Messages from Douglas UCC

Jesus said that when the Prodigal Son “came to himself,” he made the journey home. During Lent, as we prepare to come home to ourselves, God will run to meet us and prepare a banquet for us. Pastor Sal shares wisdom from Richard Rohr and Eric Butterworth.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, and diseases are not punishments for sins. Pastor Sal explains that in the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus is telling us that God believes in second chances. Our purpose for being is to bear the rich, abundant fruits of the Spirit.

A mosaic from the altar of a church in Jerusalem depicts Jesus as a mother hen protecting her young under her wings. That image comes from today’s Gospel reading. Pastor Sal talks about Jesus as a strong and protective, yet gentle mother figure.

What exactly happened to Jesus on the mountaintop? The Gospel says Jesus’s clothes became a dazzling white and he was transfigured. A “transfiguration” is a spiritual change. Have mountaintop experiences impacted your life? Pastor Sal explores how to spiritually transform ourselves and our world.

The Beatitudes from the ‘Sermon on the Plain’ are something that people of privilege have found very dangerous. Richard Rohr says they are Jesus’ greatest wisdom teachings. Pastor Sal shares wisdom from Martin Luther King, and Pope Francis.

Jesus said to fishermen Simon and Andrew, “I will make you fishers of men.” Does he also want us to go and ‘catch’ people for God or did he have something much deeper in mind? How should Progressive Christians evangelize? Pastor Sal explores the meaning of this “Surprising Catch.”

What did Jesus say to make people try to push him off a cliff? Sometimes, when we speak Truth, people will push us away. It’s why many people remain silent about things that matter. Pastor Sal talks about speaking truth, even if our voices are shaking.

We are all one, but oneness is not sameness. Pastor Sal talks about Bishop John Shelby Spong’s book, ‘Biblical Literalism: A Gentile Heresy,’ and shares wisdom from John Pavlovitz, Pope Francis, Martin Luther King, and James Baldwin.

Today we hear the story of Jesus’ first miracle, which symbolizes the union of humanity and the Christ. We also celebrate the life and spirit of named Martin Luther King, a miracle-worker who reminded us that only Light can drive out darkness.

Do we need to be baptized in order to be saved? Most Christians have been baptized, either as infants or as adults. Pastor Sal explores the purpose of the ritual of baptism and its significance in our lives today.