Advertise on podcast: Messages from Douglas UCC

Jesus commanded us to love God and our neighbors. Pastor Jody says listening is the foundation and describes four dimensions of love: heart (prayer and emotional connection), soul (passion), mind (intellectual growth), and strength (energy). Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

How does a religious person relate to religion and to government? The Pharisees asked Jesus a question like this as a trap. Rev. Linda explains how Jesus' answer can shape how we relate to government and God. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

What keeps you from falling asleep or going back to sleep after waking at 3 AM? Like us, the Israelites worried about money, health, relationships, and the future. Jim DeVries explores how to learn from their experiences and the making of the golden calf. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

Pastor Dan talks about a current controversy - a kindergarten teacher refusing to display a Ten Commandments poster. He also introduces nine new commandments drafted by Rabbi Baskin and proposes a tenth: "’lways support an underdog with a righteous cause.’ Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

As we wrap Creation Season, we risk feeling we have done our duty and can go on comfortably. But shouldn't we remain uncomfortable? Continue to do our ‘little work’? Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/

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/