This podcast features homilies delivered at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ -- a progressive, inclusive, open and affirming faith community located in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. To learn more, visit https://www.douglasucc.org
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This podcast features homilies delivered at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ -- a progressive, inclusive, open and affirming faith community located in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. To learn more, visit https://www.douglasucc.org
Saints are not just people with Vatican-approved miracles. Linda Knieriemen talks about ‘balcony people,’ the everyday folks who encourage us to be peace-loving, justice-seeking, love-bestowing humans.
Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ But being generous doesn’t make us healthier or protect us from calamities. Pastor Dan considers why we might want to be givers.
We cannot fall out of grace with God, and that fact compels us to live our best lives. Pastor Jody asks us to consider God’s generous gift of unconditional love and grace.
How do other people make you feel welcome? Has it ever been difficult for you to welcome others? Should an extravagant welcome have limits? Pastor Dan considers these and other questions.
On the Feast of St. Francis, we celebrate the generosity of God's creation, and Pastor Jody talks about a ‘gift economy,’ where exchanges are made without expectation of a return - relying instead on reciprocity, trust, and community interdependence.
We know that humans and animals groan. In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul tells us that Creation is also groaning. Pastor Dan introduces us to the Greek word sustenazó - a collective groan - and talks about what we might do about Creation groaning.
In the story of the burning bush, Moses saw the bush because he was paying attention. Perhaps holy ground can be found everywhere. Creation supports us, and Pastor Jody suggests that we listen for her messages.
Continuing the Season of Creation, we hear the Biblical account of the fashioning of human beings. Pastor Dan offers ideas about how humans can care for creation in response to recent occurrences of humans killing each other.
In September, many denominations observe the Season of Creation, exploring our place in God’s connected world: the need to be stewards, understanding that all ground is holy, and mourning as the Earth groans. Today, Pastor Jody looks at the Hebrew creation story.
After dinner, guests strive for the best seat, but Jesus applauds the humble. Does humility have a bankable value today? People find the term hard to define, and nobody seems to get ahead by being humble. Pastor Dan explores the nature of humility.
At times, we long for healing, comfort, and peace. At other times, we bring healing into the world. There are still other times when we keep others from healing. Pastor Jody points out each of these behaviors in the Gospel story of the bent-over woman.
In the 12th chapter of Luke, Jesus says he has come to bring fire and division, not peace. That sounds like many political discussions these days around supper tables. Pastor Dan unpacks the message.
‘Don't worry, be happy’ is a nice thought, but is it that easy? Maybe we can't help it. Do we worry because we care? Does worry keep us from actually doing something? Pastor Jody talks about Jesus’ advice not worry.
In today’s parable, a man who runs a successful farm wants to expand his business by tearing down old barns and building new ones. In one translation, God calls him a fool. Pastor Dan asks why? Is this not good for business?
Let your light shine, but darkness is necessary if you want to see the stars. Do binaries like clean & dirty or love & hate tie us to simplistic thinking? Pastor Jody suggests that complicating things and embracing nuance may help us investigate the world.
The phrase ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ is a common expression of condolence. Prayer is many things: meditation, quietness, introspection, contemplation, silence, wonder . . . Pastor Dan talks about the varied forms that prayer can take.
We know plastic clogs landfills and fouls lakes, yet we increase production. The Bible tells us to treat the planet with gratitude and steward its resources. Pastor Jody asks us to rethink our relationship with Creation and imagine alternatives to plastic.
Even those who don’t know the Bible know about the Good Samaritan. Most people concentrate on the outsider who offered aid, but what about the victim? Pastor Dan offers 28 questions inspired by a powerless person who can only receive mercy.
The writer of Galatians says all are one in Christ - jew and gentile, slave and free, male and female. People of color in our country have long experienced injustice in education, health care, and economic opportunity. Pastor Jody discusses how we can make a difference.
Local artist Ruth Crowe says: ‘I have worn many hats, but none gives me greater pleasure than that of the artist. It is filled with contradictions. It is a tough life. Yet the easiest. It is pressure-filled. Yet joyful. It is painful. Yet rewarding. It is what we do.’
This podcast features homilies delivered at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ -- a progressive, inclusive, open and affirming faith community located in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. To learn more, visit https://www.douglasucc.org
