 Photo by Tucker Monticelli on Unsplash In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Third Sunday in Lent |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns March 8 2026 |
Last Weeks Service: Second Sunday in Lent
John 3:16 Redux
Photo by Dan Plasman
Pastor Dan shares another way to interpret John 3:16. A more inclusive, less penal understanding. Without question John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It begins: “For God so loved the world that God gave God’s only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” From time to time “John 3:16” appears on signs at sporting events, on car bumpers and places we wouldn't expect to find it.
Here is one way to interpret this passage: God loves us. God’s son Jesus was sent into the world. If we don’t believe in Jesus as God’s Son we will die an eternal death.” Most churches of a conservative evangelical nature teach this interpretation. No doubt, some of you grew up hearing this. View Dan's message or full service below.
Here is one way to interpret this passage: God loves us. God’s son Jesus was sent into the world. If we don’t believe in Jesus as God’s Son we will die an eternal death.” Most churches of a conservative evangelical nature teach this interpretation. No doubt, some of you grew up hearing this. View Dan's message or full service below.
Jody's and Dan's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of March 8: Wednesday: 10-4pm, Dan & Jody Thursday: 6-9pm, Jody Friday: 10-3pm, Dan 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 |
This Sunday is Second Sunday Luncheon
All are Welcome!
 |  |
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.
Remembering our Loved Ones with Easter Lilies
On Easter Sunday, it's our tradition at Douglas UCC to fill our altar with Easter Lilies, offered in memory of our friends and loved ones. Can you help us accomplish this?
You can order lilies (and tell us who they are in memory of) for $15 apiece either by using the lily envelopes in the church pews, or sending an email to Claire. If you choose to email your order to Claire, you will receive a bill from DUCC's treasurer, Wayne Titus from Quick books.
After the Easter service, you can take your lilies home with you if you wish!
You can order lilies (and tell us who they are in memory of) for $15 apiece either by using the lily envelopes in the church pews, or sending an email to Claire. If you choose to email your order to Claire, you will receive a bill from DUCC's treasurer, Wayne Titus from Quick books.
After the Easter service, you can take your lilies home with you if you wish!
Thank You to Mezzo-Soprano,
Rebecca Russcher!
 | Thank you to Mezzo-Soprano, Rebecca Russcher! Thank you for joining our service on Sunday, and sharing your beautiful voice with us. What a Gift! |
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 Cuant 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.
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
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
The Social Justice Team will meet Thursday. March 12 (6:30-8pm) to finalize our strategy for the year and begin the process of agreeing on the plans and programs we will sponsor this year.
We will also be discussing our possible participation in the Palm Sunday Path procession to the Capitol in Lansing at 3 pm on Sunday, March 29th. The Path is based on the principles in Mathew 25 about Jesus's commitment to healing the sick, feeding the hunger and welcoming the stranger. All are welcome to join the March 12th meeting .
We will also be discussing our possible participation in the Palm Sunday Path procession to the Capitol in Lansing at 3 pm on Sunday, March 29th. The Path is based on the principles in Mathew 25 about Jesus's commitment to healing the sick, feeding the hunger and welcoming the stranger. All are welcome to join the March 12th meeting .
Creation Justice Team - Book Read
The Book is Night Magic
Photo by Harshit Suryawanshi on Unsplash
On Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm
the Saugatuck Douglas District Library
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!
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!
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. |  |
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.
Paul Burdick @ 616-856-1372, Mike Valdez @ 616-990-1126, Pat Denner @ 269-509-2911, Doug Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
Paul Burdick @ 616-856-1372, Mike Valdez @ 616-990-1126, Pat Denner @ 269-509-2911, Doug Sipsma @ 269-998-5112
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; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family;
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); Joy Like A River UCC
Jay Van Daalen; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's mother); Orie Hawkes; Elinor Hite
(Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Rev. Marchiene Rienstra Family;
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); Joy Like A River UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
March 10: Linda Marth
March 12: Annie Hotwagner, Bill Stratbucker
ANNIVERSARIES
March 10: Joyce & Kelly Wright
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.
March 10: Linda Marth
March 12: Annie Hotwagner, Bill Stratbucker
ANNIVERSARIES
March 10: Joyce & Kelly Wright
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
March 1 In-Person Attendance : 75
March 1 Total Views for worship videos: 97
Weekly Offerings: $3,932
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $682
One Great Hour of Sharing: $235
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world
March 1 Total Views for worship videos: 97
Weekly Offerings: $3,932
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: - $682
One Great Hour of Sharing: $235
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
Kudos DUCC! Christian Neighbors Peanut Butter Drive Big Success!
Photo by Maryam Sicard on Unsplash
The peanut butter drive was a smashing success! DUCC collected 202 jars of peanut butter for Christian Neighbors! Thank you all for your continued support of our neighbors!
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Palm Sunday Path - Church Members Walk from All Over Michigan
Photo by Alessandro Morra on Unsplash
Church members from all over Michigan and from many denominations will walk from Pilgrim UCC, in Lansing to the State Capitol waving palm branches on Sunday March 29. The walk begins at 3pm. At the Capitol there will be speakers and prayers and singing for about an hour. If you would like the training video please email Pastor Jody. All are welcome!
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Martin Bennie on Unsplash
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.
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
Thanks Again to Wayne! Fourth Session of the Financial Literacy Series Delightful!
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.
Soul Collage March 14
Soul Collage and Companions
The next Soul Collage sessions with our friend and masterful teacher, Ruth Zwald, are scheduled for the Friendship Hall March 14. This artful, soul-honoring class will set you exploring and making and asking your own wisdom sources for guidance. It's always a surprising and stilling journey with Rev. Ruth! To sign up, follow the registration instructions in the poster above. You must register to participate.
Spring Equinox Celebration with Rev. Ruth Zwald, March 20
Qigong, Tuesdays at 3pm - Friendship Hall
Tea Time Afterwards at 4pm
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Qigong Winter Class
Tuesdays, 3pm - 5 pm
Friendship Hall
Led by Kat VanHammen
Tuesdays, 3pm - 5 pm
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.
AROUND TOWN
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
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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