In the gospel reading for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches. The Source of All Life flows through the vine and into the branches. The branches will not bear fruit if they are not connected to this Divine Flow.

Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd and instructed us to follow his voice. Pastor Sal talks about the UCC motto, 'God is still speaking,' and how to listen more closely to the Divine Voice that leads us to pastures of plenty where our souls can find rest.

Jesus told the apostles that they were witnesses. Have you ever witnessed the risen Christ in your own life? Where and when? Pastor Sal explores what it means to experience the divine, sharing wisdom from Robin Meyers, John Shelby Spong, and even Judge Judy!

In the ‘Doubting Thomas’ story, one apostle doesn't believe Jesus has risen from the dead. Pastor Sal explains that doubt is an element of faith, not an obstacle. Anne Lamott writes, ‘The opposite of faith is not doubt. It is certainty.’ We hear wisdom from William Irwin, Thomas Merton, and Paul Tillich.

Pastor Sal talks about the hope and joy of Easter. We rejoice and rise up, as the Christ Light shows the way to new life. As we emerge from a time of darkness, that Light invites us to walk in the newness of life. It lifts us up.

Today, Pastor Sal contrasts Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with two other processions. Pilate’s arrival symbolizes the power of Caesar, as opposed to Jesus offering a kin-dom. Second, contrasting Palm Sunday with the way of the cross reminds us that both light and darkness are necessary for growth.

Jesus says that a grain of wheat must fall to the earth and die so that it can bear fruit. Mystics of all faiths tell us that to grow spiritually we need to "die before we die." Pastor Sal explores this in a message about discovering the power within.

If one has to believe in Jesus in order to have eternal life, then what happens to people of other faith traditions? If Jesus is the "only son," then why did he say we are ALL children of God? Pastor Sal explains how Progressive Christians understand John 3:16.

The Prince of Peace once became so enraged that he brandished a whip and overturned tables! With this furious cleansing of the temple, was Jesus saying that it's okay to get angry? Pastor Sal considers whether anger can serve a positive purpose in our lives.