This Week's Homily: Jack Ridl |
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| january_church_council_minutes_january_2020.pdf |
Financial Stewardship
February 23: Attendance: 98
Collection Plate: $757 Online Giving: $2,544.41
Total: $3,301.41
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.
Collection Plate: $757 Online Giving: $2,544.41
Total: $3,301.41
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.
Timothy Buszka-Hoehn, "The Imposter Syndrome"
Our Pastor Sal is currently on sabbatical, and we have an amazing lineup of inspiring speakers through the end of March (see schedule below). This Sunday, our church member Tim Buszka-Hoehn will give the message, with special music programming by Pamela Chappell and Peter Black.
Tim grew up in a conservative community in Indiana where he lived his life constantly torn between who he was inside and who society wanted him to be. He escaped the battle by finding solace in Douglas, a community which released the chains of self-doubt and has pushed him further than he imagined he could go. He now has a wonderful husband, family, home, and career, sponsored by those who came before him and those who remind all of us to be all we were made to be.
Please join us for 10am service!
Tim grew up in a conservative community in Indiana where he lived his life constantly torn between who he was inside and who society wanted him to be. He escaped the battle by finding solace in Douglas, a community which released the chains of self-doubt and has pushed him further than he imagined he could go. He now has a wonderful husband, family, home, and career, sponsored by those who came before him and those who remind all of us to be all we were made to be.
Please join us for 10am service!
A Course In Miracles Made Easy -- Starting Apr 7
Nancy Plantinga and participants will be journeying through the book “A Course in Miracles Made Easy (Mastering the Journey from Fear to Love), by Alan Cohen.
A Course in Miracles, also referred to as ACIM and The Course, is a self-study system of spiritual awakening that teaches the way of inner peace and healing through the power of love and forgiveness. Alan Cohen has been a practitioner and teacher of the Course for 35+ years. The original version of ACIM includes a 600+ page textbook, 365 daily lessons, and a Teacher's Manual. Cohen has taken some of the major teachings of ACIM and brought them into a shorter and more easy-to-understand version. This is a perfect way to begin the journey of ACIM!
If you are interested in being part of this discussion group, please contact Nancy Plantinga. Email her at createpeace4us@gmail.com or call her 616.405.3399
A Course in Miracles, also referred to as ACIM and The Course, is a self-study system of spiritual awakening that teaches the way of inner peace and healing through the power of love and forgiveness. Alan Cohen has been a practitioner and teacher of the Course for 35+ years. The original version of ACIM includes a 600+ page textbook, 365 daily lessons, and a Teacher's Manual. Cohen has taken some of the major teachings of ACIM and brought them into a shorter and more easy-to-understand version. This is a perfect way to begin the journey of ACIM!
- There is no financial cost to attend this discussion group, however, you will need to purchase the book and a notebook/journal to help process through your journey of self-discovery.
- The discussion group will begin meeting in the Spring Street House on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 in Spring Street House, and will continue meeting on the 2ndst and 4th Tuesday of each month through September, or until the entire book has been processed.
If you are interested in being part of this discussion group, please contact Nancy Plantinga. Email her at createpeace4us@gmail.com or call her 616.405.3399
Saugatuck Ash Wednesday Services
For those who wish to observe Ash Wednesday:
All Saints Episcopal is holding Ash Wednesday services at 8am, noon, and 7 pm. The evening service will have hymns. All three Services will offer the imposition of ashes (optional) and Holy Communion (also optional - but all are welcome!).
Ashes-To-Go, with Pastor Sarah from the First Congregational Church, in Downtown Saugatuck
As we begin our Lenten season, open yourself to a "holy interruption"- to be stopped in your tracks and asked: How do you see the Christ at work in your life? Pastor Sarah will have an Ashes-To-Go station set up downtown (look for her near Saugatuck Drug or by the post office.)
All Saints Episcopal is holding Ash Wednesday services at 8am, noon, and 7 pm. The evening service will have hymns. All three Services will offer the imposition of ashes (optional) and Holy Communion (also optional - but all are welcome!).
Ashes-To-Go, with Pastor Sarah from the First Congregational Church, in Downtown Saugatuck
As we begin our Lenten season, open yourself to a "holy interruption"- to be stopped in your tracks and asked: How do you see the Christ at work in your life? Pastor Sarah will have an Ashes-To-Go station set up downtown (look for her near Saugatuck Drug or by the post office.)
2020 Lenten Devotionals
On Sale Soon in the Friendship Hall
Lenten Devotionals for 2020 are on order from the UCC bookstore. They will go on sale for $5 each in the Friendship Hall as soon as they are delivered.
Aspire to Join The Pot-Luck Clean-up Brigade!
Potlucks are so much fun, so delicious, such a great place to collect recipes. And then there's the clean-up! The best part of all! If you want to be part of the few, the proud, the pot-luck clean-up brigade, there's a sign-up sheet for that. In the Friendship Hall. We are looking for new recruits and leaders!
Yarn Swap and 25 Million Stitches,
Feb 26, 6:30pm in the Retreat House
The DUCC Knit Knights would love for you to join us in the Retreat House at 6:30pm, Feb 26. Along with our regular knitting group and a fun free-for-all yarn swap, we'll be welcoming stitchers to contribute to the 25 Million Stitches installation, a craft happening to call attention to the plight of 25 million refugees worldwide. Learn all about it at 25millionstitches.com.
Stephen Ministry Classes Starting Soon
In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger
and you invited me in…”
We have many opportunities to respond to Jesus’ great love by showing that love to others. Stephen Ministry is one of the ways the people of DUCC show love to people who have deep needs for care. We will soon begin our training course for new Stephen Ministers. Please contact Paul Burdick or Laurie Van Den Beldt if you would like to apply to be part of this important ministry.
Stephen Ministers care for those who are experiencing...
- Hospitalization
- Loneliness
- Terminal or chronic illness
- Loss of a loved one
- Retirement changes
- Discouragement
- Job loss or change
- Separation and divorce
- Childbirth
- Spiritual crisis
- New Church Members
- Homebound
- Looking for a caring, Christian friend
Stephen Ministers are lay members selected, trained and supervised to provide effective care. At present, three of our lay ministers are engaged in one-to-one caring and confidential relationships with people in our community. Additionally, we have three more ministers now available to provide this kind of love and support to those who are hurting. And, beginning March 2, four or five more church members will begin their training to become Stephen Ministers.
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God’s love with you can help you get through the experience. If you, or someone you know, might benefit from having a Stephen Minister, please call our church office to get in touch with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders. When referring a friend or family member, please receive their permission for a contact to be made.
Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act Amendment -- Petitions Circulating!
Language has been filed with the state Board of Canvassers to expand Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination against the LGBTQ community. The Fair and Equal Michigan committee has until May 27 to collect at least 340,047 signatures from valid registered voters in the state to qualify for the 2020 ballot. watch for your chance to sign this non-partisan petition in the Friendship Hall after services in the coming weeks.
Try to track your waste for one week. Sort it into categories. Then look hard: How much of it can be eliminated, reused, or replaced with recyclables? What can you challenge yourself to live without or live with differently? If we all did just one thing differently and mindfully followed the waste streams we create, we could change everything. Meanwhile, stay tuned for news from the Creation Justice Team about upcoming Tri-Government conversations about our recycling services and options for managing our waste. Follow the week-by-week actions in the UCC's 52 Ways to Care for Creation by following this link.
Financial Stewardship
February 16: Attendance: 82
Collection Plate: $835 Online Giving: $689
Total: $1,524
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.
Collection Plate: $835 Online Giving: $689
Total: $1,524
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.
Sunday Service with Lynne Snyder
Our Pastor Sal is currently on sabbatical, and we have an amazing lineup of inspiring speakers through the end of March (see schedule below). This Sunday, our church member Lynne Snyder will give the message, with special music programming by Elizabeth Estes and Peter Black.
Lynne Snyder has spent all of her professional life in Education. She earned a BA at Michigan State University; an MA at Western Michigan University; and a Ph.D. at Wayne State University. Lynne worked as a vocal music teacher and secondary education teacher in Mt. Clemens, MI., and a professor, administrator, and consultant, mostly in the field of Special Education. She has worked through the University of North Dakota with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians at Belcourt, ND., as an administrator at Central Michigan University, as a professor and Department Chair at Central Connecticut State University, a professor of special Education in the areas of Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairment at Eastern Kentucky University, and Hope College, and as a consultant for students with Emotional Impairments.
Please join us at 10am for worship!
Lynne Snyder has spent all of her professional life in Education. She earned a BA at Michigan State University; an MA at Western Michigan University; and a Ph.D. at Wayne State University. Lynne worked as a vocal music teacher and secondary education teacher in Mt. Clemens, MI., and a professor, administrator, and consultant, mostly in the field of Special Education. She has worked through the University of North Dakota with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians at Belcourt, ND., as an administrator at Central Michigan University, as a professor and Department Chair at Central Connecticut State University, a professor of special Education in the areas of Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairment at Eastern Kentucky University, and Hope College, and as a consultant for students with Emotional Impairments.
Please join us at 10am for worship!
KUDOS for Last Sunday
Thanks so much for joining us this past Sunday! Kudos to everyone, especially to Fred Stella for providing our message, to Hanna and Nancy and Peter for the music and to all of our service volunteers at the front and back of the house for making our fifth Sabbatical Service a success.
Pflag Meetings, February 21
PFLAG Holland/Lakeshore meets Fri, Feb 21, 7 pm, support; 8:10 pm program: Finn Marcks and Carlos Garay-Negron will discuss the importance of using correct pronouns and other tips for allies of the transgender community. They are board members of the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation. We meet at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Avenue.
Gender SAFE (Supporting All For Equality), support group for the transgender/gender diverse community, family and allies, meets:
Fri., February 21, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave., Holland.
Sat., March 7, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Out On The Lakeshore, 451 Columbia Ave., Holland.
Gender SAFE (Supporting All For Equality), support group for the transgender/gender diverse community, family and allies, meets:
Fri., February 21, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave., Holland.
Sat., March 7, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Out On The Lakeshore, 451 Columbia Ave., Holland.
Thanks Social Justice Team for "The Sentence."
Thanks to the Social Justice team for hosting a viewing of The Sentence last week. This award-winning documentary is available on streaming services, if you missed it. The follow-on conversation, moderated by Bob Kenny, was productive, and will inspire more work and opportunities for outreach by the Social Justice Team.
How to Write to Your Local Representatives...
During the discussion following "The Sentence," church members described the importance of reaching out to our elected officials to share our values as Christians and express to them what we expect of our government, especially on issues of our moral standing as a community, state, and country. To that end, here is a reminder of how to find the names and addresses of your local representatives, wherever you are. As people of conscience, we believe we must stand up and speak our truth. This link at the League of Women Voters' website makes it simple. Just enter your zip code. No other information is necessary.
Michigan's Primary is March 10. Check your Registration and Polling Place. Help a Neighbor.
March 10 is our Michigan Presidential Primary. We'll go to the polls to help determine who will be on the ballot in November. This handy website will help us make sure we are registered to vote, and will help us help others check on their voting status and find their polling places. Check it out: Vote411.org
How Many Congregants Does It Take To Change A Lightbulb?
It's week 8 in the UCC's 52 Ways to Care for Creation challenge: CFL and LED bulbs can emit 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescents, plus they last longer! Consider this greener alternative when it comes time to replenishing/replacing your home and office bulbs and fixtures.
Sabbatical Half-Way Mark! Here's What's Ahead!
Can you believe we're almost half-way through Sabbatical Season already? Here's a reminder of our speaker schedule ahead. And when you want to check quickly, just head to this link on the DUCC Website: https://www.douglasucc.org/sunday-messages--music.html
Financial Stewardship
February 9: Attendance: 78
Collection Plate: $865, Retreat House: $160, Church/Hall Use: $200,
Misc. Income $120, Pancake Breakfast $96.58, Online Giving: $2,377
Total: $3,818.58
Collection Plate: $865, Retreat House: $160, Church/Hall Use: $200,
Misc. Income $120, Pancake Breakfast $96.58, Online Giving: $2,377
Total: $3,818.58
Sunday Service welcomes Fred Stella
Our Pastor Sal is currently on sabbatical, and we have an amazing lineup of inspiring speakers in the coming weeks. This Sunday, Fred Stella, ordained outreach minister for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, will give the message.
Fred Stella began his spiritual search within the Hindu Dharma at the age of 15. He was initiated into his specific tradition more than 20 years ago. His training includes time spent in temples and ashrams both here and in India. He has given lectures, facilitated workshops and retreats at schools, churches and in the private sector. Fred is on the adjunct faculty of Muskegon Community College, where he is an instructor of Hatha Yoga. He is also president of Interfaith Dialogue Association, and hosts its weekly radio program on Religion and Spirituality, Common Threads on local NPR affiliate, WGVU. Fred also sits on the advisory boards of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and the West Michigan chapter of the ACLU, where he often consults on freedom of religion issues.
We hope you can join us this Sunday at 10 AM for an inspiring message from Fred, and uplifting music by Hannah Huggett, and Peter Black.
Fred Stella began his spiritual search within the Hindu Dharma at the age of 15. He was initiated into his specific tradition more than 20 years ago. His training includes time spent in temples and ashrams both here and in India. He has given lectures, facilitated workshops and retreats at schools, churches and in the private sector. Fred is on the adjunct faculty of Muskegon Community College, where he is an instructor of Hatha Yoga. He is also president of Interfaith Dialogue Association, and hosts its weekly radio program on Religion and Spirituality, Common Threads on local NPR affiliate, WGVU. Fred also sits on the advisory boards of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and the West Michigan chapter of the ACLU, where he often consults on freedom of religion issues.
We hope you can join us this Sunday at 10 AM for an inspiring message from Fred, and uplifting music by Hannah Huggett, and Peter Black.
Kudos for Bringing the Light!
Our fourth Sabbatical service, full of light, welcome, and pancakes! And so it was, thanks and KUDOS to Nancy Plantinga and all of our musicians, service volunteers and Pancake breakfast crew. Thanks to all!! (And on palindrome day, as we do every day, we are thinking of Pastor Sal and Gregg, and sending our light out to them!)
Prayers for DUCC from UCC Grand West Assoc.
This Sunday the churches of the United Church of Christ Grand West Association are praying for DUCC and Pastor Sal, as part of its practice to encourage the churches in our region to pray for one another. Feel the strength and love coming from all of these churches.
Kudos to John Willming and Pancake Crew
Special KUDOS to John Willming, Fred Hamlin, Dave Miedema, Larry Fuerst, Sue Scott, Lynn Snyder, Bob Kennedy, Sidney Matheis, and Alan Weathers for another great Pancake Breakfast that filled every seat in the house and gave us a chance to feel warm and light on a February day. Yummy!
PFLAG Meetings February and March!
PFLAG Holland/Lakeshore meets Fri, Feb 21, 7 pm, support; 8:10 pm program: Finn Marcks and Carlos Garay-Negron will discuss the importance of using correct pronouns and other tips for allies of the transgender community. They are board members of the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation. We meet at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Avenue.
Gender SAFE (Supporting All For Equality), support group for the transgender/gender diverse community, family and allies, meets:
Fri., February 21, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave., Holland.
Sat., March 7, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Out On The Lakeshore, 451 Columbia Ave., Holland.
Gender SAFE (Supporting All For Equality), support group for the transgender/gender diverse community, family and allies, meets:
Fri., February 21, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave., Holland.
Sat., March 7, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Out On The Lakeshore, 451 Columbia Ave., Holland.
New Campus Calendar
Bookmark this DUCC Campus Calendar to stay up to date on everything that's happening in this busy church!
https://www.douglasucc.org/events-calendar.html
Printouts of the online calendar now replace the old calendars in the Friendship Hall. You may still write in dates on the paper copy to reserve a room, but the easiest way to reserve is to send an email to welcome@douglasucc.org with the time, date, and name of your event. Julie will reserve your spot or find one for you if your first choice is taken.
https://www.douglasucc.org/events-calendar.html
Printouts of the online calendar now replace the old calendars in the Friendship Hall. You may still write in dates on the paper copy to reserve a room, but the easiest way to reserve is to send an email to welcome@douglasucc.org with the time, date, and name of your event. Julie will reserve your spot or find one for you if your first choice is taken.
52 Ways to Care for Creation: Week 7
52 WAYS TO CARE FOR CREATION: WEEK 7: USE GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS
Did you know some cleaning products have toxic chemicals that can harm your health as well as pollute the environment? Check out the UCC's Cleanliness and Godliness Toolkit, below, for ideas on greener cleaning. Catch up on the 52 ways (one each week) here: http://www.creationjustice.org/blog/52-ways-to-care-for-creation
Did you know some cleaning products have toxic chemicals that can harm your health as well as pollute the environment? Check out the UCC's Cleanliness and Godliness Toolkit, below, for ideas on greener cleaning. Catch up on the 52 ways (one each week) here: http://www.creationjustice.org/blog/52-ways-to-care-for-creation
| greencleaningtoolkit.pdf |
Special Sunday Music:
Nancy Plantinga and The Huggetts!!
Financial Stewardship
February 2: Attendance: 111
Collection Plate: $921
Online Giving: $1,272.66
TOTAL: $2,193.66
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.
Collection Plate: $921
Online Giving: $1,272.66
TOTAL: $2,193.66
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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