 In this Sunday's Gospel story, Jesus ministers to 10 people, but only one of them comes back to say, "Thank You." Jesus is letting us know that gratitude is such a powerful spiritual tool with life-changing effects. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we learn how to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude." Special music: Elizabeth Estes. Followed by our 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck.  Wow! We are so very proud of our Douglas UCC CROP Walk Team who raised more than $3,700 at last Sunday's CROP Hunger Walk in Saugatuck/Douglas!! We had more walkers and raised more money than ever before! Thank you to our team and to all who sponsored their efforts. The monies raised help fight hunger here in Allegan County and around the world.  Please join us this Sunday, immediately following our worship service, for our 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck in the Friendship Hall. Please bring a dish to share. We are also in need of one or two people to stay afterwards and help clean up. Thank you.  We had such a wonderful evening on Thursday night, as we welcomed award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, to Douglas UCC to discuss his book, Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older. More than 20 people were in attendance for an inspiring discussion.   Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  All are welcome to attend our UCC Grand West Association fall meeting on October 20 in Grand Rapids, but advance registration is required. Please let Pastor Sal know if you are interested in attending. You can email him at Pastor@DouglasUCC.org.  We are excited to welcome back best-selling author, Scott Stabile, to Douglas UCC on Saturday, November 2. Scott will be facilitating an uplifting and empowering workshop, "Love Yourself Madly." Watch Scott's video below, then click HERE to register. Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to record last Sunday's service. We apologize for the inconvenience. Instead, we hope you will enjoy Pastor Sal's talk at Failure Lab:  THANK YOU!! Thanks to all who contributed to last Sunday's special collection for the UCC's Neighbors in Need Fund. We collected $321, which our church will match for a total of $642 to help our church's wider mission. Thank you, as always, for your generous giving. Financial Stewardship Report:October 6: Attendance: 140 Collection Plate: $1,528 Online Giving: $1,923.17 Total: $3,451.17 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  On the first Sunday in October, Christian churches of different denominations all around the world celebrate "World Communion Sunday." This tradition began all the way back in 1933. Since then, the celebration has grown into an international day of unity. It is a day when we break bread together and remember Jesus's words: "That they may all be one." Special Music: Stan Greene. This Sunday, we will be taking a special collection for the UCC's "Neighbors in Need" Fund. "Neighbors in Need" is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ. Every year, congregations have the opportunity to receive grants to continue work for justice, advocacy, and service to their local communities. We invite you to support this good work by donating to the "Neighbors in Need" Fund this Sunday, using the special offertory envelopes in the pews. Watch the video above or visit www.ucc.org/nin for more information.  The CROP Hunger Walk is this Sunday. Thank you to our Douglas UCC Team (Chris Clark, Julie Ridl, Dan Mack, Beverly Hawkes, Norm Capello, Mike VerMerris, Wendy Hamlin) for walking and thank you to all who have sponsored them. You can still sponsor our team at www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc  Join us at Douglas UCC on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 PM, as we welcome award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, who will be speaking about his book, "Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older." The book has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 Illumination Silver Medal for books on spirituality, and the 2017 Nautilus Gold Award for books on aging. This is a free event and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.   "Poetry & the Spirit"- Join us for an evening of conversation and inspiration with Pastor Sal and Poet Laureate of Douglas, Jack Ridl, on Thursday, October 24, at 7 PM at Douglas UCC. The evening will begin in the church with Sal and Jack offering some of their ways of thinking about the spiritual and the poetic, which not only have much in common, but may be so intertwined as to be inseparable. After their conversation, the audience will join in with their questions, comments, and wonderings. Tickets are $10 and seating is limited. Reserve your ticket now at: POETRY & THE SPIRIT TICKETS 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck: We need one or two people to help with cleanup after the Potluck on Sunday, October 13. Please sign the sheet posted behind the coffee pot in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you.  The final tally is in from our Beach Clean-Up last month: We picked up 100.4 lbs of trash! Thank you to all who helped! Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 29: Attendance: 112 Collection Plate: $945.39 Online Giving: $1,307.66 Retreat House Use: $750 Friendship Hall Use: $360 Total: $3,363.05 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  This Sunday, we continue our focus on the theme of "Creation," as the month of September is designated as "Creation Season." This Sunday, we are going to be focusing on the Cosmos or Universe. Christian theologian, Thomas Berry, wrote, "We will recover our sense of the Sacred only if we appreciate the Universe." Come join us as we explore the "Spirit of the Cosmos" together. Special Music by Gloria Larrieu. Thank you to all who helped with last Saturday's Cleanup of Oval Beach: Linda Charvat, Emily & Cally Tieman, Gloria Larrieu, Norm & Patty Hanson, Pat Denner, Peter Gower, Fritz Royce & Sarah Hurley, Julie Hebding, El Clough, Hannah Huggett, Kelly Huggett, Doug Sipsma, Mike VerMerris, Karen Sanfelli, Mia Bolen, Barbara Flynn, Sarah Sikkema, Megan Knapp, Kathleen Rilett, Kristen Foxworthy, Bud Baty, Julie Kimber, Cindy Pinchoff, Colleen Carol, Chris Peterson, Garnet Lewis & Vicky Cobb, Betsy York, Bob & Louise Kenny, Sarah Swift, Phiip Raywood, Wendy Hamlin. Thank you to all who took part in our Community Book read of Braiding Sweetgrass this week. Thank you to members of our church's Creation Justice Team and those who helped facilitate the evening: Karen Clark, Doug Sipsma, Nancy Plantinga, Wendy Hamlin, Julie & Jack Ridl, Bob Kenny, Gloria Larrieu, Paul Burdick, Pamela Chappell, and Eric Lejeune. And, thank you to Coast 236 Restaurant for sharing the harvest from their garden with us. Photos: Chris Clark.  Proud of Douglas UCC’s 14 year-old, Hannah Huggett, who organized last weekend's Global Climate Strike in Holland. Thanks to all our Douglas UCC family who took part: Jerry, Molly, Gigi, Denny, Emily, Cally, Fritz, Sarah, Hailey, Kelly, and Sarah from our Creation Justice Team.  Thank you to authors, Larry and Sandy Feldman, for coming to Douglas UCC last Sunday afternoon to speak with us about their book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide. More than 30 people were in attendance.  The CROP Hunger Walk is on Sunday, October 6. You can sponsor the entire Douglas UCC team or an individual walker from our church -- Julie Ridl, Mike VerMerris, Beverly Hawkes, Dan Mack, Norman Capello, or Chris Clark -- with a check made out to "CWS Crop," or you can donate securely online at www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc  We are hiring a P/T Administrative Assistant while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year (January thru March). Click HERE for a job description and all the details for applying. We are also seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is away. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!   Join us at Douglas UCC on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 PM, as we welcome award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, who will be speaking about his book, "Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older." Of the book, Richard Rohr said, "What good work Frank Cunningham has done. His book is an invitation to more fully engage this stage of our journey and be enriched by it." And, Joyce Rupp, said: "What a joy to find an approach to aging as balanced, openhearted, and insightful as this one." "Vesper Time" has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 Illumination Silver Medal for books on spirituality, and the 2017 Nautilus Gold Award for books on aging. This is a free event. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 22: Attendance: 130 Collection: $1,178 Online: $2,499.41 Total: $3,677.41 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  Creation Month continues at Douglas UCC. This Sunday at 10 AM, we worship with the storm. We sing with the winds, the clouds, and the thunder. We feel the awesome events of nature. We experience the stillness before the storm, the frightening fury of the winds, and the destructive aftermath of the tornado. We experience God’s presence in all these things. We experience God’s presence in the storm. Message: Pastor Sal. Special Music: Pam Chappell.
 Please join us on Saturday, September 21, for the Adopt-a-Beach Clean-Up of Oval Beach and Douglas Beach. We'll be working from 9 AM till Noon. If you can help, please email us at ducccjt@gmail.com. Include your phone number, so we can reach out in case of rescheduling. Thank you!!  We hope you can join us after worship this Sunday, as we welcome authors Larry and Sandy Feldman, who will be discussing their book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide, at noon in the Friendship Hall. The book provides a review of theory and research on methods to reduce prejudice and describes ways to bring together people from all racial groups to share positive experiences. This is a free event, and all are welcome! Thank you to all who helped with our Adopt-a-Highway Clean-Ups this past week: Norman Capello, Greg and Sheryl VanPortfleet, Doug Sipsma, Chris Clark, Dan Mack, Peter Black, Mike White, Emily & Cally Tieman, Linda Charvat, Mike Valdez, Fritz Royce, Wendy Hamlin, Bob Kenny, Mike VerMerris.  The CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 6. We hope you will consider taking part as a walker and/or sponsor. Visit www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc to sign-up as a walker or to contribute as a sponsor. More information in this Sunday's bulletin insert.  We are seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!   Save-the-Date: Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.  Click below to read the latest Church Council Minutes and Pastor's Report:
Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 15: Attendance: 147 Collection: $1,567.60 Online: $1,791.04 Total: $3,286.64 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  September is Creation Month. This Sunday, we are going to be focusing on the "Spirituality of Animals." A gift from God, animals are our spiritual teachers. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore this sacred gift. Special Music: "Colors of the Wind" by Hailey Huggett.  The month of September is Creation Month. Our Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team is facilitating a highway clean-up on Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m. till noon, and on Tuesday, September 17, from 4 to 7 p.m.. Then, on Saturday, September 21, there will be a clean-up of Oval Beach. If you can help with the highway and/or beach clean-ups this month, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall on Sunday. Thank you. Watch the latest message from our UCC General Minister and President, Rev. John Dorhauer.  The CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 6. We hope you will consider taking part as a walker and/or sponsor. Visit www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/duccto sign-up as a walker or to contribute as a sponsor.  As we heard from Greg Sherman last Sunday, our Pastoral Relations Committee is seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!
On Friday, September 20, Climate Strikes will be happening all around the globe. Our 12 year-old Douglas UCC churchgoer, Hannah Huggett, is facilitating the local Climate Strike which kicks off at 7 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council. All are welcome to participate.  On Sunday, September 22, at noon, authors Larry and Sandy Feldman will be coming to the Douglas UCC Friendship Hall to discuss their latest book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide. The book provides a review of theory and research on methods to reduce prejudice and describes ways to bring together people from all racial groups to share positive experiences. A free-will donation will be taken. All are welcome.  On Saturday, September 14, more than 70 classic cars will roll through downtown Douglas and Saugatuck as part of “There’s Something About Saugatuck” LGBT collector car event from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Come out and cheer on the car cruise as it travels through the our communities!  On Wednesday, September 18, from 6 to 8 PM, there will be a fundraiser for Arbor Circle at Coast 236 Restaurant in Saugatuck. Arbor Circle helps homeless LGBTQ youth in West Michigan. The evening includes live music, a strolling dinner, and a brief program presentation. Tickets are $100 per person and are available at Arbor Circle Fundraiser Tickets.  Our very own Pastor Sal will be one of six speakers taking part in "Failure Lab" at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m.. "Failure Lab" is like TED Talk, only the focus is on personal stories of failure. This will be a powerful evening of music and story-telling. Afterwards, mix and mingle with the storytellers and performers during the after-party under the outdoor pavilion with craft beer and drinks, and a special menu from local restaurants. Tickets are $25 and are available at the SCA box-office or online at www.sc4a.org.  Watch last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 8: Attendance: 148 Collection: $1,387.60 Online: $2,096.71 Total: $3,484.31 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  This Sunday, we are back to one service at 10 AM, and our theme will be "Leaving a Legacy." Pastor Sal and Elizabeth Estes will be sharing the inspiring story of Isabel Graham, whose legacy continues to have an impact on our community decades after her death. Come and hear her inspiring story of living fearlessly and loving wastefully. Special Music: Elizabeth Estes. Followed by our 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck.  This Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of the Month...that means, it's our Potluck Sunday! What a great way to celebrate our coming back together at one service! Please bring a dish to share. Also, we need help cleaning-up afterwards, too! Thank you.  Our Douglas UCC singers and musicians gathered at the beautiful home of Steve Debbink and Greg Plowe in Douglas this past week for a time of friendship and visioning.  The month of September is Creation Month. Our Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team is facilitating a highway clean-up on Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m. till noon, and on Tuesday, September 17, from 4 to 7 p.m.. Then, on Saturday, September 21, there will be a clean-up of Oval Beach. If you can help with the highway and/or beach clean-ups this month, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall on Sunday. Thank you.   The Spring Street Men’s Group will present a film, “A Gathering of Men,” with Bill Moyers and poet, Robert Bly, at 7 PM on Monday, September 16, in Friendship Hall for all current Men's Group members and any men interested in joining this upcoming year. Regular meetings are on the first and third Mondays at 7 PM at Spring Street House. (We have a plan to accommodate snowbirds during the winter, if they wish to join in for partial duration of the season). Sign up sheets are available in the Friendship Hall for both the film and for the ongoing group meetings. We ask that all current and new members please sign-up, so that we can get current emails and counts of attendees. Thank you.  On Sunday, September 22, at noon, authors Larry and Sandy Feldman will be coming to the Douglas UCC Friendship Hall to discuss their latest book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide. The book provides a review of theory and research on methods to reduce prejudice and describes ways to bring together people from all racial groups to share positive experiences. A free-will donation will be taken. All are welcome.  Our very own Pastor Sal will be one of six speakers taking part in "Failure Lab" at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m.. "Failure Lab" is like TED Talk, only the focus is on personal stories of failure. This will be a powerful evening of music and story-telling. Afterwards, mix and mingle with the storytellers and performers during the after-party under the outdoor pavilion with craft beer and drinks, and a special menu from local restaurants. Tickets are $25 and are available at the SCA box-office or online at www.sc4a.org.   Save-the-Date: This year's CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 6. We hope you will consider taking part as a walker and/or sponsor. Visit www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc to sign-up as a walker or to contribute as a sponsor. Watch last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:August 25: Attendance: 183 (9 AM: 92 + 11 AM: 91)
Collection: $1,428.50 Online: $1,247.66 Total: $2,676.16 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  The Sunday is Labor Sunday, a day to lift up workers, celebrate their contributions, and support their struggles. It is also a day to commit ourselves to improving jobs so that all workers have wages, benefits, and work hours that allow them to be self-sufficient and live lives of wholeness. All in attendance with receive a pin (pictured above) from the UCC, which reads: "Every Worker Deserves a Living Wage: So All God's People May Thrive." Please join us this Sunday at 9 AM or 11 AM for an inspiring message and uplifting music, featuring a special performance from singer/songwriter, Pamela Chappell. Coffee Hour outside between the two services. This Sunday will be our last Sunday with two services until next summer. Starting on September 8, we will go back to one Sunday service at 10 a.m. We're having so much fun at Sunday Coffee Hour, outside between the two services! We have been sharing the abundance from our gardens at our "Gardening is Giving" table.  Thank you to our church member, Chris Maitner, for designing, crafting, and installing the beautiful new handrail on our church's altar. We are so grateful for his talent and generosity. Last Thursday was the final Douglas Social of the summer. Our Douglas UCC Food Booth was a big hit all summer. We took in a total of $1,672 in donations at the socials this season. Thank you to all who came out in support, and thank you to our Food Booth Team: Gregg Smith, Larry LaBine, Greg Harvath, Gemina Petruzzelli, Ed Korson, Peter & Kathleen Mueller, Annie Hotwagner & Marty Coffin.  Click below for the latest editions of our Church Council Minutes and Pastor's Report:
 Our Pastor Sal will be one of six speakers taking part in “Failure Lab” at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m.. “Failure Lab” is like TEDx, only the focus is on personal stories of failure. This will be a powerful evening of music and storytelling. Tickets are $25 and available online at www.sc4a.org/failure-lab.   Seeking Volunteers for Car Event- On Saturday, September 14, the Michigan Indiana LGBT Collector Car Club will be here in Saugatuck/Douglas as part of their annual visit. This year, for the first time ever, about 70 of the classic cars will parade through downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. Around 24 volunteers are needed to spend two hours helping to route this procession through the streets. Teams of two will be assigned specific locations to direct traffic as the cars move through. You will be needed from 6 to 8 pm. Please sign-up in the Friendship Hall on Sunday if you can help. Thanks.  Thank you to Nancy Plantinga and the Huggett Sisters (Hannah, Hailey, and Molly) for the wonderful Offertory song last Sunday. You can watch it at the link below: Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:August 25: Attendance: 158 (9 AM: 94 + 11 AM: 64) Collection: $1,267 Online: $3,487.16 Total: $4,754.16 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  "Woman, thou art loosed!" Jesus declares in Sunday's Gospel, as a woman is miraculously healed of her afflictions. Many of us feel bound or burdened by circumstances in our lives, but we have the power to be loosed and lifted to a Higher Place. Come join us this Sunday at 9 AM or 11 AM, as we learn how to "let loose" and set ourselves free. Special Music by Nancy Plantinga. Coffee Hour outside between the two services.  We are excited to announce that PETER BLACK is the new Director of Music at Douglas UCC! Peter has been the pianist at our church since 2004, and his performances each week are often the highlight of our Sunday worship. We are so grateful to Peter for his willingness to step into this new role.  Members of our Douglas UCC family joined Peter behind the piano at his other Sunday gig at Marro's in Saugatuck. Great to begin and end your Sunday with the music of Peter Black!  Thank you to all who attended last week's Movie Night for a screening of the documentary, "Traces of the Trade," facilitated by our church's Social Justice Team. More than 25 people took part, and a lively discussion followed.  Great to welcome Gloria Larrieu to our rotation of special musicians. Her stirring rendition last Sunday of "People Get Ready" already has more than 100 views on our YouTube channel.  Congratulations to our Douglas UCC church member, Jack Ridl, who was officially proclaimed the very first "Poet Laureate" of the City of the Village of Douglas this past week. More than 20 Douglas UCC church members were on hand for the proclamation at City Hall.
This week, the True North Women's Group traveled to the Muskegon Museum of Art to see the permanent exhibit and a special exhibit of female artists titled Rising Voices. Our church member, Maryjo Lemanski, was kind enough to share her expertise and enthusiasm and guide us through the exhibits. Our visit to the museum was followed by lunch together at the Lakehouse. It was a wonderful day! New members always welcome! Watch last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:August 18: Attendance: 155 (9 AM: 87 + 11 AM: 68) Collection: $1,518.54 Online: $1,412 Total: $2,930.54 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  Jesus's words in this upcoming Sunday's Gospel are shocking. The Prince of Peace actually says, "Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division, so that even families will be divided among themselves!" What did Jesus mean by these shocking words? Come join us on Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM, as we explore the spiritual understandings of "vision and di-vision." Special music: Gloria Larrieu. Coffee Hour will be held outside in front of the church between the two services. Farewell, Jeff!Last Sunday was an emotional (and tear-filled) one at Douglas UCC, as we said, "Farewell" to our Director of Music, Jeff Spangler, who is moving full-time to Palm Springs, California. Jeff served as our Director of Music for 13 years, and we are so very grateful for his service and ministry to our church. He will be greatly missed. Congratulations, Jack!!
 TONIGHT: Our Social Justice Team is hosting a screening of the PBS Documentary, Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North, tonight, August 16, in the Friendship Hall at 6:30 p.m. This documentary was shown on PBS several years ago, and it is still very relevant to help understand White Privilege in this country and around the world. This is a free event. Bring a friend or two. All are welcome.  TONIGHT: Friday, August 16 At tonight's PFLAG meeting, we will view and discuss My Life in Pink, a film about a 7-year-old boy who believes he is really a girl. A winner of the Golden Globe's Best Foreign Language Film award, this 90-minute film in French with English subtitles was shown at the Cannes Film Festival. We will begin with a business meeting and support at 7 PM, then have a time for refreshments at 7:50 PM, followed by the film. At 6 PM, Gender SAFE (Supporting All For Equality) will be meeting. Gender SAFE is a support group that is open and welcoming to all people who are or who love someone who is transgender or gender diverse (TGD). We also welcome those who are gender affirmative and who are interested in learning about the TGD community. We hope you will join us! Both PFLAG and Gender SAFE meet on the ground floor of Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Avenue, across the street from Holland Hospital. (Gender SAFE also meets the first Saturday of every month 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Out On The Lakeshore, 451 Columbia Ave., Holland).  The last Douglas Social of the season will be Thursday, August 22, from 5:30 to 9 PM at Beery Field in Downtown Douglas. Please stop by our church's Food Booth and show your support for our community.  Seeking Volunteers for Car Event- On Saturday, September 14, the Michigan Indiana LGBT Collector Car Club will be here in Saugatuck/Douglas as part of their annual visit. This year, for the first time ever, about 70 of the classic cars will parade through downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. Around 24 volunteers are needed to spend two hours helping to route this procession through the streets. Teams of two will be assigned specific locations to direct traffic as the cars move through. You will be needed from 6 to 8 pm. Please sign-up in the Friendship Hall on Sunday if you can help. Thanks.  Each Sunday this summer, we invite you to share of the abundance from your garden. Please bring in vegetables and flowers from your garden and place them on the "Gardening Is Giving" table outside the church on Sunday for others to take home and enjoy. Thank you to our church's Creation Justice Team for facilitating. Check out our Creation Justice Team's latest blog post: DUCC Creation Justice Team.  Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:August 11: Attendance: 162 (9 AM: 90 + 11 AM: 72) Collection: $1,212.87 Online: $1,751.66 Total: $2,964.53 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says, "It is God's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Jesus spoke often of the "Kingdom of Heaven." He said we've been given the keys to this Kingdom. So, what exactly is the Kingdom, and how does one find it? Come join us this Sunday at 9 AM or 11 AM as we explore "The Keys to the Kingdom" together. Special music by Jeff Spangler and Friends in celebration of Jeff's final Sunday with us.  A CELEBRATION OF JEFF Please join us in the front of the church this Sunday at 10:30 AM, as we celebrate our Director of Music, Jeff Spangler, on his final Sunday with us before moving full-time to Palm Springs. There will be cake and gifts. Be sure to sign the "big card" for Jeff, too. Watch as our UCC President, Rev. John Dorhauer, reflects on the recent mass shootings and what we, as people of faith, must do to create a just world for all. Photos: 4th Annual Douglas UCC Church PicnicWow! Over 150 people attended our 4th Annual Douglas UCC Church Picnic this past week at Beery Field in Douglas. Thank you to photographer, Mark Reiman, for capturing these wonderful photos (more to be found on our church's Facebook page). Thank you to all who helped with planning, shopping, set-up, grilling, serving, recycling, flowers, games, photos, and clean-up: Floyd Fleming, Annie Hotwagner & Marty Coffin, Debra Carr, Karen Clark, Nancy Plantinga, Kathleen & Peter Mueller, Fritz Royce & Sarah Hurley, Sarah Swift, Greg Harvath & Greg Gerrans, Wendy Hamlin, Beverly & Orie Hawkes, Hannah, Molly and Kelly Huggett, Larry LaBine, David Geen, Jane Brodt, Mark Reiman, Stan Greene, Stacy Honson & Dick Bont, Chris Maitner, Bud Baty, Mike VerMerris, and Lynne Snyder. And, an extra-special thank you to Gemina Petruzzelli for coordinating the entire event. We are so grateful for all her hard work. IN MEMORIUM: Our condolences to Brother Al Mascia, former pastor of Douglas UCC, on the death of his mother, Mary Mascia. Cards of condolence can be sent to: Brother Al Mascia, 1717 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073.  The Douglas UCC Social Justice Team will be hosting a screening of the PBS Documentary, Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North, on Friday evening, August 16, in the Friendship Hall at 6:30 p.m. This documentary was shown on PBS several years ago, and it is still very relevant to help understand White Privilege in this country and around the world. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending. Thank you.   Each Sunday this summer, we invite you to share of the abundance from your garden. Please bring in vegetables and flowers from your garden and place them on the "Gardening Is Giving" table outside the church on Sunday for others to take home and enjoy. Thank you to our church's Creation Justice Team for facilitating. Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:August 4: Attendance: 170 (9 AM: 100 + 11 AM: 70) Collection: $1,428 Online: $1,592.16 Total: $3,018.16 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING |
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