 Photo by Alessandro Simonetta on Unsplash This Week In the E-Pistle, You Will Find...
This Week's Service: Seventh Sunday of Easter |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns |
Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of May 17: Monday: 4-6pm, Jody Tuesday: 10-3pm, Jody & Dan Wednesday: 10-2pm, Dan Friday: 10-3pm, Jody 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!
This Sunday, May 17
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash
Sunday May 17 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.
Wear Red Shirts on Pentecost Sunday, May 24
Two Sunday Services, Begins May 31!
All Are Welcome!
Second Sunday Service from May 31 – Sept 6
8:15 and 10:15 with Coffee Hour between
8:15 and 10:15 with Coffee Hour between
Douglas United Church of Christ has prayerfully considered adding a second worship service for the summer season. This conversation arises out of gratitude for the vibrant, welcoming
community we have become—and a desire to steward that growth faithfully.
Our goals are to open the doors to visitors and guests while continuing our care for our current
members. When guests walk through the doors we imagine they are met with extravagant
welcome and genuine connection. This spirit is a hallmark of our congregation and a reflection
of our shared ministry.
At the same time, our current worship service is often at or near capacity. Seating can be
limited—particularly for families, couples, or small groups wishing to sit together—and this can
unintentionally create barriers for newcomers and longtime participants alike.
Being at or near maximum capacity limits our ability to grow, to welcome, and to respond to the movement of the Spirit among us. We want to continue to invite deeper participation in the life of the church—providing meaningful opportunities for people to grow in faith, love, and
community.
DUCC has successfully offered two worship services in the past. Given our current level of
participation we revisited that idea with a team of ten volunteer congregants and church leaders.
This discernment was not simply about numbers or logistics. It is about hospitality,
sustainability, and faithfulness—creating space where all who seek community, meaning, and
God’s love can gather, worship, and belong.
Our Coffee Hour will continue between the services, a place for expanding that warm welcome
to friends and guests alike!
We are excited to see what new opportunities will emerge from this new offering!
Ad Hoc Team: Carol Rice, Virginia Stuart, Paul Lucas, Barb Lucier, Bill Briggs, Barb Witt,
Jody Betten, Jan DeVries, Peter Black, Mike VerMerris, Jeff Spangler
community we have become—and a desire to steward that growth faithfully.
Our goals are to open the doors to visitors and guests while continuing our care for our current
members. When guests walk through the doors we imagine they are met with extravagant
welcome and genuine connection. This spirit is a hallmark of our congregation and a reflection
of our shared ministry.
At the same time, our current worship service is often at or near capacity. Seating can be
limited—particularly for families, couples, or small groups wishing to sit together—and this can
unintentionally create barriers for newcomers and longtime participants alike.
Being at or near maximum capacity limits our ability to grow, to welcome, and to respond to the movement of the Spirit among us. We want to continue to invite deeper participation in the life of the church—providing meaningful opportunities for people to grow in faith, love, and
community.
DUCC has successfully offered two worship services in the past. Given our current level of
participation we revisited that idea with a team of ten volunteer congregants and church leaders.
This discernment was not simply about numbers or logistics. It is about hospitality,
sustainability, and faithfulness—creating space where all who seek community, meaning, and
God’s love can gather, worship, and belong.
Our Coffee Hour will continue between the services, a place for expanding that warm welcome
to friends and guests alike!
We are excited to see what new opportunities will emerge from this new offering!
Ad Hoc Team: Carol Rice, Virginia Stuart, Paul Lucas, Barb Lucier, Bill Briggs, Barb Witt,
Jody Betten, Jan DeVries, Peter Black, Mike VerMerris, Jeff Spangler
Seeking Volunteers - Financial Governance & Stewardship Committee
Seeking Volunteers – Financial Governance & Stewardship Committee
Dear Members and Friends of DUCC,
Church Council recently authorized formation of an ad-hoc committee focused on strengthening DUCC’s long-term financial governance, stewardship practices, reserve policies, and supporting financial procedures.
The purpose of the committee is to review and improve existing financial governance structures already developed within the congregation and to help prepare recommendations for future policy and procedural improvements.
This effort will focus on areas including:
The anticipated commitment is intentionally limited:
This effort is intended to continue and improve upon the substantial work already invested by many members of the congregation over the years. Our goal is not to reinvent systems unnecessarily, but to clarify, simplify where appropriate, strengthen governance, and improve long-term stewardship practices for future generations of DUCC.
Dear Members and Friends of DUCC,
Church Council recently authorized formation of an ad-hoc committee focused on strengthening DUCC’s long-term financial governance, stewardship practices, reserve policies, and supporting financial procedures.
The purpose of the committee is to review and improve existing financial governance structures already developed within the congregation and to help prepare recommendations for future policy and procedural improvements.
This effort will focus on areas including:
- reserve and endowment governance;
- long-term financial sustainability;
- reserve and capital planning;
- donor communication and planned giving;
- financial reporting transparency;
- chart of accounts and dashboard improvements;
- and development of a practical Finance & Accounting Manual documenting church financial procedures and reporting practices.
- review documents and recommendations;
- provide feedback and suggestions;
- help improve clarity and communication;
- evaluate processes and procedures;
- and assist in strengthening governance for the future of the congregation.
- accounting or bookkeeping;
- finance or banking;
- legal or insurance;
- business ownership or management;
- nonprofit administration;
- process improvement;
- communications;
- governance;
- or related professional experience.
The anticipated commitment is intentionally limited:
- approximately 1–2 hours per week reviewing materials;
- plus approximately eight one-hour meetings between now and late September;
- meetings may be held remotely or in person depending on schedules.
This effort is intended to continue and improve upon the substantial work already invested by many members of the congregation over the years. Our goal is not to reinvent systems unnecessarily, but to clarify, simplify where appropriate, strengthen governance, and improve long-term stewardship practices for future generations of DUCC.
If you are interested in participating or would like additional information,
please contact Wayne Titus by email, or simply call or text at 734-673-2810.
Thank you for considering supporting this important work for the future of our congregation.
please contact Wayne Titus by email, or simply call or text at 734-673-2810.
Thank you for considering supporting this important work for the future of our congregation.
Bookkeeper Needed
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
We are seeking a volunteer bookkeeper to assist our church/organization with weekly accounting support. Our current bookkeeper is now working five days a week and has asked to be replaced, so we are looking for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with accounting software.
Position Overview
If interested, please email or call Wayne Titus (734-673-2810), Treasurer with a brief summary of your experience, and availability.
Position Overview
- Volunteer position
- Approximately 5 hours or less per week once trained
- Flexible schedule
- Training and a detailed weekly process will be provided
- Works closely with the Treasurer
- Accounts payable processing
- Assisting with weekly / monthly bookkeeping tasks
- Maintaining accurate financial records
- Working with QuickBooks or similar accounting software
- Experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software, preferred, not required.
- Basic bookkeeping or accounting experience
- Comfortable with computerized accounting systems, interest in working with QuickBooks required.
- Organized, reliable, and detail-oriented
If interested, please email or call Wayne Titus (734-673-2810), Treasurer with a brief summary of your experience, and availability.
Creation Justice - Friends of the Dark Sky
Join Our Church/Community Google Group
With the leadership of Chris Clark, and the support of the Creation Justice Team, 5 events were part of the Dark Sky Week. This special week takes place all over the world. The champion organization is International Dark Sky based in Tucson. Darksky.org. Today, a special Google group set up by Chris to include both people from our church and people from the community called, Friends of the Dark Sky, has 43 names. If you would like to join this group, see Chris Clark. Thanks everyone for a very successful week. Betsy York, Chair
May is Cereal Drive Month
Feeding Kids through the Summer
Prayer Requests
Jenny O'Neal (friend of Laurie VanDenBelt & Shirley Lawson); 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); Lowell First Congregational UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
May 18: Jo Cooley, Sue Fleming
May 20: Mary Westenbroek, Nancy DeWitt
May 21: John Fleming
May 22: Mark Zancanaro, Michael Tuleja
ANNIVERSARIES
May 19: Elizabeth & Joe Mannancheril
May 21: Nancy & Scott DeWitt
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.
May 18: Jo Cooley, Sue Fleming
May 20: Mary Westenbroek, Nancy DeWitt
May 21: John Fleming
May 22: Mark Zancanaro, Michael Tuleja
ANNIVERSARIES
May 19: Elizabeth & Joe Mannancheril
May 21: Nancy & Scott DeWitt
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
May 10 In-Person Attendance : 89
May 10 Total Views for worship videos: 68
Weekly Offerings: $3,413
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$1,202
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
May 10 Total Views for worship videos: 68
Weekly Offerings: $3,413
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$1,202
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
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 |
Last Weeks Service: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ever Feel Like an Orphan?
Having family is a gift, well, most of the time. According to Family Systems theorists, family is the smallest unit of humanity, not the individual. Even if you aren’t close with family or are estranged from family, your relationships with them still have an impact on who you are. And, many of us know the term “framily” for friends who are family. Because we recognize the need for close supportive and accountable relationships, we find folks who accept us for who we are and then continue to support us through our lives. They even hold us accountable to be our best selves. A faith community can be framily when family isn’t nearby or close or not living any longer. Last Sunday, Pastor Jody explored what Jesus said about where we receive support, like family, in our lives.
Minutes & Report
Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash
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Church Calendar
Photo by Samuel Regan on Unsplash
THANK YOUs
Thank You to All Who Expressed Interest in the Open Council Positions!
Photo by Marcella Marcella on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Lowell UCC - May 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 Lowell UCC
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Lowell UCC
Strengthen the Church Offering
The Strengthen the Church Offering furthers the work of our conferences and the national UCC as we work together to strengthen and renew existing congregations, fund leadership development, and provide exciting new programs for youth and young adults. The offering is divided with 50% staying regionally within your conference and 50% supporting the National Ministries.
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
Next Financial Series Session - June 3
On Wednesday, June 3 we have the great, good fortune of sharing another enlightening evening with our own Wayne Titus. In this last session Wayne discusses the integration of tax, financial and investment planning.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Today, May 15 Saugatuck HS Hosts
An Anne Frank Exhibit
Help Hungry Neighbors Around the World
CROP Walk, This Sunday, May 17!
Two weeks ago, you all showed incredible heart by supporting Christian Neighbors. We helped put food on the dinner tables of many of our nearest neighbors.
But for millions of people around the world, the challenge is more than a lack of food—it’s a lack of resources. That’s one reason why we’re supporting the CROP Hunger Walk this afternoon.
25% of what is raised raise will stay in our area, but the rest will provide 'seeds of change'—literally. We’re talking about tools, irrigation, and clean water systems that empower families in developing nations to feed themselves.
We’ve already helped feed our neighbors; now, let’s help move the needle on world hunger.
If you’d like to join our public witness, we start walking at 1:00 PM today at Centennial Park in Holland. Whether you walk or donate, you are helping people move from emergency relief to permanent solutions.
Thank you for being a church that walks the extra mile.
To financially support the DUCC team click below, and hit the orange "Donate Now"
But for millions of people around the world, the challenge is more than a lack of food—it’s a lack of resources. That’s one reason why we’re supporting the CROP Hunger Walk this afternoon.
25% of what is raised raise will stay in our area, but the rest will provide 'seeds of change'—literally. We’re talking about tools, irrigation, and clean water systems that empower families in developing nations to feed themselves.
We’ve already helped feed our neighbors; now, let’s help move the needle on world hunger.
If you’d like to join our public witness, we start walking at 1:00 PM today at Centennial Park in Holland. Whether you walk or donate, you are helping people move from emergency relief to permanent solutions.
Thank you for being a church that walks the extra mile.
To financially support the DUCC team click below, and hit the orange "Donate Now"
Shamanic Experience with Ruth Zwald
The 8 C's & Our Process of Centering, May 17
Can You Support Team Donovan in MS Walk for a Cure, May 30?
Each year, Team Donovan hits the road, raising money to fuel research for a cure and treatments for people with Multiple Sclerosis, like our church member Sarah Donovan. Sarah & her team invite you to walk with her, and/or support her team on their May 30 walk in Grand Rapids. It's so easy to donate online here:
Todos Bienvenidos!
Active Response to ICE Training - June 3
Active Response to ICE Training - Todo Bienvenidos (means 'everyone is welcome') is hosting Active Response to ICE training on June 2, 6-8 pm in Holland. During the session, participants will learn how to effectively respond to ICE operations and ways to support families impacted before, during, and after ICE encounters. Upon registration, the location for training will be provided. Use the QR code to pre-register. This event is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church Outreach Committee.
Please contact Janet Hostetler (740-704-4822) or Pam Landes (616-566-3324) with any questions.
Please contact Janet Hostetler (740-704-4822) or Pam Landes (616-566-3324) with any questions.
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.
Stand in Protest
Photo by D. J. Paine 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
DUCC MEN, JOIN US!
Men's Coffee & Conversation
1st and 3rd Wednesday @ 10am
New Dates: May 6th and 20th
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: May 6th and 20th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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