 Photo by Dan Plasman In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Fifth Sunday in Lent |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns, March 22, 2026 |
Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of March 22: Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Jody Claire's Office Hours: Tuesday: 10-4pm Wednesday: 10-4:30pm Thursday: 10-4:30pm (work from home) Friday: 10-4pm 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. If you get an email asking for money from Jody or Dan, this is a scam. Do not reply. Please note, Jody and Dan will respond to emails during office hours. 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.
*Note New Dates: April 12, 26, and May 10
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash
Sundays April 12, 26 and 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.
Friends of Christian Neighbors Spring Benefit
Save the Date, 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!
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.
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.
If interested, please contact Bert Hallewas by email below, or 248-462-9345.
Easter Lily Orders, Due Sunday! *Note New Date
On Easter Sunday, it's our tradition at Douglas UCC to fill our altar with Easter Lilies, offered in honor of, or in memory of our friends and loved ones. Can you help us accomplish this?
You can order lilies (and tell us who they are in honor or memory of) for $15 apiece either by using the lily envelopes in the church pews, or sending an email to Claire.
If you choose to email your order to Claire, you will receive a bill from DUCC's treasurer,
Wayne Titus from Quick books.
After the Easter service, you can take your lilies home with you if you wish!
Orders due by this Sunday, March, 22!
You can order lilies (and tell us who they are in honor or memory of) for $15 apiece either by using the lily envelopes in the church pews, or sending an email to Claire.
If you choose to email your order to Claire, you will receive a bill from DUCC's treasurer,
Wayne Titus from Quick books.
After the Easter service, you can take your lilies home with you if you wish!
Orders due by this Sunday, March, 22!
Good Friday Service at DUCC, April 3, 7pm
Photo by Andres F. Uran on Unsplash
Sunday Pancake Breakfast, April 19
No Second Sunday Luncheon in April
In April we will have a Pancake Breakfast in the Friendship Hall on Sunday, April 19
No Second Sunday Luncheon in April.
Thank you, once again, to our church member, John Willming and his team of volunteers, for facilitating the breakfast. It is always a fun way to celebrate together!
No Second Sunday Luncheon in April.
Thank you, once again, to our church member, John Willming and his team of volunteers, for facilitating the breakfast. It is always a fun way to celebrate together!
Creation Justice Team - Book Read
The Book is Night Magic
Photo by Harshit Suryawanshi on Unsplash
On Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm
the Saugatuck Douglas District Library
There will be a book discussion. The book is called Night Magic and it is described as Adventures among glowworms, moon gardens and other marvels of the dark.
The library has extra copies so you can check out one and come to the discussion. You can come whether or not you have read the book. Just good to connect with other people who are learning about life in the night. All are Welcome!
the Saugatuck Douglas District Library
There will be a book discussion. The book is called Night Magic and it is described as Adventures among glowworms, moon gardens and other marvels of the dark.
The library has extra copies so you can check out one and come to the discussion. You can come whether or not you have read the book. Just good to connect with other people who are learning about life in the night. All are Welcome!
One Great Hour of Sharing
Lenten UCC Offering
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The work supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering — disaster relief, addressing hunger, poverty, and climate change, immigration/migration and refugee services — aids individuals and communities in need.
This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope. OGHS helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. We will receive this offering during Lent.
Please place your contribution in an envelope labeled OGHS in the offering plate on Sunday or drop it off at the office during office hours or mail it to PO Box 519 Douglas 49406.
This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope. OGHS helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. We will receive this offering during Lent.
Please place your contribution in an envelope labeled OGHS in the offering plate on Sunday or drop it off at the office during office hours or mail it to PO Box 519 Douglas 49406.
The Archives Team - Requests for Archives
| The Archive Committee (Karen Clark and Betsy York) are looking for items that might belong in the church archive. Any important documents, artifacts, or other items that have historical or legal information will be accepted and later sorted. Please label the outside of the box with a list of contents. Drop them off at IGC after you call the office and make sure someone is there to open the door. The boxes can be left in the common room in the corner. Items need to get to the IGC around the end of March. Thank you. |  |
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.
Interim Campus Steward and Building/Grounds
 |  |
We are looking for an Interim Campus Steward. No Council membership or meetings are required. The main responsibilities will be keeping up with the necessary maintenance issues until the June Council elections. Pastor Dan is willing to work with this person as support. There also are documents describing these ongoing items for reference. If you feel a calling to step in to this very important short term role, or have questions, please contact Pastor Dan.
We are also looking for people with skills and passion for things related to the upkeep
and management of our campus who would be interested in joining a Building and Grounds Team. This team is not an ongoing commitment, it is more of a resource group when things need to get done around campus. If you take pride in maintaining a clean and orderly space, have experience with maintenance of structures and equipment, or just enjoy helping out with tasks that need regular attention related to building and property, this Team is for you!
Please contact Pastor Dan by email with your interest.
We are also looking for people with skills and passion for things related to the upkeep
and management of our campus who would be interested in joining a Building and Grounds Team. This team is not an ongoing commitment, it is more of a resource group when things need to get done around campus. If you take pride in maintaining a clean and orderly space, have experience with maintenance of structures and equipment, or just enjoy helping out with tasks that need regular attention related to building and property, this Team is for you!
Please contact Pastor Dan by email with your interest.
This Year's Lenten Installation
Many Thanks to the Art Guild for their Lenten Art Installation this year.
During Lent, the church invites us into a quieter, more honest space. That’s what this installation is doing. The plain muslin covers everything that’s normally familiar and comforting—it asks us to sit with simplicity and absence. The branch is rough and imperfect, like us, shaped by time and struggle. This space is meant to feel bare on purpose—so we can notice what we usually rush past, and listen a little more closely.
This installation strips the sanctuary down to essentials, just as Lent asks us to strip our lives down to what truly matters.
• The unbleached muslin covers the altar and sacraments without decoration or color. It’s intentionally plain—unfinished, honest, and humble. It represents laying aside excess, comfort, and distraction so we can face ourselves and God more truthfully.
• The bare branch is gnarly, weathered, and alive despite its harshness. It symbolizes our human condition—scarred by life, shaped by struggle, yet still capable of growth. It also echoes the wilderness, the desert, and the cross without illustrating them directly.
• Together, the fabric and branch create a space that feels unfinished—because Lent is unfinished work. It’s not about arrival, but about becoming.
This is not meant to be beautiful in a decorative sense. It’s meant to be honest.
During Lent, the church invites us into a quieter, more honest space. That’s what this installation is doing. The plain muslin covers everything that’s normally familiar and comforting—it asks us to sit with simplicity and absence. The branch is rough and imperfect, like us, shaped by time and struggle. This space is meant to feel bare on purpose—so we can notice what we usually rush past, and listen a little more closely.
This installation strips the sanctuary down to essentials, just as Lent asks us to strip our lives down to what truly matters.
• The unbleached muslin covers the altar and sacraments without decoration or color. It’s intentionally plain—unfinished, honest, and humble. It represents laying aside excess, comfort, and distraction so we can face ourselves and God more truthfully.
• The bare branch is gnarly, weathered, and alive despite its harshness. It symbolizes our human condition—scarred by life, shaped by struggle, yet still capable of growth. It also echoes the wilderness, the desert, and the cross without illustrating them directly.
• Together, the fabric and branch create a space that feels unfinished—because Lent is unfinished work. It’s not about arrival, but about becoming.
This is not meant to be beautiful in a decorative sense. It’s meant to be honest.
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, 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.
Paul Burdick @ 616-856-1372, Mike Valdez @ 616-990-1126,
Pat Denner @ 269-509-2911, Doug Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
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.
Paul Burdick @ 616-856-1372, Mike Valdez @ 616-990-1126,
Pat Denner @ 269-509-2911, Doug Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed
Photo by cindy fernandez on Unsplash
New remote sign up method for DUCC coffee hour volunteers.
The coffee committee is hoping to get more volunteers involved in staffing the coffee hour after Sunday services. Making coffee takes only about 10-15 minutes of your time prior to church, or helping with the cleanup can take about 30 minutes. Once or twice a year, or as often as you'd like, helps to avoid burnout of the current volunteers.
You will be paired with a "buddy" to show you the ropes (and the coffee grinds!).
And now you can sign up remotely, from anywhere at any time. Easy peasy!
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas
To sign up (or just to "look at") the remote sign up sheet, please click below, or use the QR code:
The coffee committee is hoping to get more volunteers involved in staffing the coffee hour after Sunday services. Making coffee takes only about 10-15 minutes of your time prior to church, or helping with the cleanup can take about 30 minutes. Once or twice a year, or as often as you'd like, helps to avoid burnout of the current volunteers.
You will be paired with a "buddy" to show you the ropes (and the coffee grinds!).
And now you can sign up remotely, from anywhere at any time. Easy peasy!
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas
To sign up (or just to "look at") the remote sign up sheet, please click below, or use the QR code:
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by SOHAM BANERJEE 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
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); Joy Like A River UCC
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); Joy Like A River UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
March 25: Meredith Ridl
March 26: Bill Underdown, Joshua Austhof
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.
March 25: Meredith Ridl
March 26: Bill Underdown, Joshua Austhof
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.
Easy Way to Change Your Contribution
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 |
Last Weeks Service: Fourth Sunday in Lent
The Rest of the Story
Photo by Edi Libedinsky on Unsplash
Last Sunday Pastor Dan, invited us to see the "the rest of the story" Some days are harder than others to behold the miraculous. The gospel writers record that Jesus performed 37 miracles, including healing a man born blind. I'm not going to argue against miracles! I think I've experienced a few. We heard a miracle story. Jesus heals a man blind from birth by smearing a bit of mud on his eyelids. Pastor Dan, shared that it wasn't the healing that troubled him so, it was the reaction of the religious leaders who said "No!" and mercilessly interrogate the man who can now see. Healing often doesn't come the way we expect it -- but God's love never fails. Watch and listen to the full service, or his message below.
Financial Stewardship
March 15 In-Person Attendance : 58
March 15 Total Views for worship videos: 88
Weekly Offerings: $3637
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $978
One Great Hour of Sharing: $110
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
March 15 Total Views for worship videos: 88
Weekly Offerings: $3637
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $978
One Great Hour of Sharing: $110
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
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
Palm Sunday Path - Church Members Walk from All Over Michigan
Photo by Matt Barton on Unsplash
Church members from all over Michigan and from many denominations will walk from Pilgrim UCC, in Lansing to the State Capitol waving palm branches on Sunday March 29. The walk begins at 3pm. At the Capitol there will be speakers and prayers and singing for about an hour. If you would like the training video please text Anne Dooley 312-961- 6135. If you have questions or would like to sign up with the DUCC group please text or email Anne. All are welcome!
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
Joy Like A River UCC - March 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 Hudsonville UCC and Joy Like A River UCC in our prayers
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Hudsonville UCC and Joy Like A River UCC in our prayers
CLASSES
Qigong, Tuesdays at 3pm - Friendship Hall
Tea Time Afterwards at 4pm
Photo by Sajad Nori 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.
Financial Literacy Series
Next Session This Wednesday, May 6
Next session is on Wednesday, May 6 2026
In the Friendship Hall
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.
In the Friendship Hall
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.
AROUND TOWN
Rooted in Light - A Celebration of the Earth with Music, Photography, Poetry, March, 22
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
New Dates: April 1st and 15th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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