Messages from Douglas UCC

‘The Spirit blows where she will’ - like when it comes into a locked room and inspires Jesus' followers. Tongues of fire and speaking unknown languages make for an unusual event--the birthday of the Church? Pastor Jody talks about its significance for us.

The Ascension can’t compete with Christmas, but the story offers insights into holy living. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, ‘There’s always another level up.’ Pastor Dan connects the Ascension to modern life.

Family relationships -even difficult ones- are crucial. ‘Framily’ is a term for friends who are family. A faith community can be family, and it can hold us accountable to be our best selves. Pastor Jody considers Jesus’ words about where to find support.

People use passages in the Bible to defend positions on topics like homosexuality, the subservience of women, and Christian nationalism. Pastor Dan shares his doubts on one example: the idea that worshipping Jesus is the only way to get to heaven.

Jesus appeared alongside two disciples on their way to Emmaus. They invited him to join them for a meal, but didn’t recognize him until Jesus blessed the bread. Pastor Dan muses on why Jesus put on a bigger show.

Darkness has a bad reputation, but without it we can’t see the stars. We also need it for good health. As Dark Sky Week starts, Pastor Jody explores the magic of the dark and its connection to ‘doubting Thomas'.

Recall the feelings you had when a loved one died. Jesus’ disciples expected a savior, spent three years learning with him, and then his body was missing. What are your questions about the Easter story?

Roman soldiers parade through Jerusalem on majestic steeds. In another neighborhood, Jesus asks his disciples to fetch him a donkey. Pastor Dan shares thoughts on the importance of mundane donkey-fetching tasks.

​We live in a death-denying culture. We don’t like to think about it, talk about it, or acknowledge its inevitability. Lazarus was raised from the dead, so there is hope? Pastor Jody suggests that there might be a message worth hearing in this story.