What did Jesus say to make people try to push him off a cliff? Sometimes, when we speak Truth, people will push us away. It's why many people remain silent about things that matter. Pastor Sal talks about speaking truth, even if our voices are shaking.

Messages from Douglas UCC

Pushed to the Edge!

We are all one, but oneness is not sameness. Pastor Sal talks about Bishop John Shelby Spong's book, ‘Biblical Literalism: A Gentile Heresy,’ and shares wisdom from John Pavlovitz, Pope Francis, Martin Luther King, and James Baldwin.

Oneness, Not Sameness

Today we hear the story of Jesus's first miracle, which symbolizes the union of humanity and the Christ. We also celebrate the life and spirit of named Martin Luther King, a miracle-worker who reminded us that only Light can drive out darkness.

Jesus and Martin￼

Do we need to be baptized in order to be saved? Most Christians have been baptized, either as infants or as adults. Pastor Sal explores the purpose of the ritual of baptism and its significance in our lives today.

Is Baptism Necessary?

Three wise men, following the Star of Wonder, were guided to that Perfect Light. Pastor Sal talks about who the magi were, and how their journey symbolizes our own spiritual epiphany to discover the location of the Christ Light within us.

Epiphany: The Discovery of the Light in You

On the final Sunday of the year, we take part in The Burning Bowl ceremony, a ritual of purification, transformation, and renewal. Pastor Sal talks about letting old things pass away so that all things can be made new.

Release and Let Go: Burning Bowl Ritual

Upon learning she will give birth to the Light of the World, Mary proclaims a song of resistance. Tyrants now ban that song, fearing it will stir up the masses. Pastor Sal talks about how Mary’s revolutionary spirit lives on in young women like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Emma Gonzalez.

The Magnificat: Mary’s Revolutionary Song!

For two Sundays, our scripture readings have focused on John the Baptist. Pastor Sal talks about who he was and what does he has to with preparing for Christmas.

What does John the Baptist have to do with Christmas?

John the Baptist cries out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord!’ Pastor Sal talks about what that means and how we prepare ourselves.

Preparing the Way

As we light our first Advent candle, Pastor Sal gives an inspiring Progressive Christian message on the power of hope. The season of Advent is not just about preparing a birthday party for the Baby Jesus. It's also about preparing for the birth of the Light within us.

The Birth of the Light in YOU

Brother Al Mascia tells how he began studying to become a Catholic priest, came to Glenn, served as pastor at Douglas UCC, and then returned to the Franciscans.

Brother Al’s Story

The cycle of Giving and Receiving is a spiritual law; we know that we reap what we sow. What seeds are you sowing? Eckhart Tolle said, ‘Acknowledging the good you already have in your life is the foundation of all abundance.’ Pastor Sal explains the ’Treasure Principle.’

The Spiritual Law of Giving and Receiving

Jesus told us to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ On All Saints Day, Pastor Sal explores love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. Today we not only celebrate the saints in Heaven, but also remember that we are called to be saints for one another.

Called to be Saints

In Sunday's gospel reading, a blind man is able to see through the power of belief. Jesus tells him, ‘Your faith has made you well.’ Pastor Sal takes us on a ‘Vision Quest’ to discover the ways in which we are spiritually blind, and how we can begin to ‘see more clearly’ with new eyes of the Spirit.

Seeing With New Eyes

The Way of Jesus is countercultural. It is upside down and inside out.

The Upside Down Kingdom

This podcast features homilies delivered by Pastor Sal Sapienza 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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Messages from Douglas UCC

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