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This podcast features homilies delivered at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ -- a progressive, inclusive, open and affirming faith community located in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. To le... more
FAQs about Messages from Douglas UCC:How many episodes does Messages from Douglas UCC have?The podcast currently has 328 episodes available.
December 22, 2024The Creatures of ChristmasMany 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....more17minPlay
December 15, 2024Have Yourself a Mary Christmas (Jody Betten)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....more14minPlay
December 09, 2024Reflection: Jody Betten and Dan PlasmanIn 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....more23minPlay
November 24, 2024Blessed Are the PersecutedWhen 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....more13minPlay
November 18, 2024Blessed Are the PeacemakersSince 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....more16minPlay
November 03, 2024Blessed Are the MercifulMercy 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....more12minPlay
October 27, 2024Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (Dan Plasman)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....more20minPlay
October 20, 2024Blessed Are the MeekIs 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?...more15minPlay
October 13, 2024Blessed Are Those Who MournWe’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....more15minPlay
October 06, 2024Blessed Are the Poor in SpiritIn 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’)....more12minPlay
FAQs about Messages from Douglas UCC:How many episodes does Messages from Douglas UCC have?The podcast currently has 328 episodes available.