Author: Web Admin

Grocery Store Exploration Trip

The CARE TEAM is hosting the first Grocery Store Exploration Trip on Thursday, April 20th to Peoria Discount Grocery Store. This is Senior Discount Day (10%). The church bus will provide transportation and a few CARE TEAM volunteers will be along to help you navigate the store/ manage the grocery cart and load your groceries… Continue reading Grocery Store Exploration Trip

This week has taken a different direction…

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, as when he comes into our lives as the presence of God, it was a time of rejoicing. If people hadn’t cheered, even the rocks in the street would have cried out! The week soon turned into a different direction. Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling… Continue reading This week has taken a different direction…

“Homeless Jesus” Sculpture coming to The Church of the Palms campus

It is a seven foot bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz entitled, “Homeless Jesus”, which depicts Jesus sleeping on a park bench. We are in the process of obtaining this piece of art this summer/fall. His face and hands are obscured under the blanket; the only clue to his identity is the crucifixion wounds on his… Continue reading “Homeless Jesus” Sculpture coming to The Church of the Palms campus

What broken thing is there too “broke” for God to mend?

In an old poem by John Masefield, entitled “The Widow in the Bye Street,” there is a scene of dramatic agony. A young man is about to be executed for crimes against the state, and in the crowd that is gathered to witness this horrific event stands his widowed mother who is about to be… Continue reading What broken thing is there too “broke” for God to mend?

Choose the Right Parade

Passover was a time of celebration, but it was also a time of high tension in Jerusalem. Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, in their book The Last Week, say that on that particular day people in Jerusalem would have witnessed two processions or parades— the Pilate Procession and the Jesus Procession. The procession of Roman… Continue reading Choose the Right Parade

Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” Labyrinth Walk

Good Friday, April 7, 12 – 3 pm All are welcome to walk the labyrinths at Church of the Palms UCC for a self-directed 30-minute walk, with a printed guide provided for pauses at the ‘stations of the cross’ to read a brief Biblical text and prayer. Volunteers will be available to assist walkers. Chairs… Continue reading Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” Labyrinth Walk

Connecting names and faces challenges all of us

Have you ever wondered what the name of the person sitting beside you on the pew? They just introduced themselves, but you haven’t a clue what they said. Plus, recalling their story (where they are from, what did they retire from, who is their family, etc) can be even more perplexing to our memory. Connecting names… Continue reading Connecting names and faces challenges all of us

A place of safety, healing, and peace for grieving people

More than any other time in my ministry, I am aware of people grieving. We grieve all sorts of things: death, loss of independence, loss of income, loss of physical attributes, loss of relationships. The list is long and powerfully personal. To address this monumental ministry, Rev. Shea Darian started working with our leadership. How… Continue reading A place of safety, healing, and peace for grieving people