Messages from Douglas UCC

As we wrap Creation Season, we risk feeling we have done our duty and can go on comfortably. But shouldn't we remain uncomfortable? Continue to do our ‘little work’? Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Creation stories teach us to live in relationship with the natural world. Pastor Jody suggests three “house rules” for humans: gratitude, reciprocity, and learning from nature. These principles will help us move toward repair, reuse, and sustainability. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Biblical trees symbolize flourishing, healing, and our relationship with creation. The book of Revelation speaks of God’s intent to repair and heal the world, but Dr. Rienstra asks us not to wait; plant trees, protect forests, and repair ecosystems now! Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In September, we’ll examine Debra Rienstra’s *Refugia Faith*. Refugia are places of safety where life can survive and renew. Pastor Jody starts with the refugia at Mount St. Helens and ends with Wendell Berry’s vision of joining our work to heaven’s. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan uses the burning bush story as a reminder to slow down and listen for God’s call. He talks about a book his mother owned, and her handwritten notes emphasizing the power of listening. That, in turn, connects to accepting and caring for one another. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In Exodus 1, two midwives and Pharaoh’s daughter resist oppression and save lives. These were subversive acts of selfless altruism. Pastor Dan urges us to take courageous risks: to reconcile, help others, protect the vulnerable, and consider organ donation. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Joseph interprets dreams and comes to Pharaoh’s attention. He is reconciled to his brothers when famine compels a surprise visit. Pastor Jodi points out that there is reconciliation, forgiveness, and redemption here. [song - https://youtu.be/yv5xonFSC4c] Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan uses the story of Joseph in the pit to talk about tough places we end up in—family problems, loss, loneliness, injustice, and regret. God is with us in those pits, and calls us to reach out when someone else needs a hand. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Jacob was a conniving cheat, but God was with him. This week, he comes face to face with his brother. Will they reconcile? What about the stranger whom Jacob must wrestle? Pastor Jody shares thoughts about ambiguity. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

The Book of Genesis is not all proper and pristine. There are family feuds, sibling jealousy, lying, and deception. Jacob marries two sisters with a couple of handmaidens thrown in. Pastor Dan asks whether our behavior eventually finds its way back to us. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Remember Led Zeppelin’s song, ‘Stairway to Heaven’? Jacob dreamt of angels climbing to heaven, then declared the spot where he slept holy. Pastor Jody explores the idea of thin places, where you feel like heaven comes close to Earth. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

The book of Genesis features stories of betrayal, jealousy, treachery, and kidnapping. Pastor Dan talks about deception and more in the tale of the twins Esau and Jacob. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In the grand scheme of things, the USA is a child, and it behaves like a spoiled bully. Childhood is a time to assess our parents’ values while engaging in a world that offers new options. Pastor Jody explores a metaphor from one of our spiritual ancestors.

Jesus said seemingly outrageous things, like ‘Do not think I have come to bring peace… Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Those who find their life will lose it.’ Pastor Dan digs a little and finds good news in there.

Jesus sent the disciples to spread the news of God's extravagant love for ALL people. Rather than focusing on bad things someone else is doing, sometimes we can just ‘let them’ be that way. Pastor Jody suggests we shift our focus to letting love loose.

A church may be known for its steeple, pipe organ, or its members. How about its laughter? After today’s Old Testament story in which Sarah laughed, pastor Dan argues that laughing is important.

Church member Greg Gerrans shares a story of belonging to oneself, to one another, and to God. From struggling to reconcile faith and identity to adopting a son right after 9-11. Even in uncertain times, love has a way of leading us where we are meant to be.

The theological construct of the Trinity was hammered out in the fourth century in an attempt to understand the nature of God’s being. Pastor Dan explains that the Trinity is a relational way of being that blesses all things LGBTQ.

‘The Spirit blows where she will’ - like when it comes into a locked room and inspires Jesus' followers. Tongues of fire and speaking unknown languages make for an unusual event--the birthday of the Church? Pastor Jody talks about its significance for us.

The Ascension can’t compete with Christmas, but the story offers insights into holy living. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, ‘There’s always another level up.’ Pastor Dan connects the Ascension to modern life.

Family relationships -even difficult ones- are crucial. ‘Framily’ is a term for friends who are family. A faith community can be family, and it can hold us accountable to be our best selves. Pastor Jody considers Jesus’ words about where to find support.

People use passages in the Bible to defend positions on topics like homosexuality, the subservience of women, and Christian nationalism. Pastor Dan shares his doubts on one example: the idea that worshipping Jesus is the only way to get to heaven.

How does a vibrant, attractive group of faithful people look and act? Winsome, vital, compelling, inspiring? Finding favor with the world draws others to them, according to the book of Acts. Pastor Jody asks what people look for in a place to gather.

Jesus appeared alongside two disciples on their way to Emmaus. They invited him to join them for a meal, but didn’t recognize him until Jesus blessed the bread. Pastor Dan muses on why Jesus put on a bigger show.

Darkness has a bad reputation, but without it we can’t see the stars. We also need it for good health. As Dark Sky Week starts, Pastor Jody explores the magic of the dark and its connection to ‘doubting Thomas'.