 Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Third Sunday after Epiphany Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash We probably can all remember when someone was Jesus in our lives; an encouraging word when we feel defeated, a cup of soup when we're sick, a hug when we're sad, a kind word when we've been rejected, a literal life saver when we're at our wits' end. But can you remember a time when someone was Jesus for you, and you wanted to "throw him off a cliff," figuratively speaking?! A time when someone told you a truth that you didn't want to hear, but it changed your life? A time when you were confronted about your behavior that opened your eyes? A time when someone else's behavior demonstrated an appropriate path that you never imagined you could follow? Our story this week is about Jesus -- hometown boy makes good. Then there is an abrupt turn. The people want to throw him off a cliff. Join us to find out about how this cliffhanger relates to our story! Please join us on Sunday at 10am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our YouTube channel. Message: Rev. Jody Betten Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler You will always find our latest church bulletin and service music at Bit.ly/DUCCBulletin 
Last Week's Service: Second Sunday after Epiphany The Season of Epiphany continued on Sunday with the story of the wedding in Cana found in John 2. Not Pastor Dan's favorite topic, yet worth exploration. 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. How about this: It's a story about abundance and muchness — God’s and ours, and Martin Luther King’s too. You can watch the whole service here. Jody and Dan Office Hours
Call to Courage Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash We find ourselves in a time of tremendous uncertainty. Our daily feeds are filled with unsettling news. Many of us feel fear about the next era in our country and what may come. Here in our church we are entering a new season of leadership and direction. For many, the wellbeing of family and friends weighs heavily on our minds. In moments like these, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about the path ahead. To help us navigate this challenging time with strength and purpose, we are excited to offer "A Call to Courage," a program inspired by Brene' Brown's acclaimed Netflix special. We are invited to explore what it means to live courageously by embracing vulnerability and facing challenges with authenticity and resilience. We'll reflect on such questions as:
Our gatherings will include group discussions, practical exercises, and moments of reflection, all designed to help us tap into our inner strength and build emotional resilience. It's a journey of learning to show up fully in our lives, not in pursuit of perfection, but in a commitment to authenticity, joy, and connection. Our first informational gathering will take place on Sunday, February 16 after the worship service. There will be substantial snacks. Then, we'll head back into the sanctuary to watch the Brene' Brown special. This is open to everyone, regardless of your familiarity with Brene' Brown's work. It's perfect for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and courage. Let's come together as a community to face this season with bravery, compassion, and connection. Please join us and invite a friend. For more information, please contact Jeremy Lund, or sign up in the Isabel Graham Center. Helping Southern California/Nevada: The UCC's Global Hope Team The UCC’s Global Hope team is connecting with partners in SoCal and Nevada and around the country to coordinate support services and gather resources for victims of the SoCal fires and for the Altadena Community UCC church, which has been destroyed. We can support this team's work and specific requests for funds here. 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 Photo by Maryam Sicard on Unsplash Our annual peanut butter drive for Christian Neighbors begins next week, January 24, and runs through the end of February. Please bring jars of peanut butter to the Isabel Graham Center or drop them off at Christian Neighbors. If you don't have time to shop and drop, please consider making an online donation to Christian Neighbors, so they can stock peanut butter for our hungry neighbors. Caregivers and Grief Group Photo by Pablo Merchan on Unsplash The CareGivers and Grief Support Groups have combined, (caregiving and grief go hand-in-hand, after all), meeting the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at the Retreat House at 11 AM. Rev. Marty is on a sabbatical, so our church member Wendy Hamlin will be coordinating the sessions in her absence. When We Cancel Services for Bad Weather...
Minutes and Reports Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Prayer Requests Jim Solazzo (Anne Hotwagner's uncle); Virginia Stuart; The VanPortFleet Family; Family of Nancy Grib; Paul and Carrie (Julie Ridl's brother-in-law and sister); Bev Hawkes; Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; Barbara Lindsay (Lewis Corbin’s Bridge Partner); Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family; Ann and Jim Hopkins; Janice Campbell children & grandchildren (Pete Wehle's friends); James Higgins (Friend of Shane Anderson and Michael Tuleja), Joe Scarpone (Friend of Tom Fahlstrom); Fred Hamlin; John Kerr; Ruth Fahlstrom (daughter of Tom Fahlstrom); Stuart Family; Mary Westenbroek; Jerry Elpers and family (Beth Howley's Dad); Edie Plantinga (Nancy’s Mom); Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother) Birthdays & AnniversariesBIRTHDAYS January 31: Kris Sherman February 1: Deanna (Dee) Baker, Max Matteson, Doug Sipsma, Lauri Sullivan 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 StewardshipIn-Person Attendance, January 19: 82 Total Views for January 19 worship videos: 174 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $$8,338.00 Online Giving: $2,051.35 Total, General Support: $10,389.35 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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