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November Pastor’s Corner
Friends, I hope you have gotten some mail from PPUMC recently, first, an invitation to the Fall Arts and Food Fest coming up this next weekend on its traditional date: the first Saturday in November and second, a letter introducing this year’s Stewardship season. I hope you received both. I like the balance of the two. One, the Fall-Fest, is an invitation to be part of the neighborhood and community by coming together at the church when it is filled…
UMC Creation Justice Tips: Are you a consumer or a citizen?
How you think of yourself matters. We’ve repeatedly been told we are consumers, but to consume means “to use things up.” Rejecting that label and seeing ourselves as citizens—ones who care for the welfare of the community—makes a difference in our actions. Which one aligns with our faith? Who do you want to be? Fall is another planting season, this time for perennials. Choose native plants that bloom in the fall, such as asters. They give us a pop of…
October Pastor’s Corner
Beloved community, It is October, and we are a hive of activity! We are: Preparing the parsonage to be listed for sale. Preparing for FAFF – that’s the Fall Arts and Food Fest. It’s our newest iteration of the PPUMC Bazaar and Art Fair, still the first Saturday in November. Preparing for our annual Stewardship Campaign to roll out, which also means we are working hard on the budget for the coming year. Preparing to welcome the Dignity Congregation back…
September Pastor’s Corner
I am a fan of cooking shows on television. They’re, for the most part, the only “reality TV” I enjoy. I learn tips and tricks, sure, but mostly I enjoy watching the cooks solve problems creatively to delight those they feed. One of my favorites: somebody gets artichoke as the featured ingredient and not only do they produce deep-fried artichoke fritters, but also an artichoke soufflé. They call it “Artichoke Two Ways.” I’m thinking of Church Two Ways these days.…
August Pastor’s Corner
Jimmy Fallon has a running bit that has lasted through both of his late-night television shows, in which he writes thank you notes. Each is written to a flourish of music provided especially for the moment. He’s been writing them for years. They’re funny and sometimes pointed and very occasionally sweet. Mine are none of those things. They are simply sincere. Thank you PPUMC congregation, for encouraging me to take time away from work. David and I traveled some, and…
Creation Justice Tips for Going Plastic Free
You don’t have to look far to see plastic pollution. You don’t have to look far to find alarming research or scary statistics about the harm plastic, especially single-use plastics, are doing to our air, land, oceans, marine life, and even our own bodies. With this Special Edition of 35 Tips, you also don’t have to look far for ideas or inspiration for changing the outcome.Start with love. John Wesley’s General Rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in…
July Pastor’s Corner
My first Sunday as pastor at PPUMC was July 3, 2011, almost exactly ten years ago today. I’ll take this opportunity to wish us happy anniversary! Congratulations to us! Anniversaries are fine occasions for a quick think back. It’s been a decade. What do I – what might you – remember? You may recall, or this is the way it went: I was appointed – at rather the last minute. None of us knew a change was coming until the…
June Pastor’s Corner
Beloved friends, They say a picture speaks 1,000 words. This little dog stood watch over many a Nativity scene in its time. Its legs cracked years ago. It’s wire-skeleton showed. It stood propped against a cow, the manger, often Joseph for as long as I remember. This past Christmas a leg fell off. She couldn’t stand at all. Me neither. So she guarded me. And I her. And bit by bit well…you see what happened. Her jewels are visible. In…
May Community Concert Series supports Voices for Racial Justice
Twin Cities-based duo My Anchor Holds performs an original song, their reflection on the murder of George Floyd entitled, I Can’t Breathe.The benefitting social service organization is Voices for Racial Justice, committed to building power through collective cultural & healing strategies across Minnesota. To listen to this month’s song and make a donation, visit: https://www.prospectparkchurch.org/calendar-events/community-concert-series/
The Healing Power of Song
As Pastor Chris notes in her Prospectus reflection, this year’s Lenten season is unlike any other as we move toward and through the one-year anniversary of the pandemic ‘lock-down.’ The impact of this collective experience will be felt for years, if not decades to come; yet, we continue to hold fast to each other through our collective gatherings, worship services, meditations…and music. Throughout the ages, music has been at the very heart of helping people survive and persevere throughout countless…