In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "Lifted Up in Love"
"Woman, thou art loosed!" Jesus declares in the Gospel reading for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, as a woman is miraculously healed of her afflictions.
Like the bent-over woman in the Gospel story, many of us feel bound or burdened by circumstances in our lives, but we have the power to be loosed and lifted to a Higher Place. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online), as we learn how to "let loose" and set ourselves free. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Jeff Spangler Download this week's online bulletin here: 
Last Week's Service Video — 10th Sunday after Pentecost: "The Great Divide"
Jesus's words in last Sunday's Gospel reading are shocking!! The Prince of Peace actually says, "Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division, so that even families will be divided among themselves!" What did Jesus mean by these shocking words? Please enjoy last Sunday's service, when we explored the spiritual understandings of "vision and di-vision." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Stan Greene
Click here to read, listen to, watch and share Pastor Sal's Homily. Pastor Sal at Park Church: The Saint of 9/11, August 25, 7 PM
Join our Pastor Sal at historic Park Church in downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday, August 25, at 7 PM to hear the inspiring story of Father Mychal Judge, the "Saint of 9/11." This event is free, and all are welcome!
Pastor Sal on "Raising Rainbow" Video Podcast:
Our very own Pastor Sal was interviewed this week on the "Raising Rainbow" video podcast hosted by Jeremy Riden. In it, they discuss Pastor Sal's book, Gay is a Gift, as well as the nature of God and knowing your worth. Please watch, like, and share.
The Red Dock Poetry Reading, August 31
THE RED DOCK READING IS BACK!!!!
Featuring Kathleen Markland and our church member Jack Ridl. Open air poetry right on the river. The dress is casual, the program, the sun, the waves, and the breezes are free. On August 31. Kitchen is open from 12 to 5:30pm. Bar is open throughout. Live music from 5-6pm. Poetry from 6 to 7pm, at the Red Dock Cafe: 219 N. Union Street, Douglas, MI The pop-up pier bookstore will feature Kathleen and Jack's books and the Ukranian Anthology, Busy Griefs Raw Towns, edited by G.F. Korreck, with proceeds going to Ukranian Relief Fund. West Shore Aware White Party, August 21
The Annual West Shore Aware White Party is coming up! Tables and individual tickets are going fast. Come along to have fun while supporting this organization's wonderful work. Learn all about it right here.
Poetry is Art is Poetry, Sepember 14
Beach Cleanup September 17
Kudos to church member Brad Hopkins, who will serve as the the on-site coordinator for our annual beach cleanup, scheduled for September 17. If you would like to help with the cleanup this year, a sign-up sheet is in the Friendship Hall, or email Brad Hopkins.
Debra Rienstra, Guest Homilist: September 18
Our church has been reading Refugia Faith by writer/professor Dr. Debra Rienstra, who is the daughter of our church members Rev. Marchiene & Dr. John Rienstra. And we are so delighted to share that Dr. Rienstra will be joining us in service to give the homily on September 18. You can learn more about Dr. Rienstra andher books at her website, debrarienstra.com.
We Need You: Highway Cleanup, October 1
The Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team has scheduled our highway cleanup for 9 AM on October 1. We are looking for many hands to work together to make light work of cleaning up our three miles of highway. Sign up on the sheet in the Friendship Hall or by writing to [email protected]. Thank you for helping us keep our corner of the world clean!
Allegan Pride: August 20
The City of Allegan is having its first Pride celebration on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 3 to 10 PM. Come down to Riverfront Plaza in Allegan for music, entertainment, and speakers focused on promoting Equality and Inclusion of ALL people.
Minutes & Reports 
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Birthdays & Anniversaries
August 21- Kathy Davelaar Van Rees, Carey & Fred Idema,
24- Kristi Van Howe, 25- Larry Freeland 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. Prayer Requests
Jennifer Roe-Lazzaro; Tony Marr (friend of Ed Korson); Mary Baxter (Marjorie Reiman's friend); Dianne Soper (Beverly Hawkes' sister); Elwood Cephus Stith (Mark Reiman's friend); Pete Wehle; Rev. Lou Grettenberger (friend of Ginny Mikita); Rachael Rienstra; Phil Sturdevant (Pete Wehle's friend); Darren Dixon (Beverly and Orie Hawkes' nephew); The Hotwagner Family; David Zylstra (Laurie VandenBeldt's friend); Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart's sister); Judy Baxter (Kristine Sherman's Mother); Joann DeJonge; Richard and Joanna Weber's grandson Mattox (friends of the Ridls); Al Overweg; Beverly Willming (John Willming's mother); Jay North (friend of Dan Pierce); Hannah Sherman; Maureen Pierce; David Abbot; Sarah Johnson Lock; Vicki Latham (Ruth VandenBosch's cousin); Cole Hartman; Mike Sneedon (Peg and Jack Donohue's friend); Tim Reineck, Matt Brazys, Suzanne Cook, and Ken Cassbon (friends of Pete Wehle and Pamela Chappell); Richie Czarnowski (Mark Reiman's friend); Sherri Kanten (Ruth VandenBosch's friend); Chris Stuart (Virginia Stuart's sister-in-law); Mary Elizabeth Loudin (friend of Laurie VandenBeldt)
Financial Stewardship
In-Person Attendance, August 14: 78
Total Views for August 14 Online Videos: 546 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $1,398.00 Online Giving: $2,180.01 Total: $3,578.01 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, or sharing through the donate buttons on Facebook or Instagram, or at our website. |
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