As summer begins to loosen its grip on the Sonoran Desert and we welcome the return of our winter visitors, the rhythm of our community begins to change. It is a season of transition—a time to pause, notice, and listen. Our 2026 theme, “A Time for Every Matter,” reminds us that every season carries its… Continue reading A Time for Every Matter
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
Brains, Heart, and Courage
At our church, we live out a bold and beautiful mission: Sharing God’s Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome. But how do we truly bring this vision to life in a complex, fast-moving world? It requires a delicate, daily balance of brains, heart, and courage. If we have intellect and compassion but lack the courage… Continue reading Brains, Heart, and Courage
A Letter From Paul: Election Day 2026
Election Day is just around the corner, and much is at stake! As members of a progressive church, we are called to live out our faith not just within these walls, but in every sphere of our public and private lives. I want to remind our neighbors, friends, and colleagues of the vital importance of… Continue reading A Letter From Paul: Election Day 2026
Not on My Bingo Card: A Journey of Grace and Gratitude
I never imagined adding a medical emergency to my life’s bingo card, but when Wendy experienced a seizure, The Church of the Palms showed us what love in action truly means. The care, support, and sacred space you provided gave us the room we needed for healing. Recovering from a seizure is a slow, day-by-day… Continue reading Not on My Bingo Card: A Journey of Grace and Gratitude
Thank you for being the hands and feet of love in our lives.
Dear Church Family, Wendy and I are deeply moved and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support you have shown us since her seizure last Friday. Your care has been a profound reminder of what it means to be a truly supportive spiritual community, holding us up when we needed it most. We… Continue reading Thank you for being the hands and feet of love in our lives.
Together, we have accomplished and experienced so much
As the desert summer begins to settle into early autumn, it offers a natural moment to look back and give thanks for the remarkable ways God has moved through our congregation over these past months. Though the summer months often bring a change of pace, our life together at The Church of the Palms has… Continue reading Together, we have accomplished and experienced so much
The Ministry You Don’t Always See
Did you know our congregation supports our unhoused neighbors in several impactful ways? Most of us are familiar with Feet-n-More, our mobile shower trailer. Multiple times each month, it meets people where they are—providing hot showers, fresh hygiene items, and an essential atmosphere of dignity and respect. Beyond hygiene, we work to address food insecurity… Continue reading The Ministry You Don’t Always See
Good Grief! You’ve Changed!
You likely remember the exact moment the world shifted—the devastating phone call, the quiet hospital room, the empty chair at dinner, or the text you dreaded ever receiving. It is the overwhelming silence that hits when a person who defined your daily life suddenly exists only in your memory. It’s a common story at The… Continue reading Good Grief! You’ve Changed!
Building a Peace Rooted in Justice
In Matthew 25, Jesus famously calls his followers to care for “the least of these”—to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, tend to the sick, and visit the imprisoned. Crucially, the passage opens with the judgment of whole nations. This isn’t just a mandate for individual charity; it is communal, systemic, and… Continue reading Building a Peace Rooted in Justice
What is your favorite quote or passage?
I recently had the joy of seeing my favorite musical, Les Misérables, live at the Phoenix Theatre. It was beyond marvelous! While I’ve loved this show for many years, what resonates with me most is its overarching theme: Love. It also contains my favorite quote of all time: “And remember the truth that once was spoken: To… Continue reading What is your favorite quote or passage?