 In Sunday's reading from Isaiah 65:17-25, it says: "Listen for the still-speaking voice of God who declares, 'I am about to create new heavens and a new earth.'" What will this "new earth" look like? Come join us on Sunday at 10 AM, as Pastor Sal talks about Eckhart Tolle's inspirational book, A New Earth, and how we are called to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. Special Music: "The Peace Canon" by Pamela Chappell.  This Sunday, immediately following our worship service, we will be having a "Groups Fair." Our church groups will be spread out across our church campus. Each group will have its own table, where they'll give out information about their group and have sign-up sheets for new members. It'll be a great (and fun) way to raise awareness about all of our groups, as well as to get new people involved.  We are collecting 5 lb. bags of flour for Thanksgiving Baskets that will be distributed to families in need through Christian Neighbors. Our church's goal this year is to donate 700 pounds of flour! We can do this! We will be collecting every Sunday in November. Please drop off your bags of flour on the designated table in the Friendship Hall. Thank you!
 Douglas UCC is proud to be a co-host with Gender S.A.F.E. (Supporting All For Equality) of this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on November 20 at 7 PM at Herrick District Library in Holland. This vigil will be held to recognize and remember the lives of transgender people who have been violently killed in 2019 due to anti-transgender violence. We hope you will join us for this important event.  On Tuesday, November 19, our Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team will host another Movie Night, this time screening the documentary, “Paris to Pittsburgh.” Doors will open at 6:30 PM for popcorn. Bring your own Beverage. Movie starts promptly at 7 PM. Named Inc. Magazine’s "Best Business Documentary" of 2018, "Paris to Pittsburgh" focuses on the incredible action individuals, communities, businesses and local governments in the U.S. have undertaken to combat the threat of climate change in their own backyards in the wake of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. The film explores the very real social and economic effects of climate change-fueled disasters – from America’s heartland to the nation’s coastlines and the island of Puerto Rico. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  The Lakeshore Community Chorus will celebrate its 10th anniversary during the upcoming 2019-2020 choral season. Under the artistic direction of Nancy Plantinga, with accompanist Vivian Boot, the festivities begin with LCC’s holiday concerts on December 7 and 8, called “A Season to Remember.” The concerts will feature music from LCC’s past nine years of holiday performances, including pieces which chorus members voted as their favorites from prior years. The chorus will be accompanied on several selections by instrumentalists from Grand Valley State University, featuring LaAlma, an all women’s choir, directed by Pamela Pierson. Both holiday concerts will be held at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA). The SCA has received compensation for the venue space for this event, benefitting the Lakeshore Community Chorus, a non-profit organization. Purchase tickets now at the SCA box-office (400 Culver Street in Saugatuck) or by calling 269-857-2399. You can also purchase tickets ONLINE.  PFLAG Holland/Lakeshore and Gender SAFE Meetings- Friday, November 15 At the PFLAG meeting, Amy Bailey and Ben Kaiser will describe the work of Arbor Circle, one of the few foster care/adoption agencies in Western Michigan that actively recruits foster/adoptive parents from the LGBTQ community. We begin at 7 PM with a business meeting and support, followed by a time for refreshments at 7:50 pm. Afterwards, the program will begin at 8:10 pm. Bring a snack to share, if you can. Also this evening, Gender SAFE meets from 6 to 8 PM. Gender SAFE (Supporting All For Equality) is a support group that is open and welcoming to all people who are or who love someone who is transgender or gender diverse. Both PFLAG and Gender SAFE meet on the ground floor of Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Avenue, across the street from Holland Hospital.  THEM: Images of Separation is a traveling exhibit courtesy of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia that showcases items from popular culture used to stereotype groups of people. This exhibit will be on display at the Holland Museum from November 15 till February 22. And, on November 21 from 7 - 8:30 PM, Dr. Fred L. Johnson III from Hope College will be speaking on "A Deal too Good to Refuse" at the Holland Museum. He will be discussing the short story and film, "Space Traders." Confused about what’s happening in the Middle East/North Africa? Interfaith Action is hosting an informal conversation with Imam Mostafa Elsayed of the Islamic Association of SW Michigan to discuss recent political events. What’s going on with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen? How does Egypt factor in? How are religious tensions playing out? Come to discuss these and other questions: December 2 at 6 PM at South Haven UCC, 651 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:November 10: Attendance: 137 Collection Plate: $1,010 Online Giving: $2,465.41 Retreat House Use: $50 Total: $3,525.41 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says: "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living," meaning there is life after death. But what does life after death look like? Will we be in physical form? We will be reunited with our loved ones? Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore these questions and more together. Special Music by Stan Greene. Followed by our "2nd Sunday of the Month" Potluck (see details below).   Last week, our Douglas UCC Camino Pilgrims gathered at the beautiful home of church members, Betsy York and Demetrhea Terrien, to celebrate walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together one year ago.  We had a blast at author Scott Stabile's "Love Yourself Madly” Workshop at Douglas UCC last weekend!
KUDOS: Thank you to our church member, Barb Lucier (pictured left) who is stepping down after many years of service from her role as our Christian Neighbors Board Member, and thank you to church member, Wendy Hamlin (pictured right) for her willingness to take over and represent our church in this role. We are grateful!  On Tuesday, November 19, our Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team will host another Movie Night, this time screening the documentary, “Paris to Pittsburgh.” Doors will open at 6:30 PM for popcorn. Bring your own Beverage. Movie starts promptly at 7 PM. Named Inc. Magazine’s "Best Business Documentary" of 2018, "Paris to Pittsburgh" focuses on the incredible action individuals, communities, businesses and local governments in the U.S. have undertaken to combat the threat of climate change in their own backyards in the wake of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. The film explores the very real social and economic effects of climate change-fueled disasters – from America’s heartland to the nation’s coastlines and the island of Puerto Rico. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Douglas UCC is proud to be a co-host with Gender S.A.F.E. (Supporting All For Equality) of this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on November 20 at 7 PM at Herrick District Library in Holland. This vigil will be held to recognize and remember the lives of transgender people who have been violently killed in 2019 due to anti-transgender violence. We hope you will join us for this important event.  It's that time of year again! We will be collecting 5 lb. bags of flour for Thanksgiving Baskets that will be distributed to families in need through Christian Neighbors. Our church's goal this year is to donate 700 pounds of flour! We can do this! We will be collecting every Sunday in November. Please drop off your bags of flour on the designated table in the Friendship Hall. Thank you!  On Sunday, November 17, we will be having a "Groups Fair" at Douglas UCC, immediately following our worship service. Our church groups will be spread out across our church campus. Each group will have its own table, where they'll give out information about their group and have sign-up sheets for new members. It'll be a great (and fun) way to raise awareness about all of our groups, as well as to get new people involved.  We're excited to announce that Vita, our service dog in training, is being placed as a Service Dog in Arizona. Vita was raised and housed by our church members, Bob and Louise Kenny. Congratulations to our church member, Jack Ridl, Poet Laureate of Douglas, who had one of his poems published in last Sunday's New York Times Magazine.  The Season of Advent begins on Sunday, December 1. Copies of the 2019 UCC Advent Devotional, A New Earth, are now available in the Friendship Hall for $5. A New Earth includes a biblical text, reflection, and prayer for each day of Advent. Plus, new for 2019: this popular resource now includes daily readings through Epiphany.  We need volunteers to help with shoveling snow on the front stairs and sidewalks of the church on Sunday mornings before church this winter. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you so much! Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:November 3: Attendance: 148 Collection Plate: $1,158 Online Giving: $1,697.66 Retreat House Use: $600 Total: $3,455.66 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about salvation. The terms "salvation" and "being saved" are very misunderstood. What is salvation? How does one become saved? This Sunday at 10 AM, we'll learn about the history of the church's concept of salvation and get the the Truth of Jesus' message of freedom. And, in honor of All Saints Day, we will conclude our Sunday service in the Memorial Garden behind the church with a "Remembrance of Names," honoring our loved ones who have died. Special Music: Pamela Chappell.  Thank you to all who helped with last weekend's Fall Clean-Up Day at the church: Larry Fuerst, Leith Letcher, Peter & Kathleen Mueller, Dan & Barb Witt, Alan Weathers, Chris Clark, Mike White, David Bohn & Brad Hopkins. We are grateful for their service and good stewardship.  It's that time of year again! We will be collecting 5 lb. bags of flour for Thanksgiving Baskets that will be distributed to families in need through Christian Neighbors. Our church's goal this year is to donate 700 pounds of flour! We can do this! We will be collecting the every Sunday in November. Please drop off your bags of flour on the designated table in the Friendship Hall. Thank you!  Douglas UCC is proud to be a co-host with Gender S.A.F.E. (Supporting All For Equality) of this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on November 20 at 7 PM at Herrick District Library in Holland. This vigil will be held to recognize and remember the lives of transgender people who have been violently killed in 2019 due to anti-transgender violence. We hope you will join us for this important event.  The Douglas UCC Christmas Choir will have a short informational and organizational meeting in the sanctuary directly following the service this Sunday.  Pastor Sal will be on sabbatical from January thru March 2020. He will be spending time at Spirit Mountain Retreat Center in Idyllwild, California. Please watch the above video to learn more about the center.  We need volunteers to help with shoveling snow on the front stairs and sidewalks of the church on Sunday mornings before church this winter. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you so much! Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:October 27: Attendance: 126 Collection Plate: $1,320 Online Giving: $1,019.41 Retreat House Use: $250 Total: $2,589.41 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says: "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." The word humility is defined as being "unselved," a liberation from consciousness of self. When we humble ourselves, we free ourselves from the bonds of the ego and are, therefore, exalted. Come join as this Sunday at 10 AM, as Pastor Sal teaches the "Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector." Special Music by Elizabeth Estes.  Last Sunday at the UCC Grand West Association Meeting, our Pastor Sal was among the UCC clergy installed as Officers and Committee Members. Pastor Sal will continue to serve on the GWA Planning Committee. We are grateful to our Association leaders for all their hard work.  Proud to be UCC! Almost 6,000 families on the South Side of Chicago have had their medical debt forgiven through a collaborative effort of local, Conference and national bodies of the United Church of Christ and other partners. UCC leaders announced Oct. 20 that church donations have wiped out $5.3 million in medical debt for 5,888 Chicago families. Click here to read more: UCC FORGIVES MILLIONS IN MEDICAL DEBT How's your "30-Day Gratitude Challenge" coming along? Here's some ideas to keep you going:   Please join us on Saturday, October 26, from 9 AM till Noon for our "Fall Clean-Up Day." We will be cleaning up the church grounds. Bring garden tools, if you have them. Thank you!!   A sold-out crowd at last night's "Poetry & the Spirit" event at Douglas UCC! Such an inspiring conversation with Pastor Sal and Jack Ridl, Poet Laureate of Douglas.  We're so proud of our Douglas UCC church member, Pete Wehle, whose essay was recently published on Progressive Christianity.org. Click the link to read.  We are excited to be welcoming best-selling author Scott Stabile (Big Love) back to Douglas UCC on Saturday, November 2. Scott will be facilitating a workshop entitled, "Love Yourself Madly." Scott says, "In this workshop, we are going to look at ourselves honestly and love ourselves madly. We'll learn how to shift our self-abusive thoughts into self-loving ones, and how to empower ourselves with our thoughts and actions. We'll shift the focus of our inner critics and turn them into our inner cheerleaders." To learn all the details, cost, and registration, please visit www.ScottStabile.com. Scholarships are available.  Save-the-Date: On Sunday, November 17, we will be having a "Groups Fair" at Douglas UCC, immediately following our worship service. Our church groups will be spread out across our church campus. Each group will have its own table, where they'll give out information about their group and have sign-up sheets for new members. It'll be a great (and fun) way to raise awareness about all of our groups, as well as to get new people involved.  Enjoy Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report: October 20: Attendance: 120 Collection Plate: $1,029 Online Giving: $1,904.41 Friendship Hall Use: $135 Total: $3,068.41 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  In Sunday's gospel, Jesus tells the disciples a parable, which has become known as the "Parable of the Persistent Widow." In the parable, a widow fighting for justice refuses to give up in her quest to be heard. She, like many of the bold women in the Gospels, inspires us to speak our truth, even if our voices are shaking. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore together how to "Ask Boldly & Live Justly." Special Music: "If I Were Brave" by Nancy Plantinga and Brenda Marcy. Douglas UCC partnered with Interfaith Action on Monday night for a "Symposium on Gun Violence Reduction," featuring a keynote address by Dr. Bill Durston of Americans Against Gun Violence, as well as a panel of physicians, police, educators, clergy, and students. More than 100 people were in attendance! Thank you to our church's Social Justice Team, Beverly Hawkes, and Julie Ridl for organizing this event. The Holland Sentinel newspaper was there and wrote a front cover story on the event, too! Watch the video of the event on our Douglas UCC YouTube channel.  More than 50 people packed the Friendship Hall on Wednesday night, as our church member, Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan spoke to us about "Healthy Aging." We are so grateful to Shannon for sharing her wisdom with us.  In the latest edition of his podcast, "Into the Mystic," our UCC President, Rev. John Dorhauer, reflects on the spirituality of the fall season. Listen HERE for an inspiring 5-minute reflection.  Please join us on Saturday, October 26, from 9 AM till Noon for our "Fall Clean-Up Day." We will be cleaning up the church grounds. Bring garden tools, if you have them. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you.  A BIG THANK YOU to our church members, Michael Bojko and Patricia Denner, for their very generous donations to help us purchase a new video camera for our church. We are so very thankful for their thoughtfulness and generosity.  Save-the-Date: On Sunday, November 17, we will be having a "Groups Fair" at Douglas UCC, immediately following our worship service. Our church groups will be spread out across our church campus. Each group will have its own table, where they'll give out information about their group and have sign-up sheets for new members. It'll be a great (and fun) way to raise awareness about all of our groups, as well as to get new people involved.  We are excited to be welcoming best-selling author Scott Stabile (Big Love) back to Douglas UCC on Saturday, November 2. Scott will be facilitating a workshop entitled, "Love Yourself Madly." Scott says, "In this workshop, we are going to look at ourselves honestly and love ourselves madly. We'll learn how to shift our self-abusive thoughts into self-loving ones, and how to empower ourselves with our thoughts and actions. We'll shift the focus of our inner critics and turn them into our inner cheerleaders." To learn all the details, cost, and registration, please visit www.ScottStabile.com. Scholarships are available.  Click below to download the latest editions of our Pastor's Report and Church Council Minutes: 
Enjoy last Sunday's music and message:
Financial Stewardship Report:October 13: Attendance: 136 Collection Plate: $2,394 Online Giving: $1,363.04 Retreat House Use: $150 Total: $3,907.04 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  In this Sunday's Gospel story, Jesus ministers to 10 people, but only one of them comes back to say, "Thank You." Jesus is letting us know that gratitude is such a powerful spiritual tool with life-changing effects. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we learn how to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude." Special music: Elizabeth Estes. Followed by our 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck.  Wow! We are so very proud of our Douglas UCC CROP Walk Team who raised more than $3,700 at last Sunday's CROP Hunger Walk in Saugatuck/Douglas!! We had more walkers and raised more money than ever before! Thank you to our team and to all who sponsored their efforts. The monies raised help fight hunger here in Allegan County and around the world.  Please join us this Sunday, immediately following our worship service, for our 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck in the Friendship Hall. Please bring a dish to share. We are also in need of one or two people to stay afterwards and help clean up. Thank you.  We had such a wonderful evening on Thursday night, as we welcomed award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, to Douglas UCC to discuss his book, Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older. More than 20 people were in attendance for an inspiring discussion.   Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  All are welcome to attend our UCC Grand West Association fall meeting on October 20 in Grand Rapids, but advance registration is required. Please let Pastor Sal know if you are interested in attending. You can email him at Pastor@DouglasUCC.org.  We are excited to welcome back best-selling author, Scott Stabile, to Douglas UCC on Saturday, November 2. Scott will be facilitating an uplifting and empowering workshop, "Love Yourself Madly." Watch Scott's video below, then click HERE to register. Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to record last Sunday's service. We apologize for the inconvenience. Instead, we hope you will enjoy Pastor Sal's talk at Failure Lab:  THANK YOU!! Thanks to all who contributed to last Sunday's special collection for the UCC's Neighbors in Need Fund. We collected $321, which our church will match for a total of $642 to help our church's wider mission. Thank you, as always, for your generous giving. Financial Stewardship Report:October 6: Attendance: 140 Collection Plate: $1,528 Online Giving: $1,923.17 Total: $3,451.17 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  On the first Sunday in October, Christian churches of different denominations all around the world celebrate "World Communion Sunday." This tradition began all the way back in 1933. Since then, the celebration has grown into an international day of unity. It is a day when we break bread together and remember Jesus's words: "That they may all be one." Special Music: Stan Greene. This Sunday, we will be taking a special collection for the UCC's "Neighbors in Need" Fund. "Neighbors in Need" is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ. Every year, congregations have the opportunity to receive grants to continue work for justice, advocacy, and service to their local communities. We invite you to support this good work by donating to the "Neighbors in Need" Fund this Sunday, using the special offertory envelopes in the pews. Watch the video above or visit www.ucc.org/nin for more information.  The CROP Hunger Walk is this Sunday. Thank you to our Douglas UCC Team (Chris Clark, Julie Ridl, Dan Mack, Beverly Hawkes, Norm Capello, Mike VerMerris, Wendy Hamlin) for walking and thank you to all who have sponsored them. You can still sponsor our team at www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc  Join us at Douglas UCC on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 PM, as we welcome award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, who will be speaking about his book, "Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older." The book has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 Illumination Silver Medal for books on spirituality, and the 2017 Nautilus Gold Award for books on aging. This is a free event and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.   "Poetry & the Spirit"- Join us for an evening of conversation and inspiration with Pastor Sal and Poet Laureate of Douglas, Jack Ridl, on Thursday, October 24, at 7 PM at Douglas UCC. The evening will begin in the church with Sal and Jack offering some of their ways of thinking about the spiritual and the poetic, which not only have much in common, but may be so intertwined as to be inseparable. After their conversation, the audience will join in with their questions, comments, and wonderings. Tickets are $10 and seating is limited. Reserve your ticket now at: POETRY & THE SPIRIT TICKETS 2nd Sunday of the Month Potluck: We need one or two people to help with cleanup after the Potluck on Sunday, October 13. Please sign the sheet posted behind the coffee pot in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you.  The final tally is in from our Beach Clean-Up last month: We picked up 100.4 lbs of trash! Thank you to all who helped! Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 29: Attendance: 120 Collection Plate: $945.39 Online Giving: $1,307.66 Retreat House Use: $750 Friendship Hall Use: $360 Total: $3,363.05 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.  This Sunday, we continue our focus on the theme of "Creation," as the month of September is designated as "Creation Season." This Sunday, we are going to be focusing on the Cosmos or Universe. Christian theologian, Thomas Berry, wrote, "We will recover our sense of the Sacred only if we appreciate the Universe." Come join us as we explore the "Spirit of the Cosmos" together. Special Music by Gloria Larrieu. Thank you to all who helped with last Saturday's Cleanup of Oval Beach: Linda Charvat, Emily & Cally Tieman, Gloria Larrieu, Norm & Patty Hanson, Pat Denner, Peter Gower, Fritz Royce & Sarah Hurley, Julie Hebding, El Clough, Hannah Huggett, Kelly Huggett, Doug Sipsma, Mike VerMerris, Karen Sanfelli, Mia Bolen, Barbara Flynn, Sarah Sikkema, Megan Knapp, Kathleen Rilett, Kristen Foxworthy, Bud Baty, Julie Kimber, Cindy Pinchoff, Colleen Carol, Chris Peterson, Garnet Lewis & Vicky Cobb, Betsy York, Bob & Louise Kenny, Sarah Swift, Phiip Raywood, Wendy Hamlin. Thank you to all who took part in our Community Book read of Braiding Sweetgrass this week. Thank you to members of our church's Creation Justice Team and those who helped facilitate the evening: Karen Clark, Doug Sipsma, Nancy Plantinga, Wendy Hamlin, Julie & Jack Ridl, Bob Kenny, Gloria Larrieu, Paul Burdick, Pamela Chappell, and Eric Lejeune. And, thank you to Coast 236 Restaurant for sharing the harvest from their garden with us. Photos: Chris Clark.  Proud of Douglas UCC’s 14 year-old, Hannah Huggett, who organized last weekend's Global Climate Strike in Holland. Thanks to all our Douglas UCC family who took part: Jerry, Molly, Gigi, Denny, Emily, Cally, Fritz, Sarah, Hailey, Kelly, and Sarah from our Creation Justice Team.  Thank you to authors, Larry and Sandy Feldman, for coming to Douglas UCC last Sunday afternoon to speak with us about their book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide. More than 30 people were in attendance.  The CROP Hunger Walk is on Sunday, October 6. You can sponsor the entire Douglas UCC team or an individual walker from our church -- Julie Ridl, Mike VerMerris, Beverly Hawkes, Dan Mack, Norman Capello, or Chris Clark -- with a check made out to "CWS Crop," or you can donate securely online at www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc  We are hiring a P/T Administrative Assistant while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year (January thru March). Click HERE for a job description and all the details for applying. We are also seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is away. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!   Join us at Douglas UCC on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 PM, as we welcome award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, who will be speaking about his book, "Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older." Of the book, Richard Rohr said, "What good work Frank Cunningham has done. His book is an invitation to more fully engage this stage of our journey and be enriched by it." And, Joyce Rupp, said: "What a joy to find an approach to aging as balanced, openhearted, and insightful as this one." "Vesper Time" has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 Illumination Silver Medal for books on spirituality, and the 2017 Nautilus Gold Award for books on aging. This is a free event. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.  Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 22: Attendance: 130 Collection: $1,178 Online: $2,499.41 Total: $3,677.41 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  Creation Month continues at Douglas UCC. This Sunday at 10 AM, we worship with the storm. We sing with the winds, the clouds, and the thunder. We feel the awesome events of nature. We experience the stillness before the storm, the frightening fury of the winds, and the destructive aftermath of the tornado. We experience God’s presence in all these things. We experience God’s presence in the storm. Message: Pastor Sal. Special Music: Pam Chappell.
 Please join us on Saturday, September 21, for the Adopt-a-Beach Clean-Up of Oval Beach and Douglas Beach. We'll be working from 9 AM till Noon. If you can help, please email us at ducccjt@gmail.com. Include your phone number, so we can reach out in case of rescheduling. Thank you!!  We hope you can join us after worship this Sunday, as we welcome authors Larry and Sandy Feldman, who will be discussing their book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide, at noon in the Friendship Hall. The book provides a review of theory and research on methods to reduce prejudice and describes ways to bring together people from all racial groups to share positive experiences. This is a free event, and all are welcome! Thank you to all who helped with our Adopt-a-Highway Clean-Ups this past week: Norman Capello, Greg and Sheryl VanPortfleet, Doug Sipsma, Chris Clark, Dan Mack, Peter Black, Mike White, Emily & Cally Tieman, Linda Charvat, Mike Valdez, Fritz Royce, Wendy Hamlin, Bob Kenny, Mike VerMerris.  The CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 6. We hope you will consider taking part as a walker and/or sponsor. Visit www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc to sign-up as a walker or to contribute as a sponsor. More information in this Sunday's bulletin insert.  We are seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!   Save-the-Date: Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.  Click below to read the latest Church Council Minutes and Pastor's Report:
Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 15: Attendance: 147 Collection: $1,567.60 Online: $1,791.04 Total: $3,286.64 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING  September is Creation Month. This Sunday, we are going to be focusing on the "Spirituality of Animals." A gift from God, animals are our spiritual teachers. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore this sacred gift. Special Music: "Colors of the Wind" by Hailey Huggett.  The month of September is Creation Month. Our Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team is facilitating a highway clean-up on Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m. till noon, and on Tuesday, September 17, from 4 to 7 p.m.. Then, on Saturday, September 21, there will be a clean-up of Oval Beach. If you can help with the highway and/or beach clean-ups this month, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall on Sunday. Thank you. Watch the latest message from our UCC General Minister and President, Rev. John Dorhauer.  The CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 6. We hope you will consider taking part as a walker and/or sponsor. Visit www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/duccto sign-up as a walker or to contribute as a sponsor.  As we heard from Greg Sherman last Sunday, our Pastoral Relations Committee is seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!
On Friday, September 20, Climate Strikes will be happening all around the globe. Our 12 year-old Douglas UCC churchgoer, Hannah Huggett, is facilitating the local Climate Strike which kicks off at 7 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council. All are welcome to participate.  On Sunday, September 22, at noon, authors Larry and Sandy Feldman will be coming to the Douglas UCC Friendship Hall to discuss their latest book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide. The book provides a review of theory and research on methods to reduce prejudice and describes ways to bring together people from all racial groups to share positive experiences. A free-will donation will be taken. All are welcome.  On Saturday, September 14, more than 70 classic cars will roll through downtown Douglas and Saugatuck as part of “There’s Something About Saugatuck” LGBT collector car event from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Come out and cheer on the car cruise as it travels through the our communities!  On Wednesday, September 18, from 6 to 8 PM, there will be a fundraiser for Arbor Circle at Coast 236 Restaurant in Saugatuck. Arbor Circle helps homeless LGBTQ youth in West Michigan. The evening includes live music, a strolling dinner, and a brief program presentation. Tickets are $100 per person and are available at Arbor Circle Fundraiser Tickets.  Our very own Pastor Sal will be one of six speakers taking part in "Failure Lab" at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m.. "Failure Lab" is like TED Talk, only the focus is on personal stories of failure. This will be a powerful evening of music and story-telling. Afterwards, mix and mingle with the storytellers and performers during the after-party under the outdoor pavilion with craft beer and drinks, and a special menu from local restaurants. Tickets are $25 and are available at the SCA box-office or online at www.sc4a.org.  Watch last Sunday's Music & Message:
Financial Stewardship Report:September 8: Attendance: 148 Collection: $1,387.60 Online: $2,096.71 Total: $3,484.31 Thank you for your generous giving which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service. You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING |
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