Category: Michigan Area Leadership
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 in our history.
Let’s be mindful of the journey
Advice for the Christian journey. “If we only focus on the end, we and many others will miss wonders and scenes and outlooks that God would love for us to experience,” says the Rev. John Kasper.
Motivated to live our Christian values
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne offers “three insights that should be motivating us to dream up new ways of living our values and carrying out our purposes as United Methodist congregations.”
Re-founding Methodist movement in Michigan
Part three on Strategic Directions of The Michigan Conference. Rev. Paul Perez shares the Vision Statement behind the Strategic Directions: “re-founding a Methodist movement through new ministries in new communities.”
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.
Women and the global pandemic
The Division on the Status and Role of Women shares research of “alarming disparities in the number of women losing their jobs compared to the number of men” during the pandemic.
The challenges that face us
By the Rev. Paul Perez, this month’s blog is part two of a series reflecting on the Michigan Conference’s Strategic Directions. It focuses on the missional and connectional challenges facing the conference.
The importance of listening well
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne asserts, “Listening well changes you. It can change your mind, change your decision-making, even change your life. When you’re asked to listen, really listen!”
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.
Two copper coins for adovah
The Hebrew word “adovah” translates to both “work” and “worship.” LuAnn Rourke offers two pieces of counsel for how to move forward with worship work in challenging times.