 Photo by Andreas Fischinger on Unsplash In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find
This Week's Service: Subversive Women Defy the Pharaoh Photo by Dan Plasman on Unsplash Shiprah (pronounced SHIF-rah) and Puah will never be household names. They were Egyptian midwives who were ordered by the king of Egypt to kill all the male newborns birthed by Hebrew women. This was the king’s way of weakening the ever-growing Hebrew population that was viewed by the palace court as a threat to Egyptian society. The midwives proved to be more powerful than the Pharaoh, and it all started with their quiet defiance. They simply refused to obey imperial power. What does courage look like in our day? What’s been your most courageous act of resistance? What did it cost you? Hope you join us this Sunday at 8:15 or 10:15, on site or online. Please join us, Sunday at 8:15 or 10:15 am in our Sanctuary, or 10:15 am online, live on our Youtube Channel. Message: Rev. Dan Plasman Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler 
Two Summer Services - 8:15 or 10:15am |
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 | For The Week of August 23: Wednesday: 10-3pm, Jody Thursday: 10-5, Dan & Jody Friday: 10-3pm, Dan Claire's Office Hours: Tuesday: 12-4pm Wednesday: 9-4pm Thursday: 10-5pm Friday: 9-4pm Dan and Jody each work half time. Some of their hours each week are worked in their home office. Some of their hours are spent in Douglas. Some of their hours in Douglas are in the office and some are in the community. If you would like to meet with one of them, please contact them directly by text or email to set up a time. Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293; If you receive an email from Jody or Dan asking for money, this is a scam. |
Social Justice - Summer Food Ministry
Look for Updates Every Week
Thank you for the continued and amazing generosity of the DUCC congregation. We have been able to fill 20 bags of groceries for the past 9 weeks. With approximately 3 weeks to go, we are hoping to continue the support for the volunteers of St Felipe De Jesus. The following is a list of items to fill the 20 bags per week. Value of each bag is approximately $28.
* can of pinto beans
* can of Diced Tomatoes
* 1 lb bag of white rice.
* small btl vegetable oil.
* cans of diced/sliced fruit.
* potatoes
* yellow onions.
* small tooth paste
* can of Tuna or Chicken
* 3-5 bags of Ramen Noodles.
* soft corn tortillas
* rolls of toilet paper
The St Felipe De Jesus volunteers have requested long sleeve T-shirts. Once again, thank you for your generosity!!
Questions, please contact Rich Marth or Pete Mueller
* can of pinto beans
* can of Diced Tomatoes
* 1 lb bag of white rice.
* small btl vegetable oil.
* cans of diced/sliced fruit.
* potatoes
* yellow onions.
* small tooth paste
* can of Tuna or Chicken
* 3-5 bags of Ramen Noodles.
* soft corn tortillas
* rolls of toilet paper
The St Felipe De Jesus volunteers have requested long sleeve T-shirts. Once again, thank you for your generosity!!
Questions, please contact Rich Marth or Pete Mueller
Creation Justice - Prairie Restoration Project
Prairie Restoration Project
The Creation Justice Team is spearheading a project to restore a piece of our land to a prairie. If you were one of the 30 people who visited Anne Dooley’s garden, you have some idea of how it might look. If you happen to see the area around our local Saugatuck Douglas Library or the area around the Holland Aquatic Center, you have an idea of what the area will look like in a couple of years.
Lawns are fun for kids to play in, but they are considered wastelands for birds, butterflies and other creatures. The CJT has spent about a year researching good proposals and settled on Outdoor Discovery Center to make the plan, prepare the space, plant the plants, and maintain the area. It will take about a year to remove the lawn and begin to plant plugs. It will look like a pile of weeds and dead plants. Not very appealing at first. But after a while, the native plants will slowly take over and produce a beautiful array of native plants, inviting to butterflies, and birds. Our expectation is that this space can be an education tool for our members and the larger community. There will be signage explaining what is happening, articles in the Commercial Record, maybe even a radio interview or two. We are certain this project will make a great addition to our campus and hope you will enjoy watching as it comes to life.
The Creation Justice Team is spearheading a project to restore a piece of our land to a prairie. If you were one of the 30 people who visited Anne Dooley’s garden, you have some idea of how it might look. If you happen to see the area around our local Saugatuck Douglas Library or the area around the Holland Aquatic Center, you have an idea of what the area will look like in a couple of years.
Lawns are fun for kids to play in, but they are considered wastelands for birds, butterflies and other creatures. The CJT has spent about a year researching good proposals and settled on Outdoor Discovery Center to make the plan, prepare the space, plant the plants, and maintain the area. It will take about a year to remove the lawn and begin to plant plugs. It will look like a pile of weeds and dead plants. Not very appealing at first. But after a while, the native plants will slowly take over and produce a beautiful array of native plants, inviting to butterflies, and birds. Our expectation is that this space can be an education tool for our members and the larger community. There will be signage explaining what is happening, articles in the Commercial Record, maybe even a radio interview or two. We are certain this project will make a great addition to our campus and hope you will enjoy watching as it comes to life.
Copy of Refugia Faith Wanted
We're looking for used copies of Refugia Faith from the book read back in 2022. If you have one you wouldn't mind donating to the Creation Justice Library, please bring it to the Friendship Hall and place it on the Creation Justice shelf. Thanks!
Memorial Garden Update on Find A Grave
The Douglas UCC Memorial Garden is now much better represented on the Find a Grave website. Thirty-two memorials were added, and they can be found by family historians and genealogists around the world.
Find a Grave is a free, volunteer-run resource with more than 265 million memorials. Now that the basic information is in place, anyone who wishes can add photographs, biographies, or other memories to a loved one’s memorial. If you’d like help doing that, Chris Clark can assist—or you can create a free Find a Grave account and make the additions yourself.
Find a Grave is a free, volunteer-run resource with more than 265 million memorials. Now that the basic information is in place, anyone who wishes can add photographs, biographies, or other memories to a loved one’s memorial. If you’d like help doing that, Chris Clark can assist—or you can create a free Find a Grave account and make the additions yourself.
Reports & Minutes
Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash
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Prayer Requests
August 16 Service: Joy - Muskegon UCC calling a new pastor, Concern - Jeff cancer treatment and house fire, For peace, Concern - Pam fighting cancer, For Cards for Prisoners ministry,
Concern - Tom health issues.
Ongoing Prayers: Anne Hopkins and the family of Jim Hopkins; 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); Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom); Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew); Newaygo Congregational UCC
Concern - Tom health issues.
Ongoing Prayers: Anne Hopkins and the family of Jim Hopkins; 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); Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart’s sister); Dave Lawson; Christine Kerney; Ruth Fahlstrom (Tom Fahlstrom’s daughter); Mikey (friend of Ruth Fahlstrom); Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Ian Blumer (C. Blumer's nephew); Newaygo Congregational UCC
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
August 23: Jim Austhof
August 24: Kristi Van Howe
August 25: Larry Freeland
August 28: Ed Korson
ANNIVERSARIES
28: Barbara & Dick Lucier
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.
August 23: Jim Austhof
August 24: Kristi Van Howe
August 25: Larry Freeland
August 28: Ed Korson
ANNIVERSARIES
28: Barbara & Dick Lucier
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.
Update on Our Financial Reporting
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
An Update on Our Financial ReportingAs part of our ongoing efforts to make DUCC's financial reporting clear, useful, and meaningful, Church Council recently agreed to make a change in the financial information we publish regularly to the congregation.
Going forward, we will no longer publish a comparison of year-to-date offerings to the annual budget throughout the year.
There is a practical reason for this change: the way people give to DUCC is changing. While some members continue to give weekly or monthly, others make larger gifts periodically during the year. Some make quarterly gifts, annual gifts, gifts of appreciated assets, or Qualified Charitable Distributions from their IRAs. Giving also naturally varies by season. As a result, comparing offerings received at a particular point in the year with a straight-line percentage of the annual budget can give an incomplete—and sometimes misleading—picture of our financial position.
This change does not mean less financial oversight. The Treasurer and Church Council will continue to receive and review detailed financial information, including income and expenses compared with budget, cash and reserve balances, investments, designated and restricted funds, and other information needed to monitor the church's finances. Our goal is to provide the congregation with financial information that is understandable, relevant, and appropriate to the decisions members are being asked to make.
DUCC remains in a strong position to continue improving how we manage, oversee, and communicate about the financial resources entrusted to our church. We believe these changes will help us focus our reporting on information that provides a more complete picture of our finances and supports thoughtful stewardship and good governance.
Of course, questions about DUCC's finances are always welcome. Please email or contact Wayne by phone at 734-673-2810.
Going forward, we will no longer publish a comparison of year-to-date offerings to the annual budget throughout the year.
There is a practical reason for this change: the way people give to DUCC is changing. While some members continue to give weekly or monthly, others make larger gifts periodically during the year. Some make quarterly gifts, annual gifts, gifts of appreciated assets, or Qualified Charitable Distributions from their IRAs. Giving also naturally varies by season. As a result, comparing offerings received at a particular point in the year with a straight-line percentage of the annual budget can give an incomplete—and sometimes misleading—picture of our financial position.
This change does not mean less financial oversight. The Treasurer and Church Council will continue to receive and review detailed financial information, including income and expenses compared with budget, cash and reserve balances, investments, designated and restricted funds, and other information needed to monitor the church's finances. Our goal is to provide the congregation with financial information that is understandable, relevant, and appropriate to the decisions members are being asked to make.
DUCC remains in a strong position to continue improving how we manage, oversee, and communicate about the financial resources entrusted to our church. We believe these changes will help us focus our reporting on information that provides a more complete picture of our finances and supports thoughtful stewardship and good governance.
Of course, questions about DUCC's finances are always welcome. Please email or contact Wayne by phone at 734-673-2810.
Financial Stewardship
August 16 In-Person Attendance : 8:15 = 21, 10:15 = 60
August 16 Total Views for worship videos: 55
Total Offerings: $1,989
Douglas Social: $335
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
August 16 Total Views for worship videos: 55
Total Offerings: $1,989
Douglas Social: $335
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
Taking Pictures at DUCC Event
Photo by quilia 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 and/or email photos to Claire
Last Weeks Service: Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Redemption
Photo by Naoki Suzuki on Unsplash
Last Sunday in a continuation of Joseph's story, Joseph lands in Egypt, is seduced by a mucky muck's wife, gets thrown in prison, interprets dreams and comes to the attention of the Pharaoh. The story has all the makings of a musical - oh, right, it was made into a musical. So you know then that Joseph is reconciled to his brothers - a whole other story of intrigue that we explored last week. Filled with political savvy, a famine that compels a surprise visit, and a vulnerable ruler. Theologically: reconciliation, forgiveness and redemption, all in one event. And who does what might surprise you. Who are you in the story?
Church Calendar - Summer
Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Todd Kent on Unsplash
August - Newaygo Congregational UCC Church
The Grand West Association Council of the Michigan Conference UCC
facilitates a prayer circle for all our churches.
Thank you for keeping Newaygo Congregational UCC Church 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 Newaygo Congregational UCC Church in your prayers.
First Park Congregational Church
190th Anniversary Celebration - Sept. 11-13
CLASSES
Qigong & Tea, Tuesdays from 3-5p
Photo by Brad Switzer 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
Thanks for Ladders of Hope & Carolyn Moen!
We give thanks for Ladders of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families facing food insecurity in Allegan County. Ladders of Hope staffed by committed volunteers who have strived to provide food and other needs to the community. We also thank Carolyn Moen chair of their Board and past Director for sharing their ministry with us.
Ladders of Hope offers these opportunities for volunteers:
Truck Driver - Mondays and Fridays (and other possible days) to pick up food from Feeding America and Trader Joes (truck provided)
Volunteers to distribute food to clients on Mondays from 10a - 2p and Thursdays from 3 - 7p
Volunteer to receive donations on Tuesdays from 5 - 7p
IT person - hours at your convenience
Part-time Co-Director - hours flexible
Monetary donations toward a new building
Ladders of Hope offers these opportunities for volunteers:
Truck Driver - Mondays and Fridays (and other possible days) to pick up food from Feeding America and Trader Joes (truck provided)
Volunteers to distribute food to clients on Mondays from 10a - 2p and Thursdays from 3 - 7p
Volunteer to receive donations on Tuesdays from 5 - 7p
IT person - hours at your convenience
Part-time Co-Director - hours flexible
Monetary donations toward a new building
DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV/Minivan is Needed
Photo by Tabea Schimpf 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 Sandra Seitamaa 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: September 2nd and 16th
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: September 2nd and 16th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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