Messages from Douglas UCC
Religion & Spirituality Podcasts
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
Location:
United States
Description:
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
Language:
English
Episodes
Had I Been Jesus’ Manager (Dan Plasman)
4/19/2026
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.
Duration:00:12:25
Certainty and Faith (Jody Betten)
4/12/2026
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'.
Duration:00:15:51
Witnesses to the Resurrection (Dan and Jody)
4/5/2026
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?
Duration:00:19:12
Thoughts on the Donkey (Dan Plasman)
3/29/2026
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.
Duration:00:10:58
Death Denying Belief (Jody Betten)
3/22/2026
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.
Duration:00:16:01
The Rest of the Story (Dan Plasman)
3/15/2026
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.
Duration:00:14:42
The Value of Water (Jody Betten)
3/8/2026
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.
Duration:00:23:02
John 3:16 Redux (Dan Plasman)
3/3/2026
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.
Duration:00:14:45
Gotta Serve Somebody (Jody Betten)
2/22/2026
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.
Duration:00:16:27
Transfigured People I’ve Known (Dan Plasman)
2/15/2026
Did the transfiguration literally happen, or is the story asking something of us? Pastor Dan shares the stories of transfigured people he has known.
Duration:00:18:06
10 Best Ways to Live (Jody Betten)
2/8/2026
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.
Duration:00:16:44
52 Blessings for Every Week of the Year (Dan Plasman)
2/1/2026
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.
Duration:00:13:30
Is Discipleship an Archaic Word? (Jody Betten)
1/25/2026
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.
Duration:00:15:44
Martin & Billy (Dan Plasman)
1/18/2026
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.
Duration:00:13:34
Baptism, the Forgotten Sacrament (Dan Plasman)
1/11/2026
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.
Duration:00:12:14
A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story (Jody Betten)
1/4/2026
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.
Duration:00:17:33
Home By Another Way (Dan Plasman)
12/28/2025
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.
Duration:00:15:02
Who is This Joseph Character? (Jody Betten)
12/21/2025
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.
Duration:00:16:30
Embracing Mary (Dan Plasman)
12/14/2025
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.
Duration:00:16:28
What Time Is It (Redux)? (Jody Betten)
12/7/2025
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.
Duration:00:15:40