by Mikey Witt The wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round, ’round and ’round, well you know the song. The bus ministry helps those in need — whether it is driving the bus for the I-HELP program or transporting people to and from Sunday Worship. We need some volunteers. On Monday, at 4:00 p.m.,… Continue reading Keep the Wheels on the Bus Going ‘Round: Be a Volunteer
Author: Web Admin
What is I-HELP?
I-HELP is the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. Church of the Palms hosts I-HELP guests on our campus. A typical I-HELP guest is someone who is ready to move out homelessness. Max Klinkenborg describes volunteering with the I-HELP program here at Church of the Palms this way: “It’s… Continue reading What is I-HELP?
Penny Magic Jar
We’d like to tell you the story of the Penny Magic Jar in the narthex. It’s been there for over 20 years. One of our church members, back in the late 1990s, had been carrying around loose change (pennies at that time) in his pocket that he wanted to get rid of. So, he put… Continue reading Penny Magic Jar
Word of the year
Each year Merriam-Webster — the dictionary word people — declares a “word of the year.” The biggest science story of our time quickly became the biggest debate in our country, and the word at the center of both stories is vaccine — the word of the year. That word was what was hoped for at… Continue reading Word of the year
Many things happened in 2021.
As this year comes to an end, I pause and give thanks. Many things happened in 2021—it was a hard year for many of us. The year began with my dad dying from Covid-19. The hope that vaccines, once heralded and hoped for, morphed into a political game. Worship in-person returned with strong limits. Variants… Continue reading Many things happened in 2021.
Easily dispose of your old electronics
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
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