Back in 2021, The Church of the Palms became a W.I.S.E. congregation for mental health. W = Welcoming; I = Inclusive; S = Supportive; E = Engaging. Have you noticed that folks in this neck of the woods seem especially stressed lately? Uber-cranky, hyper-sensitive due to the heat, or maybe it’s the exhausting election cycle, or possibly it’s personal grief, or maybe it’s just life in… Continue reading 5 simple guidelines for mental wellness
Tag: Sun City AZ
First sign of civilization
Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Meade to talk about fishhooks, clay pots, or grinding stones. But no. Meade said that ancient culture’s first sign of civilization was a femur (thigh bone) that had been… Continue reading First sign of civilization
Transgender Day of Remembrance
The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team as part of The Church of the Palms of Sun City, AZ commits to an annual Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony to memorialize the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, hatred or prejudice during the last calendar year. Although not every person represented during the Day… Continue reading Transgender Day of Remembrance
Phoenix Pride Parade
Held in October Phoenix Pride Parade participation brings such joy. We encourage members of the congregation, and the community to join us in walking the parade route accompanied by our decorated Church truck: sharing water with the walkers, candy and informational brochures with the watchers. The vehicle signage identifies who we are, our values, and… Continue reading Phoenix Pride Parade
Open and Affirming Sunday
Last Sunday in June This is a day to celebrate with The Church of the Palms’ congregation and the public our joy and gratitude in knowing that we continue to focus on being a place of belonging, entrenched with love in an environment of safety where strong bonds and deep relationships can form. The LGBTQ+ Ministry… Continue reading Open and Affirming Sunday
Rainbows Festival in Heritage Gardens
We host a tent each year with volunteers for the weekend greeting everyone with unconditional love and an extravagant welcome. Our table is overflowing with information about The Church of the Palms UCC, as well as other O&A churches in the area for those not living in the west valley (we have a list and… Continue reading Rainbows Festival in Heritage Gardens
Story Sharing Circles
On the third Sunday of each month The Story Circle, inspired by the ancient talking stick tradition, brings people together to share, listen, foster understanding and belonging between LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, friends and family. Story Circles offer a safe space for sharing stories without advice or judgment. The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team is bringing these circles… Continue reading Story Sharing Circles
2024 Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team as part of The Church of the Palms of Sun City, AZ commits to an annual Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, hatred or prejudice during the last calendar year. Although not every person represented… Continue reading 2024 Transgender Day of Remembrance
Check out our new LGBTQ+ Ministry pages!
We have resources, events, activities, church lists, and news for you! Check it out here.
It’s growing season.
The autumn season is different in the Sonoran Desert than it is elsewhere. Most of the United States is preparing for the onslaught of cold where plants go into a dormant phase. Not so here in the valley of the sun! The opposite is quite true. Veteran gardeners of our summers know that we just… Continue reading It’s growing season.