Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” After a lifetime of ministry, Richard Rohr said, “I have become convinced that most anger comes, first of all, from a place of deep sadness.” Life disappoints and hurts us all, and the majority of people don’t know how… Continue reading Before you jump to the resurrection
Tag: Lent
Finding the holy amid the garbage.
How do you find the holy amid all the garbage of the world? There’s a lot of garbage in politics and in our relationships. How can we find holy moments in the middle of all our living? That thought has come alive in a new way in my life this year. Wendy’s parents were hoarders and… Continue reading Finding the holy amid the garbage.
Keep the chocolate.
Lent is finally upon us. Throughout my life, I have traditionally given up things for Lent. While self-sacrifice has its place in our faith journeys, I have come to believe that Jesus would probably laugh at our efforts during Lent. Jesus looks us in the eye, chuckles and smiles, and asks us why we’re giving… Continue reading Keep the chocolate.
The unusual season of Lent
Lent. The season of Lent is, to my mind, the most unusual season of all. Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany are filled with expectation, warmth, and wonder. Easter is full of joy. The Day of Pentecost is filled with excitement. Ordinary time (the time between Pentecost Sunday and Advent) describes much of my life—ordinary. But Lent… Continue reading The unusual season of Lent
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?
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
Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” Labyrinth Walk
Good Friday, April 7, 12 – 3 pm All are welcome to walk the labyrinths at Church of the Palms UCC for a self-directed 30-minute walk, with a printed guide provided for pauses at the ‘stations of the cross’ to read a brief Biblical text and prayer. Volunteers will be available to assist walkers. Chairs… Continue reading Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” Labyrinth Walk
Why is it important to remember Lent?
The season of Lent is, to my mind, the most unusual season of all. Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany are filled with expectation, warmth, and wonder. Easter is full of joy. The Day of Pentecost is filled with excitement. Ordinary time (the time between Pentecost Sunday and Advent) describes much of my life—ordinary. But Lent is… Continue reading Why is it important to remember Lent?
Coming face-to-face with ourselves
The ashes are still lingering from last week. We gathered with our sibling Sun City Churches and religious leaders of our respective denominations to confess our corporate and private shortcomings in our community Ash Wednesday service. It marked the beginning of Lent for us. Lent is a time of self-examination – when we look at… Continue reading Coming face-to-face with ourselves