your Disciple Group. May it lead you to create new spaces for new faces, as we continue to fulfill the Great Commission. Reflect upon the Holy Bible and how it continues to shape your servant leadership.

May the Lord bless you and keep you during this year,

Rev. Dr. Margie Crawford
Midwest District Superintendent

November 21, 2018

Posted on November 21, 2018April 3, 2019 by Bode

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 those orange and white barrels, symbols of the continuing roadwork that is ever present in the area, reminding us our roads are also in a constant state of transformation.

Events in our lives cause us to constantly adapt to what is new. The communication industry is far different than it was, even just 18 months ago. Phones have been so much more than a way to reach out and touch someone for a long time. Many companies, like banks, airlines, and even local stores, encourage us to download an app to manage our money, travel and stock our shelves.

Drones, virtual helmets and of course video games have changed what play time is like. Does anyone still play board games anymore? And television isn’t what it once was. It’s not about cable or a satellite dish. Now, one can purchase viewing packages, making viewing truly personal. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN-Plus and Sling TV are among those companies offering a new wave of home entertainment.

The list goes on. Nothing in our lives remains static. Each day brings more surprises about the latest innovations, and what is becoming nostalgic. One of the most amazing changes for me, has been in the area of cooking. Growing up, I learned to cook by watching my parents, following recipes in a variety of cookbooks and then adding my own variation on the theme. Through programs like Top Chef and The Next Food Network Star, I learned that cooking could be an art. I learned new words to describe

Our church is changing as much as the world around us. Through technology we can stream our worship services, presenting God’s word for those who are unable to make it to church for a variety of reasons. Music runs the gamut from classical to new age. And the spirit of the Lord is present in every song. Some pastors incorporate Youtube as part of their message, others invite members of the congregation to share how our Lord has also touched their lives.

As we prepare to enter the season of Advent, may we embrace these weeks as a time to dream what is possible, living into the hope of what can be. Our Lord is constantly at work in our lives, transforming us, so that we may transform the world. God is making all things new. And Amen.

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