Creation Justice Sunday: April 21

Our Creation Justice Team will be leading worship this Sunday in celebration of Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual reminder that climate change has a major impact on our planet, our lives, and our future. It can also increase awareness and drive change. From LED lighting to solar panels to using compostable products to… Continue reading Creation Justice Sunday: April 21

Living A Different Story: A Message From Jerusalem

Kay Klinkenborg knows Elie Pritz, the author of this piece, who lives and works in Jerusalem. She was raised there and is a Christian who, 10 years ago, founded a NGO to work on peace curriculum in teaching children K-12 non-violent options and peace building. Elie has lived her entire life in Jerusalem, has an American… Continue reading Living A Different Story: A Message From Jerusalem

A top 10 list for alive churches

What makes a congregation come alive? I’ve asked some friends across the nation and have gleaned their thoughts on this matter. Here’s a top 10 list for alive churches. 10. Alive churches adjust their sails. They know change is the only way growth happens. Change is a gift from God.9. Alive churches ask a lot… Continue reading A top 10 list for alive churches

Choosing the work of Christmas now and throughout the year

The season of Christmas follows Advent. I am drawn to Howard Thurman during this season. He wrote the poem, I Will Light Candles this Christmas. It comes from the book The Mood of Christmas… I will light Candles this Christmas,Candles of joy despite all the sadness,Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,Candles of courage for fears ever present,Candles… Continue reading Choosing the work of Christmas now and throughout the year

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

God is still creating you.

It is Good – The Story of Creation. In Genesis we are told that God created, and it was good! God created the sun and the moon. But have you noticed? Arizona has some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets that I have ever seen! Trans and non-binary people are like those sunrises and… Continue reading God is still creating you.

The Progress Pride Flag

One of Howard Thurman’s most famous quotes is, “Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive.” As we emerge from the Covid cocoon, we are exploring how to come alive—our mission for 2023 is “What makes you come alive? Go and do it.” After… Continue reading The Progress Pride Flag

“Isn’t it great that they found someone to love.”

Fifty-two years ago, when I was still a child, I met my first same-gender couple. It was 1971. The occasion was a family reunion to which the whole farming community was invited – we’re talking over a hundred folks. There was plenty of food, lots of cousins to play with, and a diverse group of… Continue reading “Isn’t it great that they found someone to love.”