Fifth Sunday of Pride

6/27/2025

Photo by Ken Whytock on Unsplash

In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:

BEING THE CHURCH

This Week's Service: Fifth Sunday of Pride -- The Day We Come Together
Last Week's Service: Fourth Sunday of Pride Month -- Welcome Ruth Crowe!
Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
Congregational Meeting After Church THIS SUNDAY
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready.
Say Goodbye to Single Use Plastics at DUCC, Effective July 1
Communications Team, Unite!
Church Office Greeters -- Could This Be You?
Recycling Reminders!
Prayer Requests
Birthdays & Anniversaries This Week
Financial Stewardship
Reports & Minutes
Church Calendar

VOLUNTEERING & GIVING

Letters for Gaza

CLASSES

Qigong is back! Tuesdays at 3pm, Retreat House Lawn

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!

Come See Us at Holland Pride in KOLLEN PARK, June 28

AROUND TOWN

Jim! Shannon! Virginia! -- Tickets at the Door! Relativity Redux at Saugatuck Woman's Club June 28 and 29
DUCC Men's Coffee & Conversation

BEING THE CHURCH

This Week's Service: Fifth Sunday of Pride:
The Day We Come Together

Photo by Camilo Rueda Lopez on Unsplash

Why does the Progressive Pride flag include the black and brown stripes, you might ask? Does this have anything to do with LGBTQIA+ justice? The short answer is that yes, it makes what's assumed obvious, by connecting those who have intersectional identities which have been discriminated against. This week we will speak about the obvious; for too long people of color in our country have lived under the influence of institutions that perpetuate racism including; educational opportunities, health care availabilty, economic realities, social justice, etc. These truths affect those of us in the dominant culture, as well. What can we do to make a difference? The call is clear. Join us to seek to understand what it means when the writer of Galatians writes "no Jew or Gentile, no slave or free, no male or female."

Please join us on Sunday at 10am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel.
Message: Rev. Jody Betten
Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Max Brown
You will always find our latest church bulletin and service music at Bit.ly/DUCCBulletin

ducc_online_program_june_29_2025.pdf
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Last Week's Service: Fourth Sunday of Pride Month -- Welcome Ruth Crowe!

On Fourth Sunday of Pride, we welcomed local artist Ruth Crowe. In describing herself she writes: “I have worn many hats in my life (US Army, Los Angeles Police Dept, College Softball Coach) but none gives me greater pleasure than the hat of the artist. It is filled with contradictions. It is a tough life. Yet the easiest. It is pressure filled. Yet joyful. It is painful. Yet rewarding. It is what we do.” To behold Ruth’s creations is to bear witness to an artistic “Spirit” who moves where she will. Click on the image above to watch the whole service, and the button below to watch her moving and empowering message.

And then visit Ruth’s gallery at 36 Center Street in downtown Douglas. Stop in to thank her!

Here's Ruth's Message»»

Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week

For the Week of June 29

Wednesday, July 2: Jody, 10am to 4pm
Thursday, July 3: Jody, 10am to 3pm

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 call to schedule an appointment:
Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293

Congregational Meeting After Church THIS SUNDAY

Our Annual Congregational Meeting is June 29, 2025, immediately following the Sunday service in the Friendship Hall.

The agenda will include a vote to approve the budget for 2025-26 (attached, below), a progress report about capital improvements to the campus and the Campus Stewardship Drive, a summary of church activities in the past year, and a vote to install new members to Church Council, among other agenda items.

The current Council will present the following slate of three candidates for leadership positions on the 2025-26 Church Council:

Barb Witt, Moderator Barb brings expertise as an HR professional with a background in organizational development.
Wayne Titus, Treasurer Wayne brings expertise in financial management and best practices for fiscal responsibility.
Bill Briggs, Financial Secretary Bill brings expertise in education and organizational management.

DUCC is grateful for the service of the following Council members: Mark Johnston, Moderator (resigned and moved in March); Stacy Honson, Treasurer (2 two-year terms); Jim Kern, Financial Secretary (2 two-year terms); and Mike Mok, At-large (1 two-year term).

We sincerely hope you will participate in this important annual meeting of the congregation.

A Zoom link for the meeting will be provided to church members upon request. Just write to Julie to request the link before June 28.

We will be voting to accept the draft minutes from last year (posted below), and on new officers for the church, and our budget (posted below), so all members' attendance is highly encouraged!

budget_2026_and_2025_projected_-_google_sheets.pdf
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june_2024_annual_congregational_meeting_minutes__1_.pdf
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Listening Ear: The Power of Being Heard

Photo by Brett Jordan 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, 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.

Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready.

Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash

We are in the process of scheduling a Reception during Sunday worship for our newest members. If you are interested in membership at DUCC but haven’t taken the Inquirers Class, please reach out to Jody (text 616–706-3549, or write [email protected]). We’ll get you ready to join us!

Say Goodbye to Single Use Plastics at DUCC, Effective July 1

Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

Effective July 1, 2025, our church will no longer use these single-use plastic items in our buildings or at church-sponsored activities:

Beverage bottles (water, juice, soda, etc.),
Straws and stirrers,
Cups and plates,
Knives, forks, and spoons,
K-cups (used in Keurig-type coffee makers), and
Communion cups.

The church will also work to eliminate plastic wrap and storage bags. Preferred materials include reusable glass, metal, or ceramics; recyclable uncoated paper; and biodegradable bamboo or palm leaf.

This measure was proposed by the Creation Justice Team and approved by the Church Council on February 25. In July, the Creation Justice Team will make a presentation on this topic, with time for questions and answers.

Communications Team, Unite!

Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash

Got writing, posting, speaking, photography, design, outreach skills? Why don't you join our newly forming Communications Team for folks with skills who will broaden the messaging of DUCC to our communities, to guests who visit, to one another. Share the happenings in the church. Our neighbors should know about this community, don't you think? Reach out to Barb Witt if you have interest and this sounds like fun, because yes, this kind of work is always fun.

Church Office Greeters -- Could This Be You?

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

The church office at 88 Spring Street needs a small team of greeters who create a welcoming presence during office hours, help direct people to the events and happenings at Douglas UCC, answer the phone, pass along messages, and connect people with information on all the happenings in this busy church. Familiarity with the use of office equipment, a friendly demeanor, and willingness to team up with other greeters to establish and strengthen this important team is all we're looking for. See the opening announcement below and note the June 30 deadline for sharing your interest!

office_greeters_opening__1_.pdf
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Recycling Reminders!

Hi folks. Gentle reminder from our Creation Justice Team and Laurie, our patient and hardworking custodian... When using our recycling and trash stations on campus, please be aware of what can be recycled and what cannot (in the cannot category are used tissues, paper plates and cups). Our patient custodian is left picking through the garbage when we don't quite get it right, so let's help her out and learn! And remember, when in doubt, it's trash.

Prayer Requests

Debra Carr and Carr Family; Orie Hawkes; Tony & Stephanie (Wendy Hamlin's family); Maciek (Matt) Wozniak (Robert Fisher's partner); Family of Fred Hamlin; Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Rich Marth; Christine Kerney; Nancy Plantinga and her family; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; James Higgins (friend of Shane Anderson and Michael Tuleja), Joe Scarpone (friend of Tom Fahlstrom); John Kerr; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mary Westenbroek; Jerry Elpers and family (Beth Howley's dad); Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother)

Birthdays & Anniversaries This Week

Birthdays: June 29- Jodi Berault, July 2- Greg Harvath,

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.
Battling Power outage! Stay tuned!

Financial Stewardship

In-Person Attendance, June 22: 82
Total Views for June 22 worship videos: 233

Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $2,129.23
Online Giving: $4,257
Total, General Support: $6,386.23
Strengthen the Church Collection: $50

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.

Reports & Minutes

approved_church_council_minutes_may-27_2025.pdf
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pastors_report_june_2025.docx
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Church Calendar

When you have events to schedule anywhere on campus, click the button below, scan the calendar for a spot, then contact [email protected] to make your reservation. Reservations are first come, first served. Emailing is always best so she can keep track of requests.

Church Calendar Online»»

VOLUNTEERING & GIVING

Letters for Gaza

Here's an opportunity to add to our prayers for Gaza: A letter-writing campaign to participate in and share with your friends and neighbors. It's always a good time to demand action from our representatives. The power of now is joining in a national movement to do so.

Participate Here»»

CLASSES

Qigong is back! Tuesdays at 3pm, Retreat House Lawn

Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash

Once again Kat VanHammen will be offering Qigong at the backyard of the Retreat House on Tuesdays at 3pm. 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.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!

Come See Us at Holland Pride in KOLLEN PARK, June 28

HOLLAND PRIDE IS MOVING TO BEAUTIFUL KOLLEN PARK THIS YEAR!
240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland, MI

Read All About It Right Here: https://www.outonthelakeshore.org/events

Out On the Lakeshore is proud to present the 2025 Holland PRIDE Festival!
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 1 pm to 6 pm

And Douglas UCC will be there! So! We need Pride Booth Volunteers for:

loading & transportation
set-up
booth representatives
tear-down and return to Douglas

See the sign-up sheet in the Isabel Graham Center or see Holland Pride Representatives:

Pastor Dan Plasman [email protected]
or
Dennis Konarski [email protected]

AROUND TOWN

Jim! Shannon! Virginia! -- Tickets at the Door! Relativity Redux at Saugatuck Woman's Club June 28 and 29

Our church members Jim Kern, Shannon Connell, and Virginia Stuart are reprising their roles in Mark St. Germain's "Relativity," with performances June 28 and 29 at 7pm, at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler Street in Saugatuck. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Relativity (which this trio mounted here at DUCC last year to help fund our building projects) is a remarkable play about the little-known (shocking?) story of Albert Einstein's famiy life. It is set in 1948, in Princeton, NJ, where Einstein (Jim Kern) continues to research, advise, and teach. As the play opens, he is 69 years old and well beyond his crowning revelation of E=MC(2). Other characters are Miss Dukas, his live-in housekeeper (Virginia Stuart), and Margaret Harding, a journalist who approaches him about conducting an interview with him (Shannon Connell). As the play evolves, the mysterious circumstances of Einstein’s first child’s death reveal a dark secret from his past, and Einstein and Margaret must come to terms with the secret and the consequences of his past decisions. Ultimately, Relativity asks “what if?” and provides a probative glimpse into the great man who may not have been a good man.

Relativity is for mature audiences, not because of language or sexual content, but because it is a thoughtful, compelling story about adult decisions and filled with intellectually challenging arguments and questions. It runs about 75 minutes without intermission.