Christmas Cantata practices begin Thursday, October 25. Choir practice has been extended on Thursdays with regular choir practice from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Cantata practice from 7:15-8 p.m.

Saturday Cantata practices are from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. starting November 3.

Everyone is welcome to join the choir in performing the Christmas Cantata on December 9. Contact Norma Brown for a book, CD and schedule.

On Saturday, October 20, at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Church of the Palms, Joseph Whitaker will receive his Eagle Scout designation.

Of 100 boys who participate in Scouting, only 4 will achieve the rank of Eagle. Troop 213 has an amazing record of building young men to this coveted award.

Since the troop started, 22 young men have earned the Eagle Scout rank. You are invited to share in this latest milestone and to congratulate Joseph on this achievement.

It was a great Blessing of the Animals at Church of the Palms this past Sunday. All the dogs seemed to enjoy meeting new friends and so did the people.

View some of the photos of the day taken by Kathy B on the COTP Flickr page.

Donations can now be made to Church of the Palms from anywhere, anytime via your phone.

Vanco Payment Solutions trusted processor of electronic giving for over 20 years and over 30,000 clients (including Church of the Palms), now offers Mobile Giving.

Free apps for Apple and Android phone, and security provided by your devices Touch Id, pin, and/ or password, provide for convenient and secure giving anywhere and anytime.

Learn more here.

Editors Note: Travel back with the pilgrims who walked the Holy Land of Israel as reflections of the experience are shared. The next article in this series is by Wanda Lane

Bethlehem Now
By Wanda Lane

Bethlehem, the town of Jesus’ birth, is a microcosm of the disturbing and seemingly unsolvable issues of Israel and Palestine. ...
(Continue reading here)

It's that time again, time for you to start planning for the stiffest competition of the year! Trunks from all over will stake their place at the annual Trunk or Treat at Church of the Palms, on Halloween, October 31, beginning at 5 p.m.

Each year we welcome over a hundred local children and their adults to the most fun treating experience around. Complete with hotdogs straight off the grill, bounce house, karaoke and much more.

Space is limited so register your trunk on SignUpGenius TODAY!

I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to restore my joy and health." Psalms 119:93 (NKJV)

Making healthy changes a regular part of your lifestyle can be tiring. You may not be used to taking time to plan meals and grocery shopping lists. Plus, all of the options at the grocery store can be overwhelming when you are reading food labels to make healthier choices. Then, you may feel too tired to prepare and cook a healthy meal.

Remember to persevere. Healthy choices do not need to be a burden. Just like you feel restored after reading God's word or spending time in prayer, you should also feel restored after making healthy choices. Be a FAN for your health this month as you eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and less salt and fat.

• Here are a few food swaps to stay healthier:
• Embrace plant foods, such as more fruits and vegetables.
• Eat more fiber, foods with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
• Cut down on sodium. Rethink seasonings. Use more herbs and spices.
• Choose lean proteins.
• Eat smaller portions.

Join the people who have found electronic giving to be convenient, safe, and easy.  

Church of the Palms utilizes VANCO, a trusted and provided service provider endorsed by the UMC General Commission on Finance and Administration.

An authorization form and a “Frequently Asked Questions” flyer are available from the church office. You may also visit the donation page on our website at www.palmsumc.org/giveonline where you can create your account to start giving online.

The Brothers Too!, who gather for breakfast and study every other Saturday, meet next on October 20, at 7:30 a.m. to study Galatians resuming at Galatians 1:5.

All men are welcome to be part of this study.

The Book of Galatians is an extremely significant book in that it clearly demonstrates the essence of Christianity; that of placing ones’ hope personally and directly with Christ plus nothing.

Galatians also is a permanent restraint to both formalism and legalism in the body of Christ.

Finally, Galatians forever establishes the fact that true Christianity has no ethnic, nationalistic, or cultural walls.

Learn more about The Brothers! 

Fellowship Potluck Dinner
Friday, November 16, at 6 p.m.

Our next  Church-wide Fellowship Potluck Dinner in the Fellowship Hall of our Christian Life Center is Friday, November 16. 

Come join us for food, fellowship, and fun starting at 6 p.m.

It is not necessary to sign up to come, but it helps us set up enough tables and chairs.  The signup form is here.