Tag: COVID-19
Six Degrees
This is one of those theories that defy explanation. Like many people in the latter part of the 20th century, I played a game version of the idea known as Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. My friends and I would try to connect other actors to this very prolific star. I believe the game could… Continue Reading Six Degrees
More Puzzle Pieces
The first time I came to Grand Rapids was nearly twenty years ago. At the time I was on the faculty at Wayne State University Medical School. I was taking Hebrew so I could read some of the Old Testament verses in their original language. That’s when I heard about the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit… Continue Reading More Puzzle Pieces
We’ve Come This Far by Faith
It is difficult to believe that we have been living with a pandemic for an entire year now. I spent those first few days rethinking how I would spend my Sabbath day. Before the pandemic, I often went to the movies or had lunch at Barnes and Noble, sampling a book or two while I… Continue Reading We’ve Come This Far by Faith
Soul Reset
In 2019, at the School for Pastoral Ministry, attendees were invited to begin reflecting on the theme for this annual session: “Streams of Healing Water.” The speakers for our time of gathering were Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, Chief Connectional Officer of the Connectional Table, and Rev. Junius B. Dotson, General Secretary and CEO of Discipleship Ministries. … Continue Reading Soul Reset
For Everything There is a Season
On Monday night, I watched a special broadcast on CNN which was a tribute to the people who have lost their lives to COVID. The program was only an hour long. Prayers were offered by Archbishop Wilton Gregory, and Rabbi Anne Brener during the segment I watched. Family members shared stories of someone they lost… Continue Reading For Everything There is a Season
The First Day
Today begins our Lenten journey of 2021. This year the time we spend in the valley which signifies this part of our Savior’s journey seems an extension of how we have spent most of the last year. And yet, these next 40 days (46 if we include Sundays) are set aside for us to reflect… Continue Reading The First Day
Paczkis
When Terrance and I first arrived in Michigan, it was Summer. We moved to the state from Iowa and were looking forward to watching the July 4th fireworks. At the time, we didn’t know that Detroit scheduled the annual display for late June, rather than on Independence Day. As we got to know the city,… Continue Reading Paczkis
Ash Wednesday & Lenten Resources
Michigan Conference website Lenten Resources page is HERE Bishop Bard has also offered some recommendations for the observance of Ash Wednesday — Click here to view The Lent Kit project below and pictured was submitted by Rev. Ryan Wieland, pastor at Grandville UMC. Lent Kits will be delivered by volunteers on February 15. Each kit… Continue Reading Ash Wednesday & Lenten Resources
God’s Call
When I first began my journey toward becoming a pastor, I was asked to share my call story frequently. I remember my first meeting with my District Superintendent, now Bishop Linda Lee. As we sat in her office, she invited me to share how I heard the Lord asking me to serve. Over the next… Continue Reading God’s Call
COVID-19 Resources
Click HERE for a very useful and thorough COVID-19 resource list curated by Rev. Dean Prentiss, pastor at Wesley Park UMC There is also much information on the Michigan Conference website page Health Risk Management page HERE Guidelines on how to count online worship attendance HERE The weekly Midwest District E-Newsletter is also a resource with… Continue Reading COVID-19 Resources