Tag: UCC

Rating Professor Jesus?

Here’s a thought: what if Jesus’s followers reviewed him like students review their professors? While that might sound strange, it’s actually the core of Amanda Lehr’s thesis, which you can explore in the Coconut section. I’ve taken her intriguing idea and added my own peculiar twist. Professor Jesus’ reviews from students like you and me:… Continue reading Rating Professor Jesus?

Moving Forward Together: Confidence in Our Leadership

As many of you know, our beloved Pastor Jim is transitioning from his role, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their dedicated service and leadership among us. While change can naturally bring a sense of uncertainty, we want to assure you, our cherished church family, of the unwavering strength and commitment of our current… Continue reading Moving Forward Together: Confidence in Our Leadership

With Hearts Full of Gratitude: Celebrating Pastor Jim’s Ministry

As the season turns, so too does a chapter in the life of our church. It is with a mix of sadness and deep gratitude that we acknowledge Pastor Jim’s upcoming departure from the church. His last Sunday with us will be September 14. He’s been a guiding light whose ministry has touched countless lives… Continue reading With Hearts Full of Gratitude: Celebrating Pastor Jim’s Ministry

A deeper reflection on the true meaning of remembrance

As Memorial Day approaches, our thoughts often turn to flags waving, parades marching, and the start of summer gatherings. While these traditions hold their own significance, this day calls us to a deeper reflection on the true meaning of remembrance and our ongoing commitment to peace and justice. As we observe Memorial Day, our hearts… Continue reading A deeper reflection on the true meaning of remembrance

You Are Not Alone: Supporting Our Mental Well-Being

This Sunday we’re celebrating Mental Health Sunday. In our vibrant and compassionate community, we recognize a fundamental truth: everyone, at some point, experiences struggles with their mental well-being. Life’s journey brings joys and challenges, and it’s perfectly normal to navigate periods of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm. At The Church of the Palms, we are trying… Continue reading You Are Not Alone: Supporting Our Mental Well-Being

“I have seen the Lord!”

I’ve always felt that Mary Magdalene’s statement in the Gospel of John, “I have seen the Lord!” is more meaningful than our traditional call and response of, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!” It’s just that Easter and the resurrection is not a third personal confession, it’s a first-person encounter. To say, “I have… Continue reading “I have seen the Lord!”

Today is Maundy Thursday

It’s Maundy Thursday. Not Monday, but Maundy. The word, “Maundy” comes from the Latin Mandatum which means mandate. On this night, Jesus gave his disciples a mandate: Love one another. We meet at The Palms this Thursday afternoon at 5 pm with our sister churches to remember Christ’s gathering his disciples in an upper room for a special… Continue reading Today is Maundy Thursday

That one Palm Sunday during Children’s Moment…🤣

Most of my career I led a children’s moment in weekly worship. As Holy Week approached each year, I mentioned the names of the worship services and the meaning behind them: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and, of course, Easter. Palm Sunday was of particular interest to one young eight-year-old girl. As I talked… Continue reading That one Palm Sunday during Children’s Moment…🤣