Category: Uncategorized
Walking in rhythm in 2022
Though 2022 is not starting as the “new new year we were hoping for,” Bishop David Bard encourages Michigan United Methodists to “keep moving” in the direction of God’s grace … Let’s face it, 2022 was not the new new year we were hoping for. The sermon I prepared for the Minnesota Conference for January… Continue Reading Walking in rhythm in 2022
Thoughts on the 4th of July
In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Bard talks about being a citizen of America. He says, “Even as we celebrate the United States … We need to see where we have fallen short of our highest ideals.” … Every year my birthday falls ten days before the celebration of the United States of America… Continue Reading Thoughts on the 4th of July
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 sessions are held in-person or online … Let me confess to you that I really miss not being together in person for annual conference. I miss the handshakes and the hugs. I… Continue Reading Joyful journey to annual conference
The way of love
Lent is a time to focus on spiritual disciplines. Bishop David Bard calls Michigan United Methodists to intentional focus on the discipline of love through patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, and humility… For a brief month, there is a lot that happens in February. President’s Day is February 15. The day prior, February 14, is Valentine’s Day.… Continue Reading The way of love
Redeeming the Season
Uncertain times present an opportunity for “redeeming the season,” says Bishop David Bard. He adds, “Redeeming the season remembers that we are involved in a long work.” … A favorite Bible study method for me involves comparing various English translations and renditions of a passage of Scripture. Doing so reminds me that the Scriptures we… Continue Reading Redeeming the Season
Loss and learning
What does it take to remain faithful during a season of loss? Bishop David Bard asserts that, as followers of Jesus, learning about self-giving love is important … Psalm 116:10 is rather startling. “I have remained faithful, even when I said, ‘I am suffering so badly!’” (Common English Bible) Life for all of us, including… Continue Reading Loss and learning
Small moments
A morning TV show reminds Bishop David Bard of the importance of small moments for happiness. He expresses gratitude for such times he has experienced in the weeks just past … Waking up and getting ready for work a couple of days following annual conference, and most days work is just down the hall. I… Continue Reading Small moments
Next faithful steps
The road to a just society in America stretches before us. Bishop David Bard encourages all to take faithful steps in working against racism while walking the road with Christ … If you say, “Look, we did not know this” – does not the Weigher of Hearts discern? ~ Proverbs 24:12a Walking you make the road.… Continue Reading Next faithful steps
Pastors, prophets, politics, & pandemics
In this month’s Joyful Journey blog, Bishop David Bard, with heart broken open, talks about the appropriate place of politics in our decision making about coronavirus and actions against racism …
Hard travelin’
Reflecting on Paul and Woodie Guthrie, Bishop David Bard talks about some things we are learning during this hard time of global pandemic … “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death… Continue Reading Hard travelin’