Sunflower Learning Channel

Welcome to Sunflower Learning Channel

This website is still a work in progress. Please visit us again soon.

The Sunflower Learning Channel serves as an online education resource and communication channel for Bloom in the Desert Ministry (Bloom), United Church of Christ, of Palm SpringS, California.

This website is a communication vehicle for the Education Ministry of Bloom in the Desert - an open, affirming, and progressive Christian church in the Protestant tradition of the United Church of Christ (UCC).  We strive to enable everyone to discover, discuss and learn from what we offer; regardless of their belief, faith, geographic location, or any other circumstance, 

This channel will feature content in three areas of learning:

  • Progressive Christian Perspectives and Writings
  • Unique Projects and Interesting People Operating in the Space where Education Meets Social Justice
  • Personal and Community Wellness Information and Workshop/Lecture Opportunities

Newest Articles

BusyBee – Emoji Clues to Bible Characters

August 7, 2020
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This week’s puzzle uses emojis and small pics that offer clues to the identity of a Biblical Character or Characters. Look at the pics, think about their meanings, and uncover who they are describing. Click “Read More” and use the link for the worksheet, There is also a link to the answers.

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Find More Fulfillment in Each Day – a personal exercise

August 7, 2020
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Many people stress about wasting time or not getting enough done in a day. They try and go to sleep, but feel unfulfilled by the day, or worse, feel guilty for not having done anything meaningful. This exercise will help you see that by doing 3 Daily Things with regularity your life may become more…

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BusyBee – Bible Crossword

August 7, 2020
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Click “Read More” and use the link to download a crossword puzzle with biblical clues. The solution link has also been provided.

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Psalms for Anxious Times

August 7, 2020
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The pandemic had many people in state of extended anxiety; or sometimes we suddenly become anxious for no apparent reason. We are not the first to feel this way. The Psalms are examples of people turning to God in times of stress. We are providing a list of Psalm Verses that you may find helpful.…

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BusyBee – Jigsaw Puzzle

August 7, 2020
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The fun continues with a 20-piece jigsaw puzzle. When you put the pieces together, you will reveal a map of the lands promised to each of the original 12 Tribes of Israel. Click “Read More” to print the puzzle. Use scissors to out the 20 squares and rearrange them into the solution. A completed map…

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Getting Unstuck – a very personal exercise

August 7, 2020
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This exercise is deigned to empower you to finally tackle a task or thing in your life that you just haven’t been able to address or get done. It can be as simple as cleaning out a closet and sorting old photos, or as complex as deciding to take an online class or starting a…

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BusyBee – Personal Scavenger Hunt

August 7, 2020
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This Personal Scavenger Hunt will help you reconnect to your place of residence and the items within it. You may uncover feelings, insights and a new relationship to the things you have accumulated. Click “Read More” and use the link provided for the worksheet.

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Your Church Relationship Exercise

August 7, 2020
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This exercise helps you reflect on your relationship with your church. You will better understand the type of covenant you currently have, as you are guided to consider ways to better express or strengthen your church relationship. Click “Read More” and use the link to download the worksheet. The worksheet was created for Bloom in…

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BusyBee – Word Search

August 7, 2020
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Another fun BusyBee worksheet. This time it’s a word search in the form of a written letter. Find the names of books of the Bible hidden there, They can appear within a word or be found by using the end of one word and the beginning of the next word. Click “Read More” and use…

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Examining Your True Needs

August 7, 2020
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It is always valuable and instructive to take a moment to consider what’s really important and what we really need to feel more grounded in life. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a tool that can help us with that, while providing a structure for further personal development. Use the provided link to download this worksheet.

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BusyBee – Bloom Crossword

August 7, 2020
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This BusyBee opportunity is a crossword puzzle with clues and answers about Bloom in the Desert, UCC. You can visit bloominthedesert.org and find all the answers on the ‘Welcome” and “About” pages of this sister website. Click “Read More” and use the link provided for the puzzle. There is also a link to the solution…

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Compassion to Others vs Self

August 7, 2020
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This worksheet helps you examine the way you care for others versus the way you care for yourself. Explore these scenarios using the link to the worksheet. Click “Read More” to see the link.

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BusyBee – Bible Character Puzzle

August 7, 2020
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The letters making up the names of Bible Characters have been used to create pictures. Can you us the clue and the letters to find the names? Click on “Read More” below and then use the BC link to print the worksheet. There is also a link to the puzzle solution.

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My Spiritual Journey Worksheet

August 5, 2020
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This week’s offering is the “My Spiritual Journey” worksheet, designed to help you look back and see the progression in how you felt about faith and spirituality.  When finished, consider sharing it with others and learn about their journey as well. Click on “Read More” below and then use the “MSJ” link to print and…

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BusyBee – Quick Education Opportunities (15-20min)

August 5, 2020
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