Sun City AZ – Page 3 – The Church of the Palms UCC

A top 10 list for alive churches

What makes a congregation come alive? I’ve asked some friends across the nation and have gleaned their thoughts on this matter. Here’s a top 10 list for alive churches. 10. Alive churches adjust their sails. They know change is the only way growth happens. Change is a gift from God.9. Alive churches ask a lot… Continue reading A top 10 list for alive churches

“Thank you” seems to be inadequate

“Thank you” seems to be inadequate to express the emotions that I felt last week at my mom’s memorial service. I was deeply moved by the sharing of love and grace shown to my family and to me in the weeks leading up to the service and the day of it. Pastor Jim’s words were… Continue reading “Thank you” seems to be inadequate

What made you come alive in 2023?

Throughout 2023 we asked in one way or another, “What makes you come alive?” That question came from one of Howard Thurman’s most famous quotes: “Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive.” This past year witnessed The Church of the Palms collectively and… Continue reading What made you come alive in 2023?

Are you riding the rollercoaster of grief?

There’s a ride we all take from time-to-time in life – Grief! It can be the scariest adventure out there. Grief is like a rollercoaster ride. Permit me to explain. Think about it. Often the ride (both grief and rollercoaster) begins with a line. You want to hop on and get going, but we’re forced… Continue reading Are you riding the rollercoaster of grief?

My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”

Bringing the Bible to today’s world is a goal for many of us. Sharon Jaynes used a familiar Bible verse (1 Corinthians 13) to bring out that love is the reason for the season in her, “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version.” I’ve tweaked it to apply to us at The Palms. If we decorate God’s… Continue reading My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”

What’s filled with awesomeness and is fantabulous?

I like to make up words – taking obvious phrases and expanding upon them. I figure, if Shakespeare could invent words, why can’t I? I often use these made-up words in notes and in conversations. Communicating things like: “You are filled with awesomeness” and “You are so fantabulous.” These are familiar parts of my vocabulary.… Continue reading What’s filled with awesomeness and is fantabulous?

25th anniversary of our community Thanksgiving meal

What are your memories of Thanksgiving? Do you have favorite moments from your childhood about the holiday? What faces appear when you think of Thanksgiving? What smells fill your heart, mind, and soul? What traditions have you taught the younger generations? Are there certain foods that are “a must” for the big meal? Thanksgiving conjures up… Continue reading 25th anniversary of our community Thanksgiving meal

Homeless Jesus Unveiled

The Church of the Palms, UCC, will be dedicating the sculpture Homeless Jesus on Saturday, November 18, at 11 am. The community is welcome to join the unveiling. Created by artist Timothy Schmalz, Homeless Jesus, as a piece of public art at The Church of the Palms, has a vital and moving, though at times… Continue reading Homeless Jesus Unveiled

We can do a lot of things because…

It’s a busy weekend at The Palms. On Saturday, we are dedicating our newest sculpture, Homeless Jesus. I hope you can join us and our Transitional Conference Minister, Dr. Toni. That dedication will be Saturday, at 11 am at The Palms. On Sunday, we will be honoring the (retired and active) clergy among us. Not too… Continue reading We can do a lot of things because…