Messages from Douglas UCC

This week's scripture reminds us to take heart in bad times. Church member Jeremy Lund asks if uncertainty is always a problem. Can it sometimes be a gift?

Church member Mark Johnston shares a little humor and some personal stories, as he challenges us to embrace the messiness that is our congregation. No matter how we serve the church family, we could use a reminder that we are all the Body of Christ.

On Easter Sunday we hear the story of Jesus appearing, unknown, to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Church member Linda Knieriemen talks about loss, chaos, and the transformation into hope. Jesus is on the loose!

Our friend Doug Petersen reminisces about parades and relates them to the two processions in today’s scripture: one of cheers and palms, one of jeers and pain.

This week's scripture reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is always with us and within us, but who are we and what are we made for? Church member Jeremy Lund focuses on the stories we tell, and how very much they matter.

Jesus said to forgive those who wrong you not once, but ‘seventy times seven.’ Church Council Moderator Mark Johnson talks about how hard that is - and how important.

On World Wildlife Sunday, the Creation Justice Team has organized a service focusing on birds. Church member Rev. Ginny Mikita talks about the role of the lowly pigeon as God’s messenger in the Bible.

It is February, but early signs of spring seem to invite us to consider repentance in a new way. Church member Rev. Marty Rienstra offers a different way to live Lent - one that is unlike what many people were taught.

Scripture describes how Jesus was tested for forty days in the wilderness. Church member Pamela Chappell helps us consider the tests in our lives with the help of a Zen proverb, ‘The Obstacle is the Path.’

Today’s gospel tells the story of a miraculous transfiguration. Congregational Care coordinator Lynne Snyder shares a transformational story from her career in special education that she believes was a minor miracle.

After teaching and healing in Capernaum, scripture tells us Jesus immediately continued His ministry in the surrounding villages. Congregation member Stan Green talks about the ‘somewhere else’ where we're called to carry God's love.

When Jesus begins to teach in the temple everyone is amazed by his inner authority. As part of our spiritual growth, we need to develop an inner knowing. 93-year-old Rev. Fred Hamlin shares experiences along that line. (a Q-and-A session begins at 11:20).

On ‘Energy Sunday,’ sponsored by the Creation Justice Team, we focus our worship on the role of energy in caring for our planet. Rev. Linda Kniereman speaks to us in the voice of Mother Earth, talking about how it all started and what we need to do now.

Retired Navy chaplain Beth Stallinga is the first in a series of church members to preach as we seek a new pastor. Beth compares our situation to an all-hands activity on a ship, reminding us that a church is more than a pastor; it’s a community.

For his final message at Douglas UCC, Pastor Sal talks about endings and beginnings.

On the final Sunday of Advent, Pastor Sal focuses on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her revolutionary song of love.

Henri Nouwen, wrote, ‘Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.’ This Sunday’s pink candle symbolizes joy - the good news that the Light is on its way!

John the Baptist proclaimed, ‘Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!’ Rev. David Van Dyke explores the meaning of calling and how God continues to make all things new.

Richard Rohr says, ‘Advent is a time for us to focus our expectations and anticipation on the Cosmic Christ.’ Pastor Sal focuses on the theme of the first Advent candle: HOPE.

On Reign of Christ Sunday we celebrate Jesus as fully human and fully divine, both man and Messiah. Pastor Sal shares wisdom from Richard Rohr and John Pavlovitz.

Marianne Williamson wrote, ‘It is our Light, not our darkness, that most frightens us’ and Leo Buscaglia said that what we do with our talents it is our gift to God. Pastor Sal talks about how to invest our gifts to bring more of God's abundance into play.

In the parable about bridesmaids who did not prepare enough oil for their lamps, Jesus reminds us to keep our spiritual lamps lit. Pastor Sal explores how to keep our spiritual lamps lit and burning during challenging times.

Jesus said that those who humble themselves would be exalted. Humility is being ‘un-selved,’ a liberation from the consciousness of self. Pastor Sal explores how the "humbling process" can lead to spiritual ascension.

Jesus says the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Pastor Sal talks about The Golden Rule and celebrating the saints in our lives. Today’s service concludes in the Memorial Garden, honoring loved ones who have died.

In the gospel reading for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Jesus says, ‘Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and render to God what is God's.’ Is Jesus telling us to keep politics and religion separate, or is he saying something else?