On January 7th Bishop David A. Bard welcomed the Rev. Jodie Flessner and thanked the Rev. Anita Hahn  for service on The Michigan Conference Cabinet and the Northern Waters District.

JANUARY 07, 2019 | LANSING MI —  The Northern Waters District of The Michigan Conference will welcome a new district superintendent beginning July 1, 2019. 

Bishop David Alan Bard today announced the appointment of the Rev. Jodie Flessner, currently serving as the pastor at Caledonia United Methodist Church, to be the next district superintendent for the Northern Waters District.  She follows the Rev. Anita Hahn who has served the maximum of eight years as a district superintendent. 

“In discerning a person to succeed Rev. Hahn, I wanted a person who also has a passionate faith in Jesus Christ and deep desire to help the church flourish in these changing times,” said Bishop Bard. “I wanted a person who has a solid record of leadership in local congregations and the wider United Methodist Church. In appointing the Rev. Jodie Flessner, I found such a person. Rev. Flessner has leadership experience in congregations, cooperative parishes, in the conference and the wider United Methodist Church. She brings to this position a deep faith, a pastor’s sensibility, experience with creative forms of ministry in rural areas, and a passion for helping the church be its best. I know she will work well with her colleagues and enhance our shared ministry as The Michigan Conference.” 

Bishop Bard also praised current District Superintendent Rev. Anita Hahn who served the Grand Traverse District, one-fifth of the Heartland District, and finally in the newly formed Northern Waters District. “In the midst of significant changes in our Michigan Conference, not to mention significant changes in the religious landscape of the United States, Rev. Hahn has led out of her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her passionate heart to reach new people in new ways with the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ.” Bard continued, “Her compassion, creativity, enthusiasm, and warm-hearted faith have been a gift to me, to the Cabinet, and West Michigan and Michigan conferences.” 

The bishop added, “I hope you will join me in expressing gratitude for both Rev. Anita Hahn and Rev. Jodie Flessner, and in praying for them both in this time of transition.” 

Last Updated on September 20, 2022