Tag: Lent
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
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
A Time To Laugh, A Time To Mourn, A Time to Laugh
Sunday was a day of celebration as many churches throughout the District and Conference found innovative ways to commemorate Palm Sunday. Although we were unable to gather in our places of worship to wave palms and shout loud hosannas, I still felt the excitement that this Holy Day brings. I have had the honor of… Continue Reading A Time To Laugh, A Time To Mourn, A Time to Laugh
Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
The title of this week’s Puzzler’s Corner comes from a song I learned in Elementary School, back when we sang Christian songs and there were music classes. The verses of this song capture what these 6 ½ weeks of our Christian year are all about. Like Jesus, we must spend time in a valley of… Continue Reading Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
Becoming More Like Jesus Everyday
The winter of 2019 is quickly becoming a memory. I learned new phrases to describe the snowstorms that brought the state to a standstill in late January and a good part of February. Polar vortex and cyclone bomb have been added to our lexicon. As I write this blog post, all but a few inches… Continue Reading Becoming More Like Jesus Everyday
A Sobering Moment
We are midway through the season of Lent. Each year I commit to giving something up, as well as taking on a new spiritual discipline. Often, I spend these 6 ½ weeks in prayer, sometimes by reading the Psalms, and others creating or reading a different prayer each day. I try to pray without ceasing… Continue Reading A Sobering Moment