 Photo by karina trinidad on Unsplash In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find
This Week's Service: Recognizing Burning Bushes When You See Them Photo by Dan Plasman Even people who don't know much about the Bible, no doubt, know something about the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3. It's a story that invites a host of questions: Where do I find God? Does God speak to me? What task am I being called to do? What does it mean to say "Here I am?" Can I say NO? I love this quote from artist Jan Richardson, "You will know your path not by how it shines before you but by how it burns within you." Hope you can join us this Sunday either onsite or online. Please join us, Sunday at 8:15 or 10:15 am in our Sanctuary, or 10:15 am online, live on our Youtube Channel. Message: Rev. Dan Plasman Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler 
Two Summer Services - 8:15 or 10:15am |
|||||||
 | For The Week of August 30: Tuesday: 2-7pm, Jody Wednesday: 10-3, Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Dan & Jody Claire's Office Hours: Tuesday: 12-4pm Wednesday: 9-4pm Thursday: 10-5pm Friday: 9-4pm Dan and Jody each work half time. Some of their hours each week are worked in their home office. Some of their hours are spent in Douglas. Some of their hours in Douglas are in the office and some are in the community. If you would like to meet with one of them, please contact them directly by text or email to set up a time. Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293; If you receive an email from Jody or Dan asking for money, this is a scam. |
DUCC Campus Custodian Needed
DUCC is looking for a reliable, detail-oriented person to help care for our campus.
The Campus Custodian helps keep our church buildings and grounds clean, safe,
welcoming, and ready for Sunday activities, programs, meetings, rentals, and
community guests.
We’re looking for someone who:
by agreement.
Interested—or know someone who might be a great fit? Please contact Dan Plasman for more information or to express interest.
The Campus Custodian helps keep our church buildings and grounds clean, safe,
welcoming, and ready for Sunday activities, programs, meetings, rentals, and
community guests.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Takes pride in doing quality work
- Can work independently and reliably
- Has custodial, housekeeping, or related experience
- Is comfortable with a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
- Enjoys helping create a welcoming environment for others
by agreement.
Interested—or know someone who might be a great fit? Please contact Dan Plasman for more information or to express interest.
Social Justice - Last Weekend for the Summer Food Ministry
The Summer Food Ministry for 2026 is coming to an end. We so appreciate the generosity of the DUCC congregation. Over the last 11 weeks, we have been able to fill 220 bags of groceries for our friends in need. What a beautiful reflection of our little Church. We are looking to fill another 20 bags for this final week, distribution is Tuesday, Sept 1st.
The following is a list of our needs for this week.
* can of pinto beans (7 needed)
* can of Diced Tomatoes
* 1 lb bag of white rice. (7 needed)
* small btl vegetable oil. (3 needed)
* cans of diced/sliced fruit. (10 needed)
* potatoes (2-3 5lb bags needed)
* yellow onions. (2-3 5lb bags needed)
* small tooth paste. (12 needed)
* can of Tuna or Chicken
* 3-5 bags of Ramen Noodles.
* soft corn tortillas. (16 bags of 10 needed)
* rolls of toilet paper
The St Felipe De Jesus volunteers greatly appreciate your generosity! Thank you!
Questions, please contact Rich Marth or Pete Mueller
The following is a list of our needs for this week.
* can of pinto beans (7 needed)
* can of Diced Tomatoes
* 1 lb bag of white rice. (7 needed)
* small btl vegetable oil. (3 needed)
* cans of diced/sliced fruit. (10 needed)
* potatoes (2-3 5lb bags needed)
* yellow onions. (2-3 5lb bags needed)
* small tooth paste. (12 needed)
* can of Tuna or Chicken
* 3-5 bags of Ramen Noodles.
* soft corn tortillas. (16 bags of 10 needed)
* rolls of toilet paper
The St Felipe De Jesus volunteers greatly appreciate your generosity! Thank you!
Questions, please contact Rich Marth or Pete Mueller
Creation Justice - Prairie Restoration Project &
Looking for Copies of Refugia Faith
Prairie Restoration Project
The Creation Justice Team is spearheading a project to restore a piece of our land to a prairie. If you were one of the 30 people who visited Anne Dooley’s garden, you have some idea of how it might look. If you happen to see the area around our local Saugatuck Douglas Library or the area around the Holland Aquatic Center, you have an idea of what the area will look like in a couple of years.
Lawns are fun for kids to play in, but they are considered wastelands for birds, butterflies and other creatures. The CJT has spent about a year researching good proposals and settled on Outdoor Discovery Center to make the plan, prepare the space, plant the plants, and maintain the area. It will take about a year to remove the lawn and begin to plant plugs. It will look like a pile of weeds and dead plants. Not very appealing at first. But after a while, the native plants will slowly take over and produce a beautiful array of native plants, inviting to butterflies, and birds. Our expectation is that this space can be an education tool for our members and the larger community. There will be signage explaining what is happening, articles in the Commercial Record, maybe even a radio interview or two. We are certain this project will make a great addition to our campus and hope you will enjoy watching as it comes to life.
The Creation Justice Team is spearheading a project to restore a piece of our land to a prairie. If you were one of the 30 people who visited Anne Dooley’s garden, you have some idea of how it might look. If you happen to see the area around our local Saugatuck Douglas Library or the area around the Holland Aquatic Center, you have an idea of what the area will look like in a couple of years.
Lawns are fun for kids to play in, but they are considered wastelands for birds, butterflies and other creatures. The CJT has spent about a year researching good proposals and settled on Outdoor Discovery Center to make the plan, prepare the space, plant the plants, and maintain the area. It will take about a year to remove the lawn and begin to plant plugs. It will look like a pile of weeds and dead plants. Not very appealing at first. But after a while, the native plants will slowly take over and produce a beautiful array of native plants, inviting to butterflies, and birds. Our expectation is that this space can be an education tool for our members and the larger community. There will be signage explaining what is happening, articles in the Commercial Record, maybe even a radio interview or two. We are certain this project will make a great addition to our campus and hope you will enjoy watching as it comes to life.
Copy of Refugia Faith Wanted
We're looking for used copies of Refugia Faith from the book read back in 2022. If you have one you wouldn't mind donating to the Creation Justice Library, please bring it to the Friendship Hall and place it on the Creation Justice shelf. Thanks!
Auditions at DUCC for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
READER’S THEATRE PRODUCTION
Directed by Tom Fahlstrom
READER’S THEATRE PRODUCTION
Directed by Tom Fahlstrom
If you are interested in being part of this performance which will be on either Sunday afternoon, December 13 or 20th here at DUCC, please sign up on the form in Friendship Hall. Auditions will be on Tuesday, September 8th in Friendship Hall 6:30-8:30. Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 with one or two more the week of the show, especially Saturday, Dec. 12 or 19th. Parts for 8-10 people. Ever want to let your inner child come forth and have some fun. This is your chance!
Reader’s Theatre is exactly what it says. It is taking a piece of literature and interpreting it using the voice and body. It is read, so there is no memorization required. You will have the script in a black folder and a stool to sit on when you are not reading. There will be some movement to different locations in the setting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 734-657-6273 or email.
Synopsis: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson tells the story of the Herdman siblings, notorious for their misbehavior, who unexpectedly take on the roles of Mary, Joseph, and the Angel in the church's Christmas pageant. Their unconventional interpretation of the Christmas story challenges the community's perceptions and ultimately leads to a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of the nativity. The pageant becomes a transformative experience for both the Herdmans and the audience, highlighting the true spirit of Christmas.
Reader’s Theatre is exactly what it says. It is taking a piece of literature and interpreting it using the voice and body. It is read, so there is no memorization required. You will have the script in a black folder and a stool to sit on when you are not reading. There will be some movement to different locations in the setting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 734-657-6273 or email.
Synopsis: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson tells the story of the Herdman siblings, notorious for their misbehavior, who unexpectedly take on the roles of Mary, Joseph, and the Angel in the church's Christmas pageant. Their unconventional interpretation of the Christmas story challenges the community's perceptions and ultimately leads to a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of the nativity. The pageant becomes a transformative experience for both the Herdmans and the audience, highlighting the true spirit of Christmas.
Memorial Garden Update on Find A Grave
The Douglas UCC Memorial Garden is now much better represented on the Find a Grave website. Thirty-two memorials were added, and they can be found by family historians and genealogists around the world.
Find a Grave is a free, volunteer-run resource with more than 265 million memorials. Now that the basic information is in place, anyone who wishes can add photographs, biographies, or other memories to a loved one’s memorial. If you’d like help doing that, Chris Clark can assist—or you can create a free Find a Grave account and make the additions yourself.
Find a Grave is a free, volunteer-run resource with more than 265 million memorials. Now that the basic information is in place, anyone who wishes can add photographs, biographies, or other memories to a loved one’s memorial. If you’d like help doing that, Chris Clark can assist—or you can create a free Find a Grave account and make the additions yourself.
Prayer Requests
August 23 Service: Concern - for Drake recently entering rehab, Concern - for Jim's healing from recent illness, Concern - for Hannah's recovery from concussion, & for Hugo & Carmen's ongoing grief of the loss of their daughter, Concern - for Ron & family dealing with wildfires in Nevada, Concern - for people of Hawaii who were affected by the hurricane, Concern - for a clear path to treatment & healing for Scott's medical symptoms.
Ongoing Prayers: Hugo, Carmen & Hannah (Greg & Kris Sherman's family); Anne Hopkins and the family of Jim Hopkins; Bev & Orie Hawkes; Jenny O'Neal (friend of Laurie VanDenBelt & Shirley Lawson); Family of Alan Gibson (Kirsten Stannis's Father); Adelle Van Daalen and the Family of Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom); Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew); Newaygo Congregational UCC
Ongoing Prayers: Hugo, Carmen & Hannah (Greg & Kris Sherman's family); Anne Hopkins and the family of Jim Hopkins; Bev & Orie Hawkes; Jenny O'Neal (friend of Laurie VanDenBelt & Shirley Lawson); Family of Alan Gibson (Kirsten Stannis's Father); Adelle Van Daalen and the Family of Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom); Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew); Newaygo Congregational UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
August 30: Garnet Lewis
August 31: Carol Rice, Karen Clark
September 1: Anita Giltner
September 3: Dennis Konarski
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.
August 30: Garnet Lewis
August 31: Carol Rice, Karen Clark
September 1: Anita Giltner
September 3: Dennis Konarski
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.
Update on Our Financial Reporting
Photo by Michiele Henderson on Unsplash
An Update on Our Financial Reporting: As part of our ongoing efforts to make DUCC's financial reporting clear, useful, and meaningful, Church Council recently agreed to make a change in the financial information we publish regularly to the congregation.
Going forward, we will no longer publish a comparison of year-to-date offerings to the annual budget throughout the year.
There is a practical reason for this change: the way people give to DUCC is changing. While some members continue to give weekly or monthly, others make larger gifts periodically during the year. Some make quarterly gifts, annual gifts, gifts of appreciated assets, or Qualified Charitable Distributions from their IRAs. Giving also naturally varies by season. As a result, comparing offerings received at a particular point in the year with a straight-line percentage of the annual budget can give an incomplete—and sometimes misleading—picture of our financial position.
This change does not mean less financial oversight. The Treasurer and Church Council will continue to receive and review detailed financial information, including income and expenses compared with budget, cash and reserve balances, investments, designated and restricted funds, and other information needed to monitor the church's finances. Our goal is to provide the congregation with financial information that is understandable, relevant, and appropriate to the decisions members are being asked to make.
DUCC remains in a strong position to continue improving how we manage, oversee, and communicate about the financial resources entrusted to our church. We believe these changes will help us focus our reporting on information that provides a more complete picture of our finances and supports thoughtful stewardship and good governance.
Of course, questions about DUCC's finances are always welcome. Please email or contact Wayne by phone at 734-673-2810.
Going forward, we will no longer publish a comparison of year-to-date offerings to the annual budget throughout the year.
There is a practical reason for this change: the way people give to DUCC is changing. While some members continue to give weekly or monthly, others make larger gifts periodically during the year. Some make quarterly gifts, annual gifts, gifts of appreciated assets, or Qualified Charitable Distributions from their IRAs. Giving also naturally varies by season. As a result, comparing offerings received at a particular point in the year with a straight-line percentage of the annual budget can give an incomplete—and sometimes misleading—picture of our financial position.
This change does not mean less financial oversight. The Treasurer and Church Council will continue to receive and review detailed financial information, including income and expenses compared with budget, cash and reserve balances, investments, designated and restricted funds, and other information needed to monitor the church's finances. Our goal is to provide the congregation with financial information that is understandable, relevant, and appropriate to the decisions members are being asked to make.
DUCC remains in a strong position to continue improving how we manage, oversee, and communicate about the financial resources entrusted to our church. We believe these changes will help us focus our reporting on information that provides a more complete picture of our finances and supports thoughtful stewardship and good governance.
Of course, questions about DUCC's finances are always welcome. Please email or contact Wayne by phone at 734-673-2810.
Financial Stewardship
August 23 In-Person Attendance : 8:15 = 24, 10:15 = 71
August 23 Total Online Views: 59
Total Offerings: $3,497
Retreat House: $650
Saugatuck Public Schools: $200
Food Ministry: $300
Prairie Restoration: $500
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
August 23 Total Online Views: 59
Total Offerings: $3,497
Retreat House: $650
Saugatuck Public Schools: $200
Food Ministry: $300
Prairie Restoration: $500
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
Easy Way to Change Your Contribution
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan 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: Subversive Women Defy the Pharaoh
Photo by Dan Plasman on Unsplash
Last Sunday Pastor Dan encouraged us to be the light in the world, and to show up courageously. As Shiprah (pronounced SHIF-rah) and Puah Egyptian midwives did by ignoring the kings orders. They were Egyptian midwives who were ordered by the king of Egypt to kill all the male newborns birthed by Hebrew women. This was the king’s way of weakening the ever-growing Hebrew population that was viewed by the palace court as a threat to Egyptian society. The midwives proved to be more powerful than the Pharaoh, and it all started with their quiet defiance. They simply refused to obey imperial power. What does courage look like in our day? What’s been your most courageous act of resistance? What did it cost you? Watch Pastor Dan's inspiring message and/or full service below.
Church Calendar
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Rodolfo Mari on Unsplash
August - Newaygo Congregational UCC Church
September - Park Congregational UCC Church
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Newaygo Congregational UCC Church in your prayers.
Thank you for keeping Park Congregational UCC Church in your prayers.
September - Park Congregational UCC Church
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Newaygo Congregational UCC Church in your prayers.
Thank you for keeping Park Congregational UCC Church in your prayers.
First Park Congregational Church
190th Anniversary Celebration - Sept. 11-13
CLASSES
Qigong & Tea, Tuesdays from 3-5pm
Photo by Brad Switzer 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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Soul Collage September 19,
Finding Resilience to Meet the Autumn Season
Thanks for Ladders of Hope & Carolyn Moen!
We give thanks for Ladders of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families facing food insecurity in Allegan County. Ladders of Hope staffed by committed volunteers who have strived to provide food and other needs to the community. We also thank Carolyn Moen chair of their Board and past Director for sharing their ministry with us.
Ladders of Hope offers these opportunities for volunteers:
Truck Driver - Mondays and Fridays (and other possible days) to pick up food from Feeding America and Trader Joes (truck provided)
Volunteers to distribute food to clients on Mondays from 10a - 2p and Thursdays from 3 - 7p
Volunteer to receive donations on Tuesdays from 5 - 7p
IT person - hours at your convenience
Part-time Co-Director - hours flexible
Monetary donations toward a new building
Ladders of Hope offers these opportunities for volunteers:
Truck Driver - Mondays and Fridays (and other possible days) to pick up food from Feeding America and Trader Joes (truck provided)
Volunteers to distribute food to clients on Mondays from 10a - 2p and Thursdays from 3 - 7p
Volunteer to receive donations on Tuesdays from 5 - 7p
IT person - hours at your convenience
Part-time Co-Director - hours flexible
Monetary donations toward a new building
DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV/Minivan is Needed
Photo by Tabea Schimpf 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.
Stand in Protest
Photo by Sandra Seitamaa 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.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
DUCC MEN, JOIN US!
Men's Coffee & Conversation
1st and 3rd Wednesday @ 10am
New Dates: September 2nd and 16th
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: September 2nd and 16th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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