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
Tag: social justice
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.”
Church of the Palms Social Justice Champion for 2022: Beth Moore
The Volunteer Engagement Committee working with Social Justice Leadership Team has selected Beth Moore for the 2022 Social Justice Champion Award. Beth attributes much of her social activism to her upbringing in the Methodist tradition where John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, worked among the marginalized coal miners of Great Britain in the early 1700s.… Continue reading Church of the Palms Social Justice Champion for 2022: Beth Moore
So, I ask again:
Be the Church! You hear me say that often around The Palms. Our new directory even used that theme – giving it a punny twist: Bee the Church! So, as we journey through Eastertide, do you go to church or are you the church? Another way to ask that same thing is: Do you approach… Continue reading So, I ask again:
“Homeless Jesus” Sculpture coming to The Church of the Palms campus
It is a seven foot bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz entitled, “Homeless Jesus”, which depicts Jesus sleeping on a park bench. We are in the process of obtaining this piece of art this summer/fall. His face and hands are obscured under the blanket; the only clue to his identity is the crucifixion wounds on his… Continue reading “Homeless Jesus” Sculpture coming to The Church of the Palms campus
Our New Sacred Place: Donations Area
A sacred place is defined as a space distinguished from other spaces. The rituals that a people either practice at a place or direct toward it mark its sacredness and differentiate it from other defined spaces. At The Church of The Palms, we have several sacred spaces: Our beautiful Sanctuary, the Memorial Garden, our Chapel,… Continue reading Our New Sacred Place: Donations Area
Meet & Greet with Micheon Gorman, Director of Development, Phoenix Indian Center
Saturday, February 4, 20239 am: Light breakfast served9:30 – 10:30 am: Program, presentation, and Q&A Micheon will join us via Zoom in King Hall.This is a free event, open to the public.Breakfast reservations: Sign up on clipboard in narthex or call 623-977-8359.Participate via Zoom by going to the Bridges page of our website and clicking… Continue reading Meet & Greet with Micheon Gorman, Director of Development, Phoenix Indian Center