Desire Niyonkuru is preparing for a class in the Styberg Libary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Niyonkuru will finish his master’s degree in pastoral care and counseling this spring, thanks in part to financial assistance from a scholarship funded by Michigan United Methodists. This is just one example of the blessings from God through United Methodist connections that he has received in his life. ~ photo courtesy Sarah Pressley

Retired pastor Glenn Wagner tells the story of a refugee’s courageous life that attests to the connectional spirit that is central to Methodism.

In this first half of a two-part article, Glenn Wagner shares ideas from his four decades as a United Methodist pastor to help clergy and congregations better say goodbye and welcome during seasons of pastoral transition.

United Methodists belong to a larger disaster response network that serves the mission of Jesus Christ here in Michigan and beyond.