The gift of new wineskins

The Rev. Dr. Jerome DeVine cautions pastors and laypersons to not put the “new wine” produced during the pandemic back into old wineskins.

‘Hub of hope’ in Washington Heights

On June 5 of the Michigan Annual Conference, Washington Heights Church & Community received the “One Matters Award” from Discipleship Ministries.

Pandemic turning point at hand

Bishop David Bard thanks church leaders for their patience and careful planning for the common good as a corner is turned in the pandemic.

Juggling life in a pandemic

Yeo Jin Yun is a US-2 serving in Detroit since August 2019. She believed she was “doing a great job juggling the different elements of pandemic living.” Then she hit… Continue Reading Juggling life in a pandemic

UM Publishing House rebounds

The pandemic and trends in church life and publishing forced the United Methodist Publishing House to refocus product development and become leaner. Today, sales are moving up.

Faith to hang on and keep going

In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard shares about a squirrel hanging onto a branch in the wind. It reminds him how faith and trust in Christ hold us… Continue Reading Faith to hang on and keep going

Take Both/And approach to worship

The methodology for streaming worship completely shifted paradigms twelve months ago when the pandemic began. The Both/And workshop helps the next transition.

COVID finish line in sight

COVID cases are currently at the highest level in Michigan since the start of 2021, and positive cases continue to rise. Bishop David Bard encourages continued patience and caution.

Now is the time for some new beginnings

The Bible says that great beginnings don’t just happen. Here are examples of how pastors and laity have partnered with God to do the cultivation needed to nurture new life.

Delegates push back on COB plans

Delegates in the U.S., including the Michigan Conference, question plans by the Council of Bishops (COB) around the postponement of episcopal elections until 2024.