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
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
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?
How to get your day back on track 🚂
Sometimes the morning news can turn a day of blessing to despair. Here is a top 10 list of affirmations to say to yourself each morning to get your day from start to finish back on track. Be kind to yourself today. Shalom, Paul
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…
Stewardship – it’s a Holy Blessing
The progressive Christian call to stewardship is a holistic commitment to our community and the wider world. It is a practice of gratitude and intentionality, rooted in the understanding that everything we have is a gift to be shared. By generously contributing our time, talents, and treasure, we co-create a more just and compassionate world.… Continue reading Stewardship – it’s a Holy Blessing
For All the Saints…
As of this writing, our government is refusing to use a $5 billion emergency fund to maintain the SNAP food stamp program during the government shutdown, leaving 40 million Americans facing lost food benefits. This clearly reflects a lack of humanity, not a lack of money, as the funds are legally available and were used… Continue reading For All the Saints…
We Are More Than Just Words: Our Faith Is Living!
It’s easy to speak in high-minded, aspirational phrases: justice, compassion, beloved community. But as a progressive church, our true testament lies not in the eloquence of our language, but in the daily rhythm of our actions. Do our deeds truly reflect the magnificent words we proclaim? When we speak of radical hospitality, are we genuinely reaching… Continue reading We Are More Than Just Words: Our Faith Is Living!
The Foundation We Build
In a world that often pulls us in countless directions, the act of gathering together as a church community is more vital than ever. Our faith is not meant to be practiced in isolation; it thrives in shared space and mutual support. When we assemble, whether for worship, study, meetings, or on the street with… Continue reading The Foundation We Build
Trading in the Image: A God of Love, Not Abuse
If your understanding of God feels abusive, it’s time to exchange that image for one defined by unconditional love. For too long, many Christians have been taught that the cross was a “cosmic transaction”—a blood sacrifice God supposedly demanded to forgive humanity. This idea, often called substitutionary atonement, wasn’t preached by Jesus; it developed centuries… Continue reading Trading in the Image: A God of Love, Not Abuse
One Table, Global Heart: World Communion Sunday 🥖
One Table, Global Heart: World Communion Sunday On the first Sunday of October, our progressive faith community joins Christians across the globe for World Communion Sunday. This day transcends our local walls and reminds us that we are part of Christ’s vast, beautiful, and diverse body, united by the shared table. For us, this celebration… Continue reading One Table, Global Heart: World Communion Sunday 🥖