Messages from Douglas UCC

How do other people make you feel welcome? Has it ever been difficult for you to welcome others? Should an extravagant welcome have limits? Pastor Dan considers these and other questions.

On the Feast of St. Francis, we celebrate the generosity of God's creation, and Pastor Jody talks about a ‘gift economy,’ where exchanges are made without expectation of a return - relying instead on reciprocity, trust, and community interdependence.

We know that humans and animals groan. In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul tells us that Creation is also groaning. Pastor Dan introduces us to the Greek word sustenazó - a collective groan - and talks about what we might do about Creation groaning.

In the story of the burning bush, Moses saw the bush because he was paying attention. Perhaps holy ground can be found everywhere. Creation supports us, and Pastor Jody suggests that we listen for her messages.

Continuing the Season of Creation, we hear the Biblical account of the fashioning of human beings. Pastor Dan offers ideas about how humans can care for creation in response to recent occurrences of humans killing each other.

In September, many denominations observe the Season of Creation, exploring our place in God’s connected world: the need to be stewards, understanding that all ground is holy, and mourning as the Earth groans. Today, Pastor Jody looks at the Hebrew creation story.

After dinner, guests strive for the best seat, but Jesus applauds the humble. Does humility have a bankable value today? People find the term hard to define, and nobody seems to get ahead by being humble. Pastor Dan explores the nature of humility.

At times, we long for healing, comfort, and peace. At other times, we bring healing into the world. There are still other times when we keep others from healing. Pastor Jody points out each of these behaviors in the Gospel story of the bent-over woman.

In the 12th chapter of Luke, Jesus says he has come to bring fire and division, not peace. That sounds like many political discussions these days around supper tables. Pastor Dan unpacks the message.

‘Don't worry, be happy’ is a nice thought, but is it that easy? Maybe we can't help it. Do we worry because we care? Does worry keep us from actually doing something? Pastor Jody talks about Jesus’ advice not worry.

In today’s parable, a man who runs a successful farm wants to expand his business by tearing down old barns and building new ones. In one translation, God calls him a fool. Pastor Dan asks why? Is this not good for business?

Let your light shine, but darkness is necessary if you want to see the stars. Do binaries like clean & dirty or love & hate tie us to simplistic thinking? Pastor Jody suggests that complicating things and embracing nuance may help us investigate the world.

The phrase ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ is a common expression of condolence. Prayer is many things: meditation, quietness, introspection, contemplation, silence, wonder . . . Pastor Dan talks about the varied forms that prayer can take.

We know plastic clogs landfills and fouls lakes, yet we increase production. The Bible tells us to treat the planet with gratitude and steward its resources. Pastor Jody asks us to rethink our relationship with Creation and imagine alternatives to plastic.

Even those who don’t know the Bible know about the Good Samaritan. Most people concentrate on the outsider who offered aid, but what about the victim? Pastor Dan offers 28 questions inspired by a powerless person who can only receive mercy.

The writer of Galatians says all are one in Christ - jew and gentile, slave and free, male and female. People of color in our country have long experienced injustice in education, health care, and economic opportunity. Pastor Jody discusses how we can make a difference.

Local artist Ruth Crowe says: ‘I have worn many hats, but none gives me greater pleasure than that of the artist. It is filled with contradictions. It is a tough life. Yet the easiest. It is pressure-filled. Yet joyful. It is painful. Yet rewarding. It is what we do.’

Pastor Dan shares two life experiences related to a story in Acts 10 where God encourages Luke not to refuse any food that is ‘on the menu.‘

When Jesus’ disciples gathered to observe a harvest festival, something strange happened: tongues of fire rested on their heads. People who were timid and fearful became more focused after this experience. Pastor Dan explores what that might mean for us.

496 anti-LGBTQI+ bills are being considered in the US. Transgender folk have it worse than most. 5% of youth identify as trans or non-binary, and 35% of them live in states that ban gender affirming care! This month, we focus on folks who are still discriminated against.

Only Luke wrote about Christ’s Ascension, and it made the disciples scratch their heads. Pastor Dan explains that we can do what Jesus did when his feet were on the ground - heal, forgive, and more - because the essence of who he was is very much alive.

Frank Lloyd Wright completed many works after the age of 80. A man who passed the bar in 1950 still practices law. Many factors contribute to the ability to work or to transition to new activities as we age. Pastor Jody talks about the book of Revelation and its message that God is always making all things new.

​What happens when you realize you’ve failed stunningly? From time to time, we all fail. So did Jesus’ disciples – especially Simon Peter. Today’s reading reminds us that life is a series of relapses and recoveries. It’s about progression, not perfection.

Do you have regrets - maybe something you could have done differently? What guides you as you imagine your future? While the disciples tried to make sense of Jesus’ death, they met a stranger. Something happened, and their lives changed focus.

The late Pope Francis advocated for justice, stood with migrants, was more welcoming to LGBTQ+ people than previous pontiffs, and cared passionately about our planet. Pastor Dan connects these ideas and offers tips that come as close as your backyard.