 Photo by Paul Crook on Unsplash In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns |
Two Summer Services - 8:15 or 10:15am
All Are Welcome!
Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week
  | For The Week of June 21: Wednesday: 10-3pm, Jody Thursday: 10-7pm, Jody & Dan 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 If you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293; Office: 269-857-2085 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. |
New Member Reception, Welcome! Welcome!
Reception This Sunday After the 8:15 Service
Our June 2026 Class of New Members
Madison Bowes - I came to DUCC because I needed a safe place to go back to church. I have been tolerated in other churches, but here I have been welcomed and accepted. Being a part of DUCC has helped me to accept the call God has given me, the call to reach out to those who wouldn’t be reached otherwise.
Steve McFadden - I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, went to school in Boston (where I met Paul in 1980) then graduated from UCLA architecture school in 1984. We lived and worked in Chicago until 2023 when Paul and I retired to Michigan. Looking to meet people, we were told to go to DUCC where we have found a friendly and welcoming community.
Kate Rau - I’m excited to officially join this church which I have attended when possible for several years now. Besides meeting many wonderful people, I have always been impressed when there have been community events and programs in the area, how so many of the volunteers, supporters and leaders have been from this church. I demonstrated to me this is truly a community church where people do care about others and put their care into practice. I look forward to doing the same.
Cindy Raue - I’ve been on a faith journey all my life. I find DUCC to be very welcoming and comforting. It’s the people who make the church a Church and I appreciate the fellowship here.
Madison Bowes - I came to DUCC because I needed a safe place to go back to church. I have been tolerated in other churches, but here I have been welcomed and accepted. Being a part of DUCC has helped me to accept the call God has given me, the call to reach out to those who wouldn’t be reached otherwise.
Steve McFadden - I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, went to school in Boston (where I met Paul in 1980) then graduated from UCLA architecture school in 1984. We lived and worked in Chicago until 2023 when Paul and I retired to Michigan. Looking to meet people, we were told to go to DUCC where we have found a friendly and welcoming community.
Kate Rau - I’m excited to officially join this church which I have attended when possible for several years now. Besides meeting many wonderful people, I have always been impressed when there have been community events and programs in the area, how so many of the volunteers, supporters and leaders have been from this church. I demonstrated to me this is truly a community church where people do care about others and put their care into practice. I look forward to doing the same.
Cindy Raue - I’ve been on a faith journey all my life. I find DUCC to be very welcoming and comforting. It’s the people who make the church a Church and I appreciate the fellowship here.
Annual Congregational Meeting
June 28, after Sunday Services
Annual Congregational Meeting – Council Slate and Proposed Budget
At our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 28, the congregation will be asked to approve the proposed slate of candidates for the DUCC Church Council. We are grateful for the willingness of the following members to share their time, gifts, and leadership in service to our church:
Please also note that the proposed 2026–2027 budget will require congregational approval at the Annual Meeting. If you have any questions regarding the proposed budget, please reach out to Wayne Titus prior to the meeting so that your questions can be addressed in advance.
At our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 28, the congregation will be asked to approve the proposed slate of candidates for the DUCC Church Council. We are grateful for the willingness of the following members to share their time, gifts, and leadership in service to our church:
- Betsy York – At Large Member
- Anne Dooley – At Large Member
- Steve McFadden – Campus Steward
Please also note that the proposed 2026–2027 budget will require congregational approval at the Annual Meeting. If you have any questions regarding the proposed budget, please reach out to Wayne Titus prior to the meeting so that your questions can be addressed in advance.
Douglas Socials are Back!
Looking for Volunteers for July 16
Douglas Socials are an evening of gathering with a community of friends! We've been invited to host 2 (more) this summer. The one on June 18 at S/D Library was a great success. Very grateful for all the volunteers! The next one is on July 16 at the History Center. We need a couple people available to coordinate this last one. Are you available? There are experienced people who have done this before who can help with all the logistics and lots of folks willing to volunteer for the event.
There is a sign up sheet in the Friendship Hall. Email Jody if you have questions.
There is a sign up sheet in the Friendship Hall. Email Jody if you have questions.
Social Justice
Social Justice & Palm Sunday Path Barbecue
Social Justice and Palm Sunday Path Team Barbecue
5:30pm at Anne Dooley's house on June 25.
A chance to come together as friends as well as team mates.
5:30pm at Anne Dooley's house on June 25.
A chance to come together as friends as well as team mates.
Summer Food Ministry
Last year we assisted the folks at St Felipe Catholic Church with their Summer Food Ministry. The generosity of the DUCC Congregation was greatly appreciated. For the summer of 2026, we are looking to assist the St Felipe volunteers once again. To start we are looking to match our donations of last year through the summer months. Our goal is to fill 20 grocery bags each week throughout the summer beginning June 16.
We will update the congregation on other needs should they come up.
If you have any questions please contact Rich Marth or Pete Mueller.
Thank you again for your ongoing generosity.
We are looking to fill each grocery bag with the following food items.
* 1 lb bag of dried pinto beans
* 1 lb bag of white rice
* 1-2 cans of diced tomatoes
* 1 small btl vegetable oil
* 1-2 cans of diced/sliced fruit
* 1/2 dozen potatoes
* 1/2 dozen yellow onions
* small tooth paste
* 1-2 toothbrushes
* 1-2 rolls of toilet paper
* a dozen or so corn tortillas.
We will update the congregation on other needs should they come up.
If you have any questions please contact Rich Marth or Pete Mueller.
Thank you again for your ongoing generosity.
We are looking to fill each grocery bag with the following food items.
* 1 lb bag of dried pinto beans
* 1 lb bag of white rice
* 1-2 cans of diced tomatoes
* 1 small btl vegetable oil
* 1-2 cans of diced/sliced fruit
* 1/2 dozen potatoes
* 1/2 dozen yellow onions
* small tooth paste
* 1-2 toothbrushes
* 1-2 rolls of toilet paper
* a dozen or so corn tortillas.
Creation Justice - A Lawn Conversion Journey
Monday June 22 from 5:30 to 7 pm
Anne Dooley and Kurt Wittenberg Home
711 Golfview Dr., Douglas
Appetizers & Drinks will be provided
Anyone interested in learning about converting your green lawn to native plants
is invited to come to a Creation Justice Sponsored event.
Anne Dooley and Kurt Wittenberg Home
711 Golfview Dr., Douglas
Appetizers & Drinks will be provided
Anyone interested in learning about converting your green lawn to native plants
is invited to come to a Creation Justice Sponsored event.
The Archives Team - Requests for Archives
| The search is on! The Archive Committee (Karen Clark and Betsy York) are looking for items that might belong in the church archive. Check your attics, basements, and old shoeboxes. 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 during Claire's office hours. The boxes can be left in the common room in the corner. Thank you. |  Photo by Olivia Pedler on Unsplash |
Prayer Requests
From June 14 service: Rain for Western US, Gratitude for Pulse Memorial, Kris, Greg & family, New house for Kirsten & Gordon, Luis & Vicfran detainees at North Lake Detention Center, Gratitude for Leaders of Community Sings, Lucci - green card, Summer Food Ministry, For Astrid's family
Bev & Orie Hawkes; Jenny O'Neal (friend of Laurie VanDenBelt & Shirley Lawson); 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); Michigan UCC Conference Staff
Bev & Orie Hawkes; Jenny O'Neal (friend of Laurie VanDenBelt & Shirley Lawson); 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); Michigan UCC Conference Staff
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
June 22: Lewis Corbin
June 26: El (Eleanor) Clough
June 27: Stephen Lewis
ANNIVERSARIES
June 25: Jack & Julie Ridl
June 27: Lisa & Wayne Titus
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.
June 22: Lewis Corbin
June 26: El (Eleanor) Clough
June 27: Stephen Lewis
ANNIVERSARIES
June 25: Jack & Julie Ridl
June 27: Lisa & Wayne Titus
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
June 7 In-Person Attendance : 8:15 = 21, 10:15 = 61
June 7 Total Views for worship videos: 70
Weekly Offerings: $4.409
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$205
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
June 7 Total Views for worship videos: 70
Weekly Offerings: $4.409
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$205
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
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.
Last Weeks Service: Laughing Matters
Photo by Dan Plasman
Some churches are known for their buildings, their steeples, even the size of their parking lots.
Some churches are known for their windows, their choirs, even their pipe organs. Some churches are known by the civic leaders, the business icons, the movers and shakers who worship there. Last Sunday Pastor Dan wonder if a church has even been known and recognized by its laughter? By its lightheartedness? By its casual, almost breezy disposition? Pastor Dan reflected that to be the case especially during Pride Month . . . in and around the church, and in and around the towns of Douglas and Saugatuck. Last Sunday, we explored...if Laughing Matters! Click below for Full Service, or Pastor Dan's message.
Some churches are known for their windows, their choirs, even their pipe organs. Some churches are known by the civic leaders, the business icons, the movers and shakers who worship there. Last Sunday Pastor Dan wonder if a church has even been known and recognized by its laughter? By its lightheartedness? By its casual, almost breezy disposition? Pastor Dan reflected that to be the case especially during Pride Month . . . in and around the church, and in and around the towns of Douglas and Saugatuck. Last Sunday, we explored...if Laughing Matters! Click below for Full Service, or Pastor Dan's message.
Church Calendar
Photo by Warren Umoh on Unsplash
THANK YOUs
Thanks to Bill Briggs & All Involved with the Pulse Memorial!
 |  |
Thanks to All the Douglas Social Volunteers!!
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Wu Yi on Unsplash
Michigan UCC Conference Staff - June UCC Group 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 the Michigan UCC Conference Staff in your prayers
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping the Michigan UCC Conference Staff in your prayers
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!
Looking for Booth People for Holland Pride in the Park, June 27
HOLLAND PRIDE WILL BE LOCATED AT BEAUTIFUL KOLLEN PARK!
240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland, MI
And Douglas UCC will be there! So! We need Pride Booth Volunteers for:
240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland, MI
And Douglas UCC will be there! So! We need Pride Booth Volunteers for:
- loading & transportation
- set-up
- booth representatives
- tear-down and return to Douglas
CLASSES
Qigong & Tea, Tuesdays from 3-5pm
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Prayers for Peace in Holland, July 6
All Are Welcome
First Reformed Church, 630 State Street, Holland
Hosting a "Prayers for Peace" service
Monday, July, 6 from 5:30-6:00-PM.
All members of the Holland/Zeeland/Saugatuck community
are invited to join together to pray for peace
in the United States and around the world.
Hosting a "Prayers for Peace" service
Monday, July, 6 from 5:30-6:00-PM.
All members of the Holland/Zeeland/Saugatuck community
are invited to join together to pray for peace
in the United States and around the world.
What to expect at our Prayers for Peace service:
Prayers for Peace services are casual, but structured. We generally have between 25 and 50 attendees from across Holland/Zeeland/Saugatuck who meet in the First Reformed Church sanctuary. Each service focuses on a particular issue in need of God’s peace (for example, the Middle East).
The service begins with a hymn and scripture reading appropriate for the day’s topic followed by a short topical message (less than five minutes). Most of the service is a time of prayer, starting with a short aloud prayer by the leader, followed by a period of silent and extemporaneous prayers by those in attendance. The service closes with a chorus or the doxology.
In the message and the prayers we focus on the humanitarian impact of conflicts, and strive to avoid political issues. Thank you! Reach out if you have questions.
Prayers for Peace services are casual, but structured. We generally have between 25 and 50 attendees from across Holland/Zeeland/Saugatuck who meet in the First Reformed Church sanctuary. Each service focuses on a particular issue in need of God’s peace (for example, the Middle East).
The service begins with a hymn and scripture reading appropriate for the day’s topic followed by a short topical message (less than five minutes). Most of the service is a time of prayer, starting with a short aloud prayer by the leader, followed by a period of silent and extemporaneous prayers by those in attendance. The service closes with a chorus or the doxology.
In the message and the prayers we focus on the humanitarian impact of conflicts, and strive to avoid political issues. Thank you! Reach out if you have questions.
DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV/Minivan is Needed
Photo by Pranav 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 DJ 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: July 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: July 1st and 15th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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