Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ January pushes us to take stock of our lives and our faith. As the calendar turns, we set goals, reflect on the past, and look toward a hopeful future. Christianity shapes many of those hopes. It teaches love, forgiveness, and justice. Yet we must…
Tag: faith
January 2026, Religion
A New Year, a New Rhythm
Rev. Jennifer Lambert, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church January has a way of inviting us to begin again—to find fresh energy, renewed hope, and new rhythms for the year ahead. At Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, we’re stepping into 2026 with joy, connection, and a little bit of fun as we launch our winter Concert…
October 2025, Religion
Living with Purpose at Every Age
Rev. Jennifer Lambert, Senior Pastor, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church In every stage of life, we are wired for meaning. Psychologists tell us that having a sense of purpose is one of the greatest predictors of health and longevity. Scripture also reminds us that we are God’s masterpieces, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Purpose…
September 2025, Religion
Courage to Be Kind
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ Our world feels heavy right now; I am saying nothing new. Political conversations are tense, friendships have been strained, and the news seems filled with anger and fear. Maybe you have felt it, too. I know you feel the tension in the air, because…
August 2025, Religion
What Ancient Words Can Teach Us Now
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ As we head into August, I’ve been thinking about what it means to engage with the teachings of Jesus in a world so different from his own. Over 2,000 years ago, people gathered in small fishing villages. Living under Roman rule, they faced their…
July 2025, Religion
God Sent Us!
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. On the desk in the White House Oval Office, during the presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was a bronze plaque affixed to a wooden surface that read: “O God thy sea is so great and my boat so small.” It reminded him of the awesome responsibilities of being President of the…
July 2025, Religion
Reflections on Freedom This Fourth of July
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ This Fourth of July marks my first since retiring from my military uniform. After more than two decades of service, I now stand in civilian clothes, reflecting on the meaning of freedom from a new place—one rooted not in command but in calling. I’ve…
June 2025, Religion
5 Understandable Words: “… a heritage from The Lord …”
Pastor Steve Foss There is a cave in Canaan where the patriarchs of Judaism and Muslim heritage are buried. The bodies of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah are all buried there. It is located in Machpelah (present-day Hebron), which is due south of Jerusalem and on the west side of the west bank,…
Religion, June 2025
Don’t Just Talk About It—Live It
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ June is a month full of life. The days get longer. School lets out. Families gather for cookouts and road trips. We celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month, both reminders of the long journey toward freedom and dignity. Even if the world sometimes tells us…
Religion, June 2025
What Life Is All About
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Another winter has passed. Summer is fast approaching. Perhaps now is the time for all that has transpired to be reviewed as we reconcile the past with the present and as we anticipate the future. The experiences for the last six months are recorded for all to see. However, it is…