Messages from Douglas UCC

Jesus was a hometown boy who made good; then the town tried to throw him off a cliff! Pastor Jody reminds us that maybe we have wanted to ‘throw someone off a cliff’ after they confronted us about our behavior or said something that changed our lives.

At the wedding in Cana, Jesus performs the first of many miracles. Oddly, it is not an occasion of healing. Rather, the wine runs out - gasp! Pastor Dan suggests that this story is about abundance - God’s, ours, and Martin Luther King’s.

Many people believe the story of Christ’s birth is not historical, and that Matthew wrote it to offer guidance for our spiritual journeys. Rev. Linda Knieremen talks about the roles of the star, the Magi, and King Herod.

Christmas is about love that comes from the edge of society, the poorest of the poor, the outsider, the foreigner. People often receive compassion, mercy, or an unexpected gift from a surprising place. Rev. Jody Betten helps us imagine the Holy Family and the gifts they bring.

Many of God’s creatures support our ancient stories. At Christmas, they include a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem, oxen sharing a manger, and camels carrying wise ones who follow a star. Rev. Jody asks us to consider the gift of the life of our planet.

Today’s reading is about pregnant cousins Mary and Elizabeth visiting together. It’s helpful to commiserate with others who know what we’re feeling as changes in body and lifestyle prepare us for what’s ahead. Children can bring us much joy; so can friends who walk with us on the journey of parenting.

In a sort of ‘audition,’ Dan and Jody shared a few ideas about how Douglas UCC might grow and change. Afterward, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to accept them as the church’s new co-pastors.

When we extend mercy to the unforgivable or advocate for the least, last, lost, and lonely we may not be well received. This week Rev. Jody considers the consequences and rewards of following the way of Jesus.

After the election, some folks began asking what it now means to live, love, imagine a flourishing future, and care for the least. They want to know how to contribute to the side of goodness and justice. Rev. Jody considers what it means to be a peacemaker.

Mercy is compassion or forgiveness toward someone it is within one's power to punish or harm. When have you received mercy? Are you inclined to "pay it forward"? Rev. Jody talks about mercy in the Beatitudes.

A recent documentary discusses Christian nationalism; a current Presidential candidate is tied to the movement. Rev. Dan is not sure how righteousness is best defined, but he knows it when he sees it in the lives of ordinary saintly people.

Is meekness a weakness? ‘Meek and mild’ implies a willingness to go along with things. But a horse’s meekness after you put a bit in their mouth is more like ‘strength under control.’ Are trees similarly strong under control, without the need for a bit?

We've all been broken by loss, pain, shame, mistakes, ridicule... Is it true that light gets in where we are broken? Do we become stronger? What is available if we let ourselves into the sadness and tears? Pastor Jody explores the blessing of those who mourn.

In October and November we're examining The Beatitudes, in which Jesus describes people God blesses or favors. What does 'poor in spirit' mean? Who are these favored ones? Rev. Jody considers the story of the rich man and Lazarus (‘one whom God helps’).

James suggests what to do when things get dicey, but he didn't know about compassion fatigue or climate change. He says to cut off a body part that causes you trouble -- not very practical! Rev. Jody talks about what can we draw from James’ suggestions.

The dictionary says humility is a modest or low view of one's own importance. How can one remain humble while not diminishing oneself? Pastor Jody talks about humility, based on James 4 and Mark 9.

The creation story suggests that God created with a word. Modern people know how to use words to hurt. We have the power to create reality with words. James tells us that we need to control our tongues.

In transactional relationships, each person expects something in return for an action. James points out that the Jesus-followers of his day pay attention to the rich at the expense of the poor who need their help. Pastor Jody considers our quid pro quos and how we can protect ourselves from this sort of relationship.

It’s comforting to know that we can’t make God love us more; nothing will separate us from the energy of love. Nevertheless, the book of James says that what we do matters. Rev. Jody Betten explores possibilities for how to behave that make a difference.

Some imagery in the Bible can seem archaic. It was written long ago in a different culture, yet it resonates with issues we face today. What practices keep you focused? Rev. Jody Betten explores practical and creative ways to keep on keeping on.

Dan Plasman muses on three Bible verses in which King Solomon prays for foreigners and outsiders whom he’s never met. This brief ancient prayer jarred loose memories of people who reminded him that God welcomes us no matter what.

What activities bring you joy -- baking bread? singing and dancing? reading a good book? walking in contemplation? Rev. Jody talks about Jesus' understanding of his way.

Do you ever wonder what you have to offer? When Jesus fed a crowd of 5000, a small boy with five loaves and two fishes had exactly what was needed. And how about the way Jesus handled the leftovers!

What is extravagant Love? What does it look like? Who is it for? Why make a practice of it? Church member Mark Johnston shares his ideas and a challenge as we get ready to show extravagant love to our neighbors at next week's block party

How much of you is water? How many people don't have clean water? How many times does the Bible mention water? How can we best raise concern for water for ourselves, our neighbors, and our planet? Rev. Jody explores the joys and sorrows of water.