Messages from Douglas UCC

Today we remember the baptism of Jesus and Pastor Sal explores the significance of the modern ritual of baptism. The message ends with the annual ‘burning bowl’ ceremony.

Happy New Year! The gospel tells us that a star guided wise men to the baby Jesus. Pastor Sal talks about how the journey of the magi relates to our spiritual journey to the discovery of the Christ-Light within us.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas morning, Pastor Sal has an inspiring message about birthing the Light within.

Many Christians tend to forget about Mary, except at Christmastime. Pastor Sal talks about the importance of Mary in our spiritual lives. She represents the feminine side of God and her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) is a revolutionary love song.

Rev. Ginny Mikita is our visiting speaker for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. She looks into the concept of joy – comparing it to happiness, talking about how it manifests in song, and quoting Anne Lamott: ‘Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet.’

The UCC once produced signs that said, “This Christmas, we remember that Jesus was a refugee.” John the Baptist proclaims, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!” in this week’s Gospel reading. Pastor Sal reminds us that the way of the Lord was as a refugee.

Pastor Sal shares wisdom from Richard Rohr, who says that Advent is not about waiting for a baby; it is a time to focus on the Cosmic Christ. Further words from Thomas Merton and Meister Eckhart help us focus on the theme of the first Advent candle: hope.

We celebrate Jesus as both fully human and also fully divine on the Sunday before Advent. It is called ’Christ the King’ or ‘Reign of Christ’ Sunday. Today Pastor Sal explores Jesus as both man and Messiah.

Isaiah tells us that God is about to create a new heaven and a new Earth. Visiting speaker Marchiene Rienstra explores what it means to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth.

Jesus says people will not be married in Heaven. Will we not be reunited with ANY loved ones? What will it look like? Will we have a physical form? Pastor Sal shares wisdom from Anita Moorjani as he explores what it means to be children of the Living God.