Messages from Douglas UCC

Four former pastors and leaders from the past 40 years return to share stories in celebration of the church’s 140th anniversary – Joy Muehlenbeck, Ruth McCarty, Saunterre Irish, and Andy DeBraber.

When Jesus ascended into Heaven, did he defy the Law of Gravity? Pastor Sal shares the ‘12 Symptoms of Spiritual Awakening’ as he talks about the symbolic meaning of ascension and what it means for our spiritual lives.

Today’s gospel tells about a miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda. Do modern shrines like Lourdes and Medjugorje really heal people? Pastor Sal explains how we can experience divine healing in our lives today.

Jesus gave us a new commandment that he said summed up all other commandments: to love one another. Pastor Sal explores how to love one another in a world so divided.

The UCC motto is, “God is Still Speaking” and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, instructs us to follow his Divine Voice. Pastor Sal talks about how to listen more closely to our inner GPS (God Positioning System). It will lead to pastures of plenty and rest for our souls.

So many people in our world today are spiritually malnourished. How can we spiritually feed ourselves and one another? Pastor Sal talks about a third resurrection story, where the risen Christ appears to Simon Peter and instructs him to ‘feed my sheep.’

The Apostle ‘Doubting’ Thomas didn’t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. We’ve been led to believe that doubting is an obstacle to faith, but Thomas Merton said, “A man of faith who has not experienced doubt is not a man of great faith.” Pastor Sal reminds us that we need to be asking questions.

On this day we rejoice and rise up, for we can use the message of Easter to transform the challenges we face. The Light of Christ invites us to walk in the newness of life. This resurrecting power restores and uplifts us.

There were two processions on that first Palm Sunday: Pilate’s on a horse and Jesus’ on a Donkey. Jesus also had two processions during Holy Week: one of palms and one of pain. Pastor Sal reminds us that a spiritual journey includes both light and darkness.

When Jesus’s friend, Mary of Bethany, anointed his feet with costly perfume, Judas complained that it was squandered. Pastor Sal talks about loving wastefully without counting the cost.