In This Week's E-Pistle You Will Find:
This Week's Service
The month of September at Douglas UCC has been devoted to the theme of "God's Creation." This Sunday, we are going to be focusing on the "Spirituality of Animals." A gift from God, animals are our spiritual teachers. Join us this Sunday for our "Video Worship Service," as we honor and celebrate the sacred gift of animals. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black with Molly and Hailey Huggett.
Tune in on Sunday at 10 AM via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, or here on our website Last Week's Service
Last Sunday, we focused on the Spirituality of Water. Click above to watch our online Video Worship Service or download the transcript, below, to explore this sacred gift. Pastor Sal gave an inspiring message, and members of our church's Creation Justice Team lead us in word and prayer. Enjoy uplifting music by Peter Black and Nancy Plantinga, who performed Daniel Nahmod's beautiful song, "Water."
Blessing of the Garden
On Saturday, September 19, the City of Douglas dedicated the "Pride Celebration Garden" in Downtown Douglas, Michigan to Carl Jennings & Larry Gammons. "This is for all the LGBTQ men and women who made our community what it is today," said Gammons of the new garden. At the dedication, Pastor Sal said a blessing, and Douglas Mayor, Pat Lion, officiated a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The "Pride Celebration Garden" is such a special gift to our community and a loving tribute to Carl & Larry's life together and to the lives of so many wonderful LGBTQ friends, residents, and visitors. Photos by John Kerr.
Our Faith, Our Vote: Shuttle to the Polls
KUDOS to Stan Greene, who has volunteered to coordinate DUCC's Shuttle-to-the-Polls, a service for local voters. During the month of October, volunteers from DUCC will transport voters to deliver their completed absentee ballots to their clerks’ offices, in person. The service is designed to relieve pressure on the United States Postal Service, and to respond to an anticipated high volume of absentee ballot requests.
This effort is a project of the UCC's ‘Our Faith, Our Vote 2020’ initiative to support local congregations in faithful, nonpartisan engagement in the electoral process. DUCC volunteers will provide rides for voters living in and around Holland, Saugatuck, Douglas, Fennville and South Haven. Both drivers and riders will observe safety guidelines to limit exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19. Volunteers who wish to drive, and voters who need a ride can contact Stan by e-mailing VoterShuttle@douglasucc.org or texting I CAN DRIVE or VOTER SHUTTLE to 616-915-4380. Need a Stephen Minister?
Are you experiencing pandemic fatigue—that feeling of being mentally and emotionally exhausted by everything that’s going on right now? We’re all facing different kinds of life challenges during this time--
• Isolation and loneliness • Anxiety over health • Grief • Juggling work, childcare, and schooling responsibilities • Financial strain or job loss • Uncertainty about the future . . . The list goes on. It’s no wonder we may be hit by pandemic fatigue—so many are. But you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or someone you care about is experiencing difficulties like these, our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care, encourage, and be there to offer support. A Stephen Minister will meet with you privately—by phone, by video chat, or possibly in person when it’s safe to do so—to focus on you and your needs. It’s free and completely confidential, and it offers real care, comfort, and hope. You can find out more by calling Pastor Sal or one of our Stephen Leaders, Laurie VanDenBeldt or Paul Burdick. Kudos to Carey Idema, Ruth Vanden Bosch,
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Blessing of the Animals
October 4, 2 pm, Beery Field
On October 4, at 2 pm, at Beery Field in Douglas, Pastor Sal and Lakeshore Pet Boutique will offer a Blessing of the Animals. Our Pamela Chappell will be providing the music. The event will be a standing affair, with animals leashed or in carriers, fully in control of their humans. You may bring a chair, and you must wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Uncommon Coffee Roasters is providing hot chocolate.
Friendship Hall News
- You may be receiving this lovely image, above, on a card by Sue Schram, as part of Ruth Vanden Bosch's card ministry -- her contribution to the Stephen Ministry outreach at Douglas UCC.
- So good to see Randall Braaksma and Rachel Overweg participating in last week's service. They are among our growing cohort of online church members -- a silver lining in the pandemic time is that we have been able to embrace members and friends from around the country and around the world. (Click on the file link, below to download Randall’s beautiful reading, provided by request.)
- Our biggest JOY of the day was learning that Peter Black and Robert Trenary will be getting married this week! They will have a small, family ceremony on September 25, with Pastor Sal officiating. Mazel Tov to the couple!
- And our other biggest Joy was learning that Jeff Spangler and his family arrived back in Saugatuck, safe and sound. We really look forward to hearing that lovely voice of his soon!
- Chris Clark and Pastor Sal are working to plan a Covid-safe Crop Walk for this year. Stay tuned for details!
- Max Brown joined us to share that Spring Street Men’s Group is meeting again, first and third Monday of the month via Zoom. Connect with Julie for the Zoom links.
- Lynn Snyder is looking for more members for the guilt-free Congregational Care team. Call her if you can help out other church members with a meal, a ride, a little light housekeeping or paperwork or medical care. There are many ways we can help one another, and no pressure when serving on this team.
- Please Join us on the Zoom Call this Sunday as we celebrate Fred Hamlin’s 90th Birthday! Your invite will be in tomorrow's Online Church email (if you haven't seen them, check your Spam folder or connect with Julie to be put on the email list.)
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
September 25- Peter Black & Robert Trenary, 28- Fred Hamlin, 28- Bill Briggs & Jeff Chinski, October 2- Nan Belschner, Gary Nicodemus, 3- Alex Andrade, Mark Johnston
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can continue to reach out to one another during this time. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory. If you don't have a directory, please let us know, and we will email one to you.
Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can continue to reach out to one another during this time. If you wish to mail a card to one of our church members, addresses can be found in our Church Directory. If you don't have a directory, please let us know, and we will email one to you.
Prayer Requests
Dirk Hollebeek (Ruth VandenBosch's godson); Larry Gegsbeek (friend of Mark Reiman); the family of John and Sue Fleming on the passing of John's brother, Gary; Freddy; Nancy Chancellor (Beverly Hawkes' daughter); Daniel Ver Meulen (Susan Fleming's son); the family of Mary Geraci (Stan Greene's friends); Barb Lucier; Vivian Libby (Sheryll Van Portfleet's Mom); Rachael Overweg; Patricia Rempel (Ed Korson's sister-in-law); Anna Lisa Cox (Friend of Jack and Julie Ridl and Social Justice Team); Grant Oliver (Kirt Oliver's son); Jim Hopkins; Alan Weathers; Hannah Sherman; Gary Plantinga (Nancy Plantinga's brother); Roye McDonald; Jodi Berault; Sarah Hurley and Fred Eagle Royce; Mary Harris; Patricia Carr and her husband Riley (Debra Carr's family); Barbara Klatt (Barb Lucier's friend); Myron Freund; Terry Stough (Catz Dienes' son); Ted Sommer; Phyllis Wallis (Kathy Austin's mother); Drew Carter; Jeff Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Marcia Sullivan (Jo Cooley's friend); Len Lynch (Kathleen Mueller's brother); Curtis Coffin (Marty Coffin's brother).
Midwest residents and farmers who have suffered widespread destruction of crops and homes from the August 10 derecho storm. All of our Covid-19 pandemic first responders, and for the researchers and scientists working on effective tests and treatments for Covid-19. Prayers for all in the military and their families; all who are homeless or addicted or abused or neglected or rejected or hungry; The UCC; the Grand West Association; our Church Council; our Stephen Ministers; our church committees; our communities, our schools, our nation and our planet.
To add or remove a name from the Prayer List, please email us.
Midwest residents and farmers who have suffered widespread destruction of crops and homes from the August 10 derecho storm. All of our Covid-19 pandemic first responders, and for the researchers and scientists working on effective tests and treatments for Covid-19. Prayers for all in the military and their families; all who are homeless or addicted or abused or neglected or rejected or hungry; The UCC; the Grand West Association; our Church Council; our Stephen Ministers; our church committees; our communities, our schools, our nation and our planet.
To add or remove a name from the Prayer List, please email us.
Financial Stewardship
September 20
Viewers for September 20 Online Service videos: 739
Weekly Online Giving: $3,167.02
Total: $3,167.02
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.
Or you may send checks by mail to:
Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ
56 Wall Street, PO Box 519
Douglas, MI 49406
Viewers for September 20 Online Service videos: 739
Weekly Online Giving: $3,167.02
Total: $3,167.02
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.
Or you may send checks by mail to:
Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ
56 Wall Street, PO Box 519
Douglas, MI 49406
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