In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "Stewardship Sunday"
This Sunday is our "Stewardship Sunday" service. When we gather to worship, we celebrate and respond to God’s generosity with our gratitude and our gifts, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). To help our church prepare for our Campus Stewardship Drive, please return your Pledge Cards at this Sunday's service.
We hope you will join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in person or streaming live online) as we celebrate God's abundant blessings and explore the spiritual law of giving and receiving. Message: Pastor Sal Sapienza. Music: Peter Black Download this Sunday's Online Bulletin: 
Last Sunday's Service -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost: "The Winds of Change"
In light of Pastor Sal's announcement last week that he will be leaving Douglas UCC in January 2024, we put our focus last Sunday on "The Winds of Change."
Times of change can be very unsettling, but our "Still Speaking" God continues to "make all things new" (Isaiah 43:18-19). Last Sunday, Pastor Sal shared more about his new call and how seasons of change are necessary for new growth and new life. Please enjoy this very special service. Message: Pastor Sal Sapienza. Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, and Lauri Donaldson Pledge Sunday is This Sunday!
Thanks to all who attended our special meeting on the Campus Stewardship Funding project. The project passed unanimously, and the pledge period is underway. If you haven't received a pledge card yet, you'll find them next to the Stewardship Progress Poster in the Friendship Hall, or if you need one mailed to you, just connect with Julie Ridl, to receive your copy. October 15 is Pledge Sunday, and we will have a special collection of the cards during service. If you can't make it on that day, just drop your pledge card off at the Church office, or mail it to us. Thanks so much for participating, in any way you are comfortable participating, and in blessing and caring for our little church campus.
Welcome Bernie Lopata to DUCC Church Council!
Crop Walk Kudos!
On Sunday, October 8, through rain and wind, our church participated in the annual CROP Hunger Walk. Though the final tally is not yet in, our Douglas UCC Team (Chris Clark, Mike Mok, Kathleen Klage, Max Brown & Doug Sipsma; Julie & Jack Ridl; Jeremy Lund & Mark Johnston; Mike VerMerris: Rich Marth; Pete Wehle; Jennifer Schwarb) raised more than $12,000, so far, to help the hungry in Allegan County and around the world. We are so grateful for their efforts and to all who sponsored them.
Michelle Willis: Live in Concert at Douglas UCC - October 26 at 7 PM
Award-winning singer/songwriter, Michelle Willis, will be performing live in concert at Douglas UCC on Thursday, October 26, at 7 PM.
Of Michelle's singing, David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash once commented, "Sounds like God on a good day. Michelle Willis is so startlingly talented, I don't even know where to start. She's probably one of the best singers I've ever heard in my life. Of all. Ever. Anybody. One of the very best, one of the top handful. I'm talking about, I live in the same world with Joni and Aretha, Bonnie, women who could sing. She's in that league. She's that good. She's an unbelievably talented singer." After collaborations as a session keyboardist and background singer for David Crosby, Iggy & the Stooges, and Zac Brown Band, Michelle signed a recording contract and released her debut solo album, "See Us Through" to wide-acclaim and sold-out concerts. You can learn more about Michelle at www.michellewillis.ca Tickets for the concert are $15 and are available now at https://michellewillis.bpt.me Soup-Tober is NOW! Photo by Piotr Miazga 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. You may drop off your donated cans in the designated box at the Friendship Hall. Financial donations are also welcomed, and can be made through the Christian Neighbors Douglas website, here: ChristianNeighborsDouglas.org Thanks in advance for helping warm and nourish local families this year! Honoring the Ancestors, Dia de los Muertos, November 1
Our friend and spiritual teacher Ruth Zwald is once again offering "Honoring the Ancestors: Dia de los Muertos," on November 1, in our Friendship Hall. 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. To sign up, follow the instructions in the poster above!
"A Little Comedy: A Little Mystery," Women's Club Funder, October 13 & 14
Once upon a time, not so VERY long ago, the comedies and mysteries we loved arrived in our living rooms through an object we called a radio. It's true! The Friends of the Saugatuck Women's Club will be raising funds for area scholarships by revisiting yesteryear on October 13 and 14, with "A Little Comedy; A Little Mystery," at the Saugatuck Woman's Club, Hoffman at Butler Street in Saugatuck. Featuring our very own church members, Peter Black, Lauri Donaldson, Chris Clark, Jim Kern, and David Miedema. Admission is $20. Our beloved Lynne Snyder will be selling tickets after church services. Call 269-857-2613 for more information. Refreshments will be provided at the performance!
Soul Collage: Listening to Our Inner Child, November 11
On November 11, our dear spiritual teacher, Ruth Zwald, will be offering her next SoulCollage workshop, "Listening to the Inner Child." A time for meditation, for exploration of the symbols and images that speak to us, and an opportunity to listen to our inner guides. Follow instructions in the poster above to register for this course. Spaces are limited.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the color purple has long been associated with the fight to end domestic violence, most commonly seen in the purple ribbons. Staff at ACHD wore purple on October 5 to show support and help bring awareness to this serious issue.
If you or someone you know has questions about domestic violence or needs help or resources, please get in touch with a local agency such as:
Free HIV Testing Available
Photo by Testalize.me on Unsplash
Did you know that you can order free at-home HIV self-tests to your door? The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 gets tested for HIV at least once and more often if you do things that might increase your chance of getting HIV.
Who is eligible?
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV less than 3 months ago, you should see a healthcare provider and get a blood test. ACHD also offers free and confidential HIV testing by appointment. Call 269-673-5411 to schedule an appointment. Minutes and Reports
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Birthdays & AnniversariesBirthdays: October 17- Pete Wehle, 21- Alton Overweg, Jr. Anniversaries: October 15- Liz Wilson, 18- Demetrhea Terrien & Betsy York, 21- Lyn Anderson & Elaine Troehler 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
Clark McMillion (Chris Clark's friend); Richard Mead (friend of Tom Fahlstrom); Ruth Fahlstrom (daughter of Tom Fahlstrom); Ann Hopkins, Pamela Chappell & Pete Wehle; Dan Pierce; Ruth VandenBosch; Mary Browning; Nancy Grib (Friend of Pamela Chappell); Stuart Family; Charlene Burdick (Paul Burdick's Mother); Diane Carr; Myron (Wendy Hamlin's grandson, Fred Hamilin's great-grandson); Betsy York; Mary Westenbroek; Brian Aikens; Jerry Elpers and family (Beth Howley's Dad); Edie Plantinga (Nancy Plantinga's mother); Joyce Potts (Ed Korson's Friend); Max Matteson; Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Nicole and John (Wendy Hamlin's daughter-in-law and son)
Financial Stewardship
In-Person Attendance October 8: 103
Total Views for October 8: 1,482 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $5,422.00 Online Giving: $4,065.77 Total: $9,487.77 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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