Messages from Douglas UCC

Messages from Douglas UCC

By Douglas Congregational United Church of ChristReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Messages from Douglas UCC episodes

  • Pentecost Sunday

    Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church, commemorating the day God set the hearts and minds of the first disciples on fire. Pastor Sal talks about how to kindle the spark of that Spirit within ourselves and fan its flames in one another today.

    8 min
  • Ascension Sunday

    The Bible tells us that after Jesus spoke his final words to his disciples, he was enveloped in a cloud and lifted up. Pastor Sal explains how this story symbolizes the path to our own personal ascensions.

    9 min
  • A New Commandment

    As we honor mothers – biological mothers, adoptive mothers, caregivers, mentors, our Mother God, Mother Nature, and the Divine Feminine within us – Pastor Sal talks about how difficult it can be to follow the commandment of Jesus to love one another.

    10 min
  • I am the Vine
    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.
    10 min
  • Following the Shepherd’s Voice
    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.
    12 min
  • Witnessing the Diving
    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!
    10 min
  • The Benefits of Doubt
    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.
    13 min
  • Resurrecting the Light
    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.
    11 min
  • Contrasting Processions
    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.
    12 min
  • Dying Before We Die
    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.
    14 min

About Messages from Douglas UCC

From the publisher's feed

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 learn more, visit https://www.douglasucc.org