PODCAST · religion
Messages from Douglas UCC
by Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ
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.orgMessages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/
Episodes
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Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Jim DeVries)
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...
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The Big Ten (Dan Plasman)
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...
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Becoming Refugia
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/
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New House Rules (Jody Betten)
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...
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The Leaves of the Trees Are for the Healing of the Nations (Debra Rienstra)
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...
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The Great Work and the Little Work (Jody Betten)
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...
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Recognizing Burning Bushes When We See Them (Dan Plasman)
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…
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Subversive Women Defy the Pharaoh (Dan Plasman)
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...
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Reconciliation, Forgiveness, & Redemption (Jody Betten)
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...
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Pits Are Inevitable (Dan Plasman)
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…
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Wrestling with Ambiguity (Jody Betten)
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…
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Another Messy Story (Dan Plasman)
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...
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A Stairway to Heaven (Jody Betten)
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…
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Womb Wrestlings (Dan Plasman)
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/
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A Journey with No Map (Jody Betten)
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...
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Jesus & Congregational Meetings (Dan Plasman)
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...
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What Happens When You Set Love Loose (Jody Betten)
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…
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Laughing Matters (Dan Plasman)
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...
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My Story (Greg Gerrans)
Church member Greg Gerrans shares a story of belonging to oneself, to one another, and to God. From struggling to reconcile faith and identity to adopting a son right after 9-11. Even in uncertain times, love has a way of leading us where we are meant to be. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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Pride and Trinity (Dan Plasman)
The theological construct of the Trinity was hammered out in the fourth century in an attempt to understand the nature of God’s being. Pastor Dan explains that the Trinity is a relational way of being that blesses all things LGBTQ. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show...
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A New Era in History (Jody Betten)
‘The Spirit blows where she will’ - like when it comes into a locked room and inspires Jesus' followers. Tongues of fire and speaking unknown languages make for an unusual event--the birthday of the Church? Pastor Jody talks about its significance for us. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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Ascensions (Dan Plasman)
The Ascension can’t compete with Christmas, but the story offers insights into holy living. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, ‘There’s always another level up.’ Pastor Dan connects the Ascension to modern life. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at...
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Ever Feel Like an Orphan? (Jody Betten)
Family relationships -even difficult ones- are crucial. ‘Framily’ is a term for friends who are family. A faith community can be family, and it can hold us accountable to be our best selves. Pastor Jody considers Jesus’ words about where to find support. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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God’s Roomy House (Dan Plasman)
People use passages in the Bible to defend positions on topics like homosexuality, the subservience of women, and Christian nationalism. Pastor Dan shares his doubts on one example: the idea that worshipping Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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A Winsome Community (Jody Betten)
How does a vibrant, attractive group of faithful people look and act? Winsome, vital, compelling, inspiring? Finding favor with the world draws others to them, according to the book of Acts. Pastor Jody asks what people look for in a place to gather. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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Had I Been Jesus’ Manager (Dan Plasman)
Jesus appeared alongside two disciples on their way to Emmaus. They invited him to join them for a meal, but didn’t recognize him until Jesus blessed the bread. Pastor Dan muses on why Jesus put on a bigger show. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every...
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Certainty and Faith (Jody Betten)
Darkness has a bad reputation, but without it we can’t see the stars. We also need it for good health. As Dark Sky Week starts, Pastor Jody explores the magic of the dark and its connection to ‘doubting Thomas'. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every...
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Witnesses to the Resurrection (Dan and Jody)
Recall the feelings you had when a loved one died. Jesus’ disciples expected a savior, spent three years learning with him, and then his body was missing. What are your questions about the Easter story? Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at...
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Thoughts on the Donkey (Dan Plasman)
Roman soldiers parade through Jerusalem on majestic steeds. In another neighborhood, Jesus asks his disciples to fetch him a donkey. Pastor Dan shares thoughts on the importance of mundane donkey-fetching tasks. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every...
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Death Denying Belief (Jody Betten)
We live in a death-denying culture. We don’t like to think about it, talk about it, or acknowledge its inevitability. Lazarus was raised from the dead, so there is hope? Pastor Jody suggests that there might be a message worth hearing in this story. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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The Rest of the Story (Dan Plasman)
Some days it’s hard for us to see the miraculous. The gospel says Jesus performed 37 miracles. After Jesus healed a blind man, religious leaders reacted with a ‘no!’ and mercilessly interrogated the man. Pastor Dan tells us the rest of the story. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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The Value of Water (Jody Betten)
In a world more divided than ever, what can bring us together? While seeking water, Jesus crossed the most divisive barriers of his day -- patriarchy and sectarianism -- by talking with a Samaritan woman. Pastor Jody talks about water and remarkable women. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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John 3:16 Redux (Dan Plasman)
John 3:16 may be the most famous verse in the Bible. It even appears at sporting events and on car bumpers. Some say it means we must believe Jesus is God’s son or die an eternal death. Pastor Dan talks about a more inclusive, less penal understanding. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with…
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Gotta Serve Somebody (Jody Betten)
We may choose to say YES to new habits, but saying NO is also a way to take control. Pastor Jody borrows from Bob Dylan and suggests saying NO to things that don’t align with our values. It can give us opportunities that lead to greater intention and focus. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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Transfigured People I’ve Known (Dan Plasman)
Did the transfiguration literally happen, or is the story asking something of us? Pastor Dan shares the stories of transfigured people he has known. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/
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10 Best Ways to Live (Jody Betten)
In today’s Gospel. Jesus continues the discussion of what it means to be blessed. He says we’re at our best when we are salt and light, for example. Pastor Jody asks what might be keeping us from spreading flavor and illumination in our lives. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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52 Blessings for Every Week of the Year (Dan Plasman)
Most of us know some of the eight Beatitudes. Maybe others were left unrecorded. Pastor Dan shares a blessing for each week of the year. Here’s one: Good for you when you can take criticism without throwing a hissy fit. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and...
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Is Discipleship an Archaic Word? (Jody Betten)
Competitive skating involves skill, strength, and creativity. Skaters must train constantly for years. As with most things, discipline is required to reach professional status. Pastor Jody asks what kind of discipline is needed to follow the way of Jesus. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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Martin & Billy (Dan Plasman)
This month, we honor Martin Luther King. He and evangelist Billy Graham knew and respected one another. Pastor Dan discusses how different their messages were, with Martin preaching about social justice and Billy preaching about how to get to heaven. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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Baptism, the Forgotten Sacrament (Dan Plasman)
This week, we learn about John baptizing Jesus. For most Protestants, baptism is one of two sacraments. Some baptize infants, but others wait a while. Baptism or christening can be done by immersion or sprinkling. Pastor Dan talks about the implications. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story (Jody Betten)
Christmas cards are typically serene, angelic, and magical. Pastor Jody explains that the real story begins with a family being called to another city to pay taxes to a despot, and ends with the family fleeing for their lives. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show…
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Home By Another Way (Dan Plasman)
Christmas is over, and we’re thinking about settling back into our old routines. Pastor Dan suggests that, just as the three wise ones were warned to go home by another way, maybe there are routines we might want to change. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes…
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Who is This Joseph Character? (Jody Betten)
Joseph is an unlikely character, compelled into a drama with a revolutionary baby, shepherds, angels, and outsiders bringing kingly gifts. He was a rule-breaker, protector, dreamer, silent hero, and more. Pastor Jody asks what Joseph’s journey can teach us. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with...
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Embracing Mary (Dan Plasman)
Protestants don’t know quite what to do with the Virgin Mary: worship her? Call upon her in times of need? From the Gospel of Luke, we know that Mary was anything but a weak young woman. Pastor Dan shares inspiration from Mary’s ‘Magnificat’ prayer. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack...
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What Time Is It (Redux)? (Jody Betten)
After the Annunciation, Mary began waiting and preparing. Today, during Advent, we are also waiting: for justice to come, for a thriving world, and more. Pastor Jody asks what one does while waiting and preparing. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every...
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November 20, 2025 Service Canceled
The November 20, 2025, service was canceled due to inclement weather. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/
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Giving Thanks … for Our Scars (Dan Plasman)
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what we have. Pastor Dan suggests that we should also give thanks for our losses, deprivations, and setbacks. What might it mean to give thanks for our scars? Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at...
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Athens, Meteora, and Monemvasia (Jody Betten)
Pastor Jody shares recent experiences with three places in Greece - Athens, the monasteries at Meteora, and the fortified town of Monemvasia - where residents are deeply connected to their past. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at...
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What’s Next? (Jim DeVries)
In Mathew 22, Jesus is asked about heaven. Jim DeVries spent 40 years as a hospital and hospice chaplain. He gives an upbeat message about what we know and ways to make the transition to ‘what’s next’ easier. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every…
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Balcony People, Basement People (Linda Knieriemen)
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. Messages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.orgMessages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://duccpodcast.wordpress.com/
HOSTED BY
Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Messages from Douglas UCC have?
Messages from Douglas UCC currently has 150 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Messages from Douglas UCC about?
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.orgMessages from Douglas UCC is made with Jetpack Podcast....
How often does Messages from Douglas UCC release new episodes?
Messages from Douglas UCC publishes regularly with 150 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Messages from Douglas UCC?
You can listen to Messages from Douglas UCC on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Messages from Douglas UCC?
Messages from Douglas UCC is created and hosted by Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ.
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