​In today’s Gospel. Jesus continues the discussion of what it means to be blessed. He says we’re at our best when we are salt and light, for example. Pastor Jody asks what might be keeping us from spreading flavor and illumination in our lives.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Most of us know some of the eight Beatitudes. Maybe others were left unrecorded. Pastor Dan shares a blessing for each week of the year. Here’s one: Good for you when you can take criticism without throwing a hissy fit.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Competitive skating involves skill, strength, and creativity. Skaters must train constantly for years. As with most things, discipline is required to reach professional status. Pastor Jody asks what kind of discipline is needed to follow the way of Jesus.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

This month, we honor Martin Luther King. He and evangelist Billy Graham knew and respected one another. Pastor Dan discusses how different their messages were, with Martin preaching about social justice and Billy preaching about how to get to heaven.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

This week, we learn about John baptizing Jesus. For most Protestants, baptism is one of two sacraments. Some baptize infants, but others wait a while. Baptism or christening can be done by immersion or sprinkling. Pastor Dan talks about the implications.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Christmas cards are typically serene, angelic, and magical. Pastor Jody explains that the real story begins with a family being called to another city to pay taxes to a despot, and ends with the family fleeing for their lives.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Christmas is over, and we’re thinking about settling back into our old routines. Pastor Dan suggests that, just as the three wise ones were warned to go home by another way, maybe there are routines we might want to change.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Joseph is an unlikely character, compelled into a drama with a revolutionary baby, shepherds, angels, and outsiders bringing kingly gifts. He was a rule-breaker, protector, dreamer, silent hero, and more. Pastor Jody asks what Joseph’s journey can teach us.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Protestants don’t know quite what to do with the Virgin Mary: worship her? Call upon her in times of need? From the Gospel of Luke, we know that Mary was anything but a weak young woman. Pastor Dan shares inspiration from Mary’s ‘Magnificat’ prayer.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

After the Annunciation, Mary began waiting and preparing. Today, during Advent, we are also waiting: for justice to come, for a thriving world, and more. Pastor Jody asks what one does while waiting and preparing.

Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/