 Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
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 
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 |
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 | 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
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