 Photo by Suzy Brooks on Unsplash This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
This Week's Service: Martin & Billy Photo by Marco Chilese on Unsplash Next Monday is designated as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Official observance of this day was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Over the years, I’ve read biographies of King, read books authored by King, and listened to audio sermons preached by King. But it wasn’t until about a month ago, that I stumbled on the fact that Martin Luther King and evangelist Billy Graham were not only contemporaries but also “friends” – and there’s a reason for those quotation marks. Though both were ministers and very much in the public eye, their focus could not have been more different. Crudely and most simply: Martin preached social justice on earth; Billy preached how to get to heaven. I’m going to say more about this on Sunday. Hope you can join us either in person or online. Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel. Message: Rev. Dan Plasman Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler 
Last Week's Service: Baptism, The Forgotten Sacrament Photos by Dan Plasman Last Sunday Pastor Dan discussed Baptism. The rite goes by many names. Depending on the church and the denomination, and whether it is observed in a Protestant or a Roman Catholic church, the ritual can be called a sacrament, a christening, a naming, an immersion, a sprinkling. Some might refer to it simply as a dunking. Depending on their understanding of this sacrament, some churches baptize infants, as is our practice in the United Church of Christ. Other churches wait until children are old enough to “accept Jesus into their lives,” confirmation of this acceptance occurs in baptism. During the last Presidential election campaign, I am aware that some churches organized outdoor baptism and re-baptism events in order to ensure that God blessed the right candidate. (Yup, it’s true!!) In the mainline Protestant tradition, Baptism and Communion make up the two sacraments. Launching his public ministry, Jesus was baptized by John (the Baptist!). Interesting note: in the four Gospels, Jesus’ birth is recorded twice. His baptism is recorded four times! Dan's Office Hours This Week, Jody on Vacation
Thank You to All Who Made the Congregational Meeting a Success!  Card Ministry - Are You Available March, April or May to Bring a Smile to Someone's Day? Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile! Are you available for One month of card ministry? We are needing someone for March, April, and May. Social Justice Team The DUCC Social Justice Team would like to invite any interested parishioners to join us at an upcoming meeting to learn more about the group's mission and 2026 plans and priorities. Contact the team facilitator Anne Dooley with questions or to be added to our mailing list. At our upcoming meetings on January 29th and in early March we will be doing some planning to get to a strategy that is inspiring and actionable and will help us have a positive impact on the people we serve and the issues we tackle. Social Justice Teams |
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Church potlucks, now called Second Sunday Luncheons, will help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be November 9 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be November 9 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash
Want people to know about the fun we have, the meaningful events we provide, the community you love? Share your photos! After a DUCC event, text appropriate photos to Greggie Gerrans @ 616-218-9679
Prayer Requests
Family of Alan Gibson (Kirsten Stannis's Father); Adelle Van Daalen and the Family of Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter);
Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew); Jennifer Blumer (C. Blumer's sister-in-law); Holland UCC
Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew); Jennifer Blumer (C. Blumer's sister-in-law); Holland UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
January 18: Michael Blasco
January 23: Greg Sherman, Rose Marie Stevenson
ANNIVERSARIES
January 21: Bob & Louise Kenny
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
January 18: Michael Blasco
January 23: Greg Sherman, Rose Marie Stevenson
ANNIVERSARIES
January 21: Bob & Louise Kenny
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| DUCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
OPPORTUNITY FOR GIVING
Peanut Butter Drive, January 23 through February
Photo by Maryam Sicard on Unsplash
Our annual peanut butter drive Christian Neighbors begins Friday, Jan 23rd and will run through to the end of February 2026. Please drop jars of peanut butter off in the foyer of the Friendship Hall. If you don't have time to shop and drop, & would like to donate by personal check, please address check to Christian Neighbors of Douglas and note "Peanut Butter drive" in the memo section.
The DUCC's on-going support of Christian Neighbors is greatly appreciated.
The DUCC's on-going support of Christian Neighbors is greatly appreciated.
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for January is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for January is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
Ten Hope-filled Stories UCC News 2025 Review
Photo by Sorasak on Unsplash
While 2025 was a year with many challenges and set-backs, there was also great hope to be found in the way that communities and individuals showed up to center some of the values so central to the United Church of Christ – extravagant welcome, justice, and love.
UCC and DOC Release Statement on Venezula Takeover
United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) General Minister and President the Rev. Terri Hord Owens and Global Ministries leadership condemned what they call ‘all forms of government aggression in a joint statement
CLASSES
Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm,
In the Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Kat VanHammen's Qigong Winter classes are back! Tuesdays at 3pm in the Friendship Hall.
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Financial Literacy Series, Next Session Feb. 4
On Wednesday 1/7/2026, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he discussed estate planning on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on February 4, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on February 4, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Community Events
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: Baptism of Christ - Baptism, the Forgotten Sacrament
- Last Week's Service: Second Sunday After Christmas - A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story
- Dan's Office Hours This Week, Jody is on Vacation This Week
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Social Justice Team, February is Black History Month
- Creation Justice Team, Books to Borrow from Native Plants to Dark Skies
- No Second Sunday Luncheon in January - Join Us for the Congregational Meeting
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Policy Updates - Please, Review before Congregational Meeting, January 11
- Congregational Meeting, January 11 - After the Sunday Service
- Taking Pictures at DUCC Event
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- Ten Hope-filled Stories from UCC News, 2025 in Review
- UCC and DOC Leadership release Joint Statement on Venezuela Takeover
- Financial Literacy Series, Thank You, Wayne!
- Soul Collage, January 10, Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
- Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm, Friendship Hall
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
- Candlelight Vigil for All Victims of ICE Violence
This Week's Service: Baptism, The Forgotten Sacrament
Photos by Dan Plasman
The rite goes by many names. Depending on the church and the denomination, and whether it
is observed in a Protestant or a Roman Catholic church, the ritual can be called a sacrament, a
christening, a naming, an immersion, a sprinkling. Some might refer to it simply as a dunking.
Depending on their understanding of this sacrament, some churches baptize infants, as is our
practice in the United Church of Christ. Other churches wait until children are old enough to
“accept Jesus into their lives,” confirmation of this acceptance occurs in baptism. During the
last Presidential election campaign, I am aware that some churches organized outdoor baptism and re-baptism events in order to ensure that God blessed the right candidate.
(Yup, it’s true!!)
In the mainline Protestant tradition, Baptism and Communion make up the two sacraments.
Launching his public ministry, Jesus was baptized by John (the Baptist!). Interesting note: in the four Gospels, Jesus’ birth is recorded twice. His baptism is recorded four times! Something is going on here that’s worth exploring. Hope you will join us either in person or online.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler
is observed in a Protestant or a Roman Catholic church, the ritual can be called a sacrament, a
christening, a naming, an immersion, a sprinkling. Some might refer to it simply as a dunking.
Depending on their understanding of this sacrament, some churches baptize infants, as is our
practice in the United Church of Christ. Other churches wait until children are old enough to
“accept Jesus into their lives,” confirmation of this acceptance occurs in baptism. During the
last Presidential election campaign, I am aware that some churches organized outdoor baptism and re-baptism events in order to ensure that God blessed the right candidate.
(Yup, it’s true!!)
In the mainline Protestant tradition, Baptism and Communion make up the two sacraments.
Launching his public ministry, Jesus was baptized by John (the Baptist!). Interesting note: in the four Gospels, Jesus’ birth is recorded twice. His baptism is recorded four times! Something is going on here that’s worth exploring. Hope you will join us either in person or online.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns January 11 |
Last Week's Service: Second Sunday After Christmas - A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story
Take a look at the Christmas cards you got. If they have something to do with the Christmas story in the Bible, they are probably serene, calm, angelic, magical looking. Everything in its place, people doing exactly what you would expect, no crying the baby makes as the song suggests. But in truth, the story that begins with a family called out of their home to another city to be taxed by a despot; ends with that same family with a newborn, fleeing for their lives because that same despot is so afraid and jealous of a baby who was called a new ruler by some foreign visitors. The Christmas story is far from meek and mild. It takes place in a real world where rulers will protect their power no matter which innocents are slaughtered. Pastor Jody apologized for the dose of reality last week, but shared there is hope. Explore this ending to the Christmas story.
Dan's Office Hours This Week
Jody is on Vacation
 | For The Week of January 11: Tuesday: 10-3pm, Dan Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Dan For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money, or information on the church directory please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Card Ministry - Are You Available March, April or May to Bring a Smile to Someone's Day?
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Are you available for One month of card ministry? We are needing someone for March, April, and May.
Are you available for One month of card ministry? We are needing someone for March, April, and May.
Social Justice Team
The DUCC Social Justice Team would like to invite any interested parishioners to join us at an upcoming meeting to learn more about the group's mission and 2026 plans and priorities. Contact the team facilitator Anne Dooley with questions or to be added to our mailing list.
At our upcoming meetings on January 29th and in early March we will be doing some planning to get to a strategy that is inspiring and actionable and will help us have a positive impact on the people we serve and the issues we tackle.
At our upcoming meetings on January 29th and in early March we will be doing some planning to get to a strategy that is inspiring and actionable and will help us have a positive impact on the people we serve and the issues we tackle.
Social Justice Teams
Black History Month Book Read
Photo by Alejandro Barba on Unsplash
“In churches, we have a tradition of remembering those who have gone before us
because it is in that remembering that we find sustenance for our own journey. In
Hebrews, it says it is because ‘we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,’ we
are able to ‘run with perseverance the race that is set before us.’ When a movement
does not know its own history, it is deprived of one of its greatest sources of wisdom
and inspiration.” From Brooks Berndt of the United Church of Christ website.
Black History Month is an opportunity to look back at the deplorable treatment of slaves
and to retrieve the wisdom and inspiration of those times - in this instance through
the eyes of Jim in the novel “James” by Percival Everett. “James” is a brilliant, action-
packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and funny, told
from the enslaved Jim's point of view.
While many of the events of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” remain in place
(floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure
in the myriad stopping points along the river's banks, encountering the scam artists
posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion are
shown in a radically new light.
because it is in that remembering that we find sustenance for our own journey. In
Hebrews, it says it is because ‘we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,’ we
are able to ‘run with perseverance the race that is set before us.’ When a movement
does not know its own history, it is deprived of one of its greatest sources of wisdom
and inspiration.” From Brooks Berndt of the United Church of Christ website.
Black History Month is an opportunity to look back at the deplorable treatment of slaves
and to retrieve the wisdom and inspiration of those times - in this instance through
the eyes of Jim in the novel “James” by Percival Everett. “James” is a brilliant, action-
packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and funny, told
from the enslaved Jim's point of view.
While many of the events of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” remain in place
(floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure
in the myriad stopping points along the river's banks, encountering the scam artists
posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion are
shown in a radically new light.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOK READ
DATE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026
TIME: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
LOCATION: ISABEL GRAHAM CENTER
EMAIL BOB KENNY TO OBTAIN ZOOM LINK
DATE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026
TIME: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
LOCATION: ISABEL GRAHAM CENTER
EMAIL BOB KENNY TO OBTAIN ZOOM LINK
Creation Justice Team
Below the bulletin board in the Friendship Hall, are many books for borrowing. The topics range from native plants to dark skies and other good topics. Feel free to look them over and borrow.
If you have Styrofoam and would like to recycle it, please just leave it on the top of the recycling containers. If there is a lot, please email Kathy Klage, and she can arrange to get the styrofoam. Laurie will collect the styrofoam and give it to Kathy. Easy for you.
If you have Styrofoam and would like to recycle it, please just leave it on the top of the recycling containers. If there is a lot, please email Kathy Klage, and she can arrange to get the styrofoam. Laurie will collect the styrofoam and give it to Kathy. Easy for you.
No Second Sunday Luncheon in January
Semi-annual Congregational Meeting Jan. 11
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Second Sundays are a hit! Folks who stay for the extended coffee hour to catch up and for the delicious eats are not disappointed! In January the second Sunday is our semi-annual Congregational Meeting so we will not be eating together that day. Watch for details for our next Sunday luncheon!
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Policy Updates - Require a Vote on January 11
Please Read before Congregational Meeting
We have updated multiple policies which required a congregational vote to be adopted.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
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Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 11, after Sunday Service
Join us this Sunday January 11, 2026 after the morning service for our annual Congregational Meeting to kick-off the New Year. We will gather as a Congregation to review the past year and look forward to the future. Please plan to join us.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash
Want people to know about the fun we have, the meaningful events we provide, the community you love? Share your photos! After a DUCC event, text appropriate photos to Greggie Gerrans @ 616-218-9679
Prayer Requests
Adelle Van Daalen and the Family of Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); James "Jimmie" Perkaus and Family (friends of Claire Blumer); Holland UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
January 12: Darris Cichock, Jim Sullivan
January 13: Elaine Overweg
January 14: Larry Gammons
January 15: John Rossi
January 16: Joyce Wright
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
January 12: Darris Cichock, Jim Sullivan
January 13: Elaine Overweg
January 14: Larry Gammons
January 15: John Rossi
January 16: Joyce Wright
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| DUCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for January is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for January is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
Ten Hope-filled Stories UCC News 2025 Review
While 2025 was a year with many challenges and set-backs, there was also great hope to be found in the way that communities and individuals showed up to center some of the values so central to the United Church of Christ – extravagant welcome, justice, and love.
UCC and DOC Release Statement on Venezula Takeover
United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) General Minister and President the Rev. Terri Hord Owens and Global Ministries leadership condemned what they call ‘all forms of government aggression in a joint statement
CLASSES
Soul Collage January 10
Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
The next Soul Collage sessions with our friend and masterful teacher, Ruth Zwald, are scheduled for the Friendship Hall January 10. This artful, soul-honoring class will set you exploring and making and asking your own wisdom sources for guidance. It's always a surprising and stilling journey with Rev. Ruth! To sign up, follow the registration instructions in the poster above. You must register to participate
Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm,
In the Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Kat VanHammen's Qigong Winter classes are back! Tuesdays at 3pm in the Friendship Hall.
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Kudos Wayne! Second Installment of the Financial Literacy Series was Wonderful!
On Wednesday 1/7/2026, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he discussed estate planning on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on February, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on February, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Community Events
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Candlelight Vigil for All Victims of ICE Violence
Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: Second Sunday After Christmas - A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story
- Last Week's Service: First Sunday After Christmas - Home By Another Way
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Thanks to Pastors Marty Rienstra and Doug Petersen for Hosting the Silent Retreats
- Social Justice Team, Thank you & Next Steps
- Creation Justice Team, Recycling Holiday Packing Materials
- No Second Sunday Luncheon in January - Join Us for the Congregational Meeting
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Policy Updates - Please, Review before Congregational Meeting, January 11
- Congregational Meeting, January 11 - After the Sunday Service
- Taking Pictures at DUCC Event
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Soul Collage, January 10, Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
- Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm, Friendship Hall
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
This Week's Service: Second Sunday After Christmas - A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story
Photo by Dan Plasman
Take a look at the Christmas cards you got. If they have something to do with the Christmas story in the Bible, they are probably serene, calm, angelic, magical looking. Everything in its place, people doing exactly what you would expect, no crying the baby makes as the song suggests. But in truth, the story that begins with a family called out of their home to another city to be taxed by a despot; ends with that same family with a newborn, fleeing for their lives because that same despot is so afraid and jealous of a baby who was called a new ruler by some foreign visitors. The Christmas story is far from meek and mild. It takes place in a real world where rulers will protect their power no matter which innocents are slaughtered. Sorry for the dose of reality this week. But there is hope. Join us as we explore this ending to the Christmas story.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns January 4 2026 |
Last Week's Service: First Sunday After Christmas - Home By Another Way
Image from Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
After the celebration of Christmas, it’s amazing how quickly life gets back to some semblance of normal. Wrapping paper is tossed out. Lights and ornaments are taken down and carefully stored for another year. Live White Pines, Balsam Firs, and Frasers are decluttered and put on the curb to be taken to their final resting place. Christmas is over and it’s time to get back to our routines. Or is it? This Sunday the Magi (aka Wisemen) show up. Traditionally they appear on Epiphany Sunday, which is January 4, but we’re going to highlight them for two Sundays, along with an insecure despot named Herod. Last Sunday’s reflection was entitled: Home By Another Way. Some questions to ponder: What does going home mean to you? What do you need to change? What will never be the same again?
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of January 4: Monday: 11-3pm, Jody Tuesday: 5-8pm, Dan & Jody Wednesday: 10-8pm, Jody & Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Dan For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money, or information on the church directory please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Thanks to Pastors Rienstra and Petersen for Hosting the Silent Retreats
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Many thanks to Pastors Marty Rienstra and Doug Petersen for hosting the Wednesday times and spaces for us to be quiet. For their time with us, for sharing the experience of silence in their own lives, for leading by example, we are grateful. Watch for future times for gathering for corporate.
Social Justice Team
Many thanks to those who could make it to the Dec 2 meeting. We reviewed insights from the speakers and are planning next steps. Watch for further details.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
Creation Justice Team- Ideas for Recycling Holiday Packing Material and Items
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
No Second Sunday Luncheon in January
Semi-annual Congregational Meeting Jan. 11
| | |
Second Sundays are a hit! Folks who stay for the extended coffee hour to catch up and for the delicious eats are not disappointed! In January the second Sunday is our semi-annual Congregational Meeting so we will not be eating together that day. Watch for details for our next Sunday luncheon!
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Policy Updates - Require a Vote on January 11
Please Read before Congregational Meeting
We have updated multiple policies which required a congregational vote to be adopted.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
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Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 11, after Sunday Service
Join us this Sunday January 11, 2026 after the morning service for our annual Congregational Meeting to kick-off the New Year. We will gather as a Congregation to review the past year and look forward to the future. Please plan to join us.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash
Want people to know about the fun we have, the meaningful events we provide, the community you love? Share your photos! After a DUCC event, text appropriate photos to Greggie Gerrans @ 616-218-9679
Prayer Requests
Adelle Van Daalen and the Family of Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); James "Jimmie" Perkaus and Family (family of Claire Blumer); Holland UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
January 4: Greg Gerrans
January 5: Beverly Hawkes
January 6: Louise Kenny
January 8: Andrew Danos, Lynn DaCosse
January 10: Douglas Petersen, Tim Lemanski
ANNIVERSARIES
January 2: Doreen & Tamara Ritt
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
January 4: Greg Gerrans
January 5: Beverly Hawkes
January 6: Louise Kenny
January 8: Andrew Danos, Lynn DaCosse
January 10: Douglas Petersen, Tim Lemanski
ANNIVERSARIES
January 2: Doreen & Tamara Ritt
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| Douglas UCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for December is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for December is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
CLASSES
Next Session in the Financial Literacy Series Wednesday, January 7
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Soul Collage January 10, Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
The next Soul Collage sessions with our friend and masterful teacher, Ruth Zwald, are scheduled for the Friendship Hall January 10. This artful, soul-honoring class will set you exploring and making and asking your own wisdom sources for guidance. It's always a surprising and stilling journey with Rev. Ruth! To sign up, follow the registration instructions in the poster above. You must register to participate
Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm,
Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Kat VanHammen's Qigong Winter classes are back! Tuesdays at 3pm in the Friendship Hall.
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Community Events
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: First Sunday After Christmas - Home By Another Way
- Last Week's Service: Fourth Sunday of Advent - Who Is This Joseph Character?
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Silent Retreat on Wednesday, December 31
- Social Justice Team, Thank you!
- Creation Justice Team, Recycling Holiday Packing Materials
- No Second Sunday Luncheon in January - Join Us for the Congregational Meeting
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Policy Updates - Please, Review before Congregational Meeting, January 11
- Congregational Meeting, January 11 - After the Sunday Service
- AV Team Recruiting - Interested?
- Taking Pictures at DUCC Event
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- The Christmas Fund
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Soul Collage, January 10, Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
- Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recovers
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
This Week's Service: First Sunday After Christmas - Home By Another Way
Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
After the celebration of Christmas, it’s amazing how quickly life gets back to some semblance of normal. Wrapping paper is tossed out. Lights and ornaments are taken down and carefully stored for another year. Live White Pines, Balsam Firs, and Frasers are decluttered and put on the curb to be taken to their final resting place. Christmas is over and it’s time to get back to our routines. Or is it? This Sunday the Magi (aka Wisemen) show up. Traditionally they appear on Epiphany Sunday, which is January 4, but we’re going to highlight them for two Sundays, along with an insecure despot named Herod. This Sunday’s reflection is entitled: Home By Another Way. Some questions to ponder: What does going home mean to you? What do you need to change? What will never be the same again? Hope you will join either on-site or on-line.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns December 28 2025 |
Last Week's Service: Fourth Sunday of Advent - Who Is This Joseph Character?
Photo by Ayrus Hill on Unsplash
Joseph, the father of Jesus, married to Jesus' mother Mary, is as unlikely a character as Mary in the story of Jesus' birth. Both are unwittingly compelled into this drama that includes a revolutionary baby, shepherds who receive a message from angels, and outsiders who bring gifts for a king, among other things. Of Joseph we could say he was; breaker of rules, protector of the vulnerable, dreamer of dreams, namer of babies, unspeaking hero, deeply feeling man. What does his journey teach us about our journey to the celebration of the birth of Jesus in this season?
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of December 28: Tuesday: 10-3pm, Dan Wednesday: 9-2pm, Jody Friday: 10-3pm, Dan & Jody For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money, or information on the church directory please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Silent Retreats, In a frantic, noisy world...
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Rev. Marty or Rev. Doug will hold space for solitude and silence
Wednesday, December 31, 10am - Noon
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is necessary so we know of your intentions.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
Wednesday, December 31, 10am - Noon
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is necessary so we know of your intentions.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
Social Justice Team
Many thanks to those who could make it to the Dec 2 meeting. We reviewed insights from the speakers and are planning next steps. Watch for further details.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
Creation Justice Team- Ideas for Recycling Holiday Packing Material and Items
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
No Second Sunday Luncheon in January
Semi-annual Congregational Meeting Jan. 11
| | |
Second Sundays are a hit! Folks who stay for the extended coffee hour to catch up and for the delicious eats are not disappointed! In January the second Sunday is our semi-annual Congregational Meeting so we will not be eating together that day. Watch for details for our next Sunday luncheon!
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Policy Updates - Require a Vote on January 11
Please Read before Congregational Meeting
We have updated multiple policies which required a congregational vote to be adopted.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
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Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 11, after Sunday Service
Join us this Sunday January 11, 2026 after the morning service for our annual Congregational Meeting to kick-off the New Year. We will gather as a Congregation to review the past year and look forward to the future. Please plan to join us.
Recruiting Video Technician - Interested in Joining the AV Team?
Our Sunday morning AV team needs a few more hands on the camera to make the magic happen. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our tech crew behind the camera creating the livestream. No prior experience is necessary; we embrace newcomers with open arms and are fully committed to training. If you have a willingness to learn the ropes, a passion for supporting the service behind the scenes, and are available on Sunday mornings, you could be the perfect fit for our collaborative and welcoming AV team.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash
Want people to know about the fun we have, the meaningful events we provide, the community you love? Share your photos! After a DUCC event, text appropriate photos to Greggie Gerrans @ 616-218-9679
Prayer Requests
Adelle Van Daalen and the Family of Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); James "Jimmie" Perkaus and Family (family of Claire Blumer); En Vivo UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
December 29: Todd L. Smith
December 30: Scott Bryers, Tom Fahlstrom
December 31: Jan DeVries
ANNIVERSARIES
December 28: Sarah Donovan
December 29: Nicole & Doug LaCroix
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
December 29: Todd L. Smith
December 30: Scott Bryers, Tom Fahlstrom
December 31: Jan DeVries
ANNIVERSARIES
December 28: Sarah Donovan
December 29: Nicole & Doug LaCroix
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Micheile on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| Douglas UCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Christmas Fund Giving
The Christmas Fund, one of the United Church of Christ 5 for 5 offerings, has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.
United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity! Our care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Our Outreach funds match any offerings you make to send to the UCC for distribution to those who are needy.
Our offering for the Christmas Fund will be received throughout the Sundays of December. Please put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Fund and place it in the offering plate or drop it at the office.
United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity! Our care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Our Outreach funds match any offerings you make to send to the UCC for distribution to those who are needy.
Our offering for the Christmas Fund will be received throughout the Sundays of December. Please put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Fund and place it in the offering plate or drop it at the office.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
CLASSES
First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun! Next One January 7!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Soul Collage January 10, Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
The next Soul Collage sessions with our friend and masterful teacher, Ruth Zwald, are scheduled for the Friendship Hall January 10. This artful, soul-honoring class will set you exploring and making and asking your own wisdom sources for guidance. It's always a surprising and stilling journey with Rev. Ruth! To sign up, follow the registration instructions in the poster above. You must register to participate.
Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recover
Photo by Leonie Clough on Unsplash
Community Events
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Photo by Dan Plasman
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: Fourth Sunday of Advent - Who Is This Joseph Character?
- Last Week's Service: Third Sunday of Advent - Embracing Mary
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 6pm - Featuring Christmas Choir
- Silent Retreat on Wednesdays at the Retreat House
- Social Justice Team, Thank you!
- Creation Justice Team, Next Meeting December 22
- Congregational Meeting January 11 - No Second Sunday Luncheon in January
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Congregational Meeting, January 11 - After the Sunday Service
- AV Team Recruiting - Interested?
- Taking Pictures at DUCC Event
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Thanks to Paula Creswell from Cards for Prisoners
- Thank You for Your Gifts of Love for Christian Neighbors
- The Christmas Fund
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- UCC Advent 2025 Resources Offer Paths for Awakening, Preparing, Expecting & Dreaming
- UCC Advent Devotional, Reflections for this coming Year, Available in Friendship Hall!
- Advent Calendar Series for Families
- Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recovers
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Join Ruth Zwald at DUCC to Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
This Week's Service: Fourth Sunday of Advent - Who Is This Joseph Character?
Photo by Ayrus Hill on Unsplash
Joseph, the father of Jesus, married to Jesus' mother Mary, is as unlikely a character as Mary in the story of Jesus' birth. Both are unwittingly compelled into this drama that includes a revolutionary baby, shepherds who receive a message from angels, and outsiders who bring gifts for a king, among other things. Of Joseph we could say he was; breaker of rules, protector of the vulnerable, dreamer of dreams, namer of babies, unspeaking hero, deeply feeling man. What does his journey teach us about our journey to the celebration of the birth of Jesus in this season?
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns December 21 2025 |
Last Week's Service: Third Sunday of Advent - Embracing Mary
Photo from Art Institute of Chicago on Unsplash
It’s been said that Protestants don’t know quite what to do with Mary – the Virgin Mary, Mary
the mother of Jesus, Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. Do we worship her? Do we call upon
this woman in time of need? Should she be an object of our veneration? Consider all the
hospitals named after her. Churches too. The Louvre Musuem in Paris has around sixty
paintings of her. Leonardo da Vinci chose to paint her ten times. If we can trust the opening
chapter of Luke (and we should!), Mary saw the world with different eyes, a world not as it is
but a world as God intends it to be. Lessons abound in her Magnificat if we choose to embrace
them.
the mother of Jesus, Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. Do we worship her? Do we call upon
this woman in time of need? Should she be an object of our veneration? Consider all the
hospitals named after her. Churches too. The Louvre Musuem in Paris has around sixty
paintings of her. Leonardo da Vinci chose to paint her ten times. If we can trust the opening
chapter of Luke (and we should!), Mary saw the world with different eyes, a world not as it is
but a world as God intends it to be. Lessons abound in her Magnificat if we choose to embrace
them.
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
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For The Week of December 21:
Monday: 10-3pm, Jody Tuesday: 10-3pm, Dan Wednesday: 4-8pm, Jody & Dan Friday: Vacation, Dan & Jody For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money, please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 6pm
Please join us on Wednesday, December 24, at 6 PM (either in-person or streaming live online) for our annual Christmas Eve service, when we celebrate the story of the birth of Jesus and sing beloved Christmas Carols. Everyone is welcome!
Silent Retreats, In a frantic, noisy world...
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Rev. Marty or Rev. Doug will hold space for solitude and silence
Wednesday, December 31, 10am - Noon
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is necessary so we know of your intentions.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
Wednesday, December 31, 10am - Noon
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is necessary so we know of your intentions.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
Social Justice Team
Many thanks to those who could make it to the Dec 2 meeting. We reviewed insights from the speakers and are planning next steps. Watch for further details.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
Creation Justice Team-Meets December 22, & Recycling Holiday Packing Items
Creation Justice will meet on Monday December 22 at 4.30-5.30pm in the IGC. Come with ideas about what we can do to reduce light pollution in our lives.
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
Semi-annual Congregational Meeting January 11
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Second Sundays are a hit! Folks who stay for the extended coffee hour to catch up and for the delicious eats are not disappointed! In January the second Sunday is our semi-annual Congregational Meeting so we will not be eating together that day. Watch for details for our next Sunday luncheon!
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Council Meeting Minutes
Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash
| Church Council Minutes Nov-11 2025 |
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, January 11 after Sunday Service
Join us this Sunday January 11, 2026 after the morning service for our annual Congregational Meeting to kick-off the New Year. We will gather as a Congregation to review the past year and look forward to the future. Please plan to join us.
Recruiting Video Technician - Interested in Joining the AV Team?
Our Sunday morning AV team needs a few more hands on the camera to make the magic happen. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our tech crew behind the camera creating the livestream. No prior experience is necessary; we embrace newcomers with open arms and are fully committed to training. If you have a willingness to learn the ropes, a passion for supporting the service behind the scenes, and are available on Sunday mornings, you could be the perfect fit for our collaborative and welcoming AV team.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash
Want people to know about the fun we have, the meaningful events we provide, the community you love? Share your photos! After a DUCC event, text appropriate photos to Greggie Gerrans @ 616-218-9679
Prayer Requests
Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); En Vivo UCC.
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
December 22: Mary Harris
December 24: Cambria Whitcomb, Kelsey Whitcomb & Christine Kerney
December 27: Bert Hallewas
ANNIVERSARIES
December 27: Anne & Douglas Petersen
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
December 22: Mary Harris
December 24: Cambria Whitcomb, Kelsey Whitcomb & Christine Kerney
December 27: Bert Hallewas
ANNIVERSARIES
December 27: Anne & Douglas Petersen
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Michelle Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| Douglas UCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING
Cards for Prisoners
Many thanks to Paula Creswell for sharing her story with us! Please find more testimonials in the video below.
Cards for Prisoners - Join hundreds of pen pals and show love this holiday season with caring letters that give hope. Cards for Prisoners encourages incarcerated men and women while helping them feel connected to life outside the razor wire. The average prisoner stops receiving cards, letters, emails, visitors and phone calls three years into their sentence.
Cards for Prisoners' purpose is to connect a pen pal with a prisoner for connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual wellbeing.
Cards for Prisoners - Join hundreds of pen pals and show love this holiday season with caring letters that give hope. Cards for Prisoners encourages incarcerated men and women while helping them feel connected to life outside the razor wire. The average prisoner stops receiving cards, letters, emails, visitors and phone calls three years into their sentence.
Cards for Prisoners' purpose is to connect a pen pal with a prisoner for connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual wellbeing.
Thank You All for Your Generosity!
Thanks to all those who took cards for gifts for Christian Neighbors families!
Christmas Fund Giving
The Christmas Fund, one of the United Church of Christ 5 for 5 offerings, has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.
United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity! Our care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Our Outreach funds match any offerings you make to send to the UCC for distribution to those who are needy.
Our offering for the Christmas Fund will be received throughout the Sundays of December. Please put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Fund and place it in the offering plate or drop it at the office.
United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity! Our care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Our Outreach funds match any offerings you make to send to the UCC for distribution to those who are needy.
Our offering for the Christmas Fund will be received throughout the Sundays of December. Please put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Fund and place it in the offering plate or drop it at the office.
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
UCC Advent 2025 resources offer paths for 'awakening, preparing and dreaming'
This season’s Abolition Advent Calendar will center on “The New Old Story of Freedom: Practicing New Worlds into Life.” Coordinated by the UCC’s Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice, this year’s Advent Calendar brings together quotes from Octavia Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower, Advent scripture readings, stories of past and present abolitionists, and visionary practices drawn from Andrea Ritchie’s book Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies.
CLASSES
Advent Series for Families
Photo by Michal Robak on Unsplash
We Are Never Alone: A Watershed Discipleship Advent Workbook for Kids and Adults offers a daily coloring page and reflection for December 1-25.
We Are Never Alone engages the traditional nativity story in an expansive way and offers prompts for imagining the story of Jesus’s birth in your own places and watersheds. If Jesus was born in your place, which animals would surround him? Which laborers would be the first to hear the news?
Each day offers questions for you and your family to go deeper in imaginative reflections on place, justice, identity, and beliefs together.
This workbook might be for you if: you are of a progressive Christian lineage, a fan of Catholic Social Teaching, or on the fringes of Christianity searching for a spacious way to relate to the story.
We Are Never Alone engages the traditional nativity story in an expansive way and offers prompts for imagining the story of Jesus’s birth in your own places and watersheds. If Jesus was born in your place, which animals would surround him? Which laborers would be the first to hear the news?
Each day offers questions for you and your family to go deeper in imaginative reflections on place, justice, identity, and beliefs together.
This workbook might be for you if: you are of a progressive Christian lineage, a fan of Catholic Social Teaching, or on the fringes of Christianity searching for a spacious way to relate to the story.
Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recover
Photo by Leonie Clough on Unsplash
First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun! Next One January 7!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Community Events
Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Photo by Dan Plasman
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: Third Sunday of Advent - Embracing Mary
- Last Week's Service: Second Sunday of Advent - What Time is it(Redux)?
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 6pm - Featuring Christmas Choir
- Silent Retreat on Wednesdays at the Retreat House
- Social Justice Team, Thank you!
- Creation Justice Team, Holiday Recycling Information
- Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Congregational Meeting, January 11 - After the Sunday Service
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Cards for Prisoners
- Gifts of Love for Christian Neighbors
- The Christmas Fund
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- UCC Advent 2025 Resources Offer Paths for Awakening, Preparing, Expecting & Dreaming
- UCC Advent Devotional, Reflections for this coming Year, Available in Friendship Hall!
- Advent Calendar Series for Families
- Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recovers
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Join Ruth Zwald at DUCC to Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
- Lakeshore Community Chorus - Tickets Still Available, December 13
This Week's Service: Third Sunday of Advent - Embracing Mary
Photo from Art Institute of Chicago on Unsplash
It’s been said that Protestants don’t know quite what to do with Mary – the Virgin Mary, Mary
the mother of Jesus, Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. Do we worship her? Do we call upon
this woman in time of need? Should she be an object of our veneration? Consider all the
hospitals named after her. Churches too. The Louvre Musuem in Paris has around sixty
paintings of her. Leonardo da Vinci chose to paint her ten times. If we can trust the opening
chapter of Luke (and we should!), Mary saw the world with different eyes, a world not as it is
but a world as God intends it to be. Lessons abound in her Magnificat if we choose to embrace
them. Hope you can join us in person or online this Sunday!
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
the mother of Jesus, Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. Do we worship her? Do we call upon
this woman in time of need? Should she be an object of our veneration? Consider all the
hospitals named after her. Churches too. The Louvre Musuem in Paris has around sixty
paintings of her. Leonardo da Vinci chose to paint her ten times. If we can trust the opening
chapter of Luke (and we should!), Mary saw the world with different eyes, a world not as it is
but a world as God intends it to be. Lessons abound in her Magnificat if we choose to embrace
them. Hope you can join us in person or online this Sunday!
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns December 14 2025 |
Last Week's Service: Second Sunday of Advent - What Time Is It (Redux)?
Photo by Laura Espana on Unsplash
The Season of Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for a baby to be born, a baby of an unwed mother initially, during a time of upheaval and unease among her people. We too are a waiting people, waiting for justice and peace to come more fully, waiting with hope for a thriving world. the Season of Advent is also considered a time of preparation. What does one do when waiting for a baby? Or waiting for justice and peace to come? These are the questions the Luke text, often called the Annunciation when the angel comes to Mary to drop the bombshell, is addressing. What are we waiting for and what do we do about it? View full service and Jody's message from last Sunday.
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of December 14: Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan Thursday: 1-6pm, Jody Friday: 10-3pm, Dan & Jody For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money or gift cards, please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 6pm
Please join us on Wednesday, December 24, at 6 PM (either in-person or streaming live online) for our annual Christmas Eve service, when we celebrate the story of the birth of Jesus and sing beloved Christmas Carols. Everyone is welcome!
Silent Retreats, In a frantic, noisy world...
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Rev. Marty or Rev. Doug will hold space for solitude and silence
Wednesdays, December 17, 10am - Noon and 1pm - 3pm
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is necessary so we know of your intentions.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
Wednesdays, December 17, 10am - Noon and 1pm - 3pm
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is necessary so we know of your intentions.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
Social Justice Team
Many thanks to those who could make it to the Dec 2 meeting. We reviewed insights from the speakers and are planning next steps. Watch for further details.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
Creation Justice Team - Recycling Packing Materials and Other Holiday Item
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14th
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Church potlucks, now called Second Sunday Luncheons, will help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be December 14 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be December 14 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, January 11 after Sunday Service
Join us this Sunday January 11, 2026 after the morning service for our annual Congregational Meeting to kick-off the New Year. We will gather as a Congregation to review the past year and look forward to the future. Please plan to join us.
Recruiting Video Technician - Interested in Joining the AV Team?
Our Sunday morning AV team needs a few more hands on the camera to make the magic happen. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our tech crew behind the camera creating the livestream. No prior experience is necessary; we embrace newcomers with open arms and are fully committed to training. If you have a willingness to learn the ropes, a passion for supporting the service behind the scenes, and are available on Sunday mornings, you could be the perfect fit for our collaborative and welcoming AV team.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash
Want people to know about the fun we have, the meaningful events we provide, the community you love? Share your photos! After a DUCC event, text appropriate photos to Greggie Gerrans @ 616-218-9679
Prayer Requests
Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); En Vivo UCC.
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
December 14: Nicole LaCroix
December 15: Chelsie Norman, Sarah Donovan
December 16: Emil "Sonny" Pulick
December 18: Margret Bazany
December 19: Dee Mikos-Graves
ANNIVERSARIES
December 17: Stephen D. Prokop
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
December 14: Nicole LaCroix
December 15: Chelsie Norman, Sarah Donovan
December 16: Emil "Sonny" Pulick
December 18: Margret Bazany
December 19: Dee Mikos-Graves
ANNIVERSARIES
December 17: Stephen D. Prokop
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Michelle Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| DUCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING
Cards for Prisoners
Cards for Prisoners - Join hundreds of pen pals and show love this holiday season with caring letters that give hope. Cards for Prisoners encourages incarcerated men and women while helping them feel connected to life outside the razor wire. The average prisoner stops receiving cards, letters, emails, visitors and phone calls three years into their sentence.
Cards for Prisoners' purpose is to connect a pen pal with a prisoner for connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual wellbeing.
On Sunday Dec 14, Paula Cresswell, Executive Director of CFP will be with us to share the details about how this ministry works and to answer your questions.
Cards for Prisoners' purpose is to connect a pen pal with a prisoner for connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual wellbeing.
On Sunday Dec 14, Paula Cresswell, Executive Director of CFP will be with us to share the details about how this ministry works and to answer your questions.
Gift of Love for Christian Neighbors
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
The Christian Neighbors Christmas event is Wednesday, Dec 17.
To assist Saugatuck, Douglas and Fennville families in need. Christian Neighbors have requested "Gift of Love" donations prior to Monday, Dec 15th.
We have a number of "Gift of Love" donation tags in the DUCC friendship hall foyer. Donation Tags vary from Boy outfits, Girl outfits, Toys or monetary donations.
As always, we greatly appreciate the generosity of the DUCC Members.
Please plan to drop gifts directly at Christian Neighbors' headquarters: 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville, MI 49408 (door C11). If you are unable to make it to Christian Neighbors office, please contact Rich Marth for assistance. 810-844-9865
Deadline for gift drop off is December 15
To assist Saugatuck, Douglas and Fennville families in need. Christian Neighbors have requested "Gift of Love" donations prior to Monday, Dec 15th.
We have a number of "Gift of Love" donation tags in the DUCC friendship hall foyer. Donation Tags vary from Boy outfits, Girl outfits, Toys or monetary donations.
As always, we greatly appreciate the generosity of the DUCC Members.
Please plan to drop gifts directly at Christian Neighbors' headquarters: 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville, MI 49408 (door C11). If you are unable to make it to Christian Neighbors office, please contact Rich Marth for assistance. 810-844-9865
Deadline for gift drop off is December 15
Christmas Fund Giving
The Christmas Fund, one of the United Church of Christ 5 for 5 offerings, has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.
United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity! Our care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Our Outreach funds match any offerings you make to send to the UCC for distribution to those who are needy.
Our offering for the Christmas Fund will be received throughout the Sundays of December. Please put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Fund and place it in the offering plate or drop it at the office.
United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity! Our care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Our Outreach funds match any offerings you make to send to the UCC for distribution to those who are needy.
Our offering for the Christmas Fund will be received throughout the Sundays of December. Please put your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Fund and place it in the offering plate or drop it at the office.
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
UCC Advent 2025 resources offer paths for 'awakening, preparing and dreaming'
This season’s Abolition Advent Calendar will center on “The New Old Story of Freedom: Practicing New Worlds into Life.” Coordinated by the UCC’s Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice, this year’s Advent Calendar brings together quotes from Octavia Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower, Advent scripture readings, stories of past and present abolitionists, and visionary practices drawn from Andrea Ritchie’s book Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies.
CLASSES
UCC Advent Devotional, "Soon & Very Soon"
Reflections for the coming Year
 | Advent Devotional - The United Church of Christ Advent reflections for this year are around the theme, “Soon and Very Soon” inviting us to imagine a world where all is at peace, where all people thrive. Copies of the devotional are available for $5.00 in the Friendship Hall. As a community we will gather on Thursdays, December 11, 18, from 3:30 - 5:00pm to reflect together on these writings and how we wait during Advent for the coming of the Prince of Peace in a manger as a baby. Please sign up in the Friendship Hall near the devotional if you plan to attend. |
Advent Series for Families
Image by Michal Robak on Unsplash
We Are Never Alone: A Watershed Discipleship Advent Workbook for Kids and Adults offers a daily coloring page and reflection for December 1-25.
We Are Never Alone engages the traditional nativity story in an expansive way and offers prompts for imagining the story of Jesus’s birth in your own places and watersheds. If Jesus was born in your place, which animals would surround him? Which laborers would be the first to hear the news?
Each day offers questions for you and your family to go deeper in imaginative reflections on place, justice, identity, and beliefs together.
This workbook might be for you if: you are of a progressive Christian lineage, a fan of Catholic Social Teaching, or on the fringes of Christianity searching for a spacious way to relate to the story.
We Are Never Alone engages the traditional nativity story in an expansive way and offers prompts for imagining the story of Jesus’s birth in your own places and watersheds. If Jesus was born in your place, which animals would surround him? Which laborers would be the first to hear the news?
Each day offers questions for you and your family to go deeper in imaginative reflections on place, justice, identity, and beliefs together.
This workbook might be for you if: you are of a progressive Christian lineage, a fan of Catholic Social Teaching, or on the fringes of Christianity searching for a spacious way to relate to the story.
Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recovers
Photo by Leonie Clough on Unsplash
First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun! Next One January 7!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Community Events
Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Lakeshore Community Chorus
Lakeshore Community Chorus - tickets still available for Saturday, December 13 at 7pm
Photo by Dan Plasman
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find..
- This Week's Service: Second Sunday of Advent - What Time is it (Redux)?
- Last Week's Service: First Sunday of Advent - What Time is it? Canceled due to Snow
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
- Social Justice Team, Thank you!
- Creation Justice Team, Holiday Recycling Information
- Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- UCC Advent 2025 Resources Offer Paths for Awakening, Preparing, Expecting & Dreaming
- UCC Advent Devotional, Reflections for this coming Year, Available in Friendship Hall!
- Silent Retreat on Wednesdays at the Retreat House
- Advent Calendar Series for Families
- Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recovers
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Join Ruth Zwald at DUCC to Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
- Thank you for the Rice for Christian Neighbors
- Cards for Prisoners
This Week's Service: Second Sunday of Advent - What Time is it (Redux)?
Photo by Laura España on Unsplash
The Season of Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for a baby to be born, a baby of an unwed mother initially, during a time of upheaval and unease among her people. We too are a waiting people, waiting for justice and peace to come more fully, waiting with hope for a thriving world. the Season of Advent is also considered a time of preparation. What does one do when waiting for a baby? Or waiting for justice and peace to come? These are the questions the Luke text, often called the Annunciation when the angel comes to Mary to drop the bombshell, is addressing. What are we waiting for and what do we do about it? Join us on Sunday.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Nancy Plantinga
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Nancy Plantinga
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns December 7 2025 |
Last Week's Service: First Sunday of Advent
Canceled due to Weather
Photo by Dan Plasman
Thanks to All! The Installation Service was Celebrative and Impactful
| Thanks To All! So many people made the Installation Service impactful and celebrative! For all the participants, planners, prayers, attendees, servers, well wishers, food preparers, cleaner uppers, flower arrangers, technicians (at the last minute), reader, emcee (you know who you are), last minute helpers, online friends, Association and Conference guests, we are incredibly grateful! Consider us plugged in, connected, fully functioning, perfectly fitting in our appropriate places (not sure what the warranty looks like;-); we're with you for the time we have in ministry together! We feel affirmed! |  |
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of December 7: Tuesday: 4-9pm, Dan & Jody Wednesday: 10-2pm, Dan & Jody Thursday: 3-5:30pm, Dan Friday: 10:30-3pm, Jody For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money or gift cards, please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
🎶 Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals are at 11:30 a.m.
We’ll meet each Sunday after the morning service in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by Stan Greene.✨
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals are at 11:30 a.m.
We’ll meet each Sunday after the morning service in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by Stan Greene.✨
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
Social Justice Team
Many thanks to those who could make it to the Dec 2 meeting. We reviewed insights from the speakers and are planning next steps. Watch for further details.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line.
Creation Justice Team, Recycling Packing Materials and Other Holiday Item
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14th
| | |
Church potlucks, now called Second Sunday Luncheons, will help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be December 14 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be December 14 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
Photo by Per Loov on Unsplash
Do you love to bringing people and ideas together? We are looking for a volunteer to share their talents in coordinating the programs at DUCC. This opportunity provides organizational support to ensure the effective coordination and scheduling of the church’s programs (Speakers, classes, etc.). Serving as an important link between the Church Council, pastoral staff, and various teams, this role facilitates collaboration and positive communication concerning education and programming to support the mission and growth of our church.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Prayer Requests
Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; John Kerr; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); En Vivo UCC.
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
December 7: Dan Sutherland
December 9: Carol Jaworowicz
December 10: Chris Clark & Linda Charvat
December 11: Stephen Townsend
December 13: Kelly Jacobsma
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
December 7: Dan Sutherland
December 9: Carol Jaworowicz
December 10: Chris Clark & Linda Charvat
December 11: Stephen Townsend
December 13: Kelly Jacobsma
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can reach out to one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Michelle Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| Douglas UCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
UCC Advent 2025 resources offer paths for 'awakening, preparing and dreaming'
This season’s Abolition Advent Calendar will center on “The New Old Story of Freedom: Practicing New Worlds into Life.” Coordinated by the UCC’s Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice, this year’s Advent Calendar brings together quotes from Octavia Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower, Advent scripture readings, stories of past and present abolitionists, and visionary practices drawn from Andrea Ritchie’s book Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies.
CLASSES
UCC Advent Devotional, "Soon & Very Soon"
Reflections for the coming Year
| | Advent Devotional - The United Church of Christ Advent reflections for this year are around the theme, “Soon and Very Soon” inviting us to imagine a world where all is at peace, where all people thrive. Copies of the devotional are available for $5.00 in the Friendship Hall. As a community we will gather on Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, from 3:30 - 5:00pm to reflect together on these writings and how we wait during Advent for the coming of the Prince of Peace in a manger as a baby. Please sign up in the Friendship Hall near the devotional if you plan to attend. |
Silent Retreats, In a frantic, noisy world...
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Rev. Marty or Rev. Doug will hold space for solitude and silence
Wednesdays, December 10 and 17, 10am - Noon and 1pm - 3pm
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is helpful but not essential.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
Wednesdays, December 10 and 17, 10am - Noon and 1pm - 3pm
The Retreat House will be open for sitting in silence, a practice of the ancients for grounding and listening and waiting, for nurturing faith and relationships.
Come and go as you please!
An RSVP to Jody with Silent in the subject line is helpful but not essential.
Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Blessed Silence can help keep you centered, calm,
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
Advent Series for Families
Photo by Michał Robak on Unsplash
We Are Never Alone: A Watershed Discipleship Advent Workbook for Kids and Adults offers a daily coloring page and reflection for December 1st-25th.
We Are Never Alone engages the traditional nativity story in an expansive way and offers prompts for imagining the story of Jesus’s birth in your own places and watersheds. If Jesus was born in your place, which animals would surround him? Which laborers would be the first to hear the news?
Each day offers questions for you and your family to go deeper in imaginative reflections on place, justice, identity, and beliefs together.
This workbook might be for you if: you are of a progressive Christian lineage, a fan of Catholic Social Teaching, or on the fringes of Christianity searching for a spacious way to relate to the story.
We Are Never Alone engages the traditional nativity story in an expansive way and offers prompts for imagining the story of Jesus’s birth in your own places and watersheds. If Jesus was born in your place, which animals would surround him? Which laborers would be the first to hear the news?
Each day offers questions for you and your family to go deeper in imaginative reflections on place, justice, identity, and beliefs together.
This workbook might be for you if: you are of a progressive Christian lineage, a fan of Catholic Social Teaching, or on the fringes of Christianity searching for a spacious way to relate to the story.
Qigong Paused until 2026 as Kat Recovers
Photo by Leonie Clough on Unsplash
First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun! Next One January 7!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Community Events
Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thank You for the Rice for Christian Neighbors!
Thank you for your generous donations of rice for Christian Neighbor's Thanksgiving Meal Kits. It is through the kindness and generosity from our community that Christian Neighbors is able to provide this special holiday meal to those in need. Thank you!
Cards for Prisoners
Cards for Prisoners - Join hundreds of pen pals and show love this holiday season with caring letters that give hope. Cards for Prisoners encourages incarcerated men and women while helping them feel connected to life outside the razor wire. The average prisoner stops receiving cards, letters, emails, visitors and phone calls three years into their sentence.
Cards for Prisoners' purpose is to connect a pen pal with a prisoner for connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual wellbeing.
On Sunday Dec 14, Paula Cresswell, Executive Director of CFP will be with us to share the details about how this ministry works and to answer your questions.
Cards for Prisoners' purpose is to connect a pen pal with a prisoner for connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual wellbeing.
On Sunday Dec 14, Paula Cresswell, Executive Director of CFP will be with us to share the details about how this ministry works and to answer your questions.
Photo by Jody Betten
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: First Sunday of Advent - What Time is it?
- Last Week's Service: Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Giving Thanks...For Our Scars
- Thanks To All!!! Jody's and Dan's Installation Celebrative and Impactful!
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
- Social Justice Team, Review and Discuss Various Speakers, Tuesday, December 2
- Creation Justice Team, Announcements & Holiday Recycling Information
- Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- UCC Advent 2025 Resources Offer Paths for Awakening, Preparing, Expecting & Dreaming
- UCC Advent Devotional, Reflections for this coming Year, Available in Friendship Hall!
- Silent Retreat on Wednesdays at the Retreat House, Starting December 3
- Qigong! Tuesdays in the Friendship Hall
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Join Ruth Zwald at DUCC to Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
- Thank you for the Rice for Christian Neighbors
This Week's Service: First Sunday of Advent - What Time is it?
Image from The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew
Happy New Year! I know, that seems a bit premature, right. We haven't even gotten through Thanksgiving much, less Christmas! It's not even December. And yet, it is the beginning of a new year in the Church Year Seasons. Advent is the first season, the season of waiting for the coming of the baby Jesus, the one around whom the Christian Story revolves. And for good reason, he started a movement! The Church Year Seasons acknowledge that movement. Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth in counter cultural circumstances. Then Epiphany - the season when we shine a light on Jesus' ministry. Lent is a journey into a deeper spirituality as we observe Jesus walking with integrity to his death. Easter celebrates the reality of life after death in the story of Jesus' resurrection. Pentecost celebrates the coming of God's spirit inspiring the followers of the Jesus' way to create a community of love and justice. Ordinary Time takes us full circle through Pride Season and Creation Season and other times of imagining a world where all flourish! But I digress. Join us Sunday as we think about waiting; and what it might mean that one is taken and one is left as the story in Matthew 24 goes.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns November 30 |
Last Week's Service: Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Giving Thanks ... for Our Scars
Image by Megan Watson on Unsplash
Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. A time to gather with family and friends. A time to give thanks for what we have. A time, perhaps, “to count our blessings and name them one by one” as the old hymn reminds us. Last Sunday, Dan discusses a deeper understanding of giving thanks. Is it possible to give thanks for our losses, our deprivations, our setbacks, a pain that still resides within? What might it mean to give thanks for our scars?
Thanks to All! The Installation Service was Celebrative and Impactful
Thanks To All! So many people made the Installation Service impactful and celebrative! For all the participants, planners, prayers, attendees, servers, well wishers, food preparers, cleaner uppers, flower arrangers, technicians (at the last minute), reader, emcee (you know who you are), last minute helpers, online friends, Association and Conference guests, we are incredibly grateful! Consider us plugged in, connected, fully functioning, perfectly fitting in our appropriate places (not sure what the warranty looks like;-); we're with you for the time we have in ministry together! We feel affirmed!
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of November 30: Tuesday: 12:30-6pm, Jody Wednesday: 10-3:30pm, Dan & Jody Thursday: 3-5pm, Jody & Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Dan For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money or gift cards, please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
🎶 Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals are at 11:30 a.m.
We’ll meet each Sunday after the morning service in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by Stan Greene.✨
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals are at 11:30 a.m.
We’ll meet each Sunday after the morning service in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by Stan Greene.✨
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
Social Justice Team, Review Speakers & Share Ideas for Next Steps
On Tuesday December 2, at 6pm (*please note new day and time.) anyone interested will gather in the Friendship Hall to review and discuss the information that we gathered from the speakers that we heard from the League of Women Voters, Superintendent of Saugatuck Douglas Schools, Indivisible and now Lighthouse.
Please review for yourself anything you remember as being compelling or interesting as a way we might help those organizations or ideas you have from something that was said.
We'll share ideas for next steps. Please plan to join us!
Please review for yourself anything you remember as being compelling or interesting as a way we might help those organizations or ideas you have from something that was said.
We'll share ideas for next steps. Please plan to join us!
Creation Justice Team, Recycling Packing Materials and Other Holiday Item
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14th
| | |
Church potlucks, now called Second Sunday Luncheons, will help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be December 14 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be December 14 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
Photo by Per Loov on Unsplash
Do you love to bringing people and ideas together? We are looking for a volunteer to share their talents in coordinating the programs at DUCC. This opportunity provides organizational support to ensure the effective coordination and scheduling of the church’s programs (Speakers, classes, etc.). Serving as an important link between the Church Council, pastoral staff, and various teams, this role facilitates collaboration and positive communication concerning education and programming to support the mission and growth of our church.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Prayer Requests
Tere Krueger; Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; John Kerr; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); East Congregational UCC.
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS:
November 30: Max Brown
December 4: Shane Anderson
December 5: Brad Hopkins & David Nadeau
December 6: Chris Maitner & David Bazany
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way to connect with one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, the addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
November 30: Max Brown
December 4: Shane Anderson
December 5: Brad Hopkins & David Nadeau
December 6: Chris Maitner & David Bazany
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way to connect with one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, the addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
New (Easy) options to change your current contribution to DUCC
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
In response to input we have received from members and friends, we are offering new ways to change your contributions.
- You can e-mail Bill Briggs for information regarding your current contribution amount and/or request that your current contribution be changed.
- There are now forms and envelopes on the table just inside the door of the Friendship Hall that can be completed and placed in the collection plate to request changes. We will be happy to take care of it for you!
- You can use the simple fillable form below and forward to Bill Briggs.
| Douglas UCC Contribution Change Form |
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for November is East Congregational UCC.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for November is East Congregational UCC.
The "church of the month" for December is En Vivo UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
UCC Advent 2025 resources offer paths for 'awakening, preparing and dreaming'
This season’s Abolition Advent Calendar will center on “The New Old Story of Freedom: Practicing New Worlds into Life.” Coordinated by the UCC’s Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice, this year’s Advent Calendar brings together quotes from Octavia Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower, Advent scripture readings, stories of past and present abolitionists, and visionary practices drawn from Andrea Ritchie’s book Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies.
CLASSES
UCC Advent Devotional, "Soon & Very Soon"
Reflections for the coming Year
| | Advent Devotional - The United Church of Christ Advent reflections for this year are around the theme, “Soon and Very Soon” inviting us to imagine a world where all is at peace, where all people thrive. Copies of the devotional are available for $5.00 in the Friendship Hall. As a community we will gather on Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, from 3:30 - 5:00pm to reflect together on these writings and how we wait during Advent for the coming of the Prince of Peace in a manger as a baby. Please sign up in the Friendship Hall near the devotional if you plan to attend. |
Silent Retreats, In a frantic, noisy world...
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Photo by Victoria Prymak on Unsplash
Start Advent – the season of hopeful waiting – with a Silent Retreat
✨Wednesday, December 3 at the Retreat House✨
Join Rev. Marty Rienstra and Rev. Doug Petersen for a guided silent retreat.
Shared silence is a powerful way of being in communion with God and each other.
Combined lunchtime (12- 1pm) for sharing experiences and asking questions.
✨Continue to hone your ‘Silent’ skills✨
Come and go as you please!
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
✨Wednesday, December 3 at the Retreat House✨
Join Rev. Marty Rienstra and Rev. Doug Petersen for a guided silent retreat.
Shared silence is a powerful way of being in communion with God and each other.
- Two sessions (10:00 to noon and/or 1:00 to 3:00) Attend morning, afternoon, or both!
Combined lunchtime (12- 1pm) for sharing experiences and asking questions.
✨Continue to hone your ‘Silent’ skills✨
- Rev. Marty or Rev. Doug will hold space for solitude and silence
Come and go as you please!
- Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
Qigong - Pauses while Kat Recovers
Photo by Leonie Clough on Unsplash
First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun! Next One January 7!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
AROUND TOWN
Celebrate The Winter Solstice, December 21
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thank You for the Rice for Christian Neighbors!
Thank you for your generous donations of rice for Christian Neighbor's Thanksgiving Meal Kits. It is through the kindness and generosity from our community that Christian Neighbors is able to provide this special holiday meal to those in need. Thank you!
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Giving Thanks...For Our Scars
- Last Week's Service: Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost — What Can You Imagine?
- Jody and Dan's Installation Service and Celebration, November 23, Join Us!
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
- Social Justice Team, Review and Discuss Various Speakers, Tuesday, December 2
- Creation Justice Team, Announcements & Holiday Recycling Information
- Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- UCC Advent 2025 Resources Offer Paths for Awakening, Preparing, Expecting & Dreaming
- UCC Advent Devotional, Reflections for this coming Year, Available in Friendship Hall!
- Silent Retreat on Wednesdays at the Retreat House, Starting December 3
- Qigong! Tuesdays in the Friendship Hall
- Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
- Annual Drive for Thanksgiving Baskets, Asking for Rice this Year
BEING THE CHURCH
This Week's Service: Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Giving Thanks...For Our Scars
Photo by Megan Watson on Unsplash
Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. A time to gather with family and friends. A time to give thanks for what we have. A time, perhaps, “to count our blessings and name them one by one” as the old hymn reminds us. This Sunday, however, I’m suggesting a deeper understanding of giving thanks. Is it possible to give thanks for our losses, our deprivations, our setbacks, a pain that still resides within? What might it mean to give thanks for our scars?
I hope you can join us, either on site or online.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black
I hope you can join us, either on site or online.
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Dan Plasman
Music: Peter Black
| DUCC Bulletin November 23 |
Last Week's Service: Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost - What Can You Imagine?
Photo by Jody Betten
Jody reminded us, God is making all things new. God is always doing something new. Jody shared stories of their vacation in Greece: (1) Athens - the big city surrounding the Acropolis with the 2500 year old remains of the Parthenon. (2) Meteora - six, 14th-century monasteries which appear to be suspended in the air still home to active religious folks. (3) Monemvasia - a rock off the coast first inhabited in the 3rd-century BC which at one time was home to 30,000 people and today only 10 people live there full time. Besides being inspired by what there was to see, they were enthralled by the spirit of a people who are so connected to their past and so proud of who they are today. Reminding us the new ways that God is working among us here at DUCC, and that God is always doing something new.
Installation Service and Celebration
for Jody and Dan, November 23, Join Us!
Dear Douglas UCC Community,
On behalf of the leadership team of Douglas United Church of Christ, we are honored to invite you to the Installation Service for Reverend Jody Betten, and Reverend Dan Plasman.
We will celebrate this wonderful occasion:
Date: November 23, 2025
Time: 3pm
Location: Sanctuary and DUCC Friendship Hall
56 Wall St., Douglas, Michigan 49406
The service will be followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Friendship Hall.
It is a joyous day for our community, and your presence will make it even more meaningful.
We can't wait to celebrate with you and welcome our new spiritual leaders with open hearts!
You can also join us
Live on Our Youtube channel
Please RSVP by Friday, November 21th to help us with our arrangements to email below. (Kirsten Stannis)
On behalf of the leadership team of Douglas United Church of Christ, we are honored to invite you to the Installation Service for Reverend Jody Betten, and Reverend Dan Plasman.
We will celebrate this wonderful occasion:
Date: November 23, 2025
Time: 3pm
Location: Sanctuary and DUCC Friendship Hall
56 Wall St., Douglas, Michigan 49406
The service will be followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Friendship Hall.
It is a joyous day for our community, and your presence will make it even more meaningful.
We can't wait to celebrate with you and welcome our new spiritual leaders with open hearts!
You can also join us
Live on Our Youtube channel
Please RSVP by Friday, November 21th to help us with our arrangements to email below. (Kirsten Stannis)
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of November 23: Monday: 10-3pm, Jody Tuesday: 10-3pm, Dan Wednesday: 10-3pm, Jody & Dan For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money or gift cards, please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
🎶 Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals are at 11:30 a.m.
We’ll meet each Sunday after the morning service in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by Stan Greene.✨
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals are at 11:30 a.m.
We’ll meet each Sunday after the morning service in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by Stan Greene.✨
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
Social Justice Team, Review Speakers & Share Ideas for Next Steps
On Tuesday December 2, at 6pm (*please note new day and time.) anyone interested will gather in the Friendship Hall to review and discuss the information that we gathered from the speakers that we heard from the League of Women Voters, Superintendent of Saugatuck Douglas Schools, Indivisible and now Lighthouse.
Please review for yourself anything you remember as being compelling or interesting as a way we might help those organizations or ideas you have from something that was said.
We'll share ideas for next steps. Please plan to join us!
Please review for yourself anything you remember as being compelling or interesting as a way we might help those organizations or ideas you have from something that was said.
We'll share ideas for next steps. Please plan to join us!
Update from the Communications Team
Photo by Elshan Neymatov on Unsplash
We would like to update everyone on what the Communication Team has accomplished
and are working on:
and are working on:
- We have Welcome Brochures available to take home, give to neighbors or colleagues, or people we recognize as visiting us on Sundays. They are located in at both of the entrances.
- A printed two week calendar is now available in the Friendship Hall with the church’s activities and events.
- If you have an announcement that you would like presented at the beginning of the service, write it out on a notecard ( provided in the entrances) and give it to Jody or Dan before the service.
- We are working on a way to reach out and staying connected to congregants who we miss seeing on Sundays. If you have any ideas send them to Barb Witt.
- We are working on some sandwich boards to help communicate Listening Ear and Contemplation.
- We encourage you to follow DUCC on Facebook and share postings to increase both awareness and followers.
- We have updated the ads we place in the Commercial Record so they are on a four-week rotation with a different message each time.
- See any member of the team if you have any ideas for improving communication in DUCC: Barb Witt, chair; Lewis Corbin, Tom Fahlstrom, Greg Gerrans, and Gemina Petruzzelli
- Please send any photos you may have from church events to Greg Gerrans for social media use to the email below.
Creation Justice Team Announcement
This education and action-oriented group will meet on Monday, November 24 at 4:30 in the Isabel Graham building. All levels of interest are welcome. We will continue our discernment of our goals and direction focusing on Native Landscapes and Dark Skies. For any questions, please contact Betsy York, Chair.
Creation Justice Team, Recycling Packing Materials and Other Holiday Items
Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website.
Other items:
- WRAPPING PAPER - recyclable IF it has no metallic coating, sparkles, or plastic coating. If you scrunch up a clump of wrapping paper in your hand and it resists being scrunched, then it’s probably NOT recyclable.
- GREETING CARDS - recyclable IF they have no glitter, foil, ribbons, or buttons.
- RIBBONS and bows - NOT recyclable.
- TISSUE wrapping paper - NOT recyclable. However, it's biodegradable if it doesn't contain any shiny bits or plastic.
Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14th
| | |
Church potlucks, now called Second Sunday Luncheons, will help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be November 9 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be November 9 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Card Ministry
photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
Photo by Per Loov on Unsplash
Do you love to bringing people and ideas together? We are looking for a volunteer to share their talents in coordinating the programs at DUCC. This opportunity provides organizational support to ensure the effective coordination and scheduling of the church’s programs (Speakers, classes, etc.). Serving as an important link between the Church Council, pastoral staff, and various teams, this role facilitates collaboration and positive communication concerning education and programming to support the mission and growth of our church.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Prayer Requests
Tere Krueger; Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; John Kerr; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew) East Congregational UCC.
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS:
November 23: Steve McFadden
November 24: Glynis Whitcomb
November 25: Tim Schipper
November 26: Dan McGavin and Orie Hawkes
November 27: Linda McWebb
November 28: Paul Burdick
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way to connect with one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, the addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
November 23: Steve McFadden
November 24: Glynis Whitcomb
November 25: Tim Schipper
November 26: Dan McGavin and Orie Hawkes
November 27: Linda McWebb
November 28: Paul Burdick
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way to connect with one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, the addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation.
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two-year prayer cycle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of month" for November is East Congregational UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of month" for November is East Congregational UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
UCC Advent 2025 resources offer paths for 'awakening, preparing and dreaming'
This season’s Abolition Advent Calendar will center on “The New Old Story of Freedom: Practicing New Worlds into Life.” Coordinated by the UCC’s Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice, this year’s Advent Calendar brings together quotes from Octavia Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower, Advent scripture readings, stories of past and present abolitionists, and visionary practices drawn from Andrea Ritchie’s book Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies.
CLASSES
UCC Advent Devotional, "Soon & Very Soon"
Reflections for the coming Year
| | Advent Devotional - The United Church of Christ Advent reflections for this year are around the theme, “Soon and Very Soon” inviting us to imagine a world where all is at peace, where all people thrive. Copies of the devotional are available for $5.00 in the Friendship Hall. As a community we will gather on Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, from 3:30 - 5:00pm to reflect together on these writings and how we wait during Advent for the coming of the Prince of Peace in a manger as a baby. Please sign up in the Friendship Hall near the devotional if you plan to attend. |
Silent Retreats, In a frantic, noisy world...
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Start Advent – the season of hopeful waiting – with a Silent Retreat
✨Wednesday, December 3 at the Retreat House✨
Join Rev. Marty Rienstra and Rev. Doug Petersen for a guided silent retreat.
Shared silence is a powerful way of being in communion with God and each other.
Combined lunchtime (12- 1pm) for sharing experiences and asking questions.
✨Continue to hone your ‘Silent’ skills✨
Come and go as you please!
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
✨Wednesday, December 3 at the Retreat House✨
Join Rev. Marty Rienstra and Rev. Doug Petersen for a guided silent retreat.
Shared silence is a powerful way of being in communion with God and each other.
- Two sessions (10:00 to noon and/or 1:00 to 3:00) Attend morning, afternoon, or both!
Combined lunchtime (12- 1pm) for sharing experiences and asking questions.
✨Continue to hone your ‘Silent’ skills✨
- Rev. Marty or Rev. Doug will hold space for solitude and silence
Come and go as you please!
- Join the Meditation Hour offered in the sanctuary every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.
and at peace in the midst of life’s noise and turmoil.
✨Please sign up in the Friendship Hall✨
Qigong, Tuesdays in the Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Kat VanHammen's Qigong Winter classes began in the Friendship Hall on October 7. The classes will run through May!
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun! Next One January 7!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
AROUND TOWN
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Annual Drive for Thanksgiving Kits
Asking for Rice this Year
Photo by Kalyani Akella on Unsplash
It’s November, and with it comes Christian Neighbors’ distribution of Thanksgiving Meal Kits to area low-income families - a 45-year-old tradition in our community. In 2024, 75 volunteers organized, packed and distributed 330 meal kits that provided a Thanksgiving meal to roughly1200 area residents. This year, our church is being asked to collect Rice – 1lb Bags to contribute to these meals. Please consider donating one or more of these items. It is through the kindness and generosity from our community that Christian Neighbors is able to provide this special holiday meal to those in need. Thank you!
Please put your donation in the vestibule area of the Friendship Hall.
Please put your donation in the vestibule area of the Friendship Hall.
This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
- This Week's Service: Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost — What Can You Imagine?
- Last Week's Service: Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost — What Next?
- Grateful to Reverend Jim DeVries for Sharing his Gifts of Wisdom and Laughter
- Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
- Jody and Dan's Installation Service and Celebration, November 23, Join Us!
- Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
- Church Directory Update
- Social Justice Team Community, Thank You to the Speakers from Lighthouse!
- Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14
- Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
- Church Council Minutes
- Card Ministry, Bring a Smile to Someone's Day
- Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
- Prayer Requests
- Birthdays This Week
- Financial Stewardship
- Church Calendar
- Grand West Association Councils Covenantal Prayer Circle for All Churches
- UCC Advent 2025 Resources Offer Paths for Awakening, Preparing, Expecting & Dreaming
- UCC Advent Devotional, Reflections for this coming Year. Available in Friendship Hall!
- Qigong! Tuesdays in the Friendship Hall
- Thank You, Wayne! Financial Literacy Series, Next Session is January 7
- Men's Coffee and Conversation
- Annual Drive for Thanksgiving Baskets, Asking for Rice this Year
- Water Smart Landscaping Workshop 101, November 18
BEING THE CHURCH
This Week's Service: Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost - Athens, Meteora and Monemvasia
Photo by Jody Betten
On our vacation we visited mainly three places in Greece: (1) Athens - the big city surrounding the Acropolis with the 2500 year old remains of the Parthenon. (2) Meteora - six, 14th-century monasteries which appear to be suspended in the air still home to active religious folks. (3) Monemvasia - a rock off the coast first inhabited in the 3rd-century BC which at one time was home to 30,000 people and today only 10 people live there full time. (We stopped in Delphi briefly to consult with the Oracle.) Besides being inspired by what there is to see, we were enthralled by the spirit of a people who are so connected to their past and so proud of who they are today. Lessons for the church today? Of course, everything is a sermon reflection waiting to be shared!
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson
| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns November 16 |
Last Week's Service: Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost - What's Next?
Photo by Matt Ashby on Unsplash
Last Sunday, we had the great good fortune of exploring possibilities of "What's Next?" with Rev. Jim DeVries. Jesus was asked a question about heaven. What do we know about “What’s Next” and possible ways to make the transition easier. We explored these possibilities with Rev. Jim DeVries who spent 40 years interacting with individuals as a hospital and hospice chaplain. Click below to enjoy Rev. Jim's wisdom and humor on the possibilities.
Thank You Reverend Jim DeVries!
Reverend Jim DeVries thank you for serving our church! Thank you for your ability to combine genuine wisdom with a great sense of humor! We really appreciate the joy and laughter you brought to the service.
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
| | For The Week of November 16: Monday: 11-4pm, Jody Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan Thursday: 9-2pm, Jody Friday: 10-3pm, Dan For evening visits on these days, please call for an appointment. * Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Sometimes they are in Douglas but not at the office. * Please note, if you get an email from Jody asking for money or gift cards, please don't comply. This is a scam! Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293 |
Installation Service and Celebration
for Jody and Dan, November 23, Join Us!
Jody and Dan's Installation Service and celebration will be held on November 23, 3pm. Please, join us for food and drinks in the Friendship Hall after the Installation Service. We welcome our new pastors and celebrate an important marker in the life and history of our church.
So that we can more accurately judge quantities for both food and drink. Please, sign up for the Installation Service and Celebration on the sheet in the Friendship Hall.
So that we can more accurately judge quantities for both food and drink. Please, sign up for the Installation Service and Celebration on the sheet in the Friendship Hall.
Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
🎶 Join Our Christmas Choir! 🎶
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals begin Sunday, November 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by church member and returning director Stan Greene.✨
We’ll meet each Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
There’s something truly special about voices joining together at Christmas.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are thinking about joining for the first time,
you are warmly invited to be part of this year’s
✨Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols celebration.✨
Each December, our choir helps the story of Christmas find its voice --
a long-standing tradition that fills our church with hope, harmony, and joy.
Singing together lets us reconnect with friends, welcome new faces,
and share in the quiet joy that music brings to this holy season.
✨Every voice matters; together, we create something truly beautiful.✨
🎵Rehearsals begin Sunday, November 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary,🎵
✨led by church member and returning director Stan Greene.✨
We’ll meet each Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
While it’s great to attend every rehearsal, please don’t let a busy schedule
keep you from joining—the more voices, the more joy! ✨
Come share in the music, the spirit, and the joy of the season.
✨Questions? Contact Peter Black, Music Director. ✨
Church Directory: The Phone App, The Desktop and the Print Versions
Church Directory: the Phone App, the Desktop, and the Print versions:
It's time to make any changes and/or updates to your church directory entry, or add yourself to the church directory, if you wish. For the next two weeks there will be a draft copy of the directory in the Friendship Hall where you can jot down your changes, in the copy or with sticky notes.
As always, we strongly encourage you to use the phone app or desktop app to access the directory, for its security, ease of use, and also because changes are taking place all year long. So the phone app and the desktop app are always the most current.
It's time to make any changes and/or updates to your church directory entry, or add yourself to the church directory, if you wish. For the next two weeks there will be a draft copy of the directory in the Friendship Hall where you can jot down your changes, in the copy or with sticky notes.
- If you wish to add your information to the directory for the first time, or make a change of address, email, phone, or new photo, you can email your changes to Claire. See link to email below.
- If you already use the Instant Church Directory app, you can make your changes directly from your phone!
As always, we strongly encourage you to use the phone app or desktop app to access the directory, for its security, ease of use, and also because changes are taking place all year long. So the phone app and the desktop app are always the most current.
- If you would like help adding the app to your smart phone, look for Barb Witt after services, who is organizing helpers. You can also find the instructions for adding the app on the bulletin board in the Friendship Hall.
Social Justice Team Community Conversation
Thanks for the speakers from Lighthouse.
On the 2nd Thursday in December, the 11th, at 6:15 anyone interested will gather in the Friendship Hall to review and discuss the information that we gathered from the speakers that we heard from the League of Women Voters, Superintendent of Saugatuck Douglas Schools, Indivisible and now Lighthouse.
Please review for yourself anything you remember as being compelling or interesting as a way we might help those organizations or ideas you have from something that was said.
We'll share ideas for next steps. Please plan to join us!
On the 2nd Thursday in December, the 11th, at 6:15 anyone interested will gather in the Friendship Hall to review and discuss the information that we gathered from the speakers that we heard from the League of Women Voters, Superintendent of Saugatuck Douglas Schools, Indivisible and now Lighthouse.
Please review for yourself anything you remember as being compelling or interesting as a way we might help those organizations or ideas you have from something that was said.
We'll share ideas for next steps. Please plan to join us!
Update from the Communications Team
We would like to update everyone on what the Communication Team has accomplished
and are working on:
and are working on:
- We have Welcome Brochures available to take home, give to neighbors or colleagues, or people we recognize as visiting us on Sundays. They are located in at both of the entrances.
- A printed two week calendar is now available in the Friendship Hall with the church’s activities and events.
- If you have an announcement that you would like presented at the beginning of the service, write it out on a notecard ( provided in the entrances) and give it to Jody or Dan before the service.
- We are working on a way to reach out and staying connected to congregants who we miss seeing on Sundays. If you have any ideas send them to Barb Witt.
- We are working on some sandwich boards to help communicate Listening Ear and Contemplation.
- We encourage you to follow DUCC on Facebook and share postings to increase both awareness and followers.
- We have updated the ads we place in the Commercial Record so they are on a four-week rotation with a different message each time.
- See any member of the team if you have any ideas for improving communication in DUCC: Barb Witt, chair; Lewis Corbin, Tom Fahlstrom, Greg Gerrans, and Gemina Petruzzelli
- Please send any photos you may have from church events to Greg Gerrans([email protected]) for social media use
Second Sunday Luncheon, December 14th
| | |
Church potlucks, now called Second Sunday Luncheons, will help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be November 9 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our first Second Sunday Monthly Luncheon. Forty-five people attended. Our next lunch will be November 9 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping to set up or clean up, there will be a new Event Committee signup sheet in the Friendship Hall so that we can establish email communications when asking for help with set up or take down going forward.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Listening Ear service has been a great help to our congregation during a tumultuous time, and so, after a successful trial period, this highly trained team of empathic folks -- Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, Pat Denner, and Doug Sipsma -- will be continuing the service. Their premise is, everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Talking to a caring human helps in so many, sometimes immeasurable, sometimes mystical ways. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Council Meeting Minutes
Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash
| Church Council Minutes |
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegman on Unsplash
Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile!
Looking for a Volunteer Program Coordinator
Do you love to bringing people and ideas together? We are looking for a volunteer to share their talents in coordinating the programs at DUCC. This opportunity provides organizational support to ensure the effective coordination and scheduling of the church’s programs (Speakers, classes, etc.). Serving as an important link between the Church Council, pastoral staff, and various teams, this role facilitates collaboration and positive communication concerning education and programming to support the mission and growth of our church.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Please reach out to Barb Witt at 617-340-7970 or email below.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Prayer Requests
Tere Krueger; Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Jose (friend of Tom Fahlstrom); John Kerr; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew) East Congregational UCC.
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS:
November 17: Arturo Inda
November 19: Marcel Westenbroek
November 20: Linda Riekse
November 21: Peter Mueller
November 22: Mary Hasenauer, Stephen D. Prokop
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way to connect with one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, the addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
November 17: Arturo Inda
November 19: Marcel Westenbroek
November 20: Linda Riekse
November 21: Peter Mueller
November 22: Mary Hasenauer, Stephen D. Prokop
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way to connect with one another. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, the addresses can be found in our Church Directory.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
Give by Text Message
Please, consider giving online. To donate by text, open a new text message on your mobile phone, type 844-931-2849 in the “To” field, and in the message body, type only the dollar amount of your gift (for example, 50 for a $50 donation). Then press Send. You’ll receive a message confirming your donation
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two-year prayer cycle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of month" for November is East Congregational UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of month" for November is East Congregational UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
UCC Advent 2025 resources offer paths for 'awakening, preparing and dreaming'
This season’s Abolition Advent Calendar will center on “The New Old Story of Freedom: Practicing New Worlds into Life.” Coordinated by the UCC’s Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice, this year’s Advent Calendar brings together quotes from Octavia Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower, Advent scripture readings, stories of past and present abolitionists, and visionary practices drawn from Andrea Ritchie’s book Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies.
CLASSES
UCC Advent Devotional, "Soon & Very Soon"
Reflections for the coming Year
| | Advent Devotional - The United Church of Christ Advent reflections for this year are around the theme, “Soon and Very Soon” inviting us to imagine a world where all is at peace, where all people thrive. Copies of the devotional are available for $5.00 in the Friendship Hall. As a community we will gather on Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, from 3:30 - 5:00pm to reflect together on these writings and how we wait during Advent for the coming of the Prince of Peace in a manger as a baby. Please sign up in the Friendship Hall near the devotional if you plan to attend. |
Qigong, Tuesdays in the Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Kat VanHammen's Qigong Winter classes began in the Friendship Hall on October 7. The classes will run through May!
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Qigong is a wonderful, 5,000 year-old practice from China, very much like Tai Chi. It involves simple movements that build strength, flexibility, balance and well being. It also employs visualization, breath, and mindfulness to integrate the body, mind, and spirit and develop our felt sense of Interbeing. Class is one hour long and involves both sitting and standing practice although it can be done sitting if needed. There is a requested donation of $10 per class but for those of you on limited incomes, any amount will be gratefully received
Kudos, Wayne! First of the Financial Literacy Series was Enlightening and Fun!
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
AROUND TOWN
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Annual Drive for Thanksgiving Kits
Asking for Rice this Year
Photo by Defrino Maasy on Unsplash
It’s November, and with it comes Christian Neighbors’ distribution of Thanksgiving Meal Kits to area low-income families - a 45-year-old tradition in our community. In 2024, 75 volunteers organized, packed and distributed 330 meal kits that provided a Thanksgiving meal to roughly1200 area residents. This year, our church is being asked to collect Rice – 1lb Bags to contribute to these meals. Please consider donating one or more of these items. It is through the kindness and generosity from our community that Christian Neighbors is able to provide this special holiday meal to those in need. Thank you!
Please put your donation in the vestibule area of the Friendship Hall.
Please put your donation in the vestibule area of the Friendship Hall.
Water Smart Landscaping Workshops and Grants, November 18
From the Creation Justice Team: Learn about reducing outdoor water use while keeping your yard beautiful! Attend the “Water Smart Landscaping 101” workshop on November 18 at the Allegan Conservation District. There will be a second workshop in February. Find full details and reserve your seat at bit.ly/wslnov25
The ODC Network and the Allegan Conservation District are providing the workshop through a grant from Bell’s Brewery, which will also fund native plant gardens for 10 homeowners, rain barrels for 5 homeowners, and a public demonstration rain garden.
The ODC Network and the Allegan Conservation District are providing the workshop through a grant from Bell’s Brewery, which will also fund native plant gardens for 10 homeowners, rain barrels for 5 homeowners, and a public demonstration rain garden.
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