 Photo by Dan Plasman In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Transfigurationalism Photo by Dan Plasman Rev. Dan notes: Nobody gets excited about Transfiguration Sunday. Not even preachers, if they’re honest. The transfiguration of Jesus, which is recorded in three out of four of the gospels, is seemingly other-worldly and barely relatable to more important concerns, like a dozen eggs selling for $10. And yet . . . I’ve experienced transfigured moments. I’m guessing you have as well.... Walking into an empty medieval cathedral. Sunrise at Arches National Park in Utah. Sunset at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The way a heavy fog hugs a hilltop. In inexplicable ways heaven touches earth, the beyond nears the present. The Celts of Ireland called such occurrences "thin places." In damaged times the world needs more transfigured people. We’ll explore what this might mean this Sunday at 10 AM. Won't you join us? Please join us on Sunday at 10am in our Sanctuary, or online, live on our YouTube channel: Message: Rev. Dan Plasman Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, Lauri Donaldson You will always find our latest church bulletin and service music at Bit.ly/DUCCBulletin 
Last Week's Service: Blowin' in the Wind "The Spirit blows where she will," according to the gospel writer John, who compares the transformation of a person to processes in the natural world. Our ancient text is replete with references of the Spirit -- the word breath as in breath-of-God, and wind ,as in that which with God created the world. The Pneuma in Greek and Ruach in Hebrew are both feminine nouns. so what can we learn about what sustains us from an exploration of the Spirit? Please enjoy our Creation Justice Team's Wind Sunday, with Rev. Jody Betten. Jody and Dan's Office Hours
Today, February 28, Buying Blackout The 24 hour Economic Blackout. For one day the people demonstrate their power. WHEN: Today! Now through Midnight WHAT NOT TO DO: Do not make any purchases, Do not shop online, or in-store, no Amazon, no Walmart, no Best Buy. Locally owned business are okay. Do not spend money on: Fast Food, Gas, Major Retailers. Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies. If you must spend, please support small, local businesses. SPREAD THE MESSAGE Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions today! WHY THIS MATTERS If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message. If they don't listen, we make the next blackout longer. Lenten Soup Suppers Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash Lent is traditionally a time of introspection and reflection. Sometimes that work is done well with others with whom to share the journey and insights. This year, beginning March 6, we are offering a Soup Supper on Thursday nights after the Contemplative Service (which occurs from 5:00-6:00pm in the Sanctuary). Depending on the number of people who sign up, we will gather in the Retreat House (or the Isabel Graham Center) for a cup of soup and a quiet conversation. We will use the UCC Devotional, Into the Deep (available in the Isabel Graham Center for $5 or at this link for possible topics. Please let us know that you are available by signing up in the IGC or emailing Louise Kenny ([email protected]). If you would like to donate soup, you can contact Louise, as well. Please join us for one week or all of them through Maundy Thursday, April 17. Call to Courage, (Next Steps) Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash Call to Courage - Thanks to all who attended the viewing of the Brene Brown documentary Call to Courage! Our goal is to grow in our resilience, and our ability to show up courageously. Next steps will be created from the survey handed out at the event. If you couldn't be there, but would like to participate, please view the documentary (Call to Courage, Netflix) and email Jeremy Lund (jeremyalanlund@gmail) for a digital copy of the survey. This is your invitation to be courageous! Listening, Empathy, Confidentiality -- If You Need to Talk Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash Everyone goes through rough patches in life. Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming. Thinking that may hold true for members of our congregation, an idea has come out of the DUCC Carers Group to offer the services of church members who have been trained in listening, empathy and confidentiality. Starting in March, Doug Sipsma and Pat Denner have volunteered to be available at the Retreat House on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00. We're calling this service "Listening Ear", but all are welcome whether that is your need, or you want to check out some of the resources in the Library, or you'd just like to share a cup of tea. We're initiating this program on a drop-in basis to start and will evaluate the program after 3 months to see if our church family finds this useful. Two Opportunities to Support Christian Neighbors Perhaps never in our history has it been so necessary to support our local food banks and shelters. If you appreciate the ministry of Christian Neighbors and would like to help out, we have TWO immediate opportunites. 1. There are a couple volunteer positions open. Are you skilled in Fundraising or Event Planning? CN is looking for two people from DUCC who would like to help out with an event coming up this spring. If you have questions or are interested, please talk to Pastor Jody and/or Rich Marth about these positions ([email protected]). 2. Speaking of events, stay tuned for the date of the annual May benefit for Christian Neighbors. For the past several years, the May event was coordinated through Arthur Frederick at his home and gardens in the Fennville area. Arthur's event brought in an average of $20,000 per year for Christian Neighbors Ministry. Sadly, Arthur passed away last year, and now the event needs new planners and a new venue both to support this needful ministry and to honor Arthur's memory. Christian Nationalism Followup, March 6 The conversation around the book: “How to End Christian Nationalism” created new awareness and many ideas for things we can do. Let's get together to debrief and brainstorm on Thursday, March 6 at 5:30 pm in the Isabel Graham Center. We can finish/review the book and other materials and then share possibilities for further engagement with our congregation and/or our community. Please let us know of your availability by signing up in the coffee hour or email [email protected]. This is one way we can be part of the solution. SoulCollage with Rev. Ruth Zwald, March 8 Photo by Sandra Sietma on Unsplash The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 8 in Douglas. Please note the time options: either 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM or from 1-4 PM.The theme for this month is: SoulCollage® And Our Companions. Through a gentle guided meditation, we learn and listen to what is stirring in our lives, and create a card for an animal companion. There will also be time to expand your committee suit (your inner voices) as you reflect on where you are. Instructions will be provided. It can be a surprising and insightful journey. As usual write to Ruth Zwald to reserve your space in the workshop. Easter Choir Rehearsals Begin March 9 Photo by Michael Maasen on Unsplash 🎶 Sing with the Easter Choir! 🌷✨ Come be part of something joyful! Our Easter Choir will lift its voice in celebration at the Easter morning service on April 20, and YOU are invited to join. No matter your experience, every voice matters—together, we create something beautiful! We’re thrilled to once again have Stan Greene directing. If you’ve sung with Stan before, you know how inspiring and fun he is to work with. If you haven’t—this is your chance! His passion and talent make every rehearsal a delight. This year, we’ll be learning a brand-new, uplifting song to make our Easter celebration even more special. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sing something fresh and meaningful together! We’ll have six rehearsals, starting Sunday, March 9, at 11:30 AM, continuing every Sunday in Lent at the same time. While we’d love for you to make them all, you don’t have to attend every single one to sing on Easter. Come when you can, and let’s make a joyful noise together! Have questions? Ask Peter Black, or come to the first rehearsal and see what it’s all about! Join us and let your voice be part of the celebration! 🎶✨ Inquirers Class, Lunch and Learn, March 16 If you are considering becoming a member of Douglas United Church of Christ and want to know more about that process, we are offering an Inquirers Class on Sunday March 16, after the Sunday service. A light lunch will be served. Join us to learn more about DUCC, the United Church of Christ, Progressive Christianity and how to become a member. There will also be time to ask questions. Please let us know of your interest by signing up in the Isabel Graham Center, or emailing Jody, Dan, or Julie. Looking forward to seeing you there! CJT Book Read, Nature's Best Hope, March 25 This engaging book advocates for a paradigm shift in conservation. It is a call to action, urging readers to transform their grass yards into vital habitats filled with native plants. The author, Professor Douglas Tallamy of the University of Delaware is an entomologist and ecologist. The book gets great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads! You can borrow the book from the library, access the ebook or audiobook for free through Hoopla, purchase a copy online for $16.59 on Amazon, or buy one in person for $24 at Readers World (mention the Saugatuck discussion). The event takes place at Saugatuck-Douglas District Library on March 25, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, and it is co-sponsored by the Creation Justice Team. Reports & Minutes
Prayer Requests Christine Kerney; Nancy Plantinga and her family; Jim Solazzo (Anne Hotwagner's uncle); Virginia Stuart; Family of Nancy Grib; Paul and Carrie (Julie Ridl's brother-in-law and sister); Dan McGavin and Family of Carol Brown; 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); Mary Westenbroek; Jerry Elpers and family (Beth Howley's Dad); Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother). Birthdays & AnniversariesMarch 2: Carol Watson Ortman, 4- Kathy Hartman, 5- Bruce Belich, 6- Ted Sommer, 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, February 23: 81
Total Views for February 16 worship videos: 141 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $2,859.96 Online Giving: $769 Total, General Support: $3,628.96 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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