It’s that time of the year when things start to get busy at The Palms. Our winter friends are returning, meetings and classes are happening with greater frequency, and our social justice ministry, which never takes a day off, is expanding! We are busy being the church, the palms of Jesus. Thanks be to God! To… Continue reading If you can no longer march, what can you do?
Tag: social justice
David’s Discernings: ONA Sunday
written by Rev. David Klingensmith I am proud to be a member of this congregation that proudly flies the rainbow flag and welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community to join us on the journey. More than 1,760 UCC congregations have adopted Open and Affirming covenants. This is so important because LGBTQ+ folks are facing continued… Continue reading David’s Discernings: ONA Sunday
Othering and Belonging: A New Task Force
part of the Mission Focusof the Social Justice Action TeamChurch of the Palms UCC There is a new task force at Church of the Palms: Othering and Belonging (O&B). It has formed out of the continued investment in education events around the social justice issues of anti-racism, oppression, marginalized people, criminal justice, etc. O&B will… Continue reading Othering and Belonging: A New Task Force
To Tell the Truth
It’s More Than Just a Game Show by Rev. Dave Klingensmith, Church of the Palms UCC I have always enjoyed the game show “To Tell the Truth.” I’ve seen it through several different versions, even was at a taping in NYC once. It has always been fun for me to try to decide, along with… Continue reading To Tell the Truth
Update from the MOD(erator) Squad
Greetings from the Moderator Team. We are rounding the corner of the calendar year and sending you an August Palm Leaf. We don’t normally send a Palm Leaf in August, but we are in unprecedented times and facing unprecedented issues, challenges, and opportunities to show who we are as followers of Jesus and members of… Continue reading Update from the MOD(erator) Squad
From the Prison Ministry/Criminal Justice Reform Action Team
By Nancy Nonini, Social Justice Action Team-Criminal Justice Did you know? According to the Death Penalty Information Center: Arizona reportedly has “refurbished” its gas chamber and has spent more than $2,000 to acquire ingredients to execute prisoners with cyanide gas, the same gas used by the Nazis to murder more than one million men, women,… Continue reading From the Prison Ministry/Criminal Justice Reform Action Team
Injustice In Our Justice System: The Stories of Mass Incarceration
by Nancy Nonini, Social Justice Action Team—Criminal Justice Following Pastor Jim’s sermon on “The Facts vs. The Stories” about Jesus’ Resurrection, we’d like to follow up on our presentation on the facts of Mass Incarceration with some stories. One story is about someone who was wrongly convicted, but served over 14 years in prison. One… Continue reading Injustice In Our Justice System: The Stories of Mass Incarceration
Social Justice Action Team—Criminal Justice hosts Breakfast in Your PJs
Tuesday, June 15, 8:30–9:30 am Arizonans serve 40-percent longer sentences for drug crimes and twice the national average for nonviolent property crimes. These long sentences are not making Arizona any safer. Please join us for some of these Arizona stories and ideas on what we can do to decrease the Injustice In Our Justice System:… Continue reading Social Justice Action Team—Criminal Justice hosts Breakfast in Your PJs
Update from the MOD(erator) Squad
You may recall that in our first Mod Squad Palm Leaf article, we promised to use this space to keep you posted on our church leadership priorities for the year. They are: Planning and implementing in-person worship services. Fully implementing the WISE Congregation for Mental Wellness Program. Supporting and expanding the work of the Social… Continue reading Update from the MOD(erator) Squad
Meet the 2020 Church of the Palms Social Justice Champions: Max and Kay Klinkenborg
By John Durbin Each year, the Social Justice Action Team selects an individual or individuals to receive the Social Justice Champion Award. The person(s) chosen best exemplifies our guiding scripture: “And what does the LORD require of us but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God” Micah 6:8. The… Continue reading Meet the 2020 Church of the Palms Social Justice Champions: Max and Kay Klinkenborg