Seeking an antidote to loneliness

Bishop David Alan Bard urges us to cultivate a culture of connection and encourage virtues of kindness and respect as an antidote to the loneliness and meanness we see today.

A community of kindness

Bishop David Alan Bard expresses gratitude for the Christlike kindness he and his family have received following his mother’s death.

Camp community shows up

Liz Carr tells a story of how campers at Lake Louise showed up to surround a fellow camper with love and care following the unexpected death of his mother.

Good to be together

Attendees reflect on their experiences at this year’s Annual Conference, feeling renewed and inspired as they return home to their places of ministry.

How faith builds your resilience skills

Ryan Dunn writes on the relationship between our Christian faith and resilience when facing adversity and stress. RYAN DUNN Rethink Church We all know resilience is a necessity for bouncing… Continue Reading How faith builds your resilience skills

Three great gifts of Christian camping

The Rev. David Berkey, Executive Director of Michigan Area United Methodist Camping, talks about the powerful spiritual gifts of camping.

Helping Our Neighbors in Kalamazoo

Using a Peace with Justice grant, the Phone Ministry Project of First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, MI  distributed cell phones and service to over 100 of their homeless neighbors.

Ways to connect with your neighbors

People are hungry for relationships. The Rev. Dirk Elliott says, “Maybe now more than any time in our past, we need to find ways to connect and build relationships with… Continue Reading Ways to connect with your neighbors

Your values are important

Meet the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne, newly appointed Assistant to the Bishop, as she discerns her top three values from a list ranging from  “Accountability” to “Wisdom.” 

The 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 the sessions are held in-person or online.