Homeless Jesus Unveiled

The Church of the Palms, UCC, will be dedicating the sculpture Homeless Jesus on Saturday, November 18, at 11 am. The community is welcome to join the unveiling. Created by artist Timothy Schmalz, Homeless Jesus, as a piece of public art at The Church of the Palms, has a vital and moving, though at times… Continue reading Homeless Jesus Unveiled

Our fourth anniversary with IHELP!

Tomorrow, October 28, is the fourth anniversary of IHELP at the Palms! IHELP stands for Interfaith Homeless Emergency Housing Program. In 2023, The Church of the Palms volunteers and friends of the church number near 75. Since January we housed over 60 adults and accumulated nearly 2,000 volunteer hours. The numbers were similar in the… Continue reading Our fourth anniversary with IHELP!

“Homeless Jesus” sculpture dedication November 18

official press release: SUN CITY, AZ: The Church of the Palms, United Church of Christ, 14808 North Boswell Blvd., Sun City, AZ announces the unveiling of “Homeless Jesus” – a life-size bronze statue by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11 am. Schmalz will deliver a presentation on the role of public… Continue reading “Homeless Jesus” sculpture dedication November 18

“Homeless Jesus” Sculpture coming to The Church of the Palms campus

It is a seven foot bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz entitled, “Homeless Jesus”, which depicts Jesus sleeping on a park bench. We are in the process of obtaining this piece of art this summer/fall. His face and hands are obscured under the blanket; the only clue to his identity is the crucifixion wounds on his… Continue reading “Homeless Jesus” Sculpture coming to The Church of the Palms campus

I-HELP & King Hall: In the room where it happens

By Nancy Mueller The Church of the Palms has been an integral part of Interfaith Homeless Emergency Shelter (I-HELP) of the northwest valley since it began in October 2019, usually hosting every Monday night. I-HELP is administered by Lutheran Social Services who interviews, selects, and provides case management for those who have lost safe and… Continue reading I-HELP & King Hall: In the room where it happens

Feet-N-More Shower Ministry Exceeds 200 Showers

By Max Klinkenborg We gave 30 showers that day—Juneteenth—at the Salvation Army Church in Tempe as part of “Day of Freedom.” Our volunteers were in the shade, gulping cold water and wiping sweat in the 116-degree mid-afternoon heat, as the man approached our registration table and asked if he could have a shower. “Of course.… Continue reading Feet-N-More Shower Ministry Exceeds 200 Showers

The Palms’ shower ministry is named ‘FEET-N-MORE’

By Max Klinkenborg A seven-member shower trailer committee has been meeting weekly for the last two months to establish protocols for use of the trailer, decide on the “wrapping” for the trailer, to pick a name for the shower ministry, and much more. The name comes from the Biblical story of Jesus taking on the… Continue reading The Palms’ shower ministry is named ‘FEET-N-MORE’

The Shower Trailer is Here; Now What?

by Max Klinkenborg The shower trailer arrived at Church of the Palms on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, after a 1,534-mile trip from Elkhart, Indiana, where it was manufactured. It came with a notebook full of instructions and manuals for the air conditioner, water heater, controls, etc. To provide the electrical power for the trailer, we… Continue reading The Shower Trailer is Here; Now What?

The shower trailer is here!

The Church of the Palms’ shower trailer was delivered on October 20! Once it’s ready, we’ll invite their I-HELP guests to be the first to use it. In time we’ll use the shower trailer around the NW Valley, offering showers to the homeless on regular schedules. The shower trailer has three private compartments, each containing a… Continue reading The shower trailer is here!