Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters

Some argue, “But they broke the law.”

The Church is neither the master of the state nor its servant but is called to be the conscience of the state. That’s the fundamental truth of which MLK, Jr. reminded us. We must act as its guide and its critic, but never its tool. If we fail to recapture our prophetic zeal, we risk… Continue reading Some argue, “But they broke the law.”

How we live out our mission in such times

In a world that feels increasingly off-kilter, many of us are searching for a compass. At The Palms, where we strive to embody unconditional love, justice, and extravagant welcome, we often look to the Gospel to make sense of the noise. The Bible offers us a subversive kind of wisdom. Consider Jesus of Nazareth: he didn’t… Continue reading How we live out our mission in such times

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! This Christmas, let us look beyond the sentimentality and recognize the audacious, revolutionary core of the Nativity story: God’s ultimate choice to begin salvation among the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. The Christmas story is not a quiet fable; it is a declaration of God’s profound solidarity with the suffering and a… Continue reading Merry Christmas!

To make a difference despite the turbulence of our times

It has been a challenging season, but as Christmas draws near, let’s rediscover hope in the familiar stories of Jesus’ birth. I want to share how the Gospels of Luke and Matthew inspire the work we do right now. Luke emphasizes that Jesus was born poor and was first visited by poor, dirty shepherds—people considered… Continue reading To make a difference despite the turbulence of our times

Find joy in Advent music & poetry this Sunday 🎶

This Sunday marks one of the most soul-stirring occasions in our church year: the Sanctuary Choir’s Advent Musical Presentation! For many of us, music is a sacred pathway—a vital source of comfort and a profound avenue back to joy, especially when life feels heavy. This week, we move beyond the traditional sermon format (a change… Continue reading Find joy in Advent music & poetry this Sunday 🎶

Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today

As the days shorten and the calendar turns toward December, we enter the holy season of Advent—a time of intentional waiting, reflection, and preparation. It is a four-week journey in which we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, not just as historical markers, but as active commitments for today. This year, let… Continue reading Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today

‘Twas the week of Thanksgiving

The excitement builds with each passing moment in November until we finally reach Thanksgiving Day. The days might be growing shorter as we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, but our gratitude grows greater with each passing day. Let us remember that the ultimate act of gratitude is not just counted in our blessings but demonstrated in… Continue reading ‘Twas the week of Thanksgiving

What truly defines us as a church family?

It’s not the building, but the vibrant, tangible ways we bring our mission statement—Sharing God’s Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome—to life every single day. Today, as we observe National Transgender Day of Remembrance, we powerfully embody our commitment to Extravagant Welcome and justice for all God’s beloved children. This witness, however, is just one… Continue reading What truly defines us as a church family?

Every trip to the grocery store…

Every trip to the grocery store? Yes, every trip to the grocery store! Every trip to the grocery store, whether it’s your weekly shopping list or you just need one thing to fix a beloved recipe, I want you and I to turn into a worshipful moment. Transform your trip into a worship moment. Permit… Continue reading Every trip to the grocery store…