Remembering our saints this Sunday

For all the saints, who from their labors rest… If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know it had help. None of us arrived where we are without the help of others. It might have been parents, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives who guided us on our journey. More than likely on… Continue reading Remembering our saints this Sunday

Thank you for choosing The Church of the Palms.

Grat-i-tude (grat’ – a – tud) n. thankfulness [L. gratus, pleasing, thankful]. Thank you for choosing The Church of the Palms. Your presence, participation, and sharing of your time, talent and treasure make this place so special. In a world where there are a lot of choices, thanks for choosing The Palms! There are so… Continue reading Thank you for choosing The Church of the Palms.

I’m still rejoicing from Sunday’s musical presentation

I usually put pen to paper on this communication piece on Monday mornings and that is the case this week. On this Monday, I must admit that I’m still rejoicing from our musical presentation. My gratitude goes out to Pastor Jim who organized and planned everything out. Sure, his solos are great, but what I… Continue reading I’m still rejoicing from Sunday’s musical presentation

5 simple guidelines for mental wellness

Back in 2021, The Church of the Palms became a W.I.S.E. congregation for mental health. W = Welcoming; I = Inclusive; S = Supportive; E = Engaging. Have you noticed that folks in this neck of the woods seem especially stressed lately? Uber-cranky, hyper-sensitive due to the heat, or maybe it’s the exhausting election cycle, or possibly it’s personal grief, or maybe it’s just life in… Continue reading 5 simple guidelines for mental wellness

Pride Parade Sunday, October 20th

The Church of the Palms at the Phoenix Pride Parade

The Phoenix Pride Parade to brings our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie and celebration of our past, present and future. The Parade brings over 2,000 individual participants with decorated vehicles, colorful floats and thousands of walkers and over 15,000 spectators. The Phoenix Pride Parade also raises funds for Phoenix… Continue reading Pride Parade Sunday, October 20th

First sign of civilization

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Meade to talk about fishhooks, clay pots, or grinding stones. But no. Meade said that ancient culture’s first sign of civilization was a femur (thigh bone) that had been… Continue reading First sign of civilization

Transgender Day of Remembrance

The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team as part of The Church of the Palms of Sun City, AZ commits to an annual Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony to memorialize the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, hatred or prejudice during the last calendar year. Although not every person represented during the Day… Continue reading Transgender Day of Remembrance

Phoenix Pride Parade

Held in October Phoenix Pride Parade participation brings such joy. We encourage members of the congregation, and the community to join us in walking the parade route accompanied by our decorated Church truck: sharing water with the walkers, candy and informational brochures with the watchers. The vehicle signage identifies who we are, our values, and… Continue reading Phoenix Pride Parade

Open and Affirming Sunday

Last Sunday in June This is a day to celebrate with The Church of the Palms’ congregation and the public our joy and gratitude in knowing that we continue to focus on being a place of belonging, entrenched with love in an environment of safety where strong bonds and deep relationships can form. The LGBTQ+ Ministry… Continue reading Open and Affirming Sunday

Rainbows Festival in Heritage Gardens

We host a tent each year with volunteers for the weekend greeting everyone with unconditional love and an extravagant welcome. Our table is overflowing with information about The Church of the Palms UCC, as well as other O&A churches in the area for those not living in the west valley (we have a list and… Continue reading Rainbows Festival in Heritage Gardens