Tag: social justice

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

“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

If you can no longer march, what can you do?

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?

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