Tag: UCC

👀 Unique opportunity this Sunday—don’t miss it.

This is a pivotal time for our congregation! This Sunday, August 10, we have the unique opportunity to hear from Mark Makowski during the sermon. He will share his personal story, beliefs, and sense of calling with us. I encourage you to attend in person to hear his message. Following the service, we’ll hold a… Continue reading 👀 Unique opportunity this Sunday—don’t miss it.

From Lantana Hater to Lover: A Lesson in Perspective

pul·chri·tu·di·nous    /ˌpəlkrəˈto͞odənəs/  =  beautiful  For most of my life, my opinion of lantana was simple: “Lantana is a high-maintenance weed that takes over in the summer and dies back in the winter. I hate it.” I’ve spent countless hours ripping these established bushes out of yards. Then came the “until.” “Until” is a powerful word,… Continue reading From Lantana Hater to Lover: A Lesson in Perspective

Oasis of Peace

On our life’s voyage, you and I often feel engulfed by relentless storms. We cling to familiar routines, neglecting to trim our sails, and exhaust our time, talent, and treasure on endeavors that, despite their secondary importance, don’t truly resonate with our souls. The demands of circumstance, family, and position can repeatedly send us off course, forcing… Continue reading Oasis of Peace

Wonderful news!

The wonderful news shared last Sunday in worship brought a glorious reaction, and we’re thrilled to officially announce it in writing! The Pastoral Search Team, with the blessings of the Executive Board and the Personnel Board are proposing that Rev. Mark Makowski join our team as a ¾ time Associate Pastor. To make this official,… Continue reading Wonderful news!

We’re in this together, thanks be to God!

Change is an inherent part of life, and it’s certainly a dynamic force within The Palms. And wow, we had a lot of recent changes in personnel upfront and behind the scenes in 2025: new Treasurer, new janitorial services, Pastor Jim is leaving, change in payroll services and office manager. Whew! That’s a lot! As… Continue reading We’re in this together, thanks be to God!

If not us, then whom?

July 4 is a perfect day for self-reflection for the United States. Do we acknowledge the pollution of our land and water, the increasing number of unhoused individuals, and the persecution of LGBTQ+ people and others? When the country fails to embrace diversity, when racism and misogyny prevail, when policies discriminate against the poor while… Continue reading If not us, then whom?

What Does the Lord Require? Come and See!

In a world that often feels chaotic and demanding, our 2025 church theme – “Imagine! Doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God,” – offers us a profound and refreshingly simple guide for living a life of purpose and connection. Micah’s timeless question, “What does the Lord require of you…?” resonates deeply with our… Continue reading What Does the Lord Require? Come and See!

ONA Sunday: June 29

When God created humanity, there were no duplicates, only a kaleidoscope of unique individuals. Every hue, every body, every story, every stage of life, every transformation—all were declared “very good.” From Genesis to the prophets, the Gospels, and Acts, the consistent message is clear: God embraces all without partiality. God isn’t confused or surprised by… Continue reading ONA Sunday: June 29

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?