Sun City AZ – Page 8 – The Church of the Palms UCC

On being intentional with our listening

Master of the obvious – that’s me! When… Jesus asked a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:6) if he wanted to get well. The answer seems obvious. And yet questions (even questions with apparently obvious answers) have the uncanny ability to clear away assumptions. We should never assume that every sick… Continue reading On being intentional with our listening

It’s Hard to Let Go

A Letter from Paul The Season of Lent has begun. What can you and I let go of and what do we need to hold on to? Lent is a great time to examine what we prioritize and value. Every move I have made, I have struggled letting go of my stuff – even things… Continue reading It’s Hard to Let Go

The countdown begins

This year both Pastor Jim and I turn 60. That’s right, both of us! I am a few months older than him. Well, lo and behold, I am counting down the sixty days before I turn 60. Each day, I want to do something to improve flexibility and my physical ability. Jesus had 40 days… Continue reading The countdown begins

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?