Messages from Douglas UCC

Pastor Dan shares two life experiences related to a story in Acts 10 where God encourages Luke not to refuse any food that is ‘on the menu.‘

When Jesus' disciples gathered to observe a harvest festival, something strange happened: tongues of fire rested on their heads. People who were timid and fearful became more focused after this experience. Pastor Dan explores what that might mean for us.

496 anti-LGBTQI+ bills are being considered in the US. Transgender folk have it worse than most. 5% of youth identify as trans or non-binary, and 35% of them live in states that ban gender affirming care! This month, we focus on folks who are still discriminated against.

Only Luke wrote about Christ's Ascension, and it made the disciples scratch their heads. Pastor Dan explains that we can do what Jesus did when his feet were on the ground - heal, forgive, and more - because the essence of who he was is very much alive.

Frank Lloyd Wright completed many works after the age of 80. A man who passed the bar in 1950 still practices law. Many factors contribute to the ability to work or to transition to new activities as we age. Pastor Jody talks about the book of Revelation and its message that God is always making all things new.

​What happens when you realize you've failed stunningly? From time to time, we all fail. So did Jesus' disciples – especially Simon Peter. Today's reading reminds us that life is a series of relapses and recoveries. It's about progression, not perfection.

Do you have regrets - maybe something you could have done differently? What guides you as you imagine your future? While the disciples tried to make sense of Jesus' death, they met a stranger. Something happened, and their lives changed focus.

The late Pope Francis advocated for justice, stood with migrants, was more welcoming to LGBTQ+ people than previous pontiffs, and cared passionately about our planet. Pastor Dan connects these ideas and offers tips that come as close as your backyard.

No matter how we look on the outside or inside, Easter affirms that every part of us is God's. Pastor Dan explains that the word ‘Easter' comes from a verb and suggests that we can affirm Easter through action.

Today we carry palms to commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Soon, the same crowd convinced Pilate that Jesus was dangerous. Pastors Dan and Jody reflect on what Holy Week can teach us about personal and national struggles.

One can feel lost when a relationship falls apart, when a church denies one's presence, or when one's life path is unclear. Pastor Jody talks about the GIFT of being lost, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and offers tips on finding guides.

Pastor Dan's teaser for this talk: Be the Miracle. (Could rightly be answered by the grieving...) Yes, damn it, we prayed day and night, night and day for one but never got it! Did you even hear us?

At one time, humans were certain that the Earth was flat! What makes us certain of ANYthing? Is it better to live humbly, knowing that we don't know EVERYthing? Pastor Jody talks about Jesus' response when people asked, ‘Who sinned to make this so?'

Juicy stories are hard to resist; they feed the appetite of social media. Jesus aroused curiosity when he couldn't resist welcoming people whom others would cross the street to avoid. Pastor Dan talks about the woman who crashed a respectable dinner party to anoint Jesus' feet.

Most of us aren't tempted to steal classified documents but we do face small, victimless temptations, like eating too many sweets. To help us understand Jesus' temptation, Pastor Jody explains how we may be undermined by a good thing we are tempted to do.

The transfiguration of Jesus seems other-worldly and hard to relate to concerns like the lofty price of eggs. Yet people today do experience ‘thin places' where heaven feels nearby. Pastor Dan talks about how damaged times need more transfigured people.

According to gospel writer John, ‘The Spirit blows where she will.' The Old Testament talks of the breath of God and the wind with which God created the world. Pastor Jody addresses what can we learn about what sustains us by exploring the Spirit.

Pastor Dan has discovered a relationship between tending old houses and tending churches. He shares four lessons learned from rehabbing ten different houses.

When the unimaginable happens, some jump for an explanation, some lash out, and some just want to forget. After Jesus rocked the fishermen's world with a huge catch, they became his followers and friends. Pastor Jody considers the implications.

Christianity in the US is increasingly mean-spirited - appointing all white males as gatekeepers, labeling immigrants of color a threat, and deeming non-heterosexuals perverse. Pastor Dan talks about what to do in the face of growing Christian Nationalism.

Jesus was a hometown boy who made good; then the town tried to throw him off a cliff! Pastor Jody reminds us that maybe we have wanted to ‘throw someone off a cliff' after they confronted us about our behavior or said something that changed our lives.

At the wedding in Cana, Jesus performs the first of many miracles. Oddly, it is not an occasion of healing. Rather, the wine runs out - gasp! Pastor Dan suggests that this story is about abundance - God's, ours, and Martin Luther King's.

Many people believe the story of Christ's birth is not historical, and that Matthew wrote it to offer guidance for our spiritual journeys. Rev. Linda Knieremen talks about the roles of the star, the Magi, and King Herod.

Christmas is about love that comes from the edge of society, the poorest of the poor, the outsider, the foreigner. People often receive compassion, mercy, or an unexpected gift from a surprising place. Rev. Jody Betten helps us imagine the Holy Family and the gifts they bring.

Many of God's creatures support our ancient stories. At Christmas, they include a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem, oxen sharing a manger, and camels carrying wise ones who follow a star. Rev. Jody asks us to consider the gift of the life of our planet.

Today's reading is about pregnant cousins Mary and Elizabeth visiting together. It's helpful to commiserate with others who know what we're feeling as changes in body and lifestyle prepare us for what's ahead. Children can bring us much joy; so can friends who walk with us on the journey of parenting.

In a sort of ‘audition,' Dan and Jody shared a few ideas about how Douglas UCC might grow and change. Afterward, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to accept them as the church's new co-pastors.

When we extend mercy to the unforgivable or advocate for the least, last, lost, and lonely we may not be well received. This week Rev. Jody considers the consequences and rewards of following the way of Jesus.

After the election, some folks began asking what it now means to live, love, imagine a flourishing future, and care for the least. They want to know how to contribute to the side of goodness and justice. Rev. Jody considers what it means to be a peacemaker.

Mercy is compassion or forgiveness toward someone it is within one's power to punish or harm. When have you received mercy? Are you inclined to "pay it forward"? Rev. Jody talks about mercy in the Beatitudes.

A recent documentary discusses Christian nationalism; a current Presidential candidate is tied to the movement. Rev. Dan is not sure how righteousness is best defined, but he knows it when he sees it in the lives of ordinary saintly people.

Is meekness a weakness? ‘Meek and mild' implies a willingness to go along with things. But a horse's meekness after you put a bit in their mouth is more like ‘strength under control.' Are trees similarly strong under control, without the need for a bit?

We've all been broken by loss, pain, shame, mistakes, ridicule... Is it true that light gets in where we are broken? Do we become stronger? What is available if we let ourselves into the sadness and tears? Pastor Jody explores the blessing of those who mourn.

In October and November we're examining The Beatitudes, in which Jesus describes people God blesses or favors. What does 'poor in spirit' mean? Who are these favored ones? Rev. Jody considers the story of the rich man and Lazarus (‘one whom God helps').

James suggests what to do when things get dicey, but he didn't know about compassion fatigue or climate change. He says to cut off a body part that causes you trouble -- not very practical! Rev. Jody talks about what can we draw from James' suggestions.

The dictionary says humility is a modest or low view of one's own importance. How can one remain humble while not diminishing oneself? Pastor Jody talks about humility, based on James 4 and Mark 9.

The creation story suggests that God created with a word. Modern people know how to use words to hurt. We have the power to create reality with words. James tells us that we need to control our tongues.

In transactional relationships, each person expects something in return for an action. James points out that the Jesus-followers of his day pay attention to the rich at the expense of the poor who need their help. Pastor Jody considers our quid pro quos and how we can protect ourselves from this sort of relationship.

It's comforting to know that we can't make God love us more; nothing will separate us from the energy of love. Nevertheless, the book of James says that what we do matters. Rev. Jody Betten explores possibilities for how to behave that make a difference.

Some imagery in the Bible can seem archaic. It was written long ago in a different culture, yet it resonates with issues we face today. What practices keep you focused? Rev. Jody Betten explores practical and creative ways to keep on keeping on.

Dan Plasman muses on three Bible verses in which King Solomon prays for foreigners and outsiders whom he's never met. This brief ancient prayer jarred loose memories of people who reminded him that God welcomes us no matter what.

What activities bring you joy -- baking bread? singing and dancing? reading a good book? walking in contemplation? Rev. Jody talks about Jesus' understanding of his way.

Do you ever wonder what you have to offer? When Jesus fed a crowd of 5000, a small boy with five loaves and two fishes had exactly what was needed. And how about the way Jesus handled the leftovers!

What is extravagant Love? What does it look like? Who is it for? Why make a practice of it? Church member Mark Johnston shares his ideas and a challenge as we get ready to show extravagant love to our neighbors at next week's block party

How much of you is water? How many people don't have clean water? How many times does the Bible mention water? How can we best raise concern for water for ourselves, our neighbors, and our planet? Rev. Jody explores the joys and sorrows of water.

Do you twirl around the house when you want to celebrate a life-giving event? Dancing is a way to move our bodies with joy. Rev. Jody considers separate stories that feature Kings David and Herodias, where dancers bring intrigue and emotion.

Do sources of wisdom look or talk a certain way? Must they have degrees or titles? Did you ever unexpectedly learn something? Rev. Jody explores three stories: a shepherd boy becomes king, an evangelist has a thorn in the flesh, and Jesus is not welcome.

We don't have to ignore Scripture to affirm our queer friends and family. Rev. Jody explains that the Bible says good things about same-gender loving relationships. Today we celebrate all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations!

These are tenuous days. We face trouble in our lives, our relationships, and our world. We do the best we can and, somehow we get by. In two stories this week, where David fights Goliath and Jesus calms a storm, Rev. Jody sees a response to trouble.

Remember the warmth you felt when someone was kind to you. What did they do? Jesus says that faith the size of a mustard seed is all we need to make a difference in the world. Rev. Jodi Betten talks about how kindness makes a difference.

In today's Gospel, Jesus asks who his family is. What does your family of choice like? Does it fit the phrase ‘traditional family values'?