Category: Michigan Area Leadership
Living out our connectionalism
![People locking arms](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/kasper_blog_TOP.jpg)
Rev. John Kasper, superintendent of the Central Bay District, highlights a new district initiative called Connexion Zones, where pastors and churches collaborate and partner together.
Learning and then loving rightly
![Open book with pages folded in shape of heart](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/book_heart_TOP.jpg)
Reflecting on Black History Month, Bishop David Bard encourages us to do our part in cultivating hearts and souls that love more deeply and intelligently.
Mental health care is a justice matter
![](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/king_TOP.jpg)
Deacon Michelle King shares her story of mental illness and why she commits to fighting for justice so that everyone gets the treatment they need — no matter what.
DS highlights new ministry and growth
![](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/western_waters_TOP.jpg)
Rev. Jodie Flessner, superintendent of the Western Waters District, sees new life and purpose emerging in many places in the newly formed district.
Making all things new
![Winter sunrise](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/winter_dawn_TOP.jpg)
Bishop David Bard asks how we might see this new year as an opportunity to focus forward and to reaffirm that God is working to make all things new.
Love grounds vibrant congregations
![Dirk Elliott](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dirk_elliott_TOP.jpg)
As he enters retirement, Rev. Dirk Elliott gives thanks for the conference ministry he’s helped lead and looks ahead to the ongoing work of congregational vibrancy.
Kindness matters this Christmas
![Christmas tree ornament with Mary and Joseph](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bishop_blog_christmas_kindness.jpg)
In this season of love, Bishop David Bard invites us to let the Holy Spirit enlarge our hearts so they stay a little bigger and kinder.
Expanding our empathy
![Flower emerging from fire](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bishop_empathy_TOP.jpg)
In response to ongoing war and violence, Bishop David Alan Bard calls us to rigorous discipleship as we open ourselves to new ideas, deeper acts of care, and fresh initiatives… Continue Reading Expanding our empathy
Traveling lightly
![Backpacker preparing to climb mountain](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/traveling_lite_TOP.jpg)
In this season of change, Rev. Scott Harmon suggests that we pack lightly as we sort through our belongings and ready ourselves for transformation.
Pursue what makes for peace
![Olive branch full of olives](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/peace_TOP.jpg)
On the news of war in Israel and Palestine, Bishop David Alan Bard asks us to pray deeply for peace and remain committed to Jesus’ call to be peacemakers.