 Photo by Yang on Unsplash In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Second Sunday in Lent |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns March 1 2026 |
Last Weeks Service: First Sunday in Lent
Gotta Serve Somebody
Photo by Delaney Van on Unsplash
As a positive, we may choose to take on new habits and ways of being during Lent. Yet, there are moments during the season and throughout our lives when we need to “Say No”.
The power of saying NO is one way to reclaim control over our time, energy, and creative output. Saying NO doesn’t mean shutting out opportunities, it means being selective and intentional about the opportunities we choose to pursue in order that we can say YES to what the world needs most from us.
When we start saying NO to things that don’t align with our life and values, we open up space for opportunities to do that which leads to greater clarity and focus and intention. Saying NO also reveals our true loyalties and commitments. Last Sunday Jody shares the ways Jesus shows us the way to Say No this week.
The power of saying NO is one way to reclaim control over our time, energy, and creative output. Saying NO doesn’t mean shutting out opportunities, it means being selective and intentional about the opportunities we choose to pursue in order that we can say YES to what the world needs most from us.
When we start saying NO to things that don’t align with our life and values, we open up space for opportunities to do that which leads to greater clarity and focus and intention. Saying NO also reveals our true loyalties and commitments. Last Sunday Jody shares the ways Jesus shows us the way to Say No this week.
Jody's and Dan's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of March 1: Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Jody 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 |
Welcome Mezzo-Soprano Rebecca Russcher
This Sunday, March 1
We welcome mezzo-soprano and degreed chef Rebecca Russcher to our service this week.
Rebecca loves designing menus of both song and great food. She performs with the West Michigan Opera Project as a solo recitalist, and is one half of the duo Two Baroque Girls.
She enjoys singing, announcing, and happily “eating her way” through Oktoberfest celebrations across West Michigan with Ein Prosit.
For eighteen seasons, Rebecca has been grateful to sing as a soloist with the Zeeland Civic Chorus in its annual December performances of Handel’s Messiah.
Rebecca teaches voice at Saugatuck’s Dance Asylum and loves sharing the joy of music with students of all ages and abilities.
Rebecca loves designing menus of both song and great food. She performs with the West Michigan Opera Project as a solo recitalist, and is one half of the duo Two Baroque Girls.
She enjoys singing, announcing, and happily “eating her way” through Oktoberfest celebrations across West Michigan with Ein Prosit.
For eighteen seasons, Rebecca has been grateful to sing as a soloist with the Zeeland Civic Chorus in its annual December performances of Handel’s Messiah.
Rebecca teaches voice at Saugatuck’s Dance Asylum and loves sharing the joy of music with students of all ages and abilities.
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 Caunt 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.
Pastoral Support Committee (PSC)
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
Two Pastoral Support Committees have been formed for our pastors. The PSC for each
pastor will serve as an advisory group, sharing ideas, dreams, expectations and
concerns of the greater congregation. The PSC will also serve as a support group for
our pastors by interpreting pastoral roles, functions, boundaries, opportunities, and
needs of the congregation.
A primary function of the PSC is to provide sacred and confidential space where the
pastors can receive ongoing support and feedback regarding their leadership.
Additionally, the PSC will serve as a bridge between the pastors and the congregation
through healthy communication and working in positive ways through any concerns or
conflicts that might arise. Each PSC will meet quarterly with its pastor.
pastor will serve as an advisory group, sharing ideas, dreams, expectations and
concerns of the greater congregation. The PSC will also serve as a support group for
our pastors by interpreting pastoral roles, functions, boundaries, opportunities, and
needs of the congregation.
A primary function of the PSC is to provide sacred and confidential space where the
pastors can receive ongoing support and feedback regarding their leadership.
Additionally, the PSC will serve as a bridge between the pastors and the congregation
through healthy communication and working in positive ways through any concerns or
conflicts that might arise. Each PSC will meet quarterly with its pastor.
Jody’s PSC is: Greg Sherman, Kirsten Stannis & Demetrhea Terrien
Dan’s PSC is: Jim DeVries, Jim Kern & Linda Knieriemen
Dan’s PSC is: Jim DeVries, Jim Kern & Linda Knieriemen
Interim Campus Steward and Building/Grounds
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
Photo by Jody Betten
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.
Social Justice Team - Black History Book Read
Thanks to Bob Kenny & All Who Attended!
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Thanks to Bob Kenny for spearheading the book read for Black History month. Thank you to all who attended, and participated in the lively discussion.
Social Justice Team
The Social Justice Team met on Jan 30th to select their strategic priorities for 2026 and will meet again on March 12 at 6:30 pm to brainstorm and agree on the plans and programs we will sponsor this year. All are welcome to participate in the planning process.
Creation Justice Team
Styrofoam Recycling - Only the hard Styrofoam is wanted. Think old hard styrofoam cooler used at the beach. HARD. As with many things, there are many types of styrofoam and the only kind that Kathy can take is the HARD kind. Pease leave it on the top of the recycling containers. If there is a lot, please email Kathy Klage, and she can arrange to get the styrofoam.
Focus for 2026 - The Creation Justice Team has chosen to focus on reducing light pollution and planting native plants. If this interests you, please call the chair, Betsy at 510-504-2155, or come to the next meeting on Monday, March 23 at 4:30pm in the Isabel Graham Center.
Focus for 2026 - The Creation Justice Team has chosen to focus on reducing light pollution and planting native plants. If this interests you, please call the chair, Betsy at 510-504-2155, or come to the next meeting on Monday, March 23 at 4:30pm in the Isabel Graham Center.
Next Second Sunday Luncheon March 8
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Second Sunday Luncheon
March 8 after service
Friendship Hall
March 8 after service
Friendship Hall
Please join us as we encourage one another over good food and conversation. Bring
what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread, etc.). If you can't bring anything,
please bring yourself and a friend. All are welcome!
Thank you to everyone who helps make our Luncheons go smoothly.
If you are interested in helping with set up, clean up, or to provide food for the
luncheons, please email Kelly Jacobsma.
what you are able (entrees, salads, desserts, bread, etc.). If you can't bring anything,
please bring yourself and a friend. All are welcome!
Thank you to everyone who helps make our Luncheons go smoothly.
If you are interested in helping with set up, clean up, or to provide food for the
luncheons, please email Kelly Jacobsma.
Card Ministry
Volunteers Needed June, July & August
Need Volunteers - June, 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.
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.
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; 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);
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);
Hudsonville UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
February 29: Craig Drager
March 2: Amy Stratbucker, Carol Watson Ortman
March 4: Kathy Hartman
March 5: Bruce Belich
March 6: Ted Sommer
ANNIVERSARIES
March 3: Mary & Marcel Westenbroek
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 29: Craig Drager
March 2: Amy Stratbucker, Carol Watson Ortman
March 4: Kathy Hartman
March 5: Bruce Belich
March 6: Ted Sommer
ANNIVERSARIES
March 3: Mary & Marcel Westenbroek
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.
Easy Way to Change Your Contribution
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
February 22 In-Person Attendance : 55
February 22 Total Views for worship videos: 68
Weekly Offerings: $3,352
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $1,263
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world
February 22 Total Views for worship videos: 68
Weekly Offerings: $3,352
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $1,263
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
OPPORTUNITY FOR GIVING
Peanut Butter Drive - Just A Few Days Left
February 28 Last Day
Photo by Maryam Sicard on Unsplash
The on-going support of Christian Neighbors is greatly appreciated.
We have collected 129 jars of Peanut Butter so far. We are hoping to collect at least 200 jars from DUCC before the end of February. Last year, our total count was 175.
Once again, thank you all!
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.
We have collected 129 jars of Peanut Butter so far. We are hoping to collect at least 200 jars from DUCC before the end of February. Last year, our total count was 175.
Once again, thank you all!
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.
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
Hudsonville UCC - February Church of the Month
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.
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.
CLASSES
Financial Literacy Series
Next Session This Wednesday, March 4
Next session Wednesday, March 4 2026.
Friendship Hall
6-7:30pm
On Wednesday, March 4 we have the great, good fortune of sharing another enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. In this next session Wayne discusses and shares his knowledge of tax planning.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall.
Wayne can send you preparatory information.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Friendship Hall
6-7:30pm
On Wednesday, March 4 we have the great, good fortune of sharing another enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. In this next session Wayne discusses and shares his knowledge of tax planning.
Sign up for one or all of them in the Friendship Hall.
Wayne can send you preparatory information.
It’s not too late to join in and become financially wiser! Invite a friend, if you like.
Qigong, Tuesdays at 3pm - Friendship Hall
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Qigong Winter Class
Tuesdays, 3:00pm
Friendship Hall
Led by Kat VanHammen
Tuesdays, 3:00pm
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.
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
Stand in Protest
Photo by Alex Radelich on Unsplash
Stand in Protest
Fridays, Noon - 1pm
170 College Ave, Holland
Fridays, Noon - 1pm
170 College Ave, Holland
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 email.
If interested, please contact Bert Hallewas at 248-462-9345 or email.
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