In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "The Science of Prayer"
In the gospel reading from Sunday's lectionary, Jesus tells the disciples a parable about the need to pray persistently and to never to lose heart. But what exactly is the purpose of prayer, and how do we "pray without ceasing," as Scripture instructs us to do?
Join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online) as we explore "The Science of Prayer," for prayer does indeed work, if we know how to work it! Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Stan Greene. Download Online Service Bulletin Here:
Last Week's Service
In last 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. Please enjoy last Sunday's service, when we learned how to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Jeff Spangler and Bob Ruddy
Click here to read, watch, listen to, and share Pastor Sal's Homily. CROP Hunger Walk: The Numbers Are In!
More than 2,500 churches across the country took part in last month's CROP Hunger Walk, and our Douglas UCC team made it into the Top 3!! That is absolutely incredible!! Our little church raised more than $16,000 to help the hungry around the world and here in Allegan County. Ladders of Hope Food Pantry in Fennville and Christian Neighbors Food Pantry in Douglas will each receive more than $2,000 thanks to our efforts. Thank you to our Douglas UCC team (Chris Clark, Mike Mok, Jack & Julie Ridl, Wendy Hamlin, Joyce Wright, Pete Wehle, Jeremy Lund & Mark Johnston) and to all who sponsored them.
Upcoming UCC Meetings
This month, there are several UCC Conference and Association meetings, in which you may take part. All of the meetings will be held via Zoom, so advance registration is required. Click the links below to learn more and to register:
Thank You, Dr. Shannon Connell!
On Wednesday, October 12, more than 25 church members took part in Dr. Shannon Connell's "Cultivating a Spiritual Path" workshop at Douglas UCC. We are so grateful to Shannon for sharing her wisdom with us and for providing us with some inspiring ideas for becoming more contemplative. Thank you to all who participated.
UCC's "Hurricanes 2022 Appeal"
The United Church of Christ has issued an appeal to support immediate needs for families and communities affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.
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!
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.
Honoring the Ancestors with Rev. Ruth Zwald, Nov 1
Connecting to our ancestors is a vital part of spiritual work. Drawing on the Mexican traditions of Dia De Los Muertos involves us in an evening of sharing stories and food, creating an altar, as well as a chance to connect to our ancestors in a guided meditation.
Please consider joining this special event for The Day Of The Dead. All the details and what to bring are in the poster, above. It will be an amazing evening to connect and celebrate our stories. If you are interested, please RSVP directly to Ruth to reserve your spot. New Members Class: November 6
If you are interested in becoming a member of our church, Pastor Sal will be holding a New Members Class on Sunday, November 6, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM over at our church's Retreat House. All are welcome to attend. (If you would like to become a member, but are unable to attend the class, please email Pastor Sal).
GoFundMe for Alan Weathers
Birthdays & Anniversaries
October 17– Pete Wehle, 18– Demetrhea Terrien & Betsy York
21– Lin Anderson & Elaine Troehler, 22– Barb Schipper 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
Matthew McWebb, Debra Carr; Kenley Hoove (Stephen Lewis' friend); Dr. Paul Lewis (Stephen Lewis's brother); Michael Lynch; Jennifer Roe-Lazzaro; 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 great-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, October 9 : 76
Total Views for October 9 Online Videos: 541 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $525.00 Online Giving: $3,852.45 Total: $4,377.45 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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