Writing our story with intentionality

Are you drawn to a particular gospel writer? Some love Matthew with the power of the Sermon on the Mount and the insight calling us to help “the least of these” in chapter 25. Mark stands out for some with its straightforwardness, lack of a birth narrative, and how it ends. Luke, who begins by… Continue reading Writing our story with intentionality

What is dead within us?

Life is precious; life is short; be intentional. “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17 The marks of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality. From dust we have come and to dust we shall return. I’m reminded of… Continue reading What is dead within us?

Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” Labyrinth Walk

Good Friday, April 7, 12 – 3 pm All are welcome to walk the labyrinths at Church of the Palms UCC for a self-directed 30-minute walk, with a printed guide provided for pauses at the ‘stations of the cross’ to read a brief Biblical text and prayer. Volunteers will be available to assist walkers. Chairs… Continue reading Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” Labyrinth Walk

Why is it important to remember Lent?

The season of Lent is, to my mind, the most unusual season of all. Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany are filled with expectation, warmth, and wonder. Easter is full of joy. The Day of Pentecost is filled with excitement. Ordinary time (the time between Pentecost Sunday and Advent) describes much of my life—ordinary. But Lent is… Continue reading Why is it important to remember Lent?

Coming face-to-face with ourselves

The ashes are still lingering from last week. We gathered with our sibling Sun City Churches and religious leaders of our respective denominations to confess our corporate and private shortcomings in our community Ash Wednesday service. It marked the beginning of Lent for us. Lent is a time of self-examination – when we look at… Continue reading Coming face-to-face with ourselves

New life for those seldom-used special characters on your keyboard!

The UCC is widely known as that “comma church.” Meaning that our denomination’s logo includes a comma.  That comma symbol has its genesis from a quote, not from some famous theologian, but from entertainer Gracie Allen to her husband, George Burns: “Never place a period where God has put a comma.” We’ve added over the… Continue reading New life for those seldom-used special characters on your keyboard!

Top 10 ways to fast for Lent

(Spoiler alert: none of them involve chocolate!) Lent is here. One of the words often associated with Lenten practices is fasting. Many of us know that term as it applies to the medical world – fasting is practiced prior to surgeries that require general anesthesia for health reasons. Similarly, the use of the word in… Continue reading Top 10 ways to fast for Lent

February: From Epiphany to Lent

The month of February 2021 spans two seasons in the liturgical church: Epiphany and Lent. The Season of Epiphany began January 6, as we celebrated the magi’s gifts to the Christ child. The name Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance.” The season celebrates the light of Christ going out to the world –… Continue reading February: From Epiphany to Lent

Lenten Bread and Broth: A Devotional Series

Lenten Bread and Broth

Wednesdays, March 4- April 1, 11 am–12 noon at Church of the Palms Each week will feature a different presenter focusing on the Lenten theme. A simple bread and soup meal will follow each speaker. Kay Klinkenborg will be coordinating this series.

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