 Photo by Dan Plasman In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Fourth Sunday in Lent |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns March 15 2026 |
Last Weeks Service: Third Sunday in Lent
The Value of Water
Photo by Zhisheng Deng on Unsplash
Last Sunday Rev. Jody acknowledged International Women's Day, & called out the many creative, inspiring, brilliant women in our world. Jody spoke of the story told of Jesus crossing the most divisive barriers in the world of the day, patriarchy and sectarianism. Jesus talks with a woman who is from the enemy religion. Think Christian Nationalist vs. Progressive Christian. Think homophobe vs. LGBTQ+. It can happen but we have to be willing. Listen to her message or the full service below.
Jody's and Dan's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of March 15: Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan Thursday: 10-12pm, Jody Friday: 10-3pm, Jody & Dan 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 |
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!
Remembering our Loved Ones with Easter Lilies. Orders Due by March 20
On Easter Sunday, it's our tradition at Douglas UCC to fill our altar with Easter Lilies, offered 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 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 March, 20!
You can order lilies (and tell us who they are in 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 March, 20!
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!
Social Justice Team
Thanks to all who joined us for our last meeting. Watch for an update on coming projects.
Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready.
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash
Sundays April 12, 19, 26 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 tell Jody or Dan of your interest.
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
Photo by Luke Cuant on Unsplash
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.
Interim Campus Steward and Building/Grounds
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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.
Card Ministry
Volunteers Needed July & August
| Need Volunteers - July & August Sending cards to DUCC folks who are having birthdays, anniversaries, or need a prayer, is a simple ministry that will bring a smile to someone's day! 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! 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. If you are willing to send a card on behalf of DUCC to members for one month, please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Jody. |  |
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.
Paul Burdick @ 616-856-1372, Mike Valdez @ 616-990-1126, Pat Denner @ 269-509-2911, Doug Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
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 René Porter 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!
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!
To sign up (or just to "look at") the remote sign up sheet, please click below, or use the QR code:
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by David 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; 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 16: Gemina Petruzzelli
March 17: Dan Mack, Peter Black
March 19: Joe Mannancheril
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 16: Gemina Petruzzelli
March 17: Dan Mack, Peter Black
March 19: Joe Mannancheril
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.
Reports and Minutes
Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash
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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 |
Financial Stewardship
March 8 In-Person Attendance : 61
March 8 Total Views for worship videos: 73
Weekly Offerings: $9000
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: +$4,385
One Great Hour of Sharing: $275
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
March 8 Total Views for worship videos: 73
Weekly Offerings: $9000
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: +$4,385
One Great Hour of Sharing: $275
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 or Pastor Jody at
616-706-3549. If you have questions or would like to sign up with the DUCC group please text or email Anne, or Pastor Jody. All are welcome!
616-706-3549. If you have questions or would like to sign up with the DUCC group please text or email Anne, or Pastor Jody. 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
Spring Equinox Celebration with
Rev. Ruth Zwald, March 20!
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.
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
International Day of Forests
Hike on March 20
Celebrate International Day of Forests with the Radar Hill Hiking Club
at Huyser Farm Park on Friday,
March 20, 2026 @ 10:30 AM.
We’ll walk about 3 miles on mainly flat trails.
at Huyser Farm Park on Friday,
March 20, 2026 @ 10:30 AM.
We’ll walk about 3 miles on mainly flat trails.
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
Friends of Christian Neighbors Spring Benefit
This year the annual fundraiser for Christian Neighbors is coordinated by our Douglas UCC, in cooperation with several local churches. We are 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. The event will be on Sunday May 3, 2026.
If interested, please contact Bert Hallewas at 248-462-9345 or emai
If interested, please contact Bert Hallewas at 248-462-9345 or emai
Men's Coffee and Conversation
New Dates: March 4th and 18th
No Resevations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
No Resevations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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