Category: Michigan Area Leadership
Foster a dialogic culture in the church
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Alan Bard asks us to dedicate ourselves to creating a spacious church with a dialogic culture where conversations are respectful, rich, and deep.
It’s time to set a ‘souls goal’ for 2023
Church leaders may be surprised how few people need to join your chuch in order to be a missional “success” this year.
A change of heart that’s never too late
The Rev. Paul Perez reflects on his family’s tradition of watching Christmas movies and names this year’s favorite, a movie that depicts a Christmas conversion of the heart.
Prepare our hearts for Jesus
In this Advent edition of Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard encourages us to open our hearts, our lives, and our communities so Jesus can show up in us and through… Continue Reading Prepare our hearts for Jesus
Being the church while it’s under construction
As we continue to face the uncertainty of The United Methodist Church’s future, Rev. Dwayne Bagley asks us to rely on God’s faithfulness and respond with faithfulness in return.
Three takeaways from NCJ Conference
The Rev. Paul Perez, clergy delegate, lists three important takeaways from last week’s North Central Jurisdictional Conference that every Michigan United Methodist should pay attention to.
Press on for Jesus Christ
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard reflects on North Central Jurisdictional Conference, scheduled for November 2-5, 2022, and what it means for him and the missional work we’ve… Continue Reading Press on for Jesus Christ
Where death and life sit side by side
The Rev. Paul Perez gives reasons for creating his ofrenda, an altar display rooted in his Mexican heritage, as a way to process loss and grief alongside moments of joy… Continue Reading Where death and life sit side by side
Listen to autumn’s reverie
Bishop David Bard, in this month’s Joyful Journey, invites us to slow down during the changing seasons, pay attention, and take time to appreciate life’s good gifts.
Eat this bread, drink this cup
The commemoration of World Communion Sunday serves as an opportunity to appreciate the redemptive work of Christ on the cross as we embody Christlike empathy and compassion in our response… Continue Reading Eat this bread, drink this cup