Today Pastor Sal took a day off and the congregation enjoyed a service provided by the national offices of the United Church of Christ. There is no audio podcast for this service.

Since 1933, Christian churches around the world have celebrated World Communion Sunday. There are many denominations, but we all follow Jesus. We break bread together and remember His wish for us all to be one. Pastor Sal talks about the importance of inviting everyone to the table. We are all worthy!

Animals are gift from God. We honor and celebrate them. Biblical stories include Noah's Ark and Jonah’s whale. Jesus incorporated animals in his spiritual teachings. The root word "anima" means "soul;" the souls of animals can help us experience the Presence of God first-hand.

Today Pastor Sal explores a sacred gift. Our bodies and the surface of our planet are mostly made of water. It is necessary for life. Jesus spoke of "living water." Water sustains us, yet we have not been very good stewards of it.

In the book of Hosea God says, ‘The wilderness will lead you to your heart, where I will speak.’ Today Douglas UCC begins a “Season of Creation.” We hear from a member of our church’s Creation Justice Team and Pastor Sal talks about venturing into the wilderness.

Pastor Sal talks about loving your neighbor as yourself in the context of Labor Sunday. On this day we lift up workers, celebrate their contributions, support their struggles, and commit to improving jobs so that all have wages, benefits, and hours that allow them to live lives of wholeness.

Today’s message is about taking up your cross and denying yourself. Learn how to crucify the false self, so you can resurrect the true self -- the "Christ Self," the "Divine Self." Pastor Sal shares wisdom from John of the Cross and puts the symbolism of the cross in a new light.

Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Is he a savior, lord, way-shower, teacher, friend, or…? How has your understanding changed over time? Pastor Sal talks about what Jesus looked like and who he was, sharing wisdom from John Pavlovitz and Traci Blackmon.

A Canaanite woman asks for her child to be cured. Jesus tells his disciples to send her away, but the woman persists and Jesus changes his mind. Pastor Sal explains that Jesus had to struggle with his humanity before he came to understand that his message was for all, regardless of culture or gender.

When a boat carrying several apostles is caught in a storm, Jesus arrives and says, ‘Do not be afraid. Peace.’ Today, Pastor Sal talks about living fearlessly in the midst of worries and fears. He shares wisdom from Richard Rohr and Marianne Williamson.