Tag: UCC

To make a difference despite the turbulence of our times

It has been a challenging season, but as Christmas draws near, let’s rediscover hope in the familiar stories of Jesus’ birth. I want to share how the Gospels of Luke and Matthew inspire the work we do right now. Luke emphasizes that Jesus was born poor and was first visited by poor, dirty shepherds—people considered… Continue reading To make a difference despite the turbulence of our times

Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today

As the days shorten and the calendar turns toward December, we enter the holy season of Advent—a time of intentional waiting, reflection, and preparation. It is a four-week journey in which we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, not just as historical markers, but as active commitments for today. This year, let… Continue reading Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today

‘Twas the week of Thanksgiving

The excitement builds with each passing moment in November until we finally reach Thanksgiving Day. The days might be growing shorter as we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, but our gratitude grows greater with each passing day. Let us remember that the ultimate act of gratitude is not just counted in our blessings but demonstrated in… Continue reading ‘Twas the week of Thanksgiving

What truly defines us as a church family?

It’s not the building, but the vibrant, tangible ways we bring our mission statement—Sharing God’s Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome—to life every single day. Today, as we observe National Transgender Day of Remembrance, we powerfully embody our commitment to Extravagant Welcome and justice for all God’s beloved children. This witness, however, is just one… Continue reading What truly defines us as a church family?

Every trip to the grocery store…

Every trip to the grocery store? Yes, every trip to the grocery store! Every trip to the grocery store, whether it’s your weekly shopping list or you just need one thing to fix a beloved recipe, I want you and I to turn into a worshipful moment. Transform your trip into a worship moment. Permit… Continue reading Every trip to the grocery store…

Stewardship – it’s a Holy Blessing

The progressive Christian call to stewardship is a holistic commitment to our community and the wider world. It is a practice of gratitude and intentionality, rooted in the understanding that everything we have is a gift to be shared. By generously contributing our time, talents, and treasure, we co-create a more just and compassionate world.… Continue reading Stewardship – it’s a Holy Blessing

For All the Saints…

As of this writing, our government is refusing to use a $5 billion emergency fund to maintain the SNAP food stamp program during the government shutdown, leaving 40 million Americans facing lost food benefits. This clearly reflects a lack of humanity, not a lack of money, as the funds are legally available and were used… Continue reading For All the Saints…

We Are More Than Just Words: Our Faith Is Living!

It’s easy to speak in high-minded, aspirational phrases: justice, compassion, beloved community. But as a progressive church, our true testament lies not in the eloquence of our language, but in the daily rhythm of our actions. Do our deeds truly reflect the magnificent words we proclaim? When we speak of radical hospitality, are we genuinely reaching… Continue reading We Are More Than Just Words: Our Faith Is Living!

Trading in the Image: A God of Love, Not Abuse

If your understanding of God feels abusive, it’s time to exchange that image for one defined by unconditional love. For too long, many Christians have been taught that the cross was a “cosmic transaction”—a blood sacrifice God supposedly demanded to forgive humanity. This idea, often called substitutionary atonement, wasn’t preached by Jesus; it developed centuries… Continue reading Trading in the Image: A God of Love, Not Abuse