Sun City AZ – Page 7 – The Church of the Palms UCC

Now what?

At the Annual Meeting last week, we reviewed all that made last year come alive as a church. There was much to celebrate: 52 new members, a balanced budget, purchase of a new bus (and it’s paid for!), installment of Homeless Jesus, and the expansion of our social justice ministries. Read the annual report for more details. My… Continue reading Now what?

YOU are invited. No need to RSVP.

Our Annual Meeting is this Saturday, January 27 at 9 am in the sanctuary. Let this serve as your official invitation: You are invited! No need to RSVP. Just show up! The Palms has had a colorful history of Annual Meetings. Each one of the meetings takes on its own personality. There is one constant:… Continue reading YOU are invited. No need to RSVP.

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