 Photo by Brice Cooper on Unsplash This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
This Week's Service: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - 52 Blessings for Every Week of the Year Photo by Dan Plasman Most of us know at least some of the eight Beatitudes that Jesus shares in Matthew 5. Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . those who mourn . . . the meek . . . those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . . the merciful . . . the pure in heart . . . peacemakers . . . those who are persecuted. Maybe Jesus said more that were never recorded or remembered. This Sunday, I’m sharing “52 Blessings for Every Week of the Year”. Here’s a few: Blessed are those who haven’t lost hope for our country, some days, hope is all we have . . . Good for you when you can take criticism without throwing a hissy fit . . . You shine light into darkness when you assure another, “You can do this hard thing and I’ll do it with you.” Join us on sight or online and you’ll hear 49 more! Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel. Message: Rev. Dan Plasman Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler 
Last Weeks Service: Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Is Discipleship an Archaic Word? Photo by Aminul Hossin on Unsplash I love to watch competitive ice skating, especially the national championships and the Olympics. All of it, short program and free skate singles and pairs, rhythm and free dance. I am astounded by the skill and strength, by the beauty and creativity. Olympic skaters begin as young athletes training 20-40 hours, 6-7 days a week on ice and off, for a decade or more before competing at professional levels. It requires discipline to become an Olympic skater. It requires discipline to achieve professional status at most things. When we want to achieve something, we are disciplined about doing what it takes. What kind of discipline does it take to follow the way of Jesus? Is discipleship old school? Last week Pastor Jody asks what kind of discipline is needed to follow the way of Jesus. Jody's and Dan's Office Hours This Week
Card Ministry - Are You Available March, April or May to Bring a Smile to Someone's Day? Do you love receiving cards in the mail when you're sick, recovering from surgery, have a birthday or anniversary, or need a reminder that you're being prayed for? Maybe sending cards to folks in those situations is a way you could bring a smile to someone's day! If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC for members' birthdays or anniversaries, for healing or prayers, for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. If you have cards that you aren't using that would be appropriate for such occasions, please drop them off at the office for our use. A couple minutes to let someone know they are thought of, a quick trip to the post office, that's all it takes to bring a smile! Are you available for One month of card ministry? We need someone for March, April, and May. Social Justice Team Thanks to Anne Dooley for leading a promising strategic planning process for our Team! Watch for details to come out in future Epistles! Social Justice Teams |
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Second Sunday Luncheons are a hit! Please join us, & help us continue to create community while sharing a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our previous Second Sunday Monthly Luncheons. Our next luncheon will be February 8 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping with set up, clean up, & to provide food for the luncheons, please email Kelly Jacobsma.
Thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up and provide food for our previous Second Sunday Monthly Luncheons. Our next luncheon will be February 8 following the service. Bring what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread etc) and if you can't bring anything, please bring yourself. All are welcome!
If you are interested in helping with set up, clean up, & to provide food for the luncheons, please email Kelly Jacobsma.
Silent Retreats on February 18, Retreat House
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Silent Retreat
✨Ash Wednesday, February 18 ✨
Retreat House
Join Rev. Marty Rienstra and Rev. Doug Petersen for a guided silent retreat.
Shared silence is a powerful way of being in communion with God and each other.
Two sessions - Attend morning, afternoon, or both from 10:00 to 12:00 and/or 1:00 to 3:00
Combined lunchtime (12- 1pm) for sharing experiences and asking questions.
(Bring your own lunch)
Morning and afternoon sessions will begin with a short introduction, plus
simple prompts and suggestions on ways to experience the Blessed Silence.
Within each session we will practice a shorter silent period, followed by discussion, and
then practice a longer silent period.
✨Ash Wednesday, February 18 ✨
Retreat House
Join Rev. Marty Rienstra and Rev. Doug Petersen for a guided silent retreat.
Shared silence is a powerful way of being in communion with God and each other.
Two sessions - Attend morning, afternoon, or both from 10:00 to 12:00 and/or 1:00 to 3:00
Combined lunchtime (12- 1pm) for sharing experiences and asking questions.
(Bring your own lunch)
Morning and afternoon sessions will begin with a short introduction, plus
simple prompts and suggestions on ways to experience the Blessed Silence.
Within each session we will practice a shorter silent period, followed by discussion, and
then practice a longer silent period.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson 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, 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. Our listeners are available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Davide Ragusa 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; Dan McGavin and Family of
Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom
(Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom)Mary Westenbroek;
Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew);
Jennifer Blumer (C. Blumer's (sister-in-law); Hudsonville UCC
Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite
(Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Dan McGavin and Family of
Carol Brown; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Ruth Fahlstrom
(Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom)Mary Westenbroek;
Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew);
Jennifer Blumer (C. Blumer's (sister-in-law); Hudsonville UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
February 1: Deana Baker, Doug Sipsma, Lauri Sullivan, Max Matteson
February 3: Jeff Chinski
February 4: Jim Codman
February 5: Beth Stallinga
ANNIVERSARIES
February 2: Scott Bryers
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.
February 1: Deana Baker, Doug Sipsma, Lauri Sullivan, Max Matteson
February 3: Jeff Chinski
February 4: Jim Codman
February 5: Beth Stallinga
ANNIVERSARIES
February 2: Scott Bryers
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
Last Weeks In-Person Attendance : 47
Last Weeks Total Views for worship videos: 106
Weekly Offerings: $2,471
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $2,144
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
Last Weeks Total Views for worship videos: 106
Weekly Offerings: $2,471
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $2,144
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.
New "easy" Options to Change Your Contribution to DUCC
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 |
Church Calendar
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash
OPPORTUNITY FOR GIVING
Peanut Butter Drive
January 23 through February
Photo by Maryam Sicard on Unsplash
Our annual peanut butter drive Christian Neighbors begins Friday, Jan 23rd and will run through to the end of February 2026. Please drop jars of peanut butter off in the foyer of the Friendship Hall. If you don't have time to shop and drop, & would like to donate by personal check, please address check to Christian Neighbors of Douglas and note "Peanut Butter drive" in the memo section.
The DUCC's on-going support of Christian Neighbors is greatly appreciated.
The DUCC's on-going support of Christian Neighbors is greatly appreciated.
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Prayer Circle for All Churches
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
The Grand West Association Council is continuing their covenantal prayer circle for all our churches. This is one of the Councils attempts to better connect in our region as a faithful community. The two year prayer circle includes our 22 UCC churches, and also UCOM and the Michigan conference staff.
The "church of the month" for February is Hudsonville UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for February is Hudsonville UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
CLASSES
Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm
In the Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Kat VanHammen's Qigong Winter classes are back! Tuesdays at 3pm in the Friendship Hall.
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.
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.
Financial Literacy Series, Next One Wednesday, February 4
On Wednesday 1/7/2026, we shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. In the first of five sessions Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he discussed estate planning.
On Wednesday February 4, Wayne will discuss Financial Affairs at End of Life.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Next session is on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6pm.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall.
Wayne will send you any preparatory information.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Next session is on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6pm.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall.
Wayne will send you any preparatory information.
Community Events
Memior Class led by Jack Ridl, February 28, Oxbow House
Memoir Class taught by Jack Ridl on February 28, from 10-1pm
Jack believes that making art and writing brings about realizations and valuable experiences that can happen no other way. With decades of experience in “de-threatening” the art-making process this workshop offers that for participants. He hopes that you will leave at home any notions of departing Ox-Bow with something completed; instead, he will encourage you to start many things – written pieces, creative notions, seeds of ideas. He strives to create an instant community where conversation throughout the day is stimulating, a joy, and worthwhile.
Plan to bring: Writing utensils and paper or notebook and memorable tokens from your life that may inspire writing and collaboration.
Location: Please note that this workshop takes place at Ox-Bow House, located at 137 Center Street, Douglas, Michigan 49406.
Jack believes that making art and writing brings about realizations and valuable experiences that can happen no other way. With decades of experience in “de-threatening” the art-making process this workshop offers that for participants. He hopes that you will leave at home any notions of departing Ox-Bow with something completed; instead, he will encourage you to start many things – written pieces, creative notions, seeds of ideas. He strives to create an instant community where conversation throughout the day is stimulating, a joy, and worthwhile.
Plan to bring: Writing utensils and paper or notebook and memorable tokens from your life that may inspire writing and collaboration.
Location: Please note that this workshop takes place at Ox-Bow House, located at 137 Center Street, Douglas, Michigan 49406.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
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