In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find
This Sunday: "The Spiritual Law of Abundance"
In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus multiplies the loaves and the fish, symbolizing for us the "Spiritual Law of Abundance." Jesus said, "I have come so that you may have an abundant life." So, are you living an abundant life, or are you living in "Scare City" (scarcity)?
Join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore the "Spiritual Law of Abundance" and how to put it to work in our lives. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Nancy Plantinga. The Sunday morning service will be recorded and posted later in the day to our church's website and YouTube channel. Enjoy Last Week's Service
In the gospel reading from last Sunday's lectionary, Jesus invites the disciples to "come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." Rest is such an important part of our spiritual lives, and it's what "honoring the Sabbath" truly means. Click the video above to enjoy last Sunday's service, when we explored what it means to "find rest in God." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Jeff Spangler.
Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's homily. The Sabbath Manifesto
In last week's homily (see above), pastor Sal shared this quote from Rumi and also the website for The Sabbath Manifesto, with tips for observing the Sabbath in your life. You can follow The Sabbath Manifesto here: http://www.sabbathmanifesto.org/
Gardening is Giving Table,
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At last Sunday's Service we heard from two church members celebrating great Joys! Church member Carol Jaworowicz celebrated her 42nd year of Sobriety, and Pete Wehle celebrated his 13th year with his new heart. We are so happy for these wonderful friends! |
Becoming a Church of "Contemplatives in Action," and More from the UCC General Synod
Photo by Chris Ensey on Unsplash
At the opening plenary session of the United Church of Christ’s first online General Synod, delegates overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling the wider church to base its activism on a “life of foundational spiritual practices.” With 93 percent in favor, delegates passed the “Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action” resolution, which was proposed by 13 local congregations from Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Vermont.
“As we know, Jesus rooted his ministry of teaching, healing, and solidarity with others in a life of prayer, solitude, and intimate relationship with God. The Gospels attest that Jesus’s ministry begins with a time of solitude in the desert. He can be found stealing away from the busyness of the crowds to pray,” said Denson Staples, a Southern New England Conference delegate and one of the resolution’s proposers.
“Jesus’s prayerful ‘union with’ the Creator enabled his public witness of creating inclusive community, exemplifying self-giving love, forming disciples, peacebuilding, and engaging in nonviolent resistance. His life of integrated contemplation and action is a touchstone for our Christian life today,” said Staples, a member of First Congregational UCC in Somerville, Mass., and a member in discernment.
“It is our hope that out of this resolution, new resources for churches, pastors, seminaries, lay leaders and elsewhere will help us to love God more fully, and from that place, to deepen our living out the love and justice of Jesus in all other areas of our ministries,” said Carriker, pastor of the Agape Spiritual Community in Waltham, Mass., and chaplain at Brandeis University. “May this resolution help us to embody the gospel in all its fullness!”
To learn more about the work of the General Synod, click here!
“As we know, Jesus rooted his ministry of teaching, healing, and solidarity with others in a life of prayer, solitude, and intimate relationship with God. The Gospels attest that Jesus’s ministry begins with a time of solitude in the desert. He can be found stealing away from the busyness of the crowds to pray,” said Denson Staples, a Southern New England Conference delegate and one of the resolution’s proposers.
“Jesus’s prayerful ‘union with’ the Creator enabled his public witness of creating inclusive community, exemplifying self-giving love, forming disciples, peacebuilding, and engaging in nonviolent resistance. His life of integrated contemplation and action is a touchstone for our Christian life today,” said Staples, a member of First Congregational UCC in Somerville, Mass., and a member in discernment.
“It is our hope that out of this resolution, new resources for churches, pastors, seminaries, lay leaders and elsewhere will help us to love God more fully, and from that place, to deepen our living out the love and justice of Jesus in all other areas of our ministries,” said Carriker, pastor of the Agape Spiritual Community in Waltham, Mass., and chaplain at Brandeis University. “May this resolution help us to embody the gospel in all its fullness!”
To learn more about the work of the General Synod, click here!
Jack Ridl on Rattlecast, Sunday at 8pm
On Sunday, July 25 at 8pm, The literary magazine, Rattle, features Jack Ridl in their RattleCast online show. Jack will read new works and works from his two most recent books, Saint Peter and the Goldfinch and Practicing to Walk Like a Heron. As always, RattleCast will start with a brief look at current events with Poets Respond Live, and the second hour will feature "open lines," responses to our weekly prompt or any other poems you'd like to share. For details on how to participate, either via Skype or by phone, go to: https://www.rattle.com/rattlecast/
This Week's Prompt:
When the sun goes down at the county fair.
The Rattlecast is available to watch on YouTube (https://youtu.be/HgkX-bSRK3s), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/1060779737787024/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/ratwitter.com/rattlemag?lang=enttlemag?lang=en), then becomes an audio podcast. Find it on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
This Week's Prompt:
When the sun goes down at the county fair.
The Rattlecast is available to watch on YouTube (https://youtu.be/HgkX-bSRK3s), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/1060779737787024/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/ratwitter.com/rattlemag?lang=enttlemag?lang=en), then becomes an audio podcast. Find it on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Spring Street Men's Group at the Gilmore!
The men's group had a wonderful outing at the Gilmore Car Museum. Special thanks to Ted Sommer, who hosted the group at the museum, where he serves as a docent. Click on the photos above to see the smiling faces!
Quiet Contemplation Services Restarted on Thursdays at 5:30
Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash
Quiet Contemplation Services have restarted and will be held each week on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. This is a time each week to "Be Still and Know," practice contemplative prayer, or simply sit in the quiet of our church for an hour to still the mind in community. Deep thanks to church members Paul Burdick and Dan Mack for guiding this weekly service.
SDHC Presents "On the Road," starting July 22,
Tickets on Sale!
The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center (SDHC) launches History Center “On the Road” highlighting exciting historic places across the area on Thursdays in July and August. This new evening program includes wine and cheese, paired with an informal bite-sized history tour and/or talk. Places or things to discover (or rediscover) include the Cold War era radar station at Mt. Baldhead, the history and secrets of the Dorr Felt Mansion, and the history, buildings and landscapes of the Ox-Bow School of Art. Programs run from 6-8 p.m. The access to these sites is unique and exclusive to each event. Admission for the events is $25 per person per event, or $60 for all three events, and can be purchased through the SDHC website here.
July 22: Radar Tower - The first program in the series will be hosted at the SDHC History Museum, 735 Park Street, Saugatuck, at the base of Mt Baldhead. This event will showcase pictures inside the tower and drone footage of the site with expert commentary on Cold War history, engineering technology, and plans to preserve this Saugatuck landmark. Get to see inside the radar tower without climbing the stairs!
August 5: Felt Mansion - The second program in the series is at the Felt Mansion. Attendees will learn about Chicagoan Dorr Felt’s rags to riches story and his invention of the Comptrometer. The later history of the estate will come to life through behind-the-scenes tours of the mansion: its history as a Catholic seminary, a prison, a Michigan State Police post, and its rise from ruin after decades of neglect.
August 19: Ox-Bow School of Art - The third program in the series is at the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency. Ox-Bow celebrated its 110th summer of operation during the recent pandemic and this program allows attendees a rare opportunity to explore the storied campus with an insider’s view.
July 22: Radar Tower - The first program in the series will be hosted at the SDHC History Museum, 735 Park Street, Saugatuck, at the base of Mt Baldhead. This event will showcase pictures inside the tower and drone footage of the site with expert commentary on Cold War history, engineering technology, and plans to preserve this Saugatuck landmark. Get to see inside the radar tower without climbing the stairs!
August 5: Felt Mansion - The second program in the series is at the Felt Mansion. Attendees will learn about Chicagoan Dorr Felt’s rags to riches story and his invention of the Comptrometer. The later history of the estate will come to life through behind-the-scenes tours of the mansion: its history as a Catholic seminary, a prison, a Michigan State Police post, and its rise from ruin after decades of neglect.
August 19: Ox-Bow School of Art - The third program in the series is at the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency. Ox-Bow celebrated its 110th summer of operation during the recent pandemic and this program allows attendees a rare opportunity to explore the storied campus with an insider’s view.
Rummage Sale to benefit DUCC, August 14, Volunteers Needed!
Photo by Charisse Kenyon on Unsplash
Our dear friend Myron Freund left instructions that his possessions be sold and the proceeds from the sale be donated to Douglas UCC. So we will have a Rummage sale at the retreat house on August 14, 10am to 3pm. We won't be pricing anything, just asking for donations for the items you adopt.
We will need volunteers to help us set up the sale in the yard, and manage the donations. If you can help, please send word by email to [email protected].
We will need volunteers to help us set up the sale in the yard, and manage the donations. If you can help, please send word by email to [email protected].
SDFAI exhibit at the History Center,
Docents Needed!
Painting by Le’Ana Asher
The Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative is sponsoring an exhibit titled, "Art of the People: Anishinaabe Contemporary Artists," which will open on July 1st at the Saugatuck Douglas History Center. It will feature seven local artists from the Anishinaabe culture who will share sculpture, paintings, beadwork, and mixed media art work. If you are willing to serve as a docent for this exhibit that runs from July 1 through October 10, please contact Maryjo Lemanski ([email protected]) or Karen Clark ([email protected]). You will be able to select dates that work for you and should plan to attend a training on June 30 at 1pm at the Old School House. Download the letter below for more details for docents.
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Reports & Minutes
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
July 25- Kelly Wright, 27- Norman Capello, 27 - Rebecca & Jack Klott, 28- Sue & John Fleming, 29- Sue Scott & Larry Fuerst, Kathleen & Peter Mueller, 31- Kathy Klage
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. If you don't have a directory, please let us know, and we will email one to you.
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. If you don't have a directory, please let us know, and we will email one to you.
Prayer Requests
Garnet Lewis, Marv Lewis, and Vicky Cobb; Pat Denner; The family of Len Lynch, including Kathleen and Peter Mueller; Alice Reimard (Sarah Donovan's sister in law); Margaret and Dave Bazany and their daughter, Jennifer; Sarah Johnson Lock; Linda Masten (Mark Reiman's friend); Pam Carr (Debra Carr's sister); Vicki Latham (Ruth VandenBosch's cousin); Sarah Ver Meulen (Susan Fleming's Daughter); Mike VerMerris and all of Luke Burnett's family; Cole Hartman; Walt Lawrence; Shannon Connell; Dennis Konarski and the Konarski family; Mike Sneedon (Peg and Jack Donohue's friend); Pamela Chappell; Sandy Feldman; 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 Hamilin's great-grandson); Chris Stuart (Virginia Stuart's sister-in-law); Darren Dixon (Beverly and Orie Hawkes' nephew); Mary Elizabeth Loudin (friend of Laurie VandenBeldt); Chris Robinson (Peter and Kathleen Mueller's nephew); Gregg Kirchen (Sheryll and Greg VanPortfleet's friend); Daniel Ver Meulen (Susan Fleming's son); Marcia Sullivan (Jo Cooley's friend)
Financial Stewardship
July 18, 2021
In-Person Attendance: 117
Viewers for July 18 Online Service Videos: 447
Online Donations: $2,347.72
Collection Plate: $5,018.00
Total: $7,365.72
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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