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Second Sunday of Easter

4/10/2026

 
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Photo by Mae Jones on Unsplash

​In This Week's E-pistle, You Will Find:

  • This Week's Service:  Second Sunday of Easter - Certainty and Faith
  • Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week 
  • Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready, April 12, 26 and May 10
  • Exploring the World's Wisdom Traditions - *BEGINS TODAY!
  • Sunday Pancake Breakfast on April 19
  • Bring Back the Night: Dark Sky Week in Saugatuck - Douglas, April 12-20
  • Creation Justice Team, Night Magic Book Read, April 19​
  • Friends of Christian Neighbors Spring Benefit, Save the Date, Sunday, May 3 
  • Many Thanks to All Who Attended the Good Friday Service!​
  • Thank You All for the Easter Lilies! Your Generosity Blossomed in Our Sanctuary
  • Grateful for the Art Guild's Beautiful Easter Installation!
  • Thank You for the Support of One Great Hour of Sharing
  • Nominating Committee Update: An Invitation to Shared Leadership
  • Listening Ear: Do You Need to Be Heard?
  • Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed
  • Taking Pictures at DUCC Event
  • Prayer Requests
  • Birthdays & Anniversaries This Week
  • Easy Way to Change Your Contribution
  • Financial Stewardship
  • Last Week's Service: Easter Sunday - Witnesses to the Resurrection
  • Church Calendar
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
  • Grand West Association Prayer Circle for All Churches
CLASSES​
  • Qigong & Tea! Tuesdays at 3pm, Friendship Hall
  • Next Financial Series Session Scheduled,  May 6
COMMUNITY EVENTS
  • Walking for Hungry Neighbors, CROP Walk, May 17
  • DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing - A Used SUV is Needed
  • Stand in Protest - Holland, Fridays from 12-1pm
  • Men's Coffee and Conversation​​​

This Week's Service: Second Sunday of Easter- Certainty and Faith

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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

DUCC Bulletin/Hymns April 12, 2026
File Size: 914 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


​Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week

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For The Week of April 12:
Tuesday: 1-8pm, Jody & Dan
Wednesday: 10-3pm, Dan & Jody 
Thursday: 10-3pm, Jody 
Friday: 10-3pm, Dan  

Claire's Office Hours: 
Tuesday: 10-4pm
Wednesday: 10-4:30pm
Thursday: 10-4:30pm (work from home)
​Friday: 10-4pm
  
Please note, Jody and Dan will respond to emails during office hours.
If you get an email asking for money from Jody or Dan, this is a scam. Do not reply.​​

Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. At times they are in Douglas but not at the office.
​Please call to schedule an appointment:
​Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293;
Office: 269-857-2085

​Inquirers? New Members? Let's Get You Ready!
Dates: Sunday, April 12, 26 and May 10

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Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash
Sundays April 12, 26 and May 10 for those who are interested in becoming a member of Douglas UCC or who just want more information, please join us for these informative sessions on The United Church of Christ, Progressive Christianity, and Membership in Douglas UCC. Please sign up on the Welcome Card in the seat rack, or email Jody of your interest.
JODY'S EMAIL

Exploring the World's Wisdom Traditions
*Begins Today!

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Photo by Preston Browning on Unsplash
REV. MARTY'S EMAIL
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​Sunday Pancake Breakfast, April 19
No Second Sunday Luncheon in April

All are Invited to the Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, April 19 after the Service
 In the Friendship Hall ​
Thank you, once again, to our church member, John Willming and his team of volunteers, for facilitating the breakfast. It is always a fun way to celebrate together!
​Please, fuel our flapjack mission...Donations being accepted to cover costs. 


*Note, No Second Sunday Luncheon in April

​Bring Back the Night: Dark Sky Week in Saugatuck - Douglas

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On April 12, our Sunday service will feature a message from Pastor Jody about the night.

In our culture, darkness has a bad reputation. Yet without it, we wouldn’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 this Easter season, we’re reminded that the tomb came before the promise of new life. Join us on April 12 as Pastor Jody reflects on these powerful and hopeful truths.

Then, between April 13 and 20, the Saugatuck–Douglas Friends of the Night Sky invite you to Dark Sky Week—a celebration of the beauty and importance of natural night skies. Come whether you’re curious, creative, or simply enjoy being outdoors.

It begins Monday at the Visitor Center in Douglas with a Photography Talk at 3:30 PM, where you’ll learn how to capture the magic of the night sky. That evening, return for the Awareness Expo (6:30–8:30). This drop-in event features exhibits, local experts, and practical ideas for improving outdoor lighting. Discover how artificial light at night affects wildlife and our well-being—and how small changes can make a difference.
​

On Wednesday (8:30–11:00 at Hemlock Crossing), experience the universe firsthand at a Stargazing Night. On Thursday at 9:00 PM, join a Night Hike at the Outdoor Discovery Center. We wrap up Sunday (2:00 PM at the library) with a Book Discussion of Night Magic.

Come to one event or all—step outside, look up, and rediscover the night.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Creation Justice Team - Book Read
Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion

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Photo by Harshit Suryawanshi on Unsplash
On Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm
​the Saugatuck Douglas District Library

There will be a book discussion. The book is called Night Magic and it is described as Adventures among glowworms, moon gardens and other marvels of the dark.
 
The library has extra copies so you can check out one and come to the discussion. You can come whether or not you have read the book. Just good to connect with other people who are learning about life in the night. All are Welcome!
​

Friends of Christian Neighbors Spring Benefit
Save the Date, Sunday, May 3

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Please mark your calendars for Sunday May 3, 2026
1-3 PM at the Saugatuck Yacht Club
.  

A $75 donation (or more), per person, is requested.  
All proceeds benefit Christian Neighbors (501c3).
This year, the annual fundraiser for Christian Neighbors is coordinated by our Douglas UCC, in cooperation with several local churches. We are still 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. Attending the Benefit without volunteering is very important also! If interested, please contact Bert Hallewas by email below, or  248-462-9345.
​

For all payments: please write in memo line: "2026 Spring Benefit".
Checks can be written to "Christian Neighbors" at the event, or mailed ahead of time to:    DUCC PO Box 19 Douglas, MI 49406. Electronic payments are possible by debit/credit card, PayPal and Zelle.  Please use the QR codes below.

BERT'S EMAIL
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Many Thanks to All Who Attended the
​Good Friday Service

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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!

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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

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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

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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:
  • Wayne Titus (Chair, Council Representative)
  • Bernice Lopata (Council Representative)
  • Linda Page - McWebb (Congregational Representative)
  • Barbara Lucier (Congregational Representative)
Over the coming weeks, the Committee will be inviting the congregation into a thoughtful process of discernment—seeking to match the gifts, experiences, and sense of calling within our community to the leadership needs of DUCC.
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?

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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.
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  ​

​Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed

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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:
SIGN UP SHEET
BERT'S EMAIL
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​​Taking Pictures at DUCC Event?

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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

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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

​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.

​Easy Way to Change Your Contribution

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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.
  • 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.
We are thankful for your ongoing support of DUCC and the Mission and Outreach that are key to our Congregation. Please contact Bill Briggs if you need any further information.
BILLS EMAIL
DUCC Contribution Change Form
File Size: 42 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


​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.



Last Weeks Service: Easter Sunday
Witnesses to the Resurrection

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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. ​
FULL SERVICE
JODY & DAN'S MESSAGE

​Church Calendar

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Photo by Samuel Regan on Unsplash
EXPLORE THE CALENDAR

UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS


​Grand West Association Prayer Circle

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Photo by wu yi on Unsplash
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 ​
FOR MORE INFORMATION

CLASSES


Qigong, Tuesdays at 3pm - Friendship Hall
Tea Time Afterwards at 4pm

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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
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.

​Financial Literacy Series 
Next Session This Wednesday, May 6

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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.

AROUND TOWN


Walking for Hungry Neighbors
CROP Walk, May 17

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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.
TO DONATE

​DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV is Needed

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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.

​Stand in Protest

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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.

​Men's Coffee and Conversation

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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

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56 Wall Street • Douglas, Michigan 49406

© Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ. All Rights Reserved.
  • About Us ▾
    • Meditation Garden
    • Retreat House
    • Our Staff
    • Our Stories
    • About Douglas UCC
  • Connect & Serve ▾
    • Spiritually Active Groups &Committees
    • Grant Committee
  • Worship & Music Videos ▾
    • Podcast Library 🔊
    • Homily Library 📖
  • Calendar & E-pistle ▾
    • E-Pistle
  • Contact
  • Giving