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
Tag: social justice
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Annual Meeting Saturday, January 31, 20269:00 a.m. in the sanctuary Forget the outdated stereotypes of “boring” church meetings and stale traditions.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
Some argue, “But they broke the law.”
The Church is neither the master of the state nor its servant but is called to be the conscience of the state. That’s the fundamental truth of which MLK, Jr. reminded us. We must act as its guide and its critic, but never its tool. If we fail to recapture our prophetic zeal, we risk… Continue reading Some argue, “But they broke the law.”
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
Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today
As the days shorten and the calendar turns toward December, we enter the holy season of Advent—a time of intentional waiting, reflection, and preparation. It is a four-week journey in which we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, not just as historical markers, but as active commitments for today. This year, let… Continue reading Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today
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…
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025
November 15, 20252:00 pm – 3:30 pmat The Church of the Palms14808 N Boswell Blvd., Sun City AZ 85351 We will be remembering those who were a part of the transgender community that have lost their lives to violence and suicide. This secular event is open to everyone whether they have faith or do not… Continue reading Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025