Aloha! I am back in the office, deeply refreshed and filled with profound gratitude after an incredible, renewing time in Maui. Celebrating forty years of marriage surrounded by the breathtaking horizons and peaceful rhythms of the island was a beautiful reminder of the sacred, sustaining power of rest. I return to our community with a… Continue reading Aloha! I am back in the office.
Author: Web Admin
Staying Cool, Together in Faith.
Whew—it is a scorcher out there! While the summer heat is just starting to hit its peak, our community’s heart is only growing warmer. It would be easy to stay inside where the AC is blasting, but there is something deeply special about gathering in worship during these dog days of summer. When we show… Continue reading Staying Cool, Together in Faith.
There are two ways to look at a 250-year-old entity.
I have a confession to make, and if you’ve been around me for any length of time, it won’t come as a shock: I am still that nerdy, slightly sarcastic pastor who is utterly obsessed with the details. I’m the guy who wants to look past the Cliff Notes version of history, scratch beneath the… Continue reading There are two ways to look at a 250-year-old entity.
Prophetic Patriotism and a community picnic this Sunday
As the fireworks are being prepared for America’s historic 250th birthday, how do we as progressive people of faith live into the future? On Sunday, July 5th, we will explore the theme of “Prophetic Patriotism.” Drawing from Matthew 11:28–30, we will discover that true love for our nation doesn’t mean offering blind allegiance to a… Continue reading Prophetic Patriotism and a community picnic this Sunday
Prophetic Patriotism: Reflecting on America at 250
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary this July, we find ourselves inundated with grand celebrations, parades, and highly publicized spectacles. For many in progressive communities of faith, this milestone can stir complicated feelings. We are often told that patriotism means blind allegiance, uncritical praise, or aligning ourselves with whatever political philosophy currently holds power.… Continue reading Prophetic Patriotism: Reflecting on America at 250
Widening Our Circle: Celebrating Pride Sunday
On June 28, our community will gather for a vital and vibrant celebration as our LGBTQ+ Team leads us in worship for Pride Sunday. This morning is more than a highlight on our calendar; it is a profound declaration of who we are called to be. Our faith teaches us a simple, beautiful truth: we… Continue reading Widening Our Circle: Celebrating Pride Sunday
Why Juneteenth Matters: Freedom, Justice, and the Church
Juneteenth marks a vital turning point in our national story. On June 19, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free. For the United States, Juneteenth is a necessary confrontation with history. It reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied, urging us to dismantle… Continue reading Why Juneteenth Matters: Freedom, Justice, and the Church
Little Free Library
Right at our front door of The Church of the Palms, we have a specialized Little Free Library dedicated entirely to sharing banned and challenged books. In a world where important voices and stories are too often silenced, this little box stands as a beacon of free expression and intellectual freedom. It is completely open… Continue reading Little Free Library
Dear Church Family
Sometimes my words are poor tools with which to express the emotions of the heart. Please know my deep, heart-felt gratitude for the opportunity to live and work among you on this common journey. Celebrating ten years together was truly perfect, perfectly capturing the incredible “power of us.” I am deeply moved by your kindness.… Continue reading Dear Church Family
Ten years, ten milestones
Ten years ago, on June 1st, I began my ministry with the Church of the Palms, and what a transformative journey it has been. Together, we have co-created a community that truly reflects the Kin-dom of God. It has never been about one person; it is about the power of us—a collective moving in spirit… Continue reading Ten years, ten milestones