UCC Cast

Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm." How about you? Do you still allow your spirit to enjoy unbridled enthusiasm? Listen to the podcast... Read the transcript on our website: https://www.ucc.org/into-the-mystic-enthusiasm-outlived/

We have only one home that God has given us - it's called Earth. We are the stewards of the planet, and we must act as such. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript on our website: https://www.ucc.org/into-the-mystic-an-homage-for-mother-earth/

Spiritual healing, true healing for all will only come when whites name their own existential wound and then get out of the way while those whom we have oppressed do what they must to heal themselves from the wound whites have forced them to carry for centuries. Listen to the podcast... Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into-the-mystic-an-existential-wound/

We all have gifts and talents to give to the world. We also need to be blessed enough to realize the gifts that others give us. Listen to Rev. Dorhauer's thoughts about this on this week's podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into-the-mystic-a-piece-of-work/

Another Easter in a pandemic. Yet the story of Easter means we Christians can have our grief turned into joy. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into-the-mystic-holy-week/

Another season of Easter is among us, and the renewal that Easter brings. Does this Easter bring you a bit of hope after so much that we endured since last Easter? Listen to the podcast for Rev. Dorhauer's thoughts on that... Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into-the-mystic-spring-has-sprung/

May your faith be strong such that the slings and arrows (the vicissitudes) of life be met by your calm demeanor and indifference, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_vicissitudes_and_indifference/

The Covid death toll has just surpassed 500,000 people. In just about a year's time, people of every persuasion you can think of have succumbed. May their souls rest in peace. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_half_a_million/

Every year the Lenten season rolls around, and we are invited to contemplate the meaning of Lent. The prayer of Ignatius is a prayer of humility which reminds us that in the end, all we need is God's love and grace. nothing else in this world matters. What else does this prayer and this season of Lent mean to you? Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_...

For centuries, white complicity in the United States has caused white privilege to become the norm in our nation, which has, in turn, caused non-whites undue oppression and injustices simply because of the color of their skin. It is time for whites to not only recognize this ut to do something about it. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_cent...

Music has a way of touching one's soul like few things can. In these troubling times, what music gives you release from everyday stress? Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_a_joyful_noise/

These days that we have been living through for at least the past year have been like no other time period in our lives. From a pandemic to racial strife to political chaos, the stress of the these days have been tough to handle. The Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer has a reflection on this based on a musical artist's song lyrics that he wants to share with you. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at...

The Rev. John C. Dorhauer says that his heart "grew three sizes" while listening to the poem by Amanda Gorman during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. Find out what part of the poem struck Rev. Dorhauer the most. What struck you the most? Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_their_burdens/

Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/only-love/

The troubling events at the Washington DC Capitol building this past week remind us that we must speak. We must speak against terror, we must speak against white supremacy, and we must not be silent. God is on our side. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/what-then-are-we-to-say/

May you find joy this Holiday season in the little things that bring a smile to your heart. Listen to the podcast.

There can only be Peace on Earth when there is Justice on Earth - and let it begin with me... Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_peace_12082020

During this Thanksgiving week, even if you are making painful sacrifices for the health of your family during this pandemic, there is still much to be grateful for. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_give_thanks_in_all_circumstances

We've never been taught or told that faith in God immunizes from trouble, pain or death. But faith says that after all of that, God will be there. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_god_will_be_there

In games of ultimate winners and losers, such as in this past election, where decency is sacrificed in order to "just win, baby", division and anger is bound happen. Unless we purposely show mutual respect for one another, and cease to shame and inflame, healing the divide will never occur. Listen to the podcast.

As votes are tabulated during this season of election, let us pray that whatever the results, that no one is excluded. Listen to the podcast.

The tumultuous times that we are in can affect sleep. We've probably all experienced it. But as Rev. Dorhauer discusses in this episode, bringing God into the room with you can ease your mind and eventually induce sleep. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_a_sleepless_night

There are many things today than can lead us to fear and darkness. God gives us hope that grief and fear will not overcome us because God is light in the darkness. Listen to the podcast.

For people of faith, is it possible to keep your faith out of your politics? Should you even try? Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript on ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_faith_and_politics

We all need heroes. People we can look up to. Preferably people that have high integrity, as well as high achievements. Who are your heroes? John tells you his. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_childhood_heroes