Did you know our congregation supports our unhoused neighbors in several impactful ways? Most of us are familiar with Feet-n-More, our mobile shower trailer. Multiple times each month, it meets people where they are—providing hot showers, fresh hygiene items, and an essential atmosphere of dignity and respect. Beyond hygiene, we work to address food insecurity… Continue reading The Ministry You Don’t Always See
Tag: social justice
Building a Peace Rooted in Justice
In Matthew 25, Jesus famously calls his followers to care for “the least of these”—to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, tend to the sick, and visit the imprisoned. Crucially, the passage opens with the judgment of whole nations. This isn’t just a mandate for individual charity; it is communal, systemic, and… Continue reading Building a Peace Rooted in Justice
What is your favorite quote or passage?
I recently had the joy of seeing my favorite musical, Les Misérables, live at the Phoenix Theatre. It was beyond marvelous! While I’ve loved this show for many years, what resonates with me most is its overarching theme: Love. It also contains my favorite quote of all time: “And remember the truth that once was spoken: To… Continue reading What is your favorite quote or passage?
It’s about becoming an oasis.
To live in the Sonoran Desert in late summer is to understand urgency. The sun pushes us indoors, the heat shimmering off the pavement, while news feeds bring a relentless stream of noise—political tension, immigration enforcement targeting our neighbors, and wildfire smoke lingering on the horizon. It is easy, under the weight of 110 degrees… Continue reading It’s about becoming an oasis.
Where is God calling me to put love into action?
Faith is never meant to stay contained within four walls; it is a living, breathing movement of love and justice out in the world. As a community, our heart beats for social justice, equity, and the inherent dignity of every person. But progressive faith demands more than just shared values—it calls for active practice. To… Continue reading Where is God calling me to put love into action?
August Reflections: Lessons from a Journeyman’s Journey
In July 1985, I began my first pastoral job at Saddleback Christian Church in Mission Viejo, CA. I was a college junior, and we were a small group of about 50 people meeting in an elementary school multipurpose room – one family had fourteen kids – talk about instant youth group! Four decades later, I… Continue reading August Reflections: Lessons from a Journeyman’s Journey
Staying Cool, Together in Faith.
Whew—it is a scorcher out there! While the summer heat is just starting to hit its peak, our community’s heart is only growing warmer. It would be easy to stay inside where the AC is blasting, but there is something deeply special about gathering in worship during these dog days of summer. When we show… Continue reading Staying Cool, Together in Faith.
There are two ways to look at a 250-year-old entity.
I have a confession to make, and if you’ve been around me for any length of time, it won’t come as a shock: I am still that nerdy, slightly sarcastic pastor who is utterly obsessed with the details. I’m the guy who wants to look past the Cliff Notes version of history, scratch beneath the… Continue reading There are two ways to look at a 250-year-old entity.
Prophetic Patriotism and a community picnic this Sunday
As the fireworks are being prepared for America’s historic 250th birthday, how do we as progressive people of faith live into the future? On Sunday, July 5th, we will explore the theme of “Prophetic Patriotism.” Drawing from Matthew 11:28–30, we will discover that true love for our nation doesn’t mean offering blind allegiance to a… Continue reading Prophetic Patriotism and a community picnic this Sunday
Prophetic Patriotism: Reflecting on America at 250
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary this July, we find ourselves inundated with grand celebrations, parades, and highly publicized spectacles. For many in progressive communities of faith, this milestone can stir complicated feelings. We are often told that patriotism means blind allegiance, uncritical praise, or aligning ourselves with whatever political philosophy currently holds power.… Continue reading Prophetic Patriotism: Reflecting on America at 250