Messages from Douglas UCC

On Epiphany Sunday we remember the wise ones who followed a star and were guided to the Perfect Light. Pastor Sal talks about how their journey can inform and transform our own spiritual journeys.

On the first Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Pastor Sal talks about "Faith and Family."

On Advent’s last Sunday, we light a candle for love, celebrating our gift of love from God’s very self. For Christianity and other faith traditions, December is a time to celebrate the light. Pastor Sal talks about the birth of love’s light in us.

Today’s Gospel focuses on Mary. Many see Jesus’ mother as meek, but she was courageous - even revolutionary. Her “Magnificat” is a protest song, a manifesto proclaiming that the lowly will be lifted up. Political authorities over the years have feared it would stir up the masses. Mary’s spirit is alive today!

John the Baptist proclaims, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord!" Advent is a time to get ready for the coming of the Light. After lighting the candle for peace, Pastor Sal explores what it means to prepare the way and reminds us that Jesus was a refugee.

With great expectation on the first Sunday of Advent, we begin to prepare for the birth of the Christ Light within us. Pastor Sal's message on the power of hope follows on the theme of the first Advent candle and includes wisdom from Meister Eckhart, Thomas Merton, and Richard Rohr.

The last Sunday before Advent, called ‘Christ the King’ or ‘Reign of Christ’ Sunday, is a day to celebrate Jesus as fully human and fully divine. Pastor Sal talks about Jesus as man, myth, and Messiah, sharing wisdom from John Pavlovitz and others.

This Sunday we heard the parable of the talents. Leo Buscaglia said, "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." Are you sharing your God-given talents with the world? today Pastor Sal tells us that it's never too late to bring our gifts and talents to light.

In today’s parable, five of the ten bridesmaids did not prepare enough oil for their lamps. The election season and the pandemic have many of us feeling emotionally and spiritually drained. The oil in our spiritual lamps is low. Pastor Sal talks about how to keep those lamps lit during challenging times.

On this day we recognize and celebrate not only the historic saintly figures of the church, but also all our loved ones who are now in the heavenly realm. Pastor Sal talks about following in the footsteps of the holy men and women who came before us and who put the Beatitudes into action.