 Photo by Cybèle and Bevan on Unsplash In This Week's E-pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Fifth Sunday of Easter |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns May 3, 2026 |
Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of May 3: Dan & Jody: Will be out of the office from Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8. They will be checking email each morning. Claire's Office Hours: Tuesday: 10-4pm Wednesday: 10-4:30pm Thursday: 10-4:30pm Friday: 10-4:30pm Please note, Jody and Dan will respond to emails during office hours. If you get an email asking for money from Jody or Dan, this is a scam. Do not reply. Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. At times they are in Douglas but not at the office. Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293; Office: 269-857-2085 |
Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready!
Dates: Sunday, May 10
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash
Sunday May 10 for those who are interested in becoming a member of Douglas UCC or who just want more information, please join us for these informative sessions on The United Church of Christ, Progressive Christianity, and Membership in Douglas UCC. Please sign up on the Welcome Card in the seat rack, or email Jody of your interest.
Join Us for Second Sunday Luncheon, May 10
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Second Sunday Luncheon
May 10 after service
Friendship Hall
May 10 after service
Friendship Hall
Please join us as we encourage one another over good food and conversation. Bring
what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread, etc.). If you can't bring anything,
please bring yourself and a friend. All are welcome!
Thank you to everyone who helps make our Luncheons go smoothly.
If you are interested in helping with set up, clean up, or to provide food for the
luncheons, please email Kelly Jacobsma.
what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread, etc.). If you can't bring anything,
please bring yourself and a friend. All are welcome!
Thank you to everyone who helps make our Luncheons go smoothly.
If you are interested in helping with set up, clean up, or to provide food for the
luncheons, please email Kelly Jacobsma.
Friends of Christian Neighbors Spring Benefit
This Sunday, May 3!
Please mark your calendars for Sunday May 3, 2026
1-3 PM at the Saugatuck Yacht Club.
A $75 donation (or more), per person, is requested.
All proceeds benefit Christian Neighbors (501c3).
1-3 PM at the Saugatuck Yacht Club.
A $75 donation (or more), per person, is requested.
All proceeds benefit Christian Neighbors (501c3).
This year, the annual fundraiser for Christian Neighbors is coordinated by our Douglas UCC, in cooperation with several local churches. We are still looking for volunteers on the committee to plan and/or staff the event; logistics, food, publicity, sponsorships, etc... One or two meetings a month is all it takes. Attending the Benefit without volunteering is very important also! If interested, please contact Bert Hallewas by email below, or 248-462-9345.
For all payments: please write in memo line: "2026 Spring Benefit".
Checks can be written to "Christian Neighbors" at the event, or mailed ahead of time to: DUCC PO Box 19 Douglas, MI 49406. Electronic payments are possible by debit/credit card, PayPal and Zelle. Please use the QR codes below.
For all payments: please write in memo line: "2026 Spring Benefit".
Checks can be written to "Christian Neighbors" at the event, or mailed ahead of time to: DUCC PO Box 19 Douglas, MI 49406. Electronic payments are possible by debit/credit card, PayPal and Zelle. Please use the QR codes below.
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Nomination Committee Update
An Invitation to Shared Leadership
At our Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, DUCC affirmed a desire to move toward a more transparent and intentional process for identifying Church Council leadership. In response, a Nominating Committee has been formed to guide this effort in a spirit of prayerful discernment and shared ministry.
The Nominating Committee includes:
At-Large members of Church Council play an important role in our shared leadership model. They serve as connectors—helping strengthen communication between committees, Council, and the congregation, while participating in the ongoing work of guiding our church’s mission.
This is an exciting time in the life of DUCC as we continue to grow as a shared leadership community.
If you feel a nudge—or even a quiet curiosity—about serving in this way, we warmly invite you to reach out to any member of the Nominating Committee. We would welcome a conversation with you as you explore whether this might be a place where your gifts and sense of calling could serve the life of our church.
We look forward to this journey of discernment together.
The Nominating Committee includes:
- Wayne Titus (Chair, Council Representative)
- Bernice Lopata (Council Representative)
- Linda Page - McWebb (Congregational Representative)
- Barbara Lucier (Congregational Representative)
At-Large members of Church Council play an important role in our shared leadership model. They serve as connectors—helping strengthen communication between committees, Council, and the congregation, while participating in the ongoing work of guiding our church’s mission.
This is an exciting time in the life of DUCC as we continue to grow as a shared leadership community.
If you feel a nudge—or even a quiet curiosity—about serving in this way, we warmly invite you to reach out to any member of the Nominating Committee. We would welcome a conversation with you as you explore whether this might be a place where your gifts and sense of calling could serve the life of our church.
We look forward to this journey of discernment together.
Two Sunday Services, Begin May 31!
All Are Welcome!
Second Sunday Service from May 31 – Sept 6
8:15 and 10:15 with Coffee Hour between
8:15 and 10:15 with Coffee Hour between
Douglas United Church of Christ has prayerfully considered adding a second worship service for the summer season. This conversation arises out of gratitude for the vibrant, welcoming
community we have become—and a desire to steward that growth faithfully.
Our goals are to open the doors to visitors and guests while continuing our care for our current
members. When guests walk through the doors we imagine they are met with extravagant
welcome and genuine connection. This spirit is a hallmark of our congregation and a reflection
of our shared ministry.
At the same time, our current worship service is often at or near capacity. Seating can be
limited—particularly for families, couples, or small groups wishing to sit together—and this can
unintentionally create barriers for newcomers and longtime participants alike.
Being at or near maximum capacity limits our ability to grow, to welcome, and to respond to the movement of the Spirit among us. We want to continue to invite deeper participation in the life of the church—providing meaningful opportunities for people to grow in faith, love, and
community.
DUCC has successfully offered two worship services in the past. Given our current level of
participation we revisited that idea with a team of ten volunteer congregants and church leaders.
This discernment was not simply about numbers or logistics. It is about hospitality,
sustainability, and faithfulness—creating space where all who seek community, meaning, and
God’s love can gather, worship, and belong.
Our Coffee Hour will continue between the services, a place for expanding that warm welcome
to friends and guests alike!
We are excited to see what new opportunities will emerge from this new offering!
Ad Hoc Team: Carol Rice, Virginia Stuart, Paul Lucas, Barb Lucier, Bill Briggs, Barb Witt,
Jody Betten, Jan DeVries, Peter Black, Mike VerMerris, Jeff Spangler
community we have become—and a desire to steward that growth faithfully.
Our goals are to open the doors to visitors and guests while continuing our care for our current
members. When guests walk through the doors we imagine they are met with extravagant
welcome and genuine connection. This spirit is a hallmark of our congregation and a reflection
of our shared ministry.
At the same time, our current worship service is often at or near capacity. Seating can be
limited—particularly for families, couples, or small groups wishing to sit together—and this can
unintentionally create barriers for newcomers and longtime participants alike.
Being at or near maximum capacity limits our ability to grow, to welcome, and to respond to the movement of the Spirit among us. We want to continue to invite deeper participation in the life of the church—providing meaningful opportunities for people to grow in faith, love, and
community.
DUCC has successfully offered two worship services in the past. Given our current level of
participation we revisited that idea with a team of ten volunteer congregants and church leaders.
This discernment was not simply about numbers or logistics. It is about hospitality,
sustainability, and faithfulness—creating space where all who seek community, meaning, and
God’s love can gather, worship, and belong.
Our Coffee Hour will continue between the services, a place for expanding that warm welcome
to friends and guests alike!
We are excited to see what new opportunities will emerge from this new offering!
Ad Hoc Team: Carol Rice, Virginia Stuart, Paul Lucas, Barb Lucier, Bill Briggs, Barb Witt,
Jody Betten, Jan DeVries, Peter Black, Mike VerMerris, Jeff Spangler
Creation Justice - Friends of the Dark Sky
Join Our Church/Community Google Group
With the leadership of Chris Clark, and the support of the Creation Justice Team, 5 events were part of the Dark Sky Week. This special week takes place all over the world. The champion organization is International Dark Sky based in Tucson. Darksky.org. Today, a special Google group set up by Chris to include both people from our church and people from the community called, Friends of the Dark Sky, has 43 names. If you would like to join this group, see Chris Clark. Thanks everyone for a very successful week. Betsy York, Chair
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our listeners are available at the Retreat House
In Person, or by Phone
Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
In Person, or by Phone
Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
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, 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.
P. Burdick @ 616-856-1372, M. Valdez @ 616-990-1126, D. Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, 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.
P. Burdick @ 616-856-1372, M. Valdez @ 616-990-1126, D. Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
Prayer Requests
Jenny O'Neal (friend of Laurie VanDenBelt & Shirley Lawson); Martha Longpre Dooley (Anne Dooley's mother); Virginia Stuart; Family of Alan Gibson (Kirsten Stannis's Father); 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; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom) Mary Westenbroek; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew);
Lowell First Congregational UCC
Lowell First Congregational UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
May 4: Virginia Stuart
May 7: Cathy North
May 8: Brayden Stratbucker, Zella Stratbucker
ANNIVERSARIES
May 7: Lauri & Jim Sullivan
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.
May 4: Virginia Stuart
May 7: Cathy North
May 8: Brayden Stratbucker, Zella Stratbucker
ANNIVERSARIES
May 7: Lauri & Jim Sullivan
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.
Financial Stewardship
April 26 In-Person Attendance : 77
April 26 Total Views for worship videos: 86
Weekly Offerings: $2,408
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$2,206
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
April 26 Total Views for worship videos: 86
Weekly Offerings: $2,408
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$2,206
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
Last Weeks Service: Fourth Sunday of Easter
A Winsome Community
Photo by Markus Kammermann on Unsplash
An Easter Community, what might that look like? What do a vibrant, attractive group of faithful people do? What makes them attractive? Finding favor with the world, drawing others to them, according to our story for last Sunday. Some descriptors; winsome, vital, compelling, inspiring. What else? What do you look for in a place to gather? What might others, who are different from you, look for? Pastor Jody asked for us to bring our ideas to the conversation last Sunday. Click below to watch the full service.
Church Calendar
Photo by Samuel Regan on Unsplash
THANK YOUs
Thanks to Paul Lucas for the New Flags!
Photo by Dan Plasman
Thanks to Paul Lucas for the purchase and installation of three new flags. From left to right: International / American / Pride
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Photo by Wu Yi on Unsplash
Lowell UCC - May Church of the Month
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Lowell UCC
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Lowell UCC
CLASSES
Financial Literacy Series: This Wednesday May 6 Planned Giving & Charitable Intent Strategies
Fascinating Financial Talks for Seniors (and others)
This Wednesday, May 6 2026
In the Friendship Hall 6-7:30pm
January through June (not April)
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.
Wayne can send you preparatory information.
This Wednesday, May 6 2026
In the Friendship Hall 6-7:30pm
January through June (not April)
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.
Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Qigong, Tuesdays at 3pm - Friendship Hall
Tea Time Afterwards at 4pm
Photo by Enzo Sanches on Unsplash
Qigong Winter Class
Tuesdays, 3pm - 4 pm
Followed by Tea/Chat 4 - 5pm
Friendship Hall
Led by Kat VanHammen
Tuesdays, 3pm - 4 pm
Followed by Tea/Chat 4 - 5pm
Friendship Hall
Led by Kat VanHammen
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.
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.
AROUND TOWN
Soul Collage, May 9, The Story of Hands
What We Hold, Treasure & Need to Release
Carsie Blanton, Singer/Songwriter/Activist
Kicks off tour in Saugatuck, May 12
Your Support Matters: All profit will directly support Todos Bienvenidos providing legal aid, emergency financial assistance, food, sanctuary, and housing support. Carsie Blanton and local musicians are donating their time and talent to help us turn fear into hope and show that Southwest Michigan stands with its immigrant community.
Walking Together to Fight Hunger
CROP Walk, May 17
For over 50 years, CROP Hunger Walks have fought hunger locally and worldwide. Our goal is $10,000 by May 17—and we’re already halfway there. Help push us across the finish line: donate, raise funds, walk, or all three! One-quarter of what we raise stays local, supporting food banks. Make a difference today.
Shamanic Experience with Ruth Zwald
The 8 C's & Our Process of Centering, May 17
Can You Support Team Donovan in MS Walk for a Cure, May 30?
Each year, Team Donovan hits the road, raising money to fuel research for a cure and treatments for people with Multiple Sclerosis, like our church member Sarah Donovan. Sarah & her team invite you to walk with her, and/or support her team on their May 30 walk in Grand Rapids. It's so easy to donate online here:
DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV is Needed
Photo by Karson Chan on Unsplash
A Used SUV is Needed. DUCC’s Afghan Family is a growing family of 6 and they have
an immediate need for a larger vehicle than their Prius. If you are considering selling a
used SUV at a reasonable price, they would be grateful to be considered. If you can
assist, please contact Bob (312-636-7657) or Louise (847-800-4236) Kenny.
Thank you.
an immediate need for a larger vehicle than their Prius. If you are considering selling a
used SUV at a reasonable price, they would be grateful to be considered. If you can
assist, please contact Bob (312-636-7657) or Louise (847-800-4236) Kenny.
Thank you.
Stand in Protest
Photo by Alex Radelich on Unsplash
The protests against Huizenga and the Trump administration continue each Friday from
12-1 pm at 170 College Ave., the corner of College and 7th in Holland. We need more to demonstrate, so please come join us as we continue to bring attention to the wrong doing going on in our country. Looking forward to seeing you there.
12-1 pm at 170 College Ave., the corner of College and 7th in Holland. We need more to demonstrate, so please come join us as we continue to bring attention to the wrong doing going on in our country. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
DUCC MEN, JOIN US!
Men's Coffee & Conversation
1st and 3rd Wednesday @ 10am
New Dates: May 6th and 20th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
Men's Coffee & Conversation
1st and 3rd Wednesday @ 10am
New Dates: May 6th and 20th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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