Picture a starfish by the ocean. How many arms does it have? One, two, three, four, five. Five arms. Obvious, right? Anyone who has visited an aquarium and seen one knows this. But guess what ? We’re wrong. “The answer,” writes Dino Grandoni in The Washington Post, “is stranger than anything most scientists expected. Simply… Continue reading How many arms?
Author: Web Admin
34 years of “togetherness” is about to end
Thirty-four years ago, my son, Michael was born – It was 1990 and I was just finishing up seminary. Soon came the call to parish ministry with another boy, Nathan, born two years later. Six years later Ruthie entered our lives and changed our household in ways I could barely imagine. We’ve had someone living… Continue reading 34 years of “togetherness” is about to end
Looking for blessings, rather than curses
Summers are hard in the Sonoran Desert. About this time of year, I am worn out and truly tired of the heat! So, prompted by the Spirit, I was reminded of a simple, yet powerful mindfulness activity: find three things a day that you are grateful for and write them down. I committed to making… Continue reading Looking for blessings, rather than curses
My favorite niche competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With the summer Olympics in Paris in full swing, I confess that I am a fan of the weird, strange, odd, unusual, peculiar, bizarre events. These games have no shortage of them. Whether you’re sports averse or can get involved in any competition, this is my cheat sheet for the “niche-est” competitions in the Paris… Continue reading My favorite niche competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
I’m back
I’m back. If a picture is worth a thousand words, like Fred R. Barnhard originally said, here’s several thousand words. Shalom, Paul P.S. My street address says that I live on a street named, “Eden Court”, but I now have experienced the true garden of Eden.
As you read this, I’m in the Galapagos Islands.
By the time you are reading this I will be fully engaged with sunsets, wildlife, and other fowl things. Being out in creation and nature is one the ways I recharge my batteries. Well, last year, as Wendy and I plotted our summer of ‘24 activities, both of us looked to nature. When the Galapagos… Continue reading As you read this, I’m in the Galapagos Islands.
Why is social justice important?
“Sharing Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome” is our mission statement. Justice is the center, the heart, a core value of that statement on purpose. Why Is social justice important? Social justice promotes fairness and equity across many aspects of society. For example, it promotes equitable economic, educational, and workplace opportunities. It’s also important to… Continue reading Why is social justice important?
2024 Summer Film Festival
The Social Justice Leadership Team Presents the 2024 Summer Film Festival! Save your Fridays from July 19 through August 30, 1–2:30 pm for: √ Popcorn, peanuts, and soft drinks √ Air-conditioned comfort √ Time with church family and friends √ Learning about social justice issues and programs Members of the Social Justice Leadership Team will… Continue reading 2024 Summer Film Festival
Instead of the 10 Commandments…
On this day when we celebrate our country’s birth, a few folks are wanting the Ten Commandments posted in our schools. Years ago, Kurt Vonnegut once said, “Christians have often demanded that the Ten Commandments be posted on public buildings, but never the Beatitudes.” And he wondered, “why?” Instead of the 10 Commandments, how about… Continue reading Instead of the 10 Commandments…
The Christian life is a team sport.
A much-neglected dimension of the Christian life is how communal it is. We say, “Bee the Church!” That is, be the living community which is Jesus’ body: loving, working for justice, and welcoming. In the Apostle Paul’s letters, he often begins with, “I thank God in all my remembrances of you.” His message starts with… Continue reading The Christian life is a team sport.