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?
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
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.
A top 10 list for alive churches
What makes a congregation come alive? I’ve asked some friends across the nation and have gleaned their thoughts on this matter. Here’s a top 10 list for alive churches. 10. Alive churches adjust their sails. They know change is the only way growth happens. Change is a gift from God.9. Alive churches ask a lot… Continue reading A top 10 list for alive churches
“Thank you” seems to be inadequate
“Thank you” seems to be inadequate to express the emotions that I felt last week at my mom’s memorial service. I was deeply moved by the sharing of love and grace shown to my family and to me in the weeks leading up to the service and the day of it. Pastor Jim’s words were… Continue reading “Thank you” seems to be inadequate
Putting a funny touch on crafting resolutions
As we look towards a brand new year, one of the most age-old things to do takes center stage once more – setting resolutions. Resolutions are a tradition where people set goals or intentions, aiming to bring positive changes in various areas such as health, relationships, habits, personal development or choices. I usually try… Continue reading Putting a funny touch on crafting resolutions
What made you come alive in 2023?
Throughout 2023 we asked in one way or another, “What makes you come alive?” That question came from one of Howard Thurman’s most famous quotes: “Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive.” This past year witnessed The Church of the Palms collectively and… Continue reading What made you come alive in 2023?
Choosing the work of Christmas now and throughout the year
The season of Christmas follows Advent. I am drawn to Howard Thurman during this season. He wrote the poem, I Will Light Candles this Christmas. It comes from the book The Mood 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… Continue reading Choosing the work of Christmas now and throughout the year
Are you riding the rollercoaster of grief?
There’s a ride we all take from time-to-time in life – Grief! It can be the scariest adventure out there. Grief is like a rollercoaster ride. Permit me to explain. Think about it. Often the ride (both grief and rollercoaster) begins with a line. You want to hop on and get going, but we’re forced… Continue reading Are you riding the rollercoaster of grief?
10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas
“The most wonderful time of the year” has arrived – a time to gather with family and friends and for church activities. To help you and me make it through this wonderful time, here are 10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas: 10) Don’t Forget Those Without Food — Jesus once said that when we feed the… Continue reading 10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas
My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”
Bringing the Bible to today’s world is a goal for many of us. Sharon Jaynes used a familiar Bible verse (1 Corinthians 13) to bring out that love is the reason for the season in her, “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version.” I’ve tweaked it to apply to us at The Palms. If we decorate God’s… Continue reading My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”