I am more aware this year than ever that our summer in northern Michigan is a precious and fleeting gift, to be savored at all cost. Neighbors in my neighborhood who hardly greet each other are quick to make conversation on the street about the beauty of these warm verdant days. Church programming slows down… Read More »
Close to Heart
Friends, Things have been quieter around my house lately. My Debbie has been in New Hampshire the last month-and-a-half caring for her father who is recovering from illness and surgery. Deb and I will be married 35 years this month. As with all couples who have been together that long, we’ve lived and loved through… Read More »
Finding God at the Jail
It was a few years back when our church took a long hard look at our connections to our community neighbors within the few blocks radius of our building, and saw we could be doing a better job. We needed to become more “externally focused” with our vision to love and serve the neighbor. This… Read More »
Refocus: The Neighborhood
Thoughts by Pastor Dale I got new glasses the other day. I can see better or more specifically, I can focus better. I imagine I’ll need to do this again in a few years. Even so, I’m grateful for eyes to see God’s wonder around me. Refocusing is a part of life. Every now and… Read More »
Can Life Come From Death?
Jane & I traveled to southern Florida recently to see family, and to let our pasty skin see the light of day, for a change. We knew we would be only a few miles from the Florida community where Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School stands, and where the community would be holding a vigil of… Read More »
A Way Forward
A Way Forward Friends and Family in Christ, While vital expressions of mission are happening here at Central UMC and in the World-Wide United Methodist Church, major changes are coming to our denomination. For decades United Methodists have disagreed regarding the acceptance and inclusion of gay persons in the United Methodist Church. Since 1972 our… Read More »
Servanthood is like Medicine
Hello all! For my blog this time, I have the privilege of interviewing Connor Miller from our church. I caught up with Connor who is quite busy in his young career, but makes a priority of being in service to others. Here is our conversation – CHRIS: Hi Connor, I’ve appreciated getting to know you… Read More »
Praying to Dog
Dear Friends, No the title to this month’s blog is not a misprint. Nor did my dyslexia cause me to switch my “G” and “D.” I did something strange the other day and I can’t tell you how good it felt. I’m the kind of person who prays short prayers throughout the day. But I… Read More »
Healing Is Our Business
I believe when we are at our best as the Church is when we are in the business of healing the world. No doubt, it is messy work to better our world, & with few signs the work is ever done. But to labor for healing & reconciliation in the broken places of people’s lives… Read More »
SOARing to New Heights
Recently Central Church hosted a gathering of leaders to envision new vitality for our congregation. It was a fun and interactive morning of looking at Central’s Strengths, Opportunities and Aspirations. A few of the strengths named by the 50 people in attendance included: Welcoming Inclusive Passionate Sense of Mission Many opportunities to serve Outreaching Dynamic… Read More »
