Messages from Douglas UCC

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.

No matter how we look on the outside or inside, Easter affirms that every part of us is God's. Pastor Dan explains that the word ‘Easter’ comes from a verb and suggests that we can affirm Easter through action.

Today we carry palms to commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Soon, the same crowd convinced Pilate that Jesus was dangerous. Pastors Dan and Jody reflect on what Holy Week can teach us about personal and national struggles.

One can feel lost when a relationship falls apart, when a church denies one’s presence, or when one’s life path is unclear. Pastor Jody talks about the GIFT of being lost, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and offers tips on finding guides.

Pastor Dan's teaser for this talk: Be the Miracle. (Could rightly be answered by the grieving...) Yes, damn it, we prayed day and night, night and day for one but never got it! Did you even hear us?

At one time, humans were certain that the Earth was flat! What makes us certain of ANYthing? Is it better to live humbly, knowing that we don't know EVERYthing? Pastor Jody talks about Jesus’ response when people asked, ‘Who sinned to make this so?’

Juicy stories are hard to resist; they feed the appetite of social media. Jesus aroused curiosity when he couldn’t resist welcoming people whom others would cross the street to avoid. Pastor Dan talks about the woman who crashed a respectable dinner party to anoint Jesus’ feet.

Most of us aren’t tempted to steal classified documents but we do face small, victimless temptations, like eating too many sweets. To help us understand Jesus’ temptation, Pastor Jody explains how we may be undermined by a good thing we are tempted to do.

The transfiguration of Jesus seems other-worldly and hard to relate to concerns like the lofty price of eggs. Yet people today do experience ‘thin places’ where heaven feels nearby. Pastor Dan talks about how damaged times need more transfigured people.

According to gospel writer John, ‘The Spirit blows where she will.’ The Old Testament talks of the breath of God and the wind with which God created the world. Pastor Jody addresses what can we learn about what sustains us by exploring the Spirit.

Pastor Dan has discovered a relationship between tending old houses and tending churches. He shares four lessons learned from rehabbing ten different houses.

When the unimaginable happens, some jump for an explanation, some lash out, and some just want to forget. After Jesus rocked the fishermen’s world with a huge catch, they became his followers and friends. Pastor Jody considers the implications.

Christianity in the US is increasingly mean-spirited - appointing all white males as gatekeepers, labeling immigrants of color a threat, and deeming non-heterosexuals perverse. Pastor Dan talks about what to do in the face of growing Christian Nationalism.