Ten years ago, on June 1st, I began my ministry with the Church of the Palms, and what a transformative journey it has been. Together, we have co-created a community that truly reflects the Kin-dom of God. It has never been about one person; it is about the power of us—a collective moving in spirit… Continue reading Ten years, ten milestones
Tag: UCC
What do you take with you when you may never come back?
What do you take with you when you may never come back? When a hurricane approached one community, the evacuation order came. The locals had just a few hours to decide what to take with them as they fled for their lives. A couple of reporters from The Washington Post caught up with some of… Continue reading What do you take with you when you may never come back?
Wear red for Pentecost this Sunday, May 24
This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost—the vibrant “birthday of the church.” We remember the story of the Holy Spirit descending like tongues of fire, breaking down barriers of language and geography to unite a diverse community in a common vision. In our progressive tradition, Pentecost is more than a historical event; it is a divine call… Continue reading Wear red for Pentecost this Sunday, May 24
Celebrating the Divine Tapestry: Mental Health Sunday
On May 17, our community gathers to celebrate Mental Health Sunday. It is a day to recognize that mental health is more than the absence of illness; as the World Health Organization defines it, it is a state of well-being that enables us to cope with stress, realize our abilities, and contribute meaningfully to our… Continue reading Celebrating the Divine Tapestry: Mental Health Sunday
Life often requires a “mulligan”
The Whitlock household has found a new rhythm lately. Our eldest son recently moved back to Arizona, and with him came two energetic feline companions, Lando and Neville. It’s a transition that reminds us how often life requires a “mulligan.” Whether triggered by retirement, relocation, or family moving back home, starting over is a universal… Continue reading Life often requires a “mulligan”
Reflections from Community Conversation Café
April 25, 2026 A Growing Vision for Our Community At our last gathering, we discussed how the Conversation Café has evolved from a LGBTQ+ focus group to a space for meaningful dialogue and action, with a growing focus on turning shared ideas into tangible impact across our community, with a continued commitment to being inclusive… Continue reading Reflections from Community Conversation Café
A Decade of Love, Justice, and Dumb Puns turns into Loud Music!
It is hard to believe that on June 1, we will officially mark ten years of our journey together. When I first stepped into the pulpit as your Senior Pastor, I knew I was joining a community that didn’t just talk about “extravagant welcome”—you lived it. Over the last decade, we have marched for justice,… Continue reading A Decade of Love, Justice, and Dumb Puns turns into Loud Music!
How can we know the way?
I have often said that our faith and the scriptures are not a rigid roadmap, but a compass. While maps quickly become obsolete as the landscape shifts, a compass consistently points us toward justice and love. In John’s gospel, Thomas asks the question we all feel in our bones during seasons of upheaval: “How can we… Continue reading How can we know the way?
Honoring Our Common Home
Honoring Our Common Home: Creation Justice Sunday, April 19, 2026 This Sunday, we gather to celebrate Creation Justice Sunday / Earth Day, a vital moment to reflect on our sacred responsibility as stewards of the world. At the heart of our mission is the call to share God’s Unconditional Love, a love that extends beyond humanity… Continue reading Honoring Our Common Home
It’s the Season of Journeying through the Shadows to the Light.
We have entered Holy Week, the most sacred stretch of our liturgical year. It is a journey that mirrors our own lives: a movement from the intimacy of the table to the shadows of the cross, and finally, to the breathtaking joy of the empty tomb. Our mission of sharing God’s Unconditional Love and Justice… Continue reading It’s the Season of Journeying through the Shadows to the Light.