In September, we’ll examine Debra Rienstra’s Refugia Faith. Refugia are places of safety where life can survive and renew. Pastor Jody starts with the refugia at Mount St. Helens and ends with Wendell Berry’s vision of joining our work to heaven’s.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan uses the burning bush story as a reminder to slow down and listen for God’s call. He talks about a book his mother owned, and her handwritten notes emphasizing the power of listening. That, in turn, connects to accepting and caring for one another.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In Exodus 1, two midwives and Pharaoh’s daughter resist oppression and save lives. These were subversive acts of selfless altruism. Pastor Dan urges us to take courageous risks: to reconcile, help others, protect the vulnerable, and consider organ donation.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Joseph interprets dreams and comes to Pharaoh’s attention. He is reconciled to his brothers when famine compels a surprise visit. Pastor Jodi points out that there is reconciliation, forgiveness, and redemption here. [song – https://youtu.be/yv5xonFSC4c]

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan uses the story of Joseph in the pit to talk about tough places we end up in—family problems, loss, loneliness, injustice, and regret. God is with us in those pits, and calls us to reach out when someone else needs a hand.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Jacob was a conniving cheat, but God was with him. This week, he comes face to face with his brother. Will they reconcile? What about the stranger whom Jacob must wrestle? Pastor Jody shares thoughts about ambiguity.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

The Book of Genesis is not all proper and pristine. There are family feuds, sibling jealousy, lying, and deception. Jacob marries two sisters with a couple of handmaidens thrown in. Pastor Dan asks whether our behavior eventually finds its way back to us.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Remember Led Zeppelin’s song, ‘Stairway to Heaven’? Jacob dreamt of angels climbing to heaven, then declared the spot where he slept holy. Pastor Jody explores the idea of thin places, where you feel like heaven comes close to Earth.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

The book of Genesis features stories of betrayal, jealousy, treachery, and kidnapping. Pastor Dan talks about deception and more in the tale of the twins Esau and Jacob.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

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.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/