Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ • Douglas UCC
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Weekly E-Pistle: "Spirit of the Cosmos" - Sunday at Douglas UCC

9/27/2019

 
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.


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​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.

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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

Weekly E-Pistle: "The Eye of the Storm" - Sunday at 10 AM at Douglas UCC:

9/20/2019

 
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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.

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Starting this Friday, September 20, Global Climate Strikes will be taking place all over the world. Douglas UCC will be taking part in the local event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Centennial Park in Holland. It is being led by our 12 year-old Creation Justice activist, Hannah Huggett. Make a sign and join us.

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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 [email protected]. Include your phone number, so we can reach out in case of rescheduling.
​Thank you!!

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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.

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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.


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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!

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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.

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Click below to read the latest Church Council Minutes and Pastor's Report:
church_council_minutes_august__2019__1_.pdf
File Size: 101 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

pastors_report_september_2019.pdf
File Size: 125 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


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

Weekly E-Pistle: "The Spirituality of Animals" - Sunday at 10 AM at Douglas UCC

9/13/2019

 
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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.

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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.

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​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.


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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!

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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.

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​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. ​


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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!


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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.

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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.

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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

Weekly E-Pistle: "Leaving a Legacy" - Sunday at 10 AM at Douglas UCC

9/6/2019

 
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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.

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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.

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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.

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​ 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.


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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. 


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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. 


Picture
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.

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​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
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