Category: Bishop’s Blog
The many masks we wear
We put masks on. We take masks off. Both actions are important says Bishops David Bard as he considers the pandemic, division in The United Methodist Church, and uncovering events… Continue Reading The many masks we wear
Were you made for times like this?
Bishop David Bard reflects on this season of life and ministry and says nuanced thinking and tragic optimism are needed during a time of grief, trauma, and challenge … It… Continue Reading Were you made for times like this?
Come, let us reason together
Racism, division in the denomination, mission, vision, and inclusion are areas around which congregations can reason together says Bishop David Bard in this month’s Joyful Journey … “Come now, let… Continue Reading Come, let us reason together
Thoughts on the 4th of July
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard talks about being a citizen of America. He says, “Even as we celebrate the United States … We need to see where… Continue Reading Thoughts on the 4th of July
Joyful journey to annual conference
Bishop David Bard has not missed an annual conference session since 1984. He believes that conference can be a means of grace, whether sessions are held in-person or online …… Continue Reading Joyful journey to annual conference
Faith to hang on and keep going
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard shares about a squirrel hanging onto a branch in the wind. It reminds him how faith and trust in Christ hold us… Continue Reading Faith to hang on and keep going
In the midst of life
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard says, “In the midst of life, we are in death.” Then he proclaims with joy, ” Death is real, so, too, resurrection.”… Continue Reading In the midst of life
Holding it together
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop Bard considers what scripture, poets, and everyday experience reveal about the challenges of holding it together … “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”… Continue Reading Holding it together
The way of love
Lent is a time to focus on spiritual disciplines. Bishop David Bard calls Michigan United Methodists to intentional focus on the discipline of love through patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, and humility…… Continue Reading The way of love
Maturity of mind and heart
How do we grow in Christian maturity? Bishop David Bard notes that growth is difficult in the social media age. He encourages intellectual curiosity, complex thinking, and a generous spirit… Continue Reading Maturity of mind and heart