In our pursuit of a more just world, we often lean on policy and protest—vital tools for change. Yet, 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that even the most righteous activism, if it lacks love, is merely “a noisy gong.” In a progressive context, love is not a passive sentiment; it is a restorative force. Love… Continue reading Valentines Day đź’ť twist on 1 Corinthians 13
Tag: ministry
The Beatitudes for 2026 America
Blessed are you who turn off the news with trembling hands and weep over the sink while the world carries on—for the Kin-dom belongs to the soft-hearted. Blessed are you who keep watch at the gates of the jail or the edges of the border, your breath rising like incense in the freezing air—you shall… Continue reading The Beatitudes for 2026 America
A Season for Every Matter
As shared during our Annual Meeting on January 31, our community is stepping into a new theme for the year ahead: “A Season for Every Matter.” In our progressive faith tradition, the pulse of social justice is our constant heartbeat. However, as the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything there is a… Continue reading A Season for Every Matter
Not Just a Sunday Routine: Shaping What’s Next
Annual Meeting Saturday, January 31, 20269:00 a.m. in the sanctuary Forget the outdated stereotypes of “boring” church meetings and stale traditions. At its heart, our gathering is far more than an annual habit; it is a living laboratory for the future. In a world that often feels fractured and uncertain, we come together not to… Continue reading Not Just a Sunday Routine: Shaping What’s Next
How we live out our mission in such times
In a world that feels increasingly off-kilter, many of us are searching for a compass. At The Palms, where we strive to embody unconditional love, justice, and extravagant welcome, we often look to the Gospel to make sense of the noise. The Bible offers us a subversive kind of wisdom. Consider Jesus of Nazareth: he didn’t… Continue reading How we live out our mission in such times
To make a difference despite the turbulence of our times
It has been a challenging season, but as Christmas draws near, let’s rediscover hope in the familiar stories of Jesus’ birth. I want to share how the Gospels of Luke and Matthew inspire the work we do right now. Luke emphasizes that Jesus was born poor and was first visited by poor, dirty shepherds—people considered… Continue reading To make a difference despite the turbulence of our times
What truly defines us as a church family?
It’s not the building, but the vibrant, tangible ways we bring our mission statement—Sharing God’s Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome—to life every single day. Today, as we observe National Transgender Day of Remembrance, we powerfully embody our commitment to Extravagant Welcome and justice for all God’s beloved children. This witness, however, is just one… Continue reading What truly defines us as a church family?
Every trip to the grocery store…
Every trip to the grocery store? Yes, every trip to the grocery store! Every trip to the grocery store, whether it’s your weekly shopping list or you just need one thing to fix a beloved recipe, I want you and I to turn into a worshipful moment. Transform your trip into a worship moment. Permit… Continue reading Every trip to the grocery store…
Building Arizona’s Network of Care
As SNAP benefits are reduced and federal funding disruptions ripple through our communities, many of our neighbors are feeling the strain. In this moment, people of faith and conscience are called to act — to share what we have so that everyone has what they need. Arizona Faith Network is creating a Faith & Mutual Aid… Continue reading Building Arizona’s Network of Care
This transition is a sacred journey
A time of transition is upon us, as we prepare to say farewell to Pastor Jim and welcome Pastor Mark. We are deeply grateful for Pastor Jim’s dedicated service and the many ways he’s guided our congregation. His leadership has been a blessing; he’s been the “yin” to my “yang.” We wish him well as he… Continue reading This transition is a sacred journey