Messages from Douglas UCC

When Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment he responds that we should love God and love our neighbor. That can difficult -- when the neighbor refuses to wear a mask, for example. Today Pastor Sal talks about the challenges of practicing the Golden Rule.

The US election is sixteen days away. Federal law bars churches from endorsing or opposing candidates but they can encourage people to vote. Pastor Sal explains that voting is not only a civic duty, but also a moral imperative and an act of love.

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.