 In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Week's Service: Trinity Sunday |
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| DUCC Bulletin/Hymns |
Jody, Dan & Claire's Office Hours This Week
 | For The Week of May 31: Tuesday: 12-8pm, Jody & Dan Wednesday: 10-8pm, Jody & Dan Friday: 10-4pm, Jody & Dan Saturday: 10-4pm, Jody & Dan Claire's Office Hours: Tuesday: 10-4pm Wednesday: 10-4:30pm Thursday: 10-4:30pm (work from home) Friday: 10-4pm Please note, 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. Do not reply. Reminder: if you need to see Dan or Jody, please make an appointment with them. At times they are in Douglas but not at the office. Please call to schedule an appointment: Jody: 616-706-3549; Dan: 616-828-2293; Office: 269-857-2085 |
This Sunday We Begin Two Summer Services Please, Join Us! 8:15 or 10:15
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Please, join us at 8:15 or 10:15 service.
All are Welcome!
All are Welcome!
This Sunday, May 31 we will begin two Services. We want to continue to invite deeper participation in the life of the church—providing meaningful opportunities for people to grow in faith, love, and community.
Seeking Volunteers - Financial Governance & Stewardship Committee
Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash
Seeking Volunteers – Financial Governance & Stewardship Committee
Dear Members and Friends of DUCC,
Church Council recently authorized formation of an ad-hoc committee focused on strengthening DUCC’s long-term financial governance, stewardship practices, reserve policies, and supporting financial procedures.
The purpose of the committee is to review and improve existing financial governance structures already developed within the congregation and to help prepare recommendations for future policy and procedural improvements.
This effort will focus on areas including:
The anticipated commitment is intentionally limited:
This effort is intended to continue and improve upon the substantial work already invested by many members of the congregation over the years. Our goal is not to reinvent systems unnecessarily, but to clarify, simplify where appropriate, strengthen governance, and improve long-term stewardship practices for future generations of DUCC.
If you are interested in participating or would like additional information,
please contact Wayne Titus by email, or simply call or text at 734-673-2810.
Thank you for considering supporting this important work for the future of our congregation.
Dear Members and Friends of DUCC,
Church Council recently authorized formation of an ad-hoc committee focused on strengthening DUCC’s long-term financial governance, stewardship practices, reserve policies, and supporting financial procedures.
The purpose of the committee is to review and improve existing financial governance structures already developed within the congregation and to help prepare recommendations for future policy and procedural improvements.
This effort will focus on areas including:
- reserve and endowment governance;
- long-term financial sustainability;
- reserve and capital planning;
- donor communication and planned giving;
- financial reporting transparency;
- chart of accounts and dashboard improvements;
- and development of a practical Finance & Accounting Manual documenting church financial procedures and reporting practices.
- review documents and recommendations;
- provide feedback and suggestions;
- help improve clarity and communication;
- evaluate processes and procedures;
- and assist in strengthening governance for the future of the congregation.
- accounting or bookkeeping;
- finance or banking;
- legal or insurance;
- business ownership or management;
- nonprofit administration;
- process improvement;
- communications;
- governance;
- or related professional experience.
The anticipated commitment is intentionally limited:
- approximately 1–2 hours per week reviewing materials;
- plus approximately eight one-hour meetings between now and late September;
- meetings may be held remotely or in person depending on schedules.
This effort is intended to continue and improve upon the substantial work already invested by many members of the congregation over the years. Our goal is not to reinvent systems unnecessarily, but to clarify, simplify where appropriate, strengthen governance, and improve long-term stewardship practices for future generations of DUCC.
If you are interested in participating or would like additional information,
please contact Wayne Titus by email, or simply call or text at 734-673-2810.
Thank you for considering supporting this important work for the future of our congregation.
Social Justice - Summer Food Ministry
Last year we assisted the folks at St Felipe Catholic Church with their Migrant 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 in early June. (We are still waiting on confirmation of exact start date).
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.
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.
Creation Justice - A Lawn Conversion Journey
Anyone interested in learning about converting your green lawn to native plants is
invited to come to a Creation Justice Sponsored event on Monday June 22 from 5:30 to
7 pm at the home of Anne Dooley and Kurt Wittenberg at 711 Golfview Dr., Douglas.
Wine and other drinks plus appetizers will be provided.
invited to come to a Creation Justice Sponsored event on Monday June 22 from 5:30 to
7 pm at the home of Anne Dooley and Kurt Wittenberg at 711 Golfview Dr., Douglas.
Wine and other drinks plus appetizers will be provided.
Last Weekend for Our Cereal Drive
Feeding Kids through the Summer
In Search of a Bookkeeper
Getty Images on Unsplash
We are seeking a volunteer bookkeeper to assist our church/organization with weekly accounting support. Our current bookkeeper is now working five days a week and has asked to be replaced, so we are looking for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with accounting software.
Position Overview
If interested, please email or call Wayne Titus (734-673-2810), Treasurer with a brief summary of your experience, and availability.
Position Overview
- Volunteer position
- Approximately 5 hours or less per week once trained
- Flexible schedule
- Training and a detailed weekly process will be provided
- Works closely with the Treasurer
- Accounts payable processing
- Assisting with weekly / monthly bookkeeping tasks
- Maintaining accurate financial records
- Working with QuickBooks or similar accounting software
- Experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software, preferred, not required.
- Basic bookkeeping or accounting experience
- Comfortable with computerized accounting systems, interest in working with QuickBooks required.
- Organized, reliable, and detail-oriented
If interested, please email or call Wayne Titus (734-673-2810), Treasurer with a brief summary of your experience, and availability.
Prayer Requests
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); Lowell First Congregational UCC, Michigan UCC Conference Staff
Birthday's & Anniversary's This Week
BIRTHDAYS
June 1: Floyd Fleming
June 2: Dale Lower
June 3: Tim Buszka
June 4: Jane Grady
June 5: Juniper Overweg, Lynne Snyder
ANNIVERSARIES
June 1: Barbara & Michael Flynn, Bob Kruse & Ginny Mikita
June 6: Deanna(Dee) Baker & Linda(Lin) Wisehart, Ed Korson & Arturo Inda
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 1: Floyd Fleming
June 2: Dale Lower
June 3: Tim Buszka
June 4: Jane Grady
June 5: Juniper Overweg, Lynne Snyder
ANNIVERSARIES
June 1: Barbara & Michael Flynn, Bob Kruse & Ginny Mikita
June 6: Deanna(Dee) Baker & Linda(Lin) Wisehart, Ed Korson & Arturo Inda
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
May 24 In-Person Attendance : 88
May 24 Total Views for worship videos: 69
Weekly Offerings: $3,763
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$851
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
May 24 Total Views for worship videos: 69
Weekly Offerings: $3,763
Weekly Budget: $4,615
Weekly to Budget: -$851
Thank you!!
Your generous giving allows us to sustain our church community
and our mission of service in the world.
Can You Help Us with Coffee Hour?
New remote sign up method for DUCC coffee hour volunteers.
The coffee committee is hoping to get more volunteers involved in staffing the coffee hour after Sunday services. Making coffee takes only about 10-15 minutes of your time prior to church, or helping with the cleanup can take about 30 minutes. Once or twice a year, or as often as you'd like, helps to avoid burnout of the current volunteers. You will be paired with a "buddy" to show you the ropes (and the coffee grinds!). And now you can sign up remotely, from anywhere at any time. Easy peasy!
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas.
To sign up or look at the remote sign up sheet, please click below, or use the QR code.
The coffee committee is hoping to get more volunteers involved in staffing the coffee hour after Sunday services. Making coffee takes only about 10-15 minutes of your time prior to church, or helping with the cleanup can take about 30 minutes. Once or twice a year, or as often as you'd like, helps to avoid burnout of the current volunteers. You will be paired with a "buddy" to show you the ropes (and the coffee grinds!). And now you can sign up remotely, from anywhere at any time. Easy peasy!
Many hands make light work. For any questions, please email Bert Hallewas.
To sign up or look at the remote sign up sheet, please click below, or use the QR code.
Last Weeks Service: Pentecost Sunday
A New Era in History
The Spirit blows where she will. A line from the Gospel of John (ch.3 vs.8). A foreshadowing of Pentecost Day. The day when God's Spirit blew into a closed locked room and busted the windows and doors open and inspired Jesus' followers to get out into the streets. The image of tongues of fire on the disciples' heads, speaking in languages that they didn't know before, the large crowds who gathered, an unusual event, for sure. Some call it the birthday of the Church. Last Sunday, Pastor Jody shared the ways Spirit shows up in our lives today. What is the significance for us? Why does it matter today? And we wore red!
Church Calendar
Photo by Samuel Regan on Unsplash
THANK YOUs
Thank You, Reverend Marty!
The seven-week interfaith series, "Flowers from the Garden of Faith" concluded last week. All participants expressed their gratitude to Rev. Marty for the wise words shared in her book, as well as the personal insights she brought to each class. At the last class, she was presented with a 'bowl of gratitude' - a ceramic bowl filled with personal notes from class members.
Rev. Marty has expressed willingness to repeat the class in early fall for anyone who couldn't attend this spring. If you have interest in this fall class, please drop an email, so we can assess interest.
If you are interested in purchasing a reprint of Rev. Marty's book "Flowers from the Garden of Faith" but not in attending the class, please email so that we can anticipate the number of reprints needed.
Rev. Marty has expressed willingness to repeat the class in early fall for anyone who couldn't attend this spring. If you have interest in this fall class, please drop an email, so we can assess interest.
If you are interested in purchasing a reprint of Rev. Marty's book "Flowers from the Garden of Faith" but not in attending the class, please email so that we can anticipate the number of reprints needed.
Thank You! DUCC Crop Walk Success!
Many thanks to everyone who supported our team on this year's CROP Hunger Walk! Our church raised $7,687, and the walk netted a total of $31,246.
UNIITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEWS
Grand West Association Prayer Circle
Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
Lowell UCC - May Church of the Month
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 Lowell UCC & Michigan UCC Conference Staff in your prayers
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 Lowell UCC & Michigan UCC Conference Staff in your prayers
Special Offering: Strengthen the Church
The Strengthen the Church Offering furthers the work of our conferences and the national UCC as we work together to strengthen and renew existing congregations, fund leadership development, and provide exciting new programs for youth and young adults. The offering is divided with 50% staying regionally within your conference and 50% supporting the National Ministries.
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!
Sign Up Today: Pride Booth Volunteers!
Volunteers Needed for Community Pride Booth
June 6, from 11:30am to 6pm
One or Two Hour Increments
June 6, from 11:30am to 6pm
One or Two Hour Increments
Our church will be participating in Community Pride on Saturday, June 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and we are looking for volunteers to help staff our booth throughout the day.
Volunteers are invited to serve in one or two-hour increments. This is a wonderful opportunity to represent our church, share hospitality, and celebrate our commitment to inclusion and community.
If you are willing to help, please text your hours of availability to:
Greggie Gerrans (616) 218-9679
Thank you for helping us make this a welcoming and meaningful presence at Community Pride!
Volunteers are invited to serve in one or two-hour increments. This is a wonderful opportunity to represent our church, share hospitality, and celebrate our commitment to inclusion and community.
If you are willing to help, please text your hours of availability to:
Greggie Gerrans (616) 218-9679
Thank you for helping us make this a welcoming and meaningful presence at Community Pride!
Seeking Trans Flag Volunteers/Guides
Photo by Dan Plasman
Guides/Volunteers for Folks Visiting Our Sanctuary
June 6, from Noon to 5pm
One Hour Increment
June 6, from Noon to 5pm
One Hour Increment
DUCC celebrates all gender identities and sexual orientations! And we are proud of it! This year we want to highlight the "largest trans flag in a church in West Michigan, perhaps in Michigan, or even the USA!" We want to invite folks to visit our sanctuary during the Pride celebration on Saturday, June 6 from Noon - 5pm. The building will be open with members facilitating a tour of the sanctuary. If you are available for an hour to be present in the building to show off our trans flag, please email Jody with the times you are available! We hope to do this in pairs. Please recruit your BFF for this time of pride in DUCC!
Pride Events in Saugatuck-Douglas
- Saugatuck - Douglas Pride Social, June 3, 6:30 at the History Center - Find DUCC at the booth serving hotdogs!
- Saugatuck/Douglas Pride Parade & Celebration, June 6 - Find our booth at Beery Field from 11:30 - 6pm.
- Hit the button below for more and detailed pride events. It's almost time!
Pulse Memorial June 12, 6pm, Pride Garden
On June 12, 2016, shooter killed 49 people and wounded 53 more from the LGBTQIA+ community at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Pulse was hosting a "Latin Night," and most of the victims were Latinx. The shooting was the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the September 11 attacks.
On June 12, we will hold a memorial service at 6pm, at Douglas' Pride Celebration Garden, 147 West Center Street. Speaker, Larry Gammons. We hope you can join us.
Pulse was hosting a "Latin Night," and most of the victims were Latinx. The shooting was the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the September 11 attacks.
On June 12, we will hold a memorial service at 6pm, at Douglas' Pride Celebration Garden, 147 West Center Street. Speaker, Larry Gammons. We hope you can join us.
All the Pride Events in Holland- June, 27!
Our neighbor Holland celebrating Pride events...
Holland Pride Festival, June 27 at Kollen Park, 12 - 5pm
Holland Pride Festival, June 27 at Kollen Park, 12 - 5pm
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.
Financial Literacy Series - Final Session
Join us for the Final Session of our Financial Literacy Series on
Wednesday, June 3 • 6:00 PM • Friendship Hall
Wednesday, June 3 • 6:00 PM • Friendship Hall
During this concluding session, we will bring together the key concepts discussed throughout the series, answer questions, and explore practical next steps for applying sound financial planning principles in everyday life.
Whether you have attended every session or are joining us for the first time, all are welcome.
Whether you have attended every session or are joining us for the first time, all are welcome.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
This Saturday, May 30!
Support Team Donovan in MS Walk for a Cure
Each year, Team Donovan hits the road, raising money to fuel research for a cure and treatments for people with Multiple Sclerosis, like our church member Sarah Donovan. Sarah & her team invite you to walk with her, and/or support her team on their May 30 walk in Grand Rapids. It's so easy to donate online at website, or with QR code below.
Lakeshore Community Chorus Concert
This Weekend, May 30 & 31!
Todos Bienvenidos!
Active Response to ICE Training - June 3
Active Response to ICE Training - Todo Bienvenidos (means 'everyone is welcome') is hosting Active Response to ICE training on June 2, 6-8 pm in Holland. During the session, participants will learn how to effectively respond to ICE operations and ways to support families impacted before, during, and after ICE encounters. Upon registration, the location for training will be provided. Use the QR code to pre-register. This event is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church Outreach Committee.
Please contact Janet Hostetler (740-704-4822) or Pam Landes (616-566-3324) with any questions.
Please contact Janet Hostetler (740-704-4822) or Pam Landes (616-566-3324) with any questions.
A Community Sing
Saugatuck Women's Club, June 7
DUCC's Afghan Family is Growing
A Used SUV/Minivan is Needed
Photo by Karson Chan 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: June 3rd and 17th
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: June 3rd and 17th
No Reservations
Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes
3483 Blue Star Hwy
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453
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