For questions, please contact lgbtqplusteam@thepalms.org.
Story Sharing Circles
On the third Sunday of each month
The Story Circle, inspired by the ancient talking stick tradition, brings people together to share, listen, foster understanding and belonging between LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, friends and family. Story Circles offer a safe space for sharing stories without advice or judgment.
The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team is bringing these circles to The Church of the Palms. We invite you to experience the Story Circle and consider how we can work together with other churches in the valley to increase collaborative efforts on common events and issues.
Comments we have received over the last four circles we have held include such comments as “uplifting” – “a place where I can be myself” – “I understand now”. Story Circles provide a space to discover deeper connections and a sense of belonging through shared truth and understanding. Participants often find they overcome fears, release blockages and find motivation to create positive change.
Join us in showing love and acceptance to those who are often misunderstood or overlooked.
RSVP: Story Circle Sign-Up Form w/email link
Rainbows Festival in Heritage Gardens
We host a tent each year with volunteers for the weekend greeting everyone with unconditional love and an extravagant welcome. Our table is overflowing with information about The Church of the Palms UCC, as well as other O&A churches in the area for those not living in the west valley (we have a list and a map).
We give out rainbow bracelets and other trinkets to the children that walk by. Of course, the adults are welcome to pick up items.
We have met some wonderful people and organizations in our walk-abouts throughout the Gardens, networking and sharing ideas. People are thrilled to have a church represented. Some contribute to our efforts by participating in our programs and volunteering to join in cooperative endeavors.
We welcome volunteers for two-to-three-hour slots. All you do is sign up and tell us what time slots you would like to work. If you can’t volunteer, take some time to pop down to Heritage Gardens to take in the event. Great shows, good food, and more information than you can absorb in just a couple hours time. We guarantee you will enjoy the time you spend at this joyous event.
Open and Affirming Sunday
Last Sunday in June
This is a day to celebrate with The Church of the Palms’ congregation and the public our joy and gratitude in knowing that we continue to focus on being a place of belonging, entrenched with love in an environment of safety where strong bonds and deep relationships can form.
The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team develops and produces this annual Sunday Service, assisted by Pastor Paul Whitlock and Pastor Jim Alexander. We invite you to attend on the last Sunday of June or watch the service on YouTube if you are unable to attend.
The Church of the Palms, UCC became an Open and Affirming Church in 2014 by confirming an open and affirming statement.
Phoenix Pride Parade
Held in October
Phoenix Pride Parade participation brings such joy. We encourage members of the congregation, and the community to join us in walking the parade route accompanied by our decorated Church truck: sharing water with the walkers, candy and informational brochures with the watchers. The vehicle signage identifies who we are, our values, and the people walking alongside represent our love, extravagant welcome, and overwhelming acceptance.
It is one of the highlights of our year!
Transgender Day of Remembrance
The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team as part of The Church of the Palms of Sun City, AZ commits to an annual Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, hatred or prejudice during the last calendar year. Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender, each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people. The ‘Remembrance Day’ provides a safe public space for naming transgender victims and offering support for their family and friends.