When God created humanity, there were no duplicates, only a kaleidoscope of unique individuals. Every hue, every body, every story, every stage of life, every transformation—all were declared “very good.” From Genesis to the prophets, the Gospels, and Acts, the consistent message is clear: God embraces all without partiality. God isn’t confused or surprised by… Continue reading ONA Sunday: June 29
Tag: social justice
On this Juneteenth, are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
On this Juneteenth, are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Martin Luther King Jr. often used the analogy of a “thermostat” versus a “thermometer” to describe the role of individuals in society. A thermometer passively records the temperature, while a thermostat actively works to regulate and change it. He spoke about the Church being a… Continue reading On this Juneteenth, are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
Letter writing is still a powerful tool.
We’re in a strange world, but letter writing is still a powerful tool with which to express our opinions. In my ministry infancy, I titled my written message to the congregation I was serving: A Letter from Paul. I liked the play-on-words of that title and it has stuck for the past forty years. I… Continue reading Letter writing is still a powerful tool.
Wow! A lot is going on.
April is upon us! Wow! Where did February go? The only option is to March forward. The Church of the Palms is going all out in April with many special worship services. We hope you plan to attend. Wow! A lot is going on, thanks be to God! I hope you can make the time… Continue reading Wow! A lot is going on.
Using banned words often and with intentionality.
In a world where certain words are being removed from government sites, I intend to use them often and with intentionality. I recently had the following words explained to me as if life is a library. Okay, now apply this library lesson to life and to our society. I hope you can insert the above… Continue reading Using banned words often and with intentionality.
Why is IHELP closing?
For the past five plus years we have partnered with Lutheran Social Services (LSS) to provide the homeless population a safe place to sleep. Over 100 volunteers have supported the program. Five-plus years equals over 250 nights of hosting with 330 guests. The people in the program have come through our doors searching for hope,… Continue reading Why is IHELP closing?
Be outraged, church.
Optimism is hard to come by these days. But cynicism and pessimism won’t help us now. Together, we can make the world a better place. Actually, we can do more than our wildest dreams. That’s not a merely faith statement; it’s a fact verified by human history. Here are excerpts from the sermon last week: The… Continue reading Be outraged, church.
Our new theme for 2025 is…
“Imagine! Doing Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking humbly with God!” Based on Micah 6:8, that theme will be woven into all of our activities and help us reframe the narrative of Christianity. In 2025 this church will be a citadel against the storms of bigotry and hatred. We will embody the words of Bishop Marianne… Continue reading Our new theme for 2025 is…
Where to begin in becoming a peacemaker?
I have no magic wand to wave to bring Peace in and throughout our lives. But I promise as we walk in community together, as we seek answers to questions on our common journeys, that peace is possible. In the face of a war-torn and violent world that we see reflected for us on the… Continue reading Where to begin in becoming a peacemaker?
What would you take?
What do you take with you when you may never come back? When a hurricane approached one community, the evacuation order came. The locals had just a few hours to decide what to take with them as they fled for their lives. A couple of reporters from The Washington Post caught up with some of the evacuees… Continue reading What would you take?