The month of February 2021 spans two seasons in the liturgical church: Epiphany and Lent. The Season of Epiphany began January 6, as we celebrated the magi’s gifts to the Christ child. The name Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance.” The season celebrates the light of Christ going out to the world –… Continue reading February: From Epiphany to Lent
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
Annual Meetings at The Palms are never boring.
Our Annual Meeting is this Saturday, January 30 at 9 a.m. on Bridges. Annual Meetings at The Palms are rarely boring, humdrum, or same-old-same-old stuff. Each one takes on its own personality. Some elements within the meetings are the similar: We hear of budgets and activities; I stand up and give my State-of-the-Church Address which interprets… Continue reading Annual Meetings at The Palms are never boring.
Our Mission Statement Begins With Unconditional Love
Our mission statement begins with unconditional love. We’re going to need it this year. In my experience unconditional love is not something that just happens automatically like turning the page of a wall calendar. It is not inevitable. Every step toward making positive changes in our world, society, and church requires sacrifice and struggle; people… Continue reading Our Mission Statement Begins With Unconditional Love
We’re Better Than This. We Must Do Better.
It was supposed to be the feast of Epiphany which is the day we remember the magi and their gifts to the Christ child. Back in biblical times, the scene turned ugly quite quickly. An insecure leader, afraid of the successor to the throne, sanctioned the death of a child and any who was that… Continue reading We’re Better Than This. We Must Do Better.
Who starts a new ministry right in the middle of a pandemic?
“Who starts a new ministry right in the middle of a pandemic?” That was Pastor Jim’s question/statement to us at the shower trailer dedication. The answer is, “We do!” We are called to be about ministry despite the pandemic, right in the middle of pandemic, because of the pandemic. Like the proverbial phoenix rising from the… Continue reading Who starts a new ministry right in the middle of a pandemic?
If We’re Going to Worry…
Is 2020 over yet? Please make it stop! For just about everyone, this year brought a shroud of uncertainty with no job being recession proof, and budgets shrinking with demands expanding. Often these times bring on a sense of worry. The gospels tell us not to worry. Yet, it is hard to expect anyone not… Continue reading If We’re Going to Worry…
If we’re going to worry…
Is 2020 over yet? Please make it stop! For just about everyone, this year brought a shroud of uncertainty with no job being recession-proof, and budgets shrinking with demands expanding. Often these times bring on a sense of worry. The gospels tell us not to worry. Yet, it is hard to expect anyone not to… Continue reading If we’re going to worry…
The Work of Christmas
I will light candles this Christmas,Candles of joy despite all the sadness,Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,Candles of courage for fears ever present,Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,Candles of love to inspire all my living,Candles that will burn all year long.—Howard Thurman The Season of Christmas is twelve… Continue reading The Work of Christmas