It’s April. One more, once!

Remembering Count Basie’s jazz tune, Bishop David Bard reflects on the unpredictable April weather and the eternal promise of Easter.

Rising above COVID with hope

Whether pandemic or endemic at this point, after two years, COVID leaves church leaders with challenges and opportunities. The third in a four-part series.

Pastors face another COVID new year

Michigan pastors see signs of hope even as the pandemic hangs on. Centered in Christ, they are partnering with laypersons in their congregations to “build a new kind of church.”

Path to real hope during Omicron

The COVID pandemic is approaching its two-year anniversary. Bishop David Bard offers suggestions churches might consider during the Omicron surge.

A holy season full of surprises

In this year’s Advent message, Bishop David Bard notes that some surprises are bad. But he adds we can also expect to be surprised by God’s joy, hope, and love… Continue Reading A holy season full of surprises

Wisdom for living in these times

“We don’t choose the times; the times choose us,” says the Rev. Jack Harnish. However, we can at all times “strive to live and work for the kingdom of God.”

Ten ways baseball is like church

“Most of us,” says Ryan Dunn, “are in a process of making sense of the mysteries of faith… and baseball.” Here are how the two compare.

Patrick Poag

From: Retirement … To: Central Bay District — Hope/Edenville/Dale UMCs. This full-time appointment begins July 1, 2021.

COVID challenges test their faith

This is the inspiring story of how the faith of four lay servants in southeast Michigan helped them cope with and manage COVID. 

God’s people wear big ears

The Rev. John Hice, superintendent of The East Winds District, recalls words of wisdom from Bishop Ivan Abrahams, spoken in 2007. “I hope that the churches will have big ears.”… Continue Reading God’s people wear big ears