Advertise on podcast: Messages from Douglas UCC

Creation stories teach us to live in relationship with the natural world. Pastor Jody suggests three “house rules” for humans: gratitude, reciprocity, and learning from nature. These principles will help us move toward repair, reuse, and sustainability. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Biblical trees symbolize flourishing, healing, and our relationship with creation. The book of Revelation speaks of God’s intent to repair and heal the world, but Dr. Rienstra asks us not to wait; plant trees, protect forests, and repair ecosystems now! Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In September, we’ll examine Debra Rienstra’s *Refugia Faith*. Refugia are places of safety where life can survive and renew. Pastor Jody starts with the refugia at Mount St. Helens and ends with Wendell Berry’s vision of joining our work to heaven’s. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan uses the burning bush story as a reminder to slow down and listen for God’s call. He talks about a book his mother owned, and her handwritten notes emphasizing the power of listening. That, in turn, connects to accepting and caring for one another. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In Exodus 1, two midwives and Pharaoh’s daughter resist oppression and save lives. These were subversive acts of selfless altruism. Pastor Dan urges us to take courageous risks: to reconcile, help others, protect the vulnerable, and consider organ donation. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Joseph interprets dreams and comes to Pharaoh’s attention. He is reconciled to his brothers when famine compels a surprise visit. Pastor Jodi points out that there is reconciliation, forgiveness, and redemption here. [song - https://youtu.be/yv5xonFSC4c] Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan uses the story of Joseph in the pit to talk about tough places we end up in—family problems, loss, loneliness, injustice, and regret. God is with us in those pits, and calls us to reach out when someone else needs a hand. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Jacob was a conniving cheat, but God was with him. This week, he comes face to face with his brother. Will they reconcile? What about the stranger whom Jacob must wrestle? Pastor Jody shares thoughts about ambiguity. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

The Book of Genesis is not all proper and pristine. There are family feuds, sibling jealousy, lying, and deception. Jacob marries two sisters with a couple of handmaidens thrown in. Pastor Dan asks whether our behavior eventually finds its way back to us. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Remember Led Zeppelin’s song, ‘Stairway to Heaven’? Jacob dreamt of angels climbing to heaven, then declared the spot where he slept holy. Pastor Jody explores the idea of thin places, where you feel like heaven comes close to Earth. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

The book of Genesis features stories of betrayal, jealousy, treachery, and kidnapping. Pastor Dan talks about deception and more in the tale of the twins Esau and Jacob. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

In the grand scheme of things, the USA is a child, and it behaves like a spoiled bully. Childhood is a time to assess our parents’ values while engaging in a world that offers new options. Pastor Jody explores a metaphor from one of our spiritual ancestors. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Jesus said seemingly outrageous things, like ‘Do not think I have come to bring peace… Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Those who find their life will lose it.’ Pastor Dan digs a little and finds good news in there. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Jesus sent the disciples to spread the news of God's extravagant love for ALL people. Rather than focusing on bad things someone else is doing, sometimes we can just ‘let them’ be that way. Pastor Jody suggests we shift our focus to letting love loose. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

A church may be known for its steeple, pipe organ, or its members. How about its laughter? After today’s Old Testament story in which Sarah laughed, pastor Dan argues that laughing is important. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/