Seeking peace in Gaza from Michigan

In this op-ed, retired pastor Glenn Wagner shares lessons learned from his visits to the Middle East, observations on the current conflict, and thoughts on possible solutions.

Awaiting resurrection

Looking toward Easter, Bishop David Bard says evil causes us to yearn for a new world where hunger is a memory and war is ancient history.

Where is God in the fog?

Disturbing events in our day cause us to question God’s presence and purpose, but the imperative to love, as Jesus demonstrated to a blind man, continues to be clear.

Christmas calls for a sober resolve

Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann asks us to pause in our Christmas celebrations to ponder how the world can become a safer place for children and all those vulnerable to the… Continue Reading Christmas calls for a sober resolve

Bishops call for peacemaking in Holy Land

The United Methodist Council of Bishops released a statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict amid rising international calls for a cease-fire. The bishops say they want to encourage work toward long-lasting… Continue Reading Bishops call for peacemaking in Holy Land

Expanding our empathy

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

Pursue what makes for peace

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.

Lessons from the Wilderness

Life-changing things happen in the wilderness. The Rev. Glenn Wagner describes what happened to Jesus and what happened to him in the remote desert in Israel.

Holy Land with Bards November, 2018

  Eighty persons have signed up for the Bishop’s Holy Land Classic Journey and there’s still room for more! O November 12-21, 2018, Bishop David Bard and his wife Julie… Continue Reading Holy Land with Bards November, 2018

Twenty years in Bethlehem

Janet Lahr Lewis reflects on her years spent as a United Methodist missionary in Israel and Palestine.