Tag: Sun City AZ

34 years of “togetherness” is about to end

Thirty-four years ago, my son, Michael was born – It was 1990 and I was just finishing up seminary. Soon came the call to parish ministry with another boy, Nathan, born two years later. Six years later Ruthie entered our lives and changed our household in ways I could barely imagine. We’ve had someone living… Continue reading 34 years of “togetherness” is about to end

Looking for blessings, rather than curses

Summers are hard in the Sonoran Desert. About this time of year, I am worn out and truly tired of the heat! So, prompted by the Spirit, I was reminded of a simple, yet powerful mindfulness activity: find three things a day that you are grateful for and write them down. I committed to making… Continue reading Looking for blessings, rather than curses

My favorite niche competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With the summer Olympics in Paris in full swing, I confess that I am a fan of the weird, strange, odd, unusual, peculiar, bizarre events. These games have no shortage of them. Whether you’re sports averse or can get involved in any competition, this is my cheat sheet for the “niche-est” competitions in the Paris… Continue reading My favorite niche competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

As you read this, I’m in the Galapagos Islands.

By the time you are reading this I will be fully engaged with sunsets, wildlife, and other fowl things. Being out in creation and nature is one the ways I recharge my batteries. Well, last year, as Wendy and I plotted our summer of ‘24 activities, both of us looked to nature. When the Galapagos… Continue reading As you read this, I’m in the Galapagos Islands.

Why is social justice important?

“Sharing Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome” is our mission statement. Justice is the center, the heart, a core value of that statement on purpose. Why Is social justice important? Social justice promotes fairness and equity across many aspects of society. For example, it promotes equitable economic, educational, and workplace opportunities. It’s also important to… Continue reading Why is social justice important?

2024 Summer Film Festival

The Social Justice Leadership Team Presents the 2024 Summer Film Festival! Save your Fridays from July 19 through August 30, 1–2:30 pm for: √ Popcorn, peanuts, and soft drinks √ Air-conditioned comfort √ Time with church family and friends √ Learning about social justice issues and programs Members of the Social Justice Leadership Team will… Continue reading 2024 Summer Film Festival

Instead of the 10 Commandments…

On this day when we celebrate our country’s birth, a few folks are wanting the Ten Commandments posted in our schools. Years ago, Kurt Vonnegut once said, “Christians have often demanded that the Ten Commandments be posted on public buildings, but never the Beatitudes.” And he wondered, “why?” Instead of the 10 Commandments, how about… Continue reading Instead of the 10 Commandments…

The Christian life is a team sport.

A much-neglected dimension of the Christian life is how communal it is. We say, “Bee the Church!” That is, be the living community which is Jesus’ body: loving, working for justice, and welcoming. In the Apostle Paul’s letters, he often begins with, “I thank God in all my remembrances of you.” His message starts with… Continue reading The Christian life is a team sport.

“Because he’s black.”

The first eight years of my life were lived on an Air Force base where there was a wide variety of people. My earliest memories of elementary school are of spending time with my best friends, John-John and Keith. John-John’s mom was Vietnamese and his father was African-American giving him wonderful patches of skin – swirls… Continue reading “Because he’s black.”