Key West Officiant

09/11/2024

On this day of remembrance, we pause to honor and reflect on the events of September 11th, 2001. It’s hard to believe that more than two decades have passed since that tragic day, but the memory remains vivid in the hearts of so many. Today, we remember the thousands of innocent lives lost in the attacks — people who were just going about their everyday lives — and the first responders who rushed into danger with incredible bravery, sacrificing themselves to save others. Their courage, compassion, and selflessness continue to inspire us all.

September 11th was a day that changed our country forever, but it also brought out the best in us. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, we saw the strength of unity, the power of kindness, and the resilience of the human spirit. People from all walks of life came together, lending a hand, offering support, and standing strong for one another. In those dark moments, we learned that we are stronger together, that our shared humanity is what binds us.

As we reflect on the legacy of 9/11, let us also renew our commitment to the values that unite us: compassion, courage, and the belief in a brighter future. The lessons of that day remind us to cherish each moment, to take care of one another, and to never take our freedoms for granted. In honoring those we lost, we honor their memory by continuing to strive for a world where peace, understanding, and love prevail over hate and division.

Today, we stand as a nation, united in remembrance and resilience. We will never forget the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the strength we found together. May their memory continue to guide us as we move forward, creating a future rooted in hope, kindness, and unity.

09/09/2024

Good Sunday evening -
A thought to ponder as we’re about to start a new week:
To have the courage of our convictions means more than just holding a belief. It requires us to thoughtfully and honestly assess the situation. It means listening to opposing views, considering different options, and challenging ourselves to confront the facts. In the end, it’s about making an informed choice and embracing the responsibility that comes with it. Justice isn’t a quick reaction—it’s a journey that calls for knowledge and commitment. So, when we stand by our convictions, we do so grounded in both wisdom and faith. What we believe is reflected in how we live.

09/07/2024

As we start the weekend, something to ponder:
There are times when moving forward means standing still. In life, there are moments when staying quiet or holding our ground is the wisest choice we can make. Other times, progress comes by turning around, recognizing we’re on a dead-end path and changing direction. Then, there are moments when we're called to step boldly out of the crowd, take responsibility, and risk the consequences for the sake of justice. Those who came before us believed that we’re guided by an inner compass—always in motion, never fixed, but flexible and constantly seeking balance and direction.

09/06/2024

Good Thursday evening:
I think it’s important for us to be clear about what we want and where we’re headed. We need to be specific—write it down, look at it often, and keep our goals front and center. Once we set our intentions, the universe begins to respond in incredible ways—through gentle nudges, unexpected connections, and all kinds of encouragement. Watching this unfold isn’t just exciting; it can restore our faith in miracles. Let’s stay focused and allow the magic to happen!

09/05/2024

As we end the day and reflect on all that's happened, it’s easy to focus on the things that felt out of our control. But tomorrow brings a new opportunity to approach the world with kindness and compassion. Whether it’s through a warm smile, a gentle word, or a simple act of care, we have the power to brighten someone’s day. By offering compassion to those who may be lonely or struggling, we make a meaningful difference. As you rest tonight, think about how you can bring kindness into tomorrow. Let’s wake up ready to touch lives with compassion and grace, creating a ripple of positivity.

09/04/2024

Sometimes we need to say "Yes" to more quiet time, "Yes" to a good night's sleep, "Yes" to a break from spending time with negative people, "Yes" to more exercise (sometimes even "Yes" to less exercise) and sometimes "Yes" to some outside help. There's a very good chance we know exactly what we need to say “Yes” to; and since we know it, why not make it happen?
And one more thing; sweet dreams !!! (Thank you to Liz for permission to use her spectacular sunset photo)

09/03/2024

A thought to ponder for the “Day After”

09/01/2024

Good Sunday morning-
There's almost no such thing as a perfect day or a perfect anything or anyone. Perfect only happens when we decide to view the world with a sense of hope, a little faith and a smile of self-acceptance. And with that, have a perfect Sunday.

09/01/2024

You're invited to join us this Sunday morning at 11:00 AM at Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church, a church with a rich history of progressive values and a welcoming, friendly community. As we gather on this Labor Day weekend, I’m in a unique position—I’m usually on vacation in September, so I rarely have the opportunity to reflect with you on the anniversary of 9/11. But this year is different.

We’ll be honoring Labor Day, a time to celebrate the dignity of work and the contributions of laborers, while also looking ahead to the anniversary of 9/11, which may seem a bit early, but it’s an important moment to consider. Since I won’t be back before the upcoming election, this Sunday’s message will weave together these themes—our memories, our responsibilities, and our future—into one cohesive reflection.

We’ll explore how we remember the past, how those memories shape our actions today, and how we can move forward with purpose. Whether we’re reflecting on the events of 9/11, the values we celebrate on Labor Day, or the decisions we’ll soon make at the polls, it all comes down to remembering ‘who’ we are and ‘whose’ we are as we navigate the path ahead.

YOU, our neighbors, are always welcome here. No matter who you vote for, your skin color, where you're from, your faith, or who you love, we will try to be here for you. That's what community means.
This is a Communion Sunday, and all are welcome, regardless of where you’re at in your spiritual journey. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful time of worship and reflection.
Rev. Steve Torrence
Guest Pastor

08/29/2024

Good Wednesday morning!

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind there’s someone out there who really needs our smile—whether it’s a stranger on the street, a colleague at work, someone in the grocery store, a fellow passenger on the bus, or a person waiting in line at TSA, Five Brothers, Starbucks or waiting to pick up an order to go. We may not know who they are, and we might never even speak to them, but that doesn’t matter. It could even be someone we already know. So let’s not miss this opportunity. A simple smile can brighten our day and might just change someone else’s in a powerful and extraordinary way.
Sometimes, a smile is more than just a smile.

08/28/2024

On the anniversary of The March on Washington - ..Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" message to the world -
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality.

You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true.

So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

08/28/2024

Good Tuesday evening -
It takes guts to be honest and speak clearly. We risk offending others; we risk getting a “no” or being rejected in some other way and we risk being judged for being too direct. But we also have the chance of being heard, we give people a chance to really know the authentic us and deepen our relationships and we avoid confusion, missed opportunities and the pain that comes with poor communications. So yes, being honest and speaking clearly is a risk. But when offered with love, compassion, kindness and comes from the heart, it’s a risk so worth taking.

08/26/2024

“The world is changed by our example, not by our opinion.”

08/25/2024

**Invitation to Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church**

You are warmly invited to join us this Sunday at Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church on Flagler Avenue for our 11:00 AM service. We are a community that welcomes everyone, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or have been walking this path for years, there is a place for you here.

This Sunday, we'll reflect on what it means to "gear up" for life’s challenges, drawing from the wisdom of Ephesians. This Sunday’s message will explore how we can live with truth, justice, and love in a world that often feels chaotic and divided. We’ll talk about equipping ourselves spiritually to navigate life with integrity, compassion, and peace, embracing values that transform both us and those around us.
✨Come as you are, and experience a community where love, hope, and justice are at the heart of all we do.

08/24/2024

Happy Saturday …. You would think that after all these years we would know this …. But sadly it doesn’t appear so; but We keep sending the message and maybe one by one WE (each of us) can change the discourse back to a road once traveled.

08/19/2024

Good and Happy Monday Morning- This weeks goal !!

08/17/2024

08/15/2024

Good Morning Thursday-
If we could see ourselves from a higher vantage point, we'd be so calm and so excited at the same time. Calm because we'd know that we are quite capable of navigating through whatever challenges we're facing, and excited because we’d see the incredible unfolding now underway. The beautiful flower is blooming and the beautiful flower is you.

08/12/2024

Good Monday Morning!!
As a new week begins, it's good to remember the natural rhythm that guides our days and nights. When we start to pay attention, we not only notice these shifts, but we also learn to move with them. Some might call it “going with the flow,” finding ways to swim with the current instead of against it. However, there are times when swimming against the current is necessary because it's the right direction for us. It's all about balance and knowing yourself. The key to sensing this flow, and when to resist it, is simple: take a deep breath, relax, and listen with your heart. Trust yourself and step into this week with confidence, without hesitation!

07/31/2024

Did You Know that research (real scientific research) has shown a simple act of kindness can boost immune system functioning and stimulate serotonin production in both the giver and receiver? Kindness, whether given, received, or observed, positively impacts the physical health and emotions of everyone involved.
So, take a moment to be kind when the opportunity presents itself – your actions will create a ripple effect, bringing joy and well-being to many.

07/29/2024

On this Sunday night, as we prepare for the new week ahead, we find ourselves facing a significant question: How will we walk together when our paths seem so different?
For some, the dawn of a new day brings joy and anticipation; for others, it brings sadness and uncertainty. Yet, the answer lies in one powerful word: grace. May we discover the grace to be humble in our victories, acknowledging that they are not ours alone, and to remain hopeful in our defeats, knowing that they are not the end. May we find the grace to confront and overcome our fears, realizing that they are often the greatest obstacles to our progress.

This is the challenging part: striving to seek the common good, not merely for our own benefit, but for the younger lives that are carefully observing us and learning from our actions. Let our first step into this new week be one taken in prayer, each of us speaking in our own way yet united by a shared appeal: grant us your grace, dear God, so that we may care more for one another than for the pursuit of winning. May our collective journey be marked by empathy, understanding, compassion and a deep commitment to the well-being of all, even those or should I say especially those with whom we disagree with.

07/27/2024

The opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Paris were a breathtaking spectacle, an unforgettable display of unity and beauty that left the world in awe. Despite the pouring rain, the event shimmered with an extraordinary brilliance. The rain, instead of dampening spirits, seemed to magnify the magic, reflecting the lights and colors in a dance of their own.

Athletes from all corners of the globe arrived in a truly unique fashion, sailing down the Seine River in boats. Their journey was a vivid tapestry of cultures, languages, and dreams, with each athlete's smile radiating a shared excitement and determination. The Eiffel Tower stood spectacularly lit, a beacon of light and hope, while lasers sliced through the rainy night sky, creating a mesmerizing visual symphony.

The ceremonies were not just a celebration of athletic prowess but a powerful testament to our shared humanity. In a world often marred by division and negativity, this gathering was a beacon of hope and positivity. It reminded us of the values that bind us together—respect, friendship, and the joy of coming together to celebrate our commonalities and differences.

In these times, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the negativity around us. Yet, the Olympics offer a refreshing perspective, showcasing the incredible things we can achieve when we focus on unity and positive action. The opening ceremonies in Paris were a vibrant illustration of this potential. They encouraged us to look beyond our immediate struggles and embrace the spirit of togetherness and perseverance.

Let us take inspiration from the athletes and the grandeur of the ceremonies. Let's channel the same energy and hope into our daily lives, fostering an environment of support, understanding, and shared purpose. By focusing on the positive, we can create ripples of change that extend far beyond the arenas of Paris, touching hearts and inspiring actions across our nation and the world.

07/07/2024

Please join us this Sunday at 11 AM at Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church on Flagler Ave for Sunday service. We welcome everyone, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. It's also Communion Sunday, and everyone is invited to share in the table where no one is ever denied a place.

This week, we reflect on Mark 6:1-13, where Jesus faces rejection from his own people. It's a powerful reminder of the challenges we encounter when familiarity blinds us to the extraordinary. Living in Key West, a city known for its diversity, creativity, and acceptance, we are inspired to ask ourselves if we truly recognize and honor the voices calling for justice, inclusion, and transformation.
“As we navigate these challenging times, let us hold fast to the vision of a world where all are treated with dignity and respect, where justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Come and be part of a community that embodies love, justice, and inclusivity. Whether you are seeking, questioning, or firm in your faith, you have a place here. Let’s share in the spirit of unity and compassion as we break bread together.

07/06/2024

Contrary to common belief, your sensitivity is not a weakness. It doesn’t mean you’re overly emotional, too gentle, or excessive. Rather, it is a profound strength. The truth is, you can possess a soft heart and still be incredibly strong. You are not an unfeeling rock, immune to life's changes. Instead, you are like the ocean, always in motion, influenced by the moon and weather. You are vast, deep, resilient, powerful, and full of life. You experience emotions deeply, and yes, you can be easily hurt. But this depth of feeling provides you with incredible insight into your own needs and a strong connection to the world around you. Your wounds foster empathy and compassion, allowing you to recognize when others are in pain and to offer support in ways that those less sensitive might not. I know it’s challenging to see when you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, but your sensitivity is a remarkable gift. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, tell you otherwise.

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day!

On this Fourth of July, we celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedoms that define us as Americans. Today, we honor the principles of justice, equality, and equity that are the foundation of our country. These values remind us of the importance of unity and the shared responsibility we have in shaping a brighter future.

As we gather to enjoy fireworks, barbecues, and time with loved ones, let's reflect on the divisions that exist in our country. Now, more than ever, we need to come together, reset our priorities, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. We must move back to a place where we can disagree and still be friends, maintaining civility and respect for one another, recognizing that our differences can strengthen us when approached with understanding and kindness.

This Independence Day, let's cherish our freedoms and ensure that equality and equity are available to all. Let’s use this day as an opportunity to renew our commitment to these ideals and bridge the divides that separate us.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Fourth of July. Together, we can honor our nation's legacy by striving for justice, equality, and unity in everything we do.

07/04/2024

A Thought for this Wednesday Night -

The planets continue to spin, the grass keeps growing, and just the other night, the full moon made its radiant return. Observing these natural phenomena, we realize they happen effortlessly, without our intervention, worry, or elaborate plans. It’s a gentle reminder that the Universe has its way of keeping things in motion. Perhaps, just for tonight, we can take a step back and trust that we can also let go of our personal and collective problems. By turning them over to the Universe, we might find a sense of peace and assurance that, like the planets and the grass and the moon, our lives can find balance and harmony too.

07/02/2024

Good Tuesday evening - Sometimes our troubles can feel overwhelming, as if we're standing alone against the entire universe. However, staying up all night worrying only deprives us of the rest we need to face a new day. Remember, there's nothing we can accomplish during the hours meant for sleep. So take a deep breath, rest easy, and know that with the dawn of a new day, we can start afresh with a clear mind and a renewed perspective in an extraordinary universe where anything is possible.

07/02/2024

Monday - July 1st
"Moving Forward" is about opening your heart and being hopeful and excited about new opportunities. It means believing that challenges can be handled and problems can be resolved. It's about stepping into the unknown, trusting that the path will reveal itself. It's about being responsible for change, growth, and taking one step at a time. And it's about loving and respecting ourselves and those around us. These are powerful words, and the only way to experience them is to begin - Forever Forward.

07/02/2024

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦