Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Phil. 2:3, KJV).

A blessed Eastertide to you. I praise God for the ongoing love in resurrection that lures us into God’s possibilities. In this year of practicing hope, I have enjoyed your voices amplifying the deep goodness in our “good news” work. We enjoyed some attendance increases and a life-full spirit on Easter. Many of you joined with neighbors to worship on Holy Thursday or Good Friday, and many are joining cohorts and work that deepen our anti-racism commitments. These are signs of hope.

I was telling one of our clergypeople (we have so many gifted lay and clergy leaders) that these dispiriting signs of authoritarianism, the rise of detention centers, and brutal immigration enforcement have changed my poetry. My eyes have been on the sparrow, the small things among us that whisper gently about our interdependence—that by grace we are here for a kin-dom of mutual benefit.

This is nesting season. Every dry spear of grass made into a nest and every egg being cradled is a quiet resistance to this culture’s desperate appetite for going it alone. Where the King James Version renders Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3 and Galatians 5:26, the word “vainglory” shows up as a fruit of a desperate mind that often becomes guilty of overreaching behavior. Hear Philippians 2:3: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Mutual benefit is breaking out and ubuntu steps are among us each day. For this article, I would offer some tanka, a form of poetry that comes from Japan. They gently register diary-like moments. These keep an eye on the small as signs of hope. I will intersperse these with signs of our ministry so that your practice of hope is amplified as well.

Both conferences are gearing up for the United Methodist Church-wide appeal on May 17 to endow theological education in the formerly Central, now Regional, Conferences, such as those in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Learn more about the Bishop’s Appeal in the Northern Illinois Conference and the Miracle Sunday Appeal in Wisconsin.

A new ministry was launched in the Northern Illinois Conference on Palm Sunday: Table of Grace, led by Rev. Violet Johnicker. Details can be found at Table of Grace: A United Methodist faith community. There is also a nice pink “Give” button in the upper right-hand corner of the landing page.

In the Wisconsin Conference, Rev. Carlos Sandoval and his modest-sized congregation in Johnson Creek have been praying with area farmers who have lost workers due to the immigration crackdowns and with the farm workers and their families about how God is guiding their steps in this moment of hardship. We know ministry comes to life at the speed of relationship.

geranium
a character
in my poem
that someone cares for you
the salient detail

Both conferences are being changed by their increasing relationship with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Cohorts for cross-racially appointed clergy and for European-descent clergy are increasing understanding and healing alongside our ongoing antiracism work.

The new Garrett-Evangelical Faith and Leadership Collaborative is developing a multi-partner ecosystem that reimagines collaboration for mutual benefit. In addition, check out Garrett’s new Laity Discernment Cohort for those discerning God’s call and what level of theological education is right for them. We know we are changed by relationships and partnerships increase our impact.

We are working with Kenda Creasy Dean, author of Innovating for Love, to offer leadership for clergy and laity for this moment of responding to the Spirit’s call to new life and new forms of ministry.

a tombstone sky
obscures what is
behind it
my dialogue
with light

By way of apportionment numbers: in the Northern Illinois Conference, the first quarter looks great, especially compared to 2025. So far in 2026, we are running to project at receiving 75 percent of billed apportionments through March 31, compared to 60 percent in 2025. Wisconsin is running about the same as it did year-to-date a year ago.

In the meantime, we pray for peace with flourishing for the planet, its people, and the relationships that contribute to mutual benefit. In my opinion, we are called to follow Jesus in footsteps that demonstrate God’s relentless solidarity with the powerless and the immigrant, and to bear witness to Easter inclusion in a world of division.

imperfect but
by grace
pine needles
soften
my steps

Whatever your call—lay or deaconess or CLM or deacon or local pastor or elder—The United Methodist Church is the place for you. Baptism is our call forward.

sandbar
the river
can make
more of
your life

Peace to you.