Tag: Grace
Cultivate a courageous heart

How are we to respond when witnessing the painful ways humans treat each other? Naomi García looks within to unlearn passive behavior and to cultivate a courageous heart and grace-filled… Continue Reading Cultivate a courageous heart
Invitation to a holy Lenten season

“The invitation to a holy Lent is an invitation to deep inner work, ” says Bishop David Bard. He offers reflections on how grace surrounds acts of repentance and self-examination.
Start the year with the Holy Spirit

The Rev. Paul Perez says, “I’m not a fan of January.” He turns to scripture and finds words of grace that lift the spirit. “You are one of God’s beloveds… Continue Reading Start the year with the Holy Spirit
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.
Music shares Jesus’ healing love

A hospice chaplain finds, “Music can awaken the deepest level of emotional response in positive ways.” It’s a tool that shares Jesus’ love.
Doing our best for God

The fourth in a series of reflections on life and faith during the COVID-19 era by District Superintendents of The Michigan Conference. The Rev. LuAnn Rourke shares how God and… Continue Reading Doing our best for God
Inspired stewardship enables ministry

Meet two women who are servant leaders in the Michigan Conference. Their faithful stewardship of resources has kept God’s people in ministry even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doing ministry in stressful times

2020 was a stressful time to be a pastor. Nearly 400 Michigan clergy joined Bishop Bard at an online event to focus on revitalization. Video recordings are now available to… Continue Reading Doing ministry in stressful times
Grace for a time of trauma

2020 has been marked by trauma — polarization, racial reckoning, economic hardship, denominational division, and fragility in our democracy. Bishop David Bard shares good news of God’s gift of grace.
Patience key in election bishop says

“I encourage patience with our election process,” says Bishop David Bard. He also offers a prayer as the nation heads toward the general election on November 3, 2020.