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/
April Community Concert Series: Support MNIPL!
In April, we feature the music of First Saturday Folk, and benefit Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light (MNIPL). The seed of the idea for the Community Concert series may have been born in a First Saturday Folk rehearsal. The idea of bringing fine musicians into the church while raising money for excellent causes continues to spread the music and the causes. Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light is an interfaith community co-creating a just and sustainable world. They work in partnership with faith communities…
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…
March Pastor’s Corner
We’ve heard about the month of March. It comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb – or vice versa. Accordingly, we are currently in for a lovely April 1st, or may instead end up April fooled. March is a month in which we expect to be either surprised or sideswiped! This is fitting for Lent, a season that calls us to venture out of hibernation into vivid, sensory, renewed life! In fact, we could think of…
March Community Concert Series
In March, we feature the music of Tjärnblom, and benefit Glendale Food Shelf. Tjärnblom, Swedish for “woodland lake flower”, features a beautiful blend of Nyckelharpa, Octave Mandolin, Harmonium and Cello. Located in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, the Glendale Food Shelf provides food support to families living in Glendale Town Homes. To learn more and make a donation to Glendale Food Shelf, visit our Community Concert Series page.