In This Week's E-pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Second Sunday of Easter- Certainty and Faith Photo by Dan Plasman In our culture darkness has a bad reputation. Yet, without darkness, we couldn’t see the stars. Darkness is also essential for rest and good health. And when we pass through dark times, the light on the other side can seem even brighter. During the Easter season we’re reminded that the tomb came before the promise of new life. We can say “yes!” to the darkness and the light, to all that is lifegiving! Join us as we explore the magic of the dark in service this Sunday. 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 
Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week
Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready! |
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Many Thanks to All Who Attended the
Good Friday Service
Photo by Andres F. Uran on Unsplash
It’s a privilege to spend Good Friday with our ecumenical Christian partners. Many thanks to all who attended the service, who provided reflections and responses which made the service so meaningful.
Thank You Art Guild & Church Family!
Your Generosity Blossomed in Our Sanctuary!
Thank you for the Easter lilies! Your thoughtfulness in providing lilies reflects the love and beauty of our Church family. Grateful for the Art Guild's Beautiful Easter Installation!
One Great Hour of Sharing
Thanks You All for Your Support
Thank you for your support for One Great Hour of Sharing. Our total offering was $2760. That amount is matched 100% by DUCC.
Nomination Committee Update
An Invitation to Shared Leadership
At our Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, DUCC affirmed a desire to move toward a more transparent and intentional process for identifying Church Council leadership. In response, a Nominating Committee has been formed to guide this effort in a spirit of prayerful discernment and shared ministry.
The Nominating Committee includes:
At-Large members of Church Council play an important role in our shared leadership model. They serve as connectors—helping strengthen communication between committees, Council, and the congregation, while participating in the ongoing work of guiding our church’s mission.
This is an exciting time in the life of DUCC as we continue to grow as a shared leadership community.
If you feel a nudge—or even a quiet curiosity—about serving in this way, we warmly invite you to reach out to any member of the Nominating Committee. We would welcome a conversation with you as you explore whether this might be a place where your gifts and sense of calling could serve the life of our church.
We look forward to this journey of discernment together.
The Nominating Committee includes:
- Wayne Titus (Chair, Council Representative)
- Bernice Lopata (Council Representative)
- Linda Page - McWebb (Congregational Representative)
- Barbara Lucier (Congregational Representative)
At-Large members of Church Council play an important role in our shared leadership model. They serve as connectors—helping strengthen communication between committees, Council, and the congregation, while participating in the ongoing work of guiding our church’s mission.
This is an exciting time in the life of DUCC as we continue to grow as a shared leadership community.
If you feel a nudge—or even a quiet curiosity—about serving in this way, we warmly invite you to reach out to any member of the Nominating Committee. We would welcome a conversation with you as you explore whether this might be a place where your gifts and sense of calling could serve the life of our church.
We look forward to this journey of discernment together.
Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our listeners are available at the Retreat House
In Person, or by Phone
Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
In Person, or by Phone
Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.
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, 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.
P. Burdick @ 616-856-1372, M. Valdez @ 616-990-1126, D. Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
Paul Burdick, Mike Valdez, 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.
P. Burdick @ 616-856-1372, M. Valdez @ 616-990-1126, D. Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed
Photo by Cindy Fernandez 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!
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas
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!
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas
To sign up (or just to "look at") the remote sign up sheet, please click below, or use the QR code:
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?
Photo by Shubh karman Singh 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
Virginia Stuart; 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); Lakeview UCC
(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); Lakeview UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
April 12: Ben Greene, Stan Greene
April 13: Bill Klatt, Jim DeVries
April 14: Julie Hebding
April 16: Jerry Coates
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.
April 12: Ben Greene, Stan Greene
April 13: Bill Klatt, Jim DeVries
April 14: Julie Hebding
April 16: Jerry Coates
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
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
April 5 In-Person Attendance : 82
April 5 Total Views for worship videos: 100
Weekly Offerings: $4,929
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: + $315
One Great Hour of Sharing: $50
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
April 5 Total Views for worship videos: 100
Weekly Offerings: $4,929
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: + $315
One Great Hour of Sharing: $50
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
Last Weeks Service: Easter Sunday
Witnesses to the Resurrection
Can you recall the feelings you had when a loved one died? All the ways you suffered because of their death? Jesus’ disciples expected a hero, a literal savior from the Roman occupation. Spent three years with Jesus learning about what a way of life without living under occupation might look like. And now this, a stolen body?! At least a missing body?! What would they have to deal with next? And how would they deal with it? So many questions. Pastor Jody, and Pastor Dan discuss the many questions of Easter. Watch the full service or the message by click the buttons below.
Church Calendar
Photo by Samuel Regan on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Lakeview UCC - April 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 Lakeview UCC
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Lakeview UCC
CLASSES
Qigong, Tuesdays at 3pm - Friendship Hall
Tea Time Afterwards at 4pm
Photo by Enzo Sanches 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.
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.
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
Walking for Hungry Neighbors
CROP Walk, May 17
Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn. A local two-income family faced new challenges when their son was diagnosed with autism and their daughter needed extra support in school. Choosing care over career, one parent stayed home with the kids, and the family turned to a local food bank to help make ends meet.
For over 50 years, the CROP Hunger Walk has supported families like this one—locally and globally. Our church has set a goal of raising $5,000 for this year's walk in Holland on May 17. One quarter of all funds raised will go directly to nearby food banks, while the rest will support grassroots efforts worldwide.
To support this effort, click on the button below and either (1) click the orange “Donate now” button or (2) scroll down for the blue “Join the team” button, and choose Douglas UCC.
For over 50 years, the CROP Hunger Walk has supported families like this one—locally and globally. Our church has set a goal of raising $5,000 for this year's walk in Holland on May 17. One quarter of all funds raised will go directly to nearby food banks, while the rest will support grassroots efforts worldwide.
To support this effort, click on the button below and either (1) click the orange “Donate now” button or (2) scroll down for the blue “Join the team” button, and choose Douglas UCC.
DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV is Needed
Photo by Karson Chan on Unsplash
A Used SUV is Needed. DUCC’s Afghan Family is a growing family of 6 and they have
an immediate need for a larger vehicle than their Prius. If you are considering selling a
used SUV at a reasonable price, they would be grateful to be considered. If you can
assist, please contact Bob (312-636-7657) or Louise (847-800-4236) Kenny.
Thank you.
an immediate need for a larger vehicle than their Prius. If you are considering selling a
used SUV at a reasonable price, they would be grateful to be considered. If you can
assist, please contact Bob (312-636-7657) or Louise (847-800-4236) Kenny.
Thank you.
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.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
DUCC MEN, JOIN US!
Men's Coffee & Conversation
1st and 3rd Wednesday @ 10am
New Dates: April 1st and 15th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
Men's Coffee & Conversation
1st and 3rd Wednesday @ 10am
New Dates: April 1st and 15th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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