Photo by Johanes Plenio on Unsplash
In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service:
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| bulletin_september_1_2024.pdf |
Last Week's Service: What Does Armor Look Like for People of Love?
Some of the imagery of the Bible can seem archaic, after all, it was written during a different time and in a different culture. Yet, the issues that humans face seem to resonate over history. What are the practices that keep you focused? What is the relationship to the current times of those practices? Last Sunday we explored some practical, creative ways to keep on keeping on. Message: Rev. Jody Betten, Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler
Pastor Jody's Office Hours
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Week of Sept 2: Wednesday: Noon-8pm Thursday: 10am -1pm Friday: Noon-5pm Week of Sept 9: Wednesday: 10am-4pm Friday: 10am-3pm (other hours by appointment) |
Who Are We, Really? (Our Religious Roots)
Your Transition Team has been exploring Identity Questions like... What is your original faith tradition, if any? Here are our results from the Sunday survey (90 total responses):
34 Catholic
14 Christian Reformed church
10 Methodist
6 Presbyterian,
6 Lutheran
6 Reformed Church in America
4 Baptist
3 United Church of Christ
2 No Formal Religion
1 Atheism
1 Buddhism
1 Episcopalian
1 Rastafari
1 Air Force Protestant
0 Greek Orthodox, Hinduism, Judaism, Mormon
Or looked at another way:
34 Catholic
49 Protestant
5 Other
How does this inform our worship service, our preference for certain parts of the liturgy, and our welcome of the guests among us? If you haven't replied and would like your information to be included please let Pastor Jody know.
34 Catholic
14 Christian Reformed church
10 Methodist
6 Presbyterian,
6 Lutheran
6 Reformed Church in America
4 Baptist
3 United Church of Christ
2 No Formal Religion
1 Atheism
1 Buddhism
1 Episcopalian
1 Rastafari
1 Air Force Protestant
0 Greek Orthodox, Hinduism, Judaism, Mormon
Or looked at another way:
34 Catholic
49 Protestant
5 Other
How does this inform our worship service, our preference for certain parts of the liturgy, and our welcome of the guests among us? If you haven't replied and would like your information to be included please let Pastor Jody know.
Bulletin Experiments! Your Thoughts?
Our bulletin/program covers are produced by the United Church of Christ. They often explain initiatives or programs of the UCC, and include commentary on one of the lectionary texts. For the next few weeks due to a staffing shortage with the producers that leaves us with no covers from the UCC, and because regularly the picture and notes on the back don't fit with our focus for the week, we chose to try out a new format. Thanks to our bulletin team, Julie Ridl and Lewis Corbin, we have a creative new possibility. As you use it this week, we invite you to consider what you like about it and what could be better about it. Please use link below to share... For now our large-print bulletins will remain the same. But you can always let us know how those can be better too!
Our Last Feast for the Soul, September 4, 6pm
Photo by @felipepelaquim on Unsplash
Our last Feast for the Soul event is scheduled for Wednesday evening, September 4. Please sign up in the Friendship Hall if you wish to join us! We will consider...
What is your true north? How do you stay focused, on task, moving toward your life's goals? How do you decide what goals to set? What to reach for? What is your why? Just as the answers to these questions may change for you over the years and with different stages of life, so with the life of a church, the answers to the question, "What is your why?" may change as well. Join us for a conversation about the "why," the purpose and vision, our goals for our life together as a faith community.
What is your true north? How do you stay focused, on task, moving toward your life's goals? How do you decide what goals to set? What to reach for? What is your why? Just as the answers to these questions may change for you over the years and with different stages of life, so with the life of a church, the answers to the question, "What is your why?" may change as well. Join us for a conversation about the "why," the purpose and vision, our goals for our life together as a faith community.
True North Invites You: The Spirituality of the Drum, September 4, 11am
Photo by Fellipe Ditadi on Unsplash
Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning. -Diane Ackerman, poet
The spirituality of the drum is about love, about healing and about helping all races come together.- Terry Temper, White Earth Reservation
True North warmly invites you to experience a drumming circle/experience led by West Michigan’s Josh Dunigan. Learn about Josh here.
Josh has performed and led groups in schools, in libraries, at festivals (Including Art Prize) and at Laugh Fest. His hour-long event will be held on Wednesday, September 4 at 11am, at the Friendship Hall, or if weather permits, perhaps outside. If you have your own drum, please bring it. Otherwise, Josh has drums for up to 25 people.
There is a sign-up sheet in the Friendship Hall. Be sure to specify on the sheet if you need a drum or not. Or you can sign up by e-mailing Barb Witt at: [email protected]. We ask that you please consider a donation of $10 - $20 for Josh, but it is not required. In Josh’s words, “It’s more important that everyone feel welcome than whatever amount I leave with.”
The spirituality of the drum is about love, about healing and about helping all races come together.- Terry Temper, White Earth Reservation
True North warmly invites you to experience a drumming circle/experience led by West Michigan’s Josh Dunigan. Learn about Josh here.
Josh has performed and led groups in schools, in libraries, at festivals (Including Art Prize) and at Laugh Fest. His hour-long event will be held on Wednesday, September 4 at 11am, at the Friendship Hall, or if weather permits, perhaps outside. If you have your own drum, please bring it. Otherwise, Josh has drums for up to 25 people.
There is a sign-up sheet in the Friendship Hall. Be sure to specify on the sheet if you need a drum or not. Or you can sign up by e-mailing Barb Witt at: [email protected]. We ask that you please consider a donation of $10 - $20 for Josh, but it is not required. In Josh’s words, “It’s more important that everyone feel welcome than whatever amount I leave with.”
MiniGolf Funder for Area Scholarships
Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash
The Saugatuck Woman’s Club is raising funds for scholarships for area students through their Mini Golf Fundraiser! The owners of Saugatuck Mini Golf offer special tickets for $20 each, usable all summer long. These tickets help the Woman's Club earn $15 for each ticket sold. Connect with Lynne Snyder to support local students through their purchase. She will have the special tickets with her every Sunday at church, or give her a call to arrange a pick-up. A great gift for visiting friends and family members over the summer!
Congregational Care Team, Unite!
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
The Congregational Care Team will meet again Friday, September 20 at 9am. Anyone interested in the ongoing conversation about caring ministries in DUCC is welcome! Please let Jody know of your interest and they will include you on the email for notes and agenda.
FCUCC Concert Series: Southside Denny, September 8, 3pm
At our sister church in South Haven, the Summer Concert Series next features Chicago blues guitarist/vocalist Southside Denny, who brings his charismatic style of finger-picking and slide guitar to the First Congregational UCC Summer Concert Series in South Haven on Sunday, September 8 at 3pm. Now living in Montréal, this South Bend native is touring through the Midwest in support of his new CD, “Heal It.” $20 at the door, general admission. Call Diane & Lisa for more info, (520) 370-5912. You can them know you're coming on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/bXJY1UMd3oXKP5gG/?mibextid=9l3rBW
https://www.facebook.com/share/bXJY1UMd3oXKP5gG/?mibextid=9l3rBW
It's Membership Directory Update Season!
It's time to update your information in our Instant Church Directory!
Remember, you don't have to be a church member to be included, but you do have to be in the directory to use the directory.
After church, each Sunday in September, Julie will be in the Friendship Hall to help you add or update your entry.
Of course, if you are using the phone app or the desktop app, you can make changes yourself any time you like! We hope you will make those changes by September 30!
We strongly encourage using the phone app and desktop app, which is always the most accurate and up-to-date, and because it keeps paper and ink and waste out of landfills. If you need help figuring out how to add it to your smartphone, check in with Julie Ridl, Chris Clark, or Mike VerMerris.
We nudge for updates to be made by SEPTEMBER 30 because a few of us really are not comfortable with technology and need print copies. With fresh updates, we will take orders for print versions in October.
The directory is the easiest way to find and connect with your church pals, figure out who's on which committee, manage your committee lists, and find your helpful church council members.
Remember, you don't have to be a church member to be included, but you do have to be in the directory to use the directory.
After church, each Sunday in September, Julie will be in the Friendship Hall to help you add or update your entry.
Of course, if you are using the phone app or the desktop app, you can make changes yourself any time you like! We hope you will make those changes by September 30!
We strongly encourage using the phone app and desktop app, which is always the most accurate and up-to-date, and because it keeps paper and ink and waste out of landfills. If you need help figuring out how to add it to your smartphone, check in with Julie Ridl, Chris Clark, or Mike VerMerris.
We nudge for updates to be made by SEPTEMBER 30 because a few of us really are not comfortable with technology and need print copies. With fresh updates, we will take orders for print versions in October.
The directory is the easiest way to find and connect with your church pals, figure out who's on which committee, manage your committee lists, and find your helpful church council members.
Beach Cleanup! Save the Date!
Our Creation Justice Team is planning our annual community beach cleanup for Saturday, October 5. Save the morning, and watch for details. If you can help organize the event, reach out to Kathy Klage or Brad Hopkins.
Prayer Requests
The Rienstra Family; Karen Clement (Friend of Debra Carr's); Ann and Jim Hopkins; Sally LaRowe (Linda Charvat's friend); Janice Campbell children & grandchildren (Pete Wehle's friends); Tim Mikita (Ginny Mikita's Father); James Higgins (Friend of Shane Anderson and Michael Tuleja), Joe Scarpone (Friend of Tom Fahlstrom); Fred "Fritz" Royce and Sara Hurley; Fred Hamlin; Carol Brown and Dan McGavin; John Kerr; Dave and Shirley Lawson; Ruth Fahlstrom (daughter of Tom Fahlstrom); Nancy Grib (Friend of Pamela Chappell); Stuart Family; Mary Westenbroek; Brian Aikens; Jerry Elpers and family (Beth Howley's Dad); Edie Plantinga (Nancy Plantinga's mother); Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother)
Prayers for all victims of sexual assault, that they may find justice and healing, for all in the military and their families; all who are homeless or addicted or abused or neglected or rejected or hungry; The UCC; the Grand West Association; our Church Council; our Stephen Ministers; for our Pastoral Search Team, our Church Transition Team, our church committees; our communities, our schools, our nation and our planet. And for all the people no one ever thinks to pray for.
Prayers for all victims of sexual assault, that they may find justice and healing, for all in the military and their families; all who are homeless or addicted or abused or neglected or rejected or hungry; The UCC; the Grand West Association; our Church Council; our Stephen Ministers; for our Pastoral Search Team, our Church Transition Team, our church committees; our communities, our schools, our nation and our planet. And for all the people no one ever thinks to pray for.
Calendar View
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays: September 1: Anita Giltner, Gloria Larrieu;
September 3: Dennis Konarski
Anniversaries: September 6: Julie Hebding
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.
September 3: Dennis Konarski
Anniversaries: September 6: Julie Hebding
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.
Reports & Minutes
Getty Image on Unsplash
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Grant Proposals
Photo by Michele Henderson on UnSplash.
Know a worthy non-profit in need of some financial support? Download and send them the application below, or connect with any member of our Grant Proposal Team. You'll find them here.
| 6_2022_ducc_grant_application_form.docx |
Stewardship Drive
Stewardship Drive Giving Week ending August 25:
Pledges to Date = $228,800.00
Pledge Fulfillment to date = $155,334.02
Thank you to all who pledged toward our Campus Stewardship Drive. Weekly Stewardship Drive totals are posted here and on the giant ‘thermometer’ poster in the Friendship Hall. If you have not received a pledge card, you can pick one up in the Friendship Hall. Or you can help us reach our goal of $275,000 by giving online here:
Pledges to Date = $228,800.00
Pledge Fulfillment to date = $155,334.02
Thank you to all who pledged toward our Campus Stewardship Drive. Weekly Stewardship Drive totals are posted here and on the giant ‘thermometer’ poster in the Friendship Hall. If you have not received a pledge card, you can pick one up in the Friendship Hall. Or you can help us reach our goal of $275,000 by giving online here:
Financial Stewardship
In-Person Attendance, August 25: 103
Total Views for August 25 worship videos: 144
Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $3,392.00
Online Giving: $2,408.51
Total, General Support: $5,800.51
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service in the world. Please consider giving online, which is easily done by
texting your donation amount to 844-931-2849.
Total Views for August 25 worship videos: 144
Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $3,392.00
Online Giving: $2,408.51
Total, General Support: $5,800.51
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service in the world. Please consider giving online, which is easily done by
texting your donation amount to 844-931-2849.
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