Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters – The Church of the Palms UCC

Broken people

When Wendy and I got married, money was tight. She had an art class in which part of the supply list was a huge set of oil pastel, every color of the rainbow and then some. Let me tell ya, they weren’t cheap. But, oh, they looked so good, just like the ones real art… Continue reading Broken people

There’s still room at the table for YOU!

The national holiday of Thanksgiving began as a celebration of the harvest and other blessings, according to history books. Thanksgiving, however, has since moved away from its Puritan roots and has become a day to symbolize intercultural peace, America’s opportunity for newcomers, and the sanctity of home and family. For generations, Thanksgiving Day, fondly referred to… Continue reading There’s still room at the table for YOU!

Choosing love feels extra challenging…

My words today were written before the election. Election season is finally over. Hallelujah! The results will have lasting effects on issues deeply important to Americans. No matter who has won, we are called to be Christlike in word and deed. We are called to love others (even those across the political aisle), pray for… Continue reading Choosing love feels extra challenging…

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