In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "Come to the Edge"
In the gospel reading from this Sunday's lectionary, Jesus is driven out of his own hometown and pushed to the edge of a cliff. Many of us have felt "pushed out" and "driven to the edge" because we spoke our truth. Come join us this Sunday 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online) as we learn what it takes to live life on the edge.
Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Nancy Plantinga. Download this Sunday's Online Bulletin: 
Last Week's Service
Last Sunday, focused on Paul's words to the Corinthians: "We are many parts, but we are all one body." Please enjoy last Sunday's service, when we explored together "The Law of Divine Oneness." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Pamela Chappell, who performed her original song, "One."
Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's Homily. News from Christian Neighbors' Annual Meeting
With thanks to Joyce Wright and Wendy Hamlin for their service to Christian Neighbors, we are happy to share CN's first quarter director's report. If you ever wondered about this amazing organization that your generosity supports, here is a good glimpse of the work they do:
Jazz Vespers: "Music for the Soul"Featuring Jim Cooper and special guest: Ivan Akansiima
Live Streaming Event: This Sunday, January 30
YouTube link will be available here: https://jimcooper.net/event/4494758/583646985/jazz-vespers-music-for-the-soul Jazz Vespers: "Music for the Soul" Featuring Jim Cooper and special guest: Ivan Akansiima Or attend in person at: Saugatuck United Methodist Church 250 Mason St. Saugatuck, MI 7-8pm Suggested concert freewill offering: $10 or you can donate at www.jimcooper.net Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Mask Recommendation
In church services and committee meetings we follow the new Michigan Public Health advisory for masking in all indoor public places. Please remember also to maintain a safe distance from others, and withhold hugs and handshakes when passing the peace. If you forget your mask, fresh KN95 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
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash
The Afghan Family continues to be so appreciative of the work we are doing, helping them wade through the many steps for entering the U.S. system. We will schedule a time for the congregation to meet the family once their lives settle a bit. The Afghan Task force wishes to remind us that their privacy remains a critical concern for their well-being, and for the safety of their family.
Meanwhile, your generosity has been most humbling and most welcome. You can support their needs financially by donating at the link below, or reaching out to Barbara Witt (bjm2822@aol.com) or Pat Denner (dendronus@yahoo.com). The task force encourages providing the family with gift cards to local stores rather than physical gifts, which will help the family as they learn to shop and budget, and gives them the freedom to choose items they most need, that suit them best. Donations to the general fund supporting the family 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 (bjm2822@aol.com) or Pat Denner (dendronus@yahoo.com). Birthdays & Anniversaries
January 31- Kris Sherman, February 1- Dee Baker, Max Matteson, Doug Sipsma,
2- Jeff Kinnunen, 3- Jeff Chinski, Becca Waaso, Alan Weathers, 4- Jim Codman, 5- Jason Smith 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
Jane Grady & Family; 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 23: 42
Livestream Attendance: 77 Total Viewers for January 23 Online Service Videos: 752 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $3,865.00 Online Giving: $3,494.08 Total: $7,359.08 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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56 Wall Street • Douglas, Michigan 49406
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