 Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
This Week's Service: Second Sunday After Christmas - A Horrifying but Necessary Ending to the Christmas Story Photo by Dan Plasman Take a look at the Christmas cards you got. If they have something to do with the Christmas story in the Bible, they are probably serene, calm, angelic, magical looking. Everything in its place, people doing exactly what you would expect, no crying the baby makes as the song suggests. But in truth, the story that begins with a family called out of their home to another city to be taxed by a despot; ends with that same family with a newborn, fleeing for their lives because that same despot is so afraid and jealous of a baby who was called a new ruler by some foreign visitors. The Christmas story is far from meek and mild. It takes place in a real world where rulers will protect their power no matter which innocents are slaughtered. Sorry for the dose of reality this week. But there is hope. Join us as we explore this ending to the Christmas story. Please join us on Sunday at 10 am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our Youtube Channel. Message: Rev. Jody Betten Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson 
Last Week's Service: First Sunday After Christmas - Home By Another Way Image from Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash After the celebration of Christmas, it’s amazing how quickly life gets back to some semblance of normal. Wrapping paper is tossed out. Lights and ornaments are taken down and carefully stored for another year. Live White Pines, Balsam Firs, and Frasers are decluttered and put on the curb to be taken to their final resting place. Christmas is over and it’s time to get back to our routines. Or is it? This Sunday the Magi (aka Wisemen) show up. Traditionally they appear on Epiphany Sunday, which is January 4, but we’re going to highlight them for two Sundays, along with an insecure despot named Herod. Last Sunday’s reflection was entitled: Home By Another Way. Some questions to ponder: What does going home mean to you? What do you need to change? What will never be the same again? Jody and Dan's Office Hours This Week
Thanks to Pastors Rienstra and Petersen for Hosting the Silent Retreats Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash Many thanks to Pastors Marty Rienstra and Doug Petersen for hosting the Wednesday times and spaces for us to be quiet. For their time with us, for sharing the experience of silence in their own lives, for leading by example, we are grateful. Watch for future times for gathering for corporate. Social Justice Team Many thanks to those who could make it to the Dec 2 meeting. We reviewed insights from the speakers and are planning next steps. Watch for further details. If you would like to be included in the regular email list, please email Jody with Social Justice in the subject line. Creation Justice Team- Ideas for Recycling Holiday Packing Material and Items Recycling Packing Material and Other Holiday Items 'Tis the season for packages! Cardboard boxes can be recycled, and many of their non-gift contents can be reused. You can take packaging materials, such as air pillows, "peanuts," bubble wrap, and insulated boxes, to "The Shipping Department" on 8th Street in Holland. For more information on this and other recycling venues, see the Creation Justice Team's website. Other items:
No Second Sunday Luncheon in January |
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Second Sundays are a hit! Folks who stay for the extended coffee hour to catch up and for the delicious eats are not disappointed! In January the second Sunday is our semi-annual Congregational Meeting so we will not be eating together that day. Watch for details for our next Sunday luncheon!
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.
Card Ministry
Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash
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!
Policy Updates - Require a Vote on January 11
Please Read before Congregational Meeting
We have updated multiple policies which required a congregational vote to be adopted.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
Please read and review prior to the congregational meeting on January 11th.
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Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 11, after Sunday Service
Join us this Sunday January 11, 2026 after the morning service for our annual Congregational Meeting to kick-off the New Year. We will gather as a Congregation to review the past year and look forward to the future. Please plan to join us.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Alexey Demidov 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
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); Mary Westenbroek; Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (Claire Blumer's nephew); James "Jimmie" Perkaus and Family (family of Claire Blumer); Holland UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
January 4: Greg Gerrans
January 5: Beverly Hawkes
January 6: Louise Kenny
January 8: Andrew Danos, Lynn DaCosse
January 10: Douglas Petersen, Tim Lemanski
ANNIVERSARIES
January 2: Doreen & Tamara Ritt
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.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
BIRTHDAYS
January 4: Greg Gerrans
January 5: Beverly Hawkes
January 6: Louise Kenny
January 8: Andrew Danos, Lynn DaCosse
January 10: Douglas Petersen, Tim Lemanski
ANNIVERSARIES
January 2: Doreen & Tamara Ritt
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.
* If you have had any changes in your information, please know you can go to the Directory and update yourself, or contact Claire to change/update.*
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.
| Douglas UCC Contribution Change Form |
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
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 December is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
The "church of the month" for December is Holland UCC.
Thank you for keeping them in our prayers.
CLASSES
Next Session in the Financial Literacy Series Wednesday, January 7
On Thursday 11/5, eighteen people shared an interesting and enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. Wayne shared his 30 years of financial experience as he laid out the next five subject-specific events to be held on the first Wednesdays -
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
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 so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
January through June (not April). Next session is on January 7, 2026.
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 so Wayne can send you preparatory information.
Soul Collage January 10, Step Into the New Year with Soul Collage
The next Soul Collage sessions with our friend and masterful teacher, Ruth Zwald, are scheduled for the Friendship Hall January 10. This artful, soul-honoring class will set you exploring and making and asking your own wisdom sources for guidance. It's always a surprising and stilling journey with Rev. Ruth! To sign up, follow the registration instructions in the poster above. You must register to participate
Qigong is Back! Tuesdays at 3pm,
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
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