In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Second Sunday after EpiphanyThe Season of Epiphany continues on Sunday with the story of the wedding in Cana found in John 2. Jesus performs the first of many miracles. Not my favorite topic, yet worth exploration. Oddly, this is not an occasion of healing or snatching a victim from certain death. The wine runs out! (Gasp!) No doubt embarrassing for the host, but hardly life-threatening for tipsy party goers. There’s got to be something deeper going on here. I suggest this is a story about abundance and muchness — God’s and ours, and Martin Luther King’s too. Please join us on Sunday at 10am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our YouTube channel. Message: Rev. Dan Plasman Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson You will always find our latest church bulletin and service music at Bit.ly/DUCCBulletin ![]()
Last Week's Service: Baptism SundayLast Sunday Rev. Keith Mannes returned to Douglas UCC, thinking about his good and faithful friend who is, nevertheless, a fussbudget for God, always nagging himself and others. Rev. Keith sees flickering reflections of himself in his friend. In our reading from Luke, Jesus is baptized. As Keith ponders Jesus, and the river we all drink from, he finds relief, and some peace for his fussbudget friend, too. Here's the whole service. Welcome Home Pastors Jody and Dan !What's better than one settled pastor? TWO settled pastors! They are on campus this week, in meetings, and prepping for service. If you'd like to make an appointment, simply email or call them. You'll find them both in the online church directory and church directory app, of course! During the following hours at least one pastor will be in Douglas; Week of Jan 20 Monday 11am to 4pm Wednesday 10am to 3pm Thursday 11am to 4pm Friday 10am to 3pm If you need to see a pastor, please text or call them directly about a time. Dan - 616.828.2293 Jody 616.706.3549 Remembering Leith Letcher |
We have only recently learned that our beloved friend and church member, Leith Letcher, passed away in May of 2024. Leith and his husband, Jim Shewell, were married here at Douglas UCC in 2017, and we remember them especially in the Spring, because each year they planted the zinnia bed at the entrance of the church, and we continue to do so to honor our loving memories of these wonderful men. |
King: A Life -- With Author Jonathan Eig, Jan 20, Noon
Helping Southern California/Nevada: The UCC's Global Hope Team
You can write a check made out to the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Please note "Califorina Wildfires 2025" on the check
so that your donation reaches the right fund.
Mail it to:
United Church of Christ
PO Box 71957
Cleveland, OH 44194
Please be sure to note "California Wildfires 2025"
in the memo section of your check.
The UCC's EIN is: 34-1927041
Peanut Butter Drive, January 24 through February
Caregivers and Grief Group
A Great Wild Mercy: Jack Ridl and Carrie Newcomer Collaborate Online
The link for the program will be sent automatically to the Detroit UU Vespers, Carrie Newcomer, and Jack Ridl email lists. If you are not on any of those lists or unsure, contact Jack through his website, ridl.com, and he will make sure you receive the link either early in January or on the day before the performance.There are only 100 available audience spots, so attendance will have to be first come/first served. (However, the program will be recorded and released on YouTube later this month.)
Here’s guaranteeing you an inspiring way to give the new year a second kick start. And your heart is certain to be warmed, comforted. uplifted. Newcomer’s many albums are available through your favorite music shops and she co-hosts a thoughtful, meditative podcast with Parker Palmer, The Growing Edge. Jack’s latest collection of poetry, ALL AT ONCE is available wherever books are sold, and directly from the publisher, CavanKerry Press, right here.
Jan 23 Restorative Circle Facilitator Training: January 23-24
We are living in a fractured society where conflict and division is tearing at the social fabric. This two-day training is for anyone who is eager to actively build strong communities, families, work environments and faith communities. You will learn how to communicate and collaborate during times of conflict or even just around different points of view. You will develop skills that can be put to practice immediately in informal ways and will also learn how to facilitate a formal restorative circle as well. Registration is limited to 12 so be sure to register early. You can register with this
Registration Link: tinyurl.com/RCTrainingJan2025 or for more information about restorative circles go to HollandRestorativeCircles.org.
How to Know When We Cancel Services for Bad Weather
Lost? Found!
Prayer Requests
Birthdays & Anniversaries
January 23: Greg Sherman, Rose Marie Stevenson
January 25: Patrice Greene
ANNIVERSARIES
January 21: Bob & Louise Kenny
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
Total Views for January 12 worship videos: 166
Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $1,320.00
Online Giving: $3,176.96
Total, General Support: $4,496.96
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.
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