In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "Attitude of Gratitude"
In this Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus ministers to 10 people, but only one of them comes back to say, "Thank You." This man receives a great blessing. Jesus is letting us know that gratitude is such a powerful spiritual tool with life-changing effects.
Join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online), as we learn how to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Jeff Spangler and Bob Ruddy Download Online Service Bulletin Here: 
Welcome Bob Ruddy!
Last Week's Service
On the first Sunday in October, Christian churches of different denominations all around the world celebrate "World Communion Sunday." This tradition began all the way back in 1933. Since then, the celebration has grown into an international day of unity. It is a day when we break bread together and remember Jesus's words: "That they may all be one." Please enjoy last Sunday's service, when we celebrated this day of unity together. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Jeff Spangler and Robert Edwards
Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's Homily. "Adopt-A- Highway" Cleanup - Thank You!
Many thanks to all who helped with last weekend's "Adopt-a-Highway" Cleanup. We are grateful to: Rich & Linda Marth; Laurie VandenBeldt; Sarah Donovan; Virginia Stuart; Linda Charvat; Fritz Royce; Mike VerMerris; Joyce Wright; Terry & Steve (visitors from our UCC church in Lake Worth, Florida) and Eric Lejeune from our Creation Justice Team for facilitating.
"Blessing of the Animals" - Photo Slideshow
Last Sunday's 3rd annual "Blessing of the Animals" in Douglas was a huge success with a record turnout crowd of church members, neighbors, and their animals. The event took place at Beery Field in Downtown Douglas and was sponsored by Lakeshore Pet Boutique. Our very own Pastor Sal and Douglas UCC church member, Ginny Mikita, officiated the service.
UCC's "Hurricanes 2022 Emergency Appeal"
The United Church of Christ has issued an appeal to support immediate needs for families and communities affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.
The last three weeks have made it clear just how dangerous and destructive these storms can be. With wind speeds topping out at 130 miles per hour and 155 miles per hour, respectively, Hurricanes Fiona and Ian have left devastation in their wake. Millions have lost power and access to clean drinking water. The need for emergency food support, medical care, and temporary shelter is high. Emergency response personnel are active. Relief agencies are meeting immediate needs where they can gain access to communities hard hit by the storm. United Church of Christ partners through National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster who focus on relief are implementing their plans. Your generous financial support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need, for relief and long-term recovery. If you can, click the red button below to donate online, or if you prefer, you may mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Hurricanes 2022 Fund” in the memo section. As always, thank you for your support! October is Soup-Tober! 
Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
Christian Neighbors Food Pantry is getting ready for winter and would like to stock its shelves with canned soup for their clients. For the month of SOUP-TOBER (Oct 1-31), Christian Neighbors is requesting donated cans of soup. Soup can be dropped off at Douglas Christian Neighbors Food Pantry, located in the rear of Douglas Community Church, 6874 Wiley Road during normal hours of operation, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 AM - Noon. OR you can drop soup off in the designated box at the entryway of the Friendship Hall.
A Message from the CJT: World Farm Animals Day
Photo by Phoenix Han on Unsplash
This past Sunday was World Farm Animals Day set aside to remember the plight of billions of farm animals including laying hens, the majority of whom are raised in windowless sheds among 20,000 - 50,000 of their fellow sentient beings.
In Matthew’s Gospel (Matt 23:27), he tells the story of Jesus citing hens as examples to whom we should aspire. “How often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.” Hens, when permitted to sit upon their fertile eggs in a light- and fresh air-filled coop until and after their babies hatch, are devoted mothers. Last May, I chicken-sat for a month and bore witness to a mother hen - as night fell each night - gently tucking her four chicks in under her wings. For the first time, I understood those words of Jesus. Please consider buying free-range eggs from local family farms. --Ginny Mikita, Creation Justice Team Member Cultivating a Spiritual Path, October 12
Cultivating a Spiritual Path - On Wednesday October 12 from 6 to 7:30 PM in the Friendship
Hall, Dr. Shannon Connell will provide an interactive presentation aligning with the contemplative direction Pastor Sal encourages in the invitation to “Be Still and Know”. Golden tools will be explored to enhance a contemplative spiritual practice. Guidance will be provided with time for practice, questions, and contemplation. Sign-up sheet is in the Friendship Hall. Download Dr. Connell's flier below.
SCA Looking for Volunteers!
The SCA needs help disassembling their summer exhibition. We hope you all had an opportunity to enjoy the multi-site summer art exhibition titled, "Create Community: Spaces for Discovery!" The seven sites spread across Saugatuck, Douglas, Fennville, and Holland were a big hit for visitors and locals alike! And...as they say...all good things must come to end.
The SCA needs our help to disassemble the exhibitions. They have scheduled one day per site (9am-4pm), and in many cases may be able to finish up sooner than planned. Volunteers will be helping disassemble the structures using battery operated drills, and then carrying the lumber and materials to either a dumpster on site or a vehicle that will transport the items. If you can lend an hour or two (or more!), please follow the link below to sign up for one more location. Trunk or Treat at Douglas Cove:
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