How is Jesus like a starfish?

Picture a starfish by the ocean. How many arms does it have? One, two, three, four, five. Five arms. Obvious, right? Anyone who has visited an aquarium and seen one knows this. But guess what? We’re wrong. “The answer,” writes Dino Grandoni in The Washington Post, “is stranger than anything most scientists expected. Simply put,… Continue reading How is Jesus like a starfish?

How many arms?

Picture a starfish by the ocean. How many arms does it have? One, two, three, four, five. Five arms. Obvious, right? Anyone who has visited an aquarium and seen one knows this. But guess what ? We’re wrong. “The answer,” writes Dino Grandoni in The Washington Post, “is stranger than anything most scientists expected. Simply… Continue reading How many arms?

What kind of day is Palm Sunday?

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?

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

Halloween is when America is most like Jesus.

Halloween is not a big Sun City thing. But in a way, Halloween is a time when America gets it right. Permit me to explain. The age restrictions of our area tend to curtail trick-or-treating in our town. But we can still learn from it. If we turn the perspective around, Halloween is when America… Continue reading Halloween is when America is most like Jesus.

“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

If Jesus’ followers reviewed him on Rate My Professor

What would it look like if Jesus’ followers reviewed him like students review teachers? Strange thought, I know. But that was precisely Amanda Lehr’s thesis. Here’s my weird spin on that idea. Professor Jesus’ reviews from students like you and me: Where are we challenged by a Risen Jesus? How hard are God’s assignments for… Continue reading If Jesus’ followers reviewed him on Rate My Professor

This week has taken a different direction…

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, as when he comes into our lives as the presence of God, it was a time of rejoicing. If people hadn’t cheered, even the rocks in the street would have cried out! The week soon turned into a different direction. Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling… Continue reading This week has taken a different direction…