Here’s a thought: what if Jesus’s followers reviewed him like students review their professors? While that might sound strange, it’s actually the core of Amanda Lehr’s thesis, which you can explore in the Coconut section. I’ve taken her intriguing idea and added my own peculiar twist. Professor Jesus’ reviews from students like you and me:… Continue reading Rating Professor Jesus?
Tag: Sun City AZ
Moving Forward Together: Confidence in Our Leadership
As many of you know, our beloved Pastor Jim is transitioning from his role, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their dedicated service and leadership among us. While change can naturally bring a sense of uncertainty, we want to assure you, our cherished church family, of the unwavering strength and commitment of our current… Continue reading Moving Forward Together: Confidence in Our Leadership
New Pope; A New Day!
The death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV signals a change in the Catholic leadership. My prayer is that the new pope will continue to lead the church in progressive directions. Forty-two years ago, I met Pope John Paul II. Here are a few memories of that meeting. My college choir… Continue reading New Pope; A New Day!
With Hearts Full of Gratitude: Celebrating Pastor Jim’s Ministry
As the season turns, so too does a chapter in the life of our church. It is with a mix of sadness and deep gratitude that we acknowledge Pastor Jim’s upcoming departure from the church. His last Sunday with us will be September 14. He’s been a guiding light whose ministry has touched countless lives… Continue reading With Hearts Full of Gratitude: Celebrating Pastor Jim’s Ministry
A deeper reflection on the true meaning of remembrance
As Memorial Day approaches, our thoughts often turn to flags waving, parades marching, and the start of summer gatherings. While these traditions hold their own significance, this day calls us to a deeper reflection on the true meaning of remembrance and our ongoing commitment to peace and justice. As we observe Memorial Day, our hearts… Continue reading A deeper reflection on the true meaning of remembrance
You Are Not Alone: Supporting Our Mental Well-Being
This Sunday we’re celebrating Mental Health Sunday. In our vibrant and compassionate community, we recognize a fundamental truth: everyone, at some point, experiences struggles with their mental well-being. Life’s journey brings joys and challenges, and it’s perfectly normal to navigate periods of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm. At The Church of the Palms, we are trying… Continue reading You Are Not Alone: Supporting Our Mental Well-Being
Letter writing is still a powerful tool.
We’re in a strange world, but letter writing is still a powerful tool with which to express our opinions. In my ministry infancy, I titled my written message to the congregation I was serving: A Letter from Paul. I liked the play-on-words of that title and it has stuck for the past forty years. I… Continue reading Letter writing is still a powerful tool.
“I have seen the Lord!”
I’ve always felt that Mary Magdalene’s statement in the Gospel of John, “I have seen the Lord!” is more meaningful than our traditional call and response of, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!” It’s just that Easter and the resurrection is not a third personal confession, it’s a first-person encounter. To say, “I have… Continue reading “I have seen the Lord!”
Eastertide is upon us!
Yes, Easter is more than one day; it’s an entire season and it’s called Eastertide. Maybe we should consider that our resurrection faith has qualities like that of a tide. Tides mold and shape the shoreline and us. Eastertide smooths our rough places and our jagged edges while at other times pulling us and exposing… Continue reading Eastertide is upon us!
Today is Maundy Thursday
It’s Maundy Thursday. Not Monday, but Maundy. The word, “Maundy” comes from the Latin Mandatum which means mandate. On this night, Jesus gave his disciples a mandate: Love one another. We meet at The Palms this Thursday afternoon at 5 pm with our sister churches to remember Christ’s gathering his disciples in an upper room for a special… Continue reading Today is Maundy Thursday