UCC Cast

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

We've all lost moments and/or people that are dear to us in 2020. This podcast is a tribute to someone who was dear to Rev. Dorhauer. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript on ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_tribute_to_a_friend_and_mentor

Strangers and refugees from other lands have become largely demonized and shunned in today's culture. What would you do if a stranger from another country came knocking at your door today? Would you welcome them? Listen to this week's podcast.

With all of the noise and polarization going on in the world today, it's easy to have many emotions flying around inside of you. But one emotion should not -- Fear. Find out why by listening to the podcast. Read the transcript at UCC.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_do_not_live_in_fear

Just when you think maybe we turned a corner, another unjust shooting of a black or brown body occurs. Our souls cry out for these injustices to end and for peace to prevail. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_an_existential_threat

Love has a way of meandering around roadblocks, even if that roadblock is a pandemic. Hear how Rev. Dorhauer and his family made love work, when the pandemic tried otherwise, in this fun family story. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_our_covid_celebration

Life today seems to be more about "what can you do for me" than "what can I do for you?" ...a grab and greed mentality, if you will. So let justice roll, and let our "grab and greed" way of life turn towards "give and grow". Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_grab_and_greed

Art is God's expression of beauty in the world - through us. When the Holy Spirit touches our artful passions, beauty is the outcome for the rest of us to enjoy and experience. What artful encounter has touched your soul? Read the transcript on ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_art_as_god_s_handiwork

In these times of pandemic, strife and uncertainly, sometimes it can help to break out old photographs and memories that take us back to times that can put a smile on our face and establish a new mindset for the day. Thank God for pleasant memories and the soothing effect they can have on your spirit. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_photog...

Living through this pandemic can give our spirit a workout. Sometimes even the little changes that we are forced to live with can get us down. Talking with the Sacred can help soothe our soul in trying times such as these. Listen to the podcast. Read the transcript at ucc.org: https://www.ucc.org/into_the_mystic_my_pandemic_litany_of_loss