It’s the observance of a tragedy. It’s not a day of simple optimism. We know all about optimism; we’ve tried to be optimistic while the various countries of the world, including our own, position for war. We’ve tried to be optimistic while our government is falling apart and lacks the moral leadership to dig us… Continue reading What kind of day is Palm Sunday?
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
Too
Holy One, Sometimes life just seems to have too many times: Too many times of violence and death Too many demands and problems Too many broken dreams and lives Too many wars, fights, and arguments Too many moments of greed Too many people devouring each other like laughing hyenas on a dead carcass Too many… Continue reading Too
Take time to notice
As we move into the month of March, take time to notice. Over thirty years ago, Ed was on his deathbed. One of the last things he said to me had to do with being a workaholic. He relayed the following story of his life: One day he arrived home, his wife was busy trying… Continue reading Take time to notice
Writing our story with intentionality
Are you drawn to a particular gospel writer? Some love Matthew with the power of the Sermon on the Mount and the insight calling us to help “the least of these” in chapter 25. Mark stands out for some with its straightforwardness, lack of a birth narrative, and how it ends. Luke, who begins by… Continue reading Writing our story with intentionality
What is dead within us?
Life is precious; life is short; be intentional. “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17 The marks of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality. From dust we have come and to dust we shall return. I’m reminded of… Continue reading What is dead within us?
On being intentional with our listening
Master of the obvious – that’s me! When… Jesus asked a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:6) if he wanted to get well. The answer seems obvious. And yet questions (even questions with apparently obvious answers) have the uncanny ability to clear away assumptions. We should never assume that every sick… Continue reading On being intentional with our listening
It’s Hard to Let Go
A Letter from Paul The Season of Lent has begun. What can you and I let go of and what do we need to hold on to? Lent is a great time to examine what we prioritize and value. Every move I have made, I have struggled letting go of my stuff – even things… Continue reading It’s Hard to Let Go
The countdown begins
This year both Pastor Jim and I turn 60. That’s right, both of us! I am a few months older than him. Well, lo and behold, I am counting down the sixty days before I turn 60. Each day, I want to do something to improve flexibility and my physical ability. Jesus had 40 days… Continue reading The countdown begins
Now what?
At the Annual Meeting last week, we reviewed all that made last year come alive as a church. There was much to celebrate: 52 new members, a balanced budget, purchase of a new bus (and it’s paid for!), installment of Homeless Jesus, and the expansion of our social justice ministries. Read the annual report for more details. My… Continue reading Now what?
YOU are invited. No need to RSVP.
Our Annual Meeting is this Saturday, January 27 at 9 am in the sanctuary. Let this serve as your official invitation: You are invited! No need to RSVP. Just show up! The Palms has had a colorful history of Annual Meetings. Each one of the meetings takes on its own personality. There is one constant:… Continue reading YOU are invited. No need to RSVP.