In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday: "The Law of Divine Oneness"
This Sunday, we will be focusing on Paul's words to the Corinthians: "We are many parts, but we are all one body." Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online) as we explore together "The Law of Divine Oneness." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Pamela Chappell, who'll perform her original song, "One."
Download this Sunday's Online Bulletin here: ![]()
Last Sunday's Service
In last Sunday's gospel reading, we heard the story of Jesus's first miracle. And, we also celebrated the life and spirit of another miracle worker: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A Christian pastor and a man of great faith, Dr. King reminds us during this Epiphany season that "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only Light can do that." Please enjoy last Sunday's service, when we celebrated Jesus and Martin and their vision of miraculous love. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Jeff Spangler
Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's Homily. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Mask Recommendation
We're taking this opportunity to remind everyone that following the new Michigan Public Health advisory for masking in all indoor public places, it's important to wear a mask in services and church meetings, maintain a safe distance from others, and withhold hugs and handshakes when passing the peace. If you forget your mask, fresh masks and hand sanitizer are available at all doors, and we encourage you to use them when entering and exiting church buildings. We want you to be well, and stay safe.
Here is Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services mask advisory for all gatherings: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-100997_100998---,00.html You can follow Allegan County's Covid transmission and infection rate at this link: CDC infection and transmission rates by county. Free At-Home Covid Tests from covidtests.gov
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them!
Order Free At-Home Tests If you need a COVID-19 test now, please see other testing resources for free testing locations in your area. Afghan Task Force Update
The Afghan Family has spent their first fully rested nights at the Spring Street house, the first uninterrupted sleep since arriving in the US. They are so appreciative of the work we have done to ready the house and help them with their very full days negotiating the many intricacies of entering the U.S. system, all the many forms and appointments they need to attend and manage, all requirements they must meet in order to live and work in the United States. This will take some time. The Afghan Taskforce wishes to remind us that their privacy remains a critical concern for their wellbeing, and for the safety of their family.
Meanwhile, your outpouring of love is most welcome. You can support their needs financially by donating at the link below, or reaching out to Barbara Witt ([email protected]) or Pat Denner ([email protected]). The taskforce encourages providing the family with gift cards to local stores rather than gifts, which will help the family in their learning to shop and budget and give them the freedom to choose items they most need, that suit them best. Once this whirlwind of requirements has quieted, and the family is fully on their feet, we will schedule a time for the congregation to meet them. Donations can be made online here, or send a check to Douglas UCC, PO Box 519, Douglas, MI 49406. Please write "Afghan Family" on the memo line! Spring Street House Reminder
We have welcomed our Afghan Family to Spring Street, and we just wanted to remind everyone that the Spring Street house is now closed for meetings, events, and church storage. Our church property has been moved to other locations to make room for our guests. It's important that we give this family their privacy, and preserve, above all, their feeling of safety in this place.
If you wish to welcome them or provide for them, please first reach out to the Afghan Task Force to by emailing Barbara Witt ([email protected]) or Pat Denner ([email protected]). Reports and Minutes
Birthdays & Anniversaries
January 23- Greg Sherman, Rose Marie Stevenson, Sarah Swift,
25- Patrice Greene, Rachael & Scott Overweg 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
Gemina Petruzzelli; Paul Burdick; Paul Murphy; Al Overweg; Beverly Willming (John Willming's mother); Jay North (friend of Dan Pierce); Diane Carr (Debra Carr's sister): Hannah Sherman; Maureen Pierce; Helaine Miedema (David Miedema's mother); Ron Turks (Carol Cunningham's son-in-law); David Abbot; Sarah Johnson Lock; Linda Masten (Mark Reiman's friend); 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); Dale Lower; Sherri Kanten (Ruth VandenBosch's friend); Michael (a friend of Dan Mack's); Myron (Wendy Hamlin's grandson, Fred Hamlin's great-grandson); Chris Stuart (Virginia Stuart's sister-in-law); Mary Elizabeth Loudin (friend of Laurie VandenBeldt); Chris Robinson (Peter and Kathleen Mueller's nephew); Daniel Ver Meulen (Susan Fleming's son); Marcia Sullivan (Jo Cooley's friend)
Financial Stewardship
In-Person Attendance, January 16: 45
Livestream Attendance: 65 Total Viewers for January 16 Online Service Videos and Ye: 628 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $5,045.00 Online Giving: $1,922.12 Total: $6,967.12 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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