Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

1/26/2024

Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash

In This E-Pistle, You Will Find:

This Sunday's Service -- Fourth Sunday after Epiphany: Strange Things Happen
Last Sunday's Service: Third Sunday after Epiphany: A Word from Mother Earth
This Sunday, Welcome Church Member Rev. Fred Hamlin
Pastoral Search Listening Sessions: Who Are We Calling?
Calling all Treat Providers!
Help Spread Hope: Peanut Butter Drive
Let's Read! Living the Questions: the Wisdom of Progressive Christianity
February is Carpool to Church Month!
Need for Volunteers on the AV Team
Birthdays & Anniversaries, Prayer Requests, Stewardship Drive & Financial Stewardship

This Sunday's Service -- Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

In the gospel reading» for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, Jesus begins to teach in the temple, and everyone there is amazed because he taught with an inner authority. Our spiritual growth requires the development of an inner knowing and an inner authority. Please join us for this Sunday's service, when Rev. Fred shares that in his experience, "Strange Things Happen." Message: Rev. Fred Hamlin Music: Peter Black and Jeff Spangler.

You can download this Sunday's E-Bulletin here:

_order_of_service_january_28_2024.pdf
File Size:	1071 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Last Sunday's Service: Third Sunday after Epiphany: A Word from Mother Earth

Last Sunday was a Creation Justice Sunday, when we focused our worship on the care of our our planet, our places, and our people. Please enjoy this recording of our service, when we explored together the gift of energy and the idea of a just energy future with an appearance from Mother Earth, in the form of Rev. Linda Kniereman. Music: Peter Black and Jeff Spangler.

Here's the Homily»

This Sunday, Welcome Church Member Rev. Fred Hamlin

No one holds as much of Douglas UCC's history at his fingertips and in his heart as Rev. Fred Hamlin. Fred was a man born to preach. His life and legacy tell a story of gaining the pulpit through sheer grit, propelled by innate talent and an early calling. He leapt over a lot of life's obstacles to gain his collar, propelled by the faith of many mentors and guides, and the love and support of a wonderful family. Today he serves in several capacities here at Douglas UCC, not the least of which are making new members feel most welcome, remembering everyone's birthdays and anniversaries, showing up for every event and celebration, and serving as our walking organizational memory bank. Fred has seen a lot of change in his 90+ years, and he has remained present through all of them (he would say "almost" all), so he has much to teach us. Please join us on Sunday, as we are led in worship by our dearly beloved, and always surprising Rev. Fred.

This Week's Pastoral Search Listening Sessions:
Who Are We Calling?

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

The Pastoral Search Committee's Listening sessions conclude this week with a session after church or as an overflow/followup session on Monday evening in the Friendship Hall. Sign-up sheets are available in the Friendship Hall to help the team with their planning. All church members are encouraged to attend this session, where we explore together how to describe our church and our pastoral needs.

On this coming Sunday (Jan 28) and Monday (Jan 29), we will be exploring...

Who is God Calling to Minister with us at DUCC?

What are the essential qualities and characteristics of the pastor we are looking for?
Our social and theological progressivism is central to our identity. In what ways might our new pastor evidence this?
Similarly, we are Open and Affirming, how might our new pastor demonstrate his/her support for this?
We are an active church, how important is it that our new pastor takes the lead in things we are involved in in the community?
A central responsibility for any new pastor is preaching. What is important to you in a sermon or homily?
What are the “must haves” in our next pastor? If you could only list one….

Follow up Monday 1/29/24 6:30-8pm Fellowship Hall (If needed)

Calling all Treat Providers!

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Hey we need treat providers for upcoming Sundays until Lent! If you can help, please sign up in the Friendship Hall or reach out to Sunday Coffee Hour Coordinator Joyce Wright!

Help Spread Hope: Peanut Butter Drive

Photo by Corleto Peanut butter on Unsplash

January 24 is National Peanut Butter Day and it kicks off the Christian Neighbors annual Peanut Butter Drive, which will run through February 29.

This annual event gathers in most of the peanut butter distributed annually by Christian Neighbors to community folks in need.

Starting this Sunday, and through the month of February, we will be gathering jars of peanut butter in the Friendship Hall. Or, if it's more convenient, jars can be dropped off during open business hours at:

Lake Vista SuperValu, 237 W Center St, Douglas
Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, 174 Center St, Douglas
Christian Neighbors Food Pantry, located in the rear of Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road

Let's Read! Living the Questions:
The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity

Our Spiritual Center Faculty presents:
Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity

At DUCC we have been steeped in Progressive Christianity thanks to Pastor Sal’s homilies. This book study provides a deeper look at the scope of this theological perspective, so different from the Evangelical Christianity which dominates our landscape.
The study will kick off on Saturday, February 10 from 9:00 to 5:00 with a day-long workshop/retreat introducing the first seven chapters. Everyone who plans on attending the weekly gatherings is URGED to attend. Sign-up sheet is in Friendship Hall. Up to 50 may attend.
Then, to study the following 7 chapters… Choose one of three weekly small-group discussions at the day and time that best fits your schedule.

Sundays 11:30-1:00: on February 11,18 ,25, March 3, 10, 17, 24
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00: on February 14, 21, 26, March 6, 13, 20, 26
Thursdays 10:30-Noon: on February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28

One chapter per week will be discussed in depth: Restoring relationships; Prophetic Jesus; Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love; Myth of Redemptive Violence; Practicing Resurrection; Debunking the Rapture; Honoring Creation. Some weeks an accompanying DVD may augment our discussion of the book.

The chapters are short, readable, and lead to intriguing questions and discussion -- not necessarily answers!

Following an Easter break, weekly small-group discussions will continue, completing the book before Memorial Day.
Interested? Here's how to join in:

Sign up for the day-long seminar and the following weekly discussion groups.
Purchase Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity, available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. The book may be available at local bookstores and through local libraries.

At this Amazon link, you can read a sample of the book».
During this time of discernment in our church, these small-group meetings will help us stay connected as we delve deeper into what makes our faith tick. Sign up…and join us!

February is Carpool to Church Month!

Photo by Girl with red hat on Unsplash

As a follow-up to the recent worship service that focused on energy, the Creation Justice Team has declared February 2024 “Carpool to Church Month”! We’re asking everyone to find another person or couple with whom to share rides to church. You can tell each other stories, enjoy conversations, and park closer to church!

Empty car seats represent missed opportunities to cut back on fossil fuel, save money, and build community. Driving can sometimes be a hassle - even in Allegan County. Why not take turns and reduce the stress?

We’re hoping that some people will make this a permanent arrangement. For others, it may prompt them to consider additional ways to reduce car trips. Please join the fun during Carpool to Church Month!

Here are a few carpooling etiquette tips for drivers...

DO pick up on time.
DO communicate if plans change or you’re late.
DO drive extra carefully.
DO keep your car reasonably clean.
DON’T talk on the phone.
DON’T make extra stops.

And for passengers...

DO be ready.
DO communicate if plans change.
DON’T eat or drink in the car.
DON’T distract the driver.

Need for Volunteers on the AV Team

We are so grateful for our many wonderful volunteers who make our Sunday Worship special each week. Right now, we need volunteers to fillout our AV team, running the camera and sound board during Sunday service. In the past few months our team has made vast improvements by standardizing the settings and streamlining the operations. If you are interested in joining our team and helping with this very important position, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Mike VerMerris, 269.325.4043, [email protected].

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays: January 31- Kris Sherman, February 1- Deanna (Dee) Baker,
Doug Sipsma, Lauri Sullivan, Max Matteson
February 3- Jeff Chinski

Anniversaries:
February 2- Scott Bryers (anniversary of his liver transplant in 2023)

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.

Prayer Requests

Dan Mack; David Miedema, his parents and family; Karl Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom's brother); John Kerr; Mike Mok; Dave and Shirley Lawson; Clark McMillion (Chris Clark's friend); Ruth Fahlstrom (daughter of Tom Fahlstrom); Nancy Grib (Friend of Pamela Chappell); Stuart Family; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's Mother); Diane Carr; Myron (Wendy Hamlin's grandson, Fred Hamilin's great-grandson); Mary Westenbroek; Brian Aikens; Jerry Elpers and family (Beth Howley's Dad); Edie Plantinga (Nancy Plantinga's mother); Joyce Potts (Ed Korson's Friend); Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Nicole and John (Wendy Hamlin's daughter-in-law and son)

Stewardship Drive

Stewardship Drive Giving Week ending January 21:
Pledges to Date = $228,800.00
Pledge Fulfillment to date = $114,613.58

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.

Financial Stewardship

In-Person Attendance, January 21: 66
Total Views for January 21 worship videos: 489

Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $797
Online Giving: $2,951.66
Total, General Support: $3,748.66

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.