In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "Easy & Light"
In the gospel reading from Sunday's lectionary, Jesus tells us that following the Way is "easy and light." Our spiritual practice shouldn't be a burden which weighs us down, but rather a joyful path which lifts our hearts and minds.
Please join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online) as we explore how to live with "ease and grace" as we "yoke" ourselves more fully to the Way of the Christ. Message: Pastor Sal Sapienza. Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, and Lauri Donaldson. Download this Sunday's Online Bulletin: 
Last Week's Service
In the gospel reading from last Sunday's lectionary, Jesus says, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." In the UCC, we say we are the church of "Extravagant Welcome," but extending a holy welcome to all can be challenging, especially during the divisive times in which we are living.
Please enjoy last Sunday's service, when we explored what it means to truly extend a "Holy Welcome" to all people. Message: Rev. K'Lynne McKinley. Music: Peter Black and Bob Kruse. Thank you, K'Lynne McKinley and Bob Kruse!
While Pastor Sal served as a delegate at the UCC National Synod in Indianapolis, we were delighted to welcome Rev. K'Lynne McKinley to our pulpit today for an inspiring message. And, Bob Kruse performed for us for the first time today! Thank you both for sharing your great gifts with us!
Memorial for Sidney Matheis, July 9, 11:30am
On Sunday, July 9, at 11:30 a.m., we will honor the life and legacy of our church member and friend Sidney Matheis. All church members are invited to join in this service, and after, as we spread the ashes in our Memorial Garden.
Welcome UCC's new President and General Minister: Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thomson!
This past week, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ made history when it elected Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson (pictured above with our Pastor Sal) as the first woman, and the first Black woman, to lead the denomination as General Minister and President.
In her nomination speech to General Synod on June 30, Rev. Thompson spoke about the hope she sees springing forth within the UCC. "Here is the place where we have seen the Spirit of God poured forth among us in many ways. Here is the place where we continue to identify the many accomplishments of the ancestors. Here is where we honor the resilience of those who came before us, took risk and oftentimes did more with less than we currently have. And here is the place we identify as now, as we ponder the call of God to be salt and light to the world,” she said. Synod Attendees (including Pastor Sal) Marching in Indianapolis
During General Synod 2023, hundreds of pastors (including our Pastor Sal, above) and lay people left the Convention Center and walked to the Indiana Statehouse Capitol building to lament the recent legislative attacks on trans rights, on the wider LGBTQIA+ community, and the erosion of reproductive rights taking place in state legislatures across the nation.
Pastor Sal is back in Douglas and will be sharing some of the highlights from General Synod during his homily this Sunday. What's Next in Campus Stewardship
“This Little Church That’s Been Entrusted to Our Care”
As outlined at our Annual Meeting, there are many areas of our church campus in need of important repair and updating. Here's our wish list: 88 Spring Street
Sanctuary and Friendship Hall
We hope to fund these projects through targeted gifts totalling $79, 725 to complete them all. You can keep watch on our funding goals here in the E-Pistle. Meanwhile, consider if you can support these needed improvements. You can donate online at the button below, or post a check with “DUCC Campus Stewardship” in the memo line to: Douglas UCC, PO Box 519, Douglas, MI 49406. Resilience Blue Star Bash, July 27
Resilience, whose mission is to respond to, reduce, and prevent domestic and sexual violence in Ottawa and Allegan counties, are holding their second annual fundraiser here in Saugatuck on July 27, at Ivy House. If you would like to donate to their auctions or have questions about the event, e-mail [email protected]. For tickets, hit that red button below!
2nd Annual Blue Star Bash Thursday, July 27, 2023 Ivy House – Saugatuck, MI Ticket link below! Blue Star Bash will feature live music by Desmond Jones, food trucks, delicious drinks, raffles, silent auctions, a 50/50, and a wine pull! Thanks to Howard Miller, Empowerment Partner for Blue Star Bash this year! Call for Altar Flowers
Photo by Kendall Scott on Unsplash
Summer is here, and so are the blossoms! If you would like to dress our altar with lovely blooms, see the Altar Flower sign-up sheet in the Friendship Hall. Just write your name and a note next to the date, and tell us if you would like your flowers to hold the memory of a special event or a loved one. Or email Julie Ridl to help you.
Volunteers needed for Venetian Fest!
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