AZStRUT’s electronics recycling is back! If you have electronics around the house that are no longer being used, bring them to Shadow Rock UCC, January 7–9 – or – to Church of the Palms no later than 1 pm on January 7 Besides being diverted from our landfills, they will be disassembled and repaired for… Continue reading Easily dispose of your old electronics
Author: Web Admin
Do you go to church or are you the church?
Do you go to church or are you the church? Do you approach church with a consumer or missional point of view? As we approach the pinnacle of this holy season, for what are you looking in your proverbial church stocking? Some Christmas elves are interested in a consumer church. Their attitude views church as… Continue reading Do you go to church or are you the church?
The ABCs of Christmas!
During this Advent season, an elf helped remind me of the ABC’s of Christmas: Anticipate joyBe kindCount your blessingsDreamExpress gratitudeForgiveGive cheerfullyHarm no oneImagine possibilitiesJettison angerKeep confidencesMake peaceNurture hopeOpen your mindPlay fairQuell rumorsReciprocate goodnessSeek wisdomTouch heartsUnderstandValue truthWelcome diversityXeriscapeYearn for holinessZealously care for others Wait, I Love this list, but the elf left out a letter! Noel! Noel! Noel!… Continue reading The ABCs of Christmas!
Pastor Paul’s Christmas Quiz
So, you think you know the Christmas story? Well, students, get your paper and pencil. Take this quiz and find out. Its origins are from old; I first saw it 45 years ago, when I was a child. Mike Yaconelli and Wayne Rice, with Youth Specialties, are the creators. I have used it for years to… Continue reading Pastor Paul’s Christmas Quiz
Longest Night—Blue Christmas Service
3 pm on Tuesday, December 21 in the sanctuary Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues. As in “I am feeling blue.” Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, another type of grief or loss, facing life with cancer or some other dis-ease that… Continue reading Longest Night—Blue Christmas Service
Help HART Pantry
HART Pantry is having trouble purchasing needed food items. The quantities they need are often restricted. If you are thinking of a cash donation, consider buying the non-perishable food items if it is convenient to do so. Some of the items are: juice boxes canned pasta dinners tuna or chicken lunch packs pudding or fruit… Continue reading Help HART Pantry
I-HELP & King Hall: In the room where it happens
By Nancy Mueller The Church of the Palms has been an integral part of Interfaith Homeless Emergency Shelter (I-HELP) of the northwest valley since it began in October 2019, usually hosting every Monday night. I-HELP is administered by Lutheran Social Services who interviews, selects, and provides case management for those who have lost safe and… Continue reading I-HELP & King Hall: In the room where it happens
Spiritual housecleaning: a new Advent tradition?
Advent is a season for every heart to prepare Christ room. That means removing the boxes from our lives to allow space for Christ’s coming. The season is busy and intense for most of us. Emptying and simplifying strike us as seasonally inappropriate. We think of doing more and more, not less and less. A… Continue reading Spiritual housecleaning: a new Advent tradition?
Music to Our Ears
Greetings from the Mod Squad, OK, the truth is none of us are in the choir. In fact, we have such great respect for Pastor Jim and the members of the choir that we would not want to damage their fine reputation by inflicting our voices upon them. But we do love music! And we… Continue reading Music to Our Ears
In 2026, what will you remember about Christmas 2021?
What do you remember about your childhood Christmas celebrations? How do you want your family to answer that question someday? If you’re like me, you don’t tend to remember the gifts you were given as much as the special moments. One of my great regrets with my kids is that our Christmas season was often… Continue reading In 2026, what will you remember about Christmas 2021?