Messages from Douglas UCC

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'.

Recall the feelings you had when a loved one died. Jesus’ disciples expected a savior, spent three years learning with him, and then his body was missing. What are your questions about the Easter story?

Roman soldiers parade through Jerusalem on majestic steeds. In another neighborhood, Jesus asks his disciples to fetch him a donkey. Pastor Dan shares thoughts on the importance of mundane donkey-fetching tasks.

​We live in a death-denying culture. We don’t like to think about it, talk about it, or acknowledge its inevitability. Lazarus was raised from the dead, so there is hope? Pastor Jody suggests that there might be a message worth hearing in this story.

Some days it’s hard for us to see the miraculous. The gospel says Jesus performed 37 miracles. After Jesus healed a blind man, religious leaders reacted with a ‘no!’ and mercilessly interrogated the man. Pastor Dan tells us the rest of the story.

In a world more divided than ever, what can bring us together? While seeking water, Jesus crossed the most divisive barriers of his day -- patriarchy and sectarianism -- by talking with a Samaritan woman. Pastor Jody talks about water and remarkable women.

John 3:16 may be the most famous verse in the Bible. It even appears at sporting events and on car bumpers. Some say it means we must believe Jesus is God’s son or die an eternal death. Pastor Dan talks about a more inclusive, less penal understanding.

We may choose to say YES to new habits, but saying NO is also a way to take control. Pastor Jody borrows from Bob Dylan and suggests saying NO to things that don’t align with our values. It can give us opportunities that lead to greater intention and focus.

Did the transfiguration literally happen, or is the story asking something of us? Pastor Dan shares the stories of transfigured people he has known.

​In today’s Gospel. Jesus continues the discussion of what it means to be blessed. He says we’re at our best when we are salt and light, for example. Pastor Jody asks what might be keeping us from spreading flavor and illumination in our lives.

Most of us know some of the eight Beatitudes. Maybe others were left unrecorded. Pastor Dan shares a blessing for each week of the year. Here’s one: Good for you when you can take criticism without throwing a hissy fit.

Competitive skating involves skill, strength, and creativity. Skaters must train constantly for years. As with most things, discipline is required to reach professional status. Pastor Jody asks what kind of discipline is needed to follow the way of Jesus.

This month, we honor Martin Luther King. He and evangelist Billy Graham knew and respected one another. Pastor Dan discusses how different their messages were, with Martin preaching about social justice and Billy preaching about how to get to heaven.