A representative from Jayla’s Voice will talk about the tragic death of Jayla Davis from fentanyl and the organization’s mission to prevent substance use disorder and provide family support, striving to create a future where every voice is heard and every life is valued. The Purple Pulse project (August 21-31) is an 11-day community initiative … Continue reading Jayla’s Voice and Purple Pulse
O-bon is an annual summer event in Japan that connects ancient beliefs and Buddhist traditions to remember and honor the spirits of deceased ancestors. This service will talk about the cultural background and different aspects of O-bon commemorations, which include the BonFest event in Pensacola on August 22. Presenter Teruko Von Bargen is a native … Continue reading O-bon in Japanese Culture
Judith Bense, a lifelong archaeologist and expert on Spanish Florida, traces the story from 1513 when Ponce de León accidentally landed on “La Florida” to 1763 when Spain lost the land to Britain after the Seven Years’ War. Bense explores how the first Spanish settlers tried to colonize Florida with aims to take over the … Continue reading Early Spanish Florida: Unearthing the History of America’s Oldest Colony
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, psychotherapist and author Ross Rosenberg explores why many caring people struggle with self-worth, repeatedly find themselves in unhealthy relationships, and place others’ needs above their own. Through personal stories and practical insights, he introduces five essential building blocks of healthy love. This uplifting presentation offers hope, healing, … Continue reading The Healing Power of Self-Love
Presenters Chris Jadallah and Laynie Gibson will tell the untold story of how Pensacola, Florida hosted one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations decades before Stonewall–and almost nobody knows about it. Come hear how the revival of the story of the Emma Jones Society is being activated in community. Donations to this project would be … Continue reading Emma Jones Society
Dr. Samarpan Ananda, presenter. Devotion is love in motion, the sacred current that transforms our lives into a living prayer. When we walk the path of our purpose with sincerity, humility, and service, even the simplest actions become offerings, and our life itself becomes the message. Through story, reflection, and music, this sermon will explore … Continue reading The Path of Devotion
Love Brynnevere, whose beautiful energy and presence has graced stages all over America, will be joining us in song and performance. She is a multidisciplinary artist dedicated to, and passionate about bringing high vibrational music and healing experiences to listeners and fans everywhere, one song, one show at a time.
Presenter Richard Cohen is the former president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization dedicated to fighting hate, promoting tolerance, and seeking justice for the most marginalized members of society. Please join us to affirm how we are already involved. In addition, Richard Cohen will provide some historic context to where we find ourselves … Continue reading The Challenge of Our Time: Building a Multiracial, Multiethnic Democracy
Presenter: The City of Milton, Chief of Police, Jennifer Frank. Modern policing succeeds not just through enforcement but by proactively building trust, understanding, and shared solutions with the community. Chief Frank’s “win-win” and “finding the why” approach encourages officers to uncover the reasons behind people’s actions, shifting interactions from confrontation to collaboration and helping de-escalate … Continue reading Finding the Why: The Power of “Win-Win” in modern policing
Presenter: Sweneda McDonald, LMHC, MAT/STOP Director Escambia. This service will provide an overview of the services offered by our community partner, Lakeview Center and how we encourage others not to suffer in silence. This is the non-profit organization that will receive our fifth Sunday “Share the Plate” offering.
