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…
Tag: faith
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,…
June 2025, Religion
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…
June 2025, Religion
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…
June 2025, Religion
Embracing the Spirit Of Service
Volunteering for the church is an enriching and fulfilling experience that allows you to serve your community, deepen your faith, and grow personally and spiritually. Churches rely on the dedication and goodwill of volunteers to carry out their mission, provide essential services, and foster a sense of belonging among their congregants. Ways to Volunteer for…
Religion, June 2025
The Resurrection Principle
Mark Wenz “They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn.” —Bob Dylan, “Meet Me in the Morning” “To be a traveler on this earth, you must know how to die and come to life again.” —Goethe Do you trust that you have the power to transform that which seems hopeless into something hopeful…
January 2025, Religion
New Year, New Church—FBCSL Wants You
Pam Wortman First Baptist Church Sun Lakes (FBCSL) is really bringing the energy and making waves in our community. At FBCSL we are seeking to create a vibrant, engaging, uplifting environment for all. We desire to have a contagious faith, embracing creativity, connectivity, and vitality in Sun Lakes. If you’re looking for a church with…
August 2024, Religion
The Days of Summer
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ As a pastor and a lover of dogs, I often find myself reflecting on the simple joys and profound lessons our furry friends bring into our lives. My administrative assistant and I share a mutual affection for dogs, and we’ve observed how their companionship…
August 2024, Religion
Sun Lakes United Church of Christ Helps Local Elementary School
For the second year in a row, the Mission and Outreach Ministry of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ asked the congregation to help support the needs of Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School, and they did. For the month of June, members of the congregation purchased a variety of school supplies that are needed by…