In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: Easter Sunday!
RISE & SHINE! This Easter morning, we rejoice and rise up, for the Christ Light shows us the way to new life! Whatever challenges we have faced or are facing, we can always transform them in the spirit and message of Easter. The Light of Christ invites us to rise up and walk in the newness of life. This resurrecting power restores and uplifts us.
Be with us this Easter morning at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online) as we join together in a celebration of resurrection and transformation! Message: Pastor Sal Sapienza. Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, and Lauri Donaldson Download This Sunday's Online Bulletin:
Last Sunday's Service
Last Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time on the Christian Church calendar, when we focused on two processions: one of cheers and palms (Jesus's procession into Jerusalem) and one of jeers and pain (Jesus's procession to the cross), a reminder that both light and darkness are part of the spiritual journey. Please enjoy this powerful Holy Week service with the Message by Pastor Sal, and music by Peter Black and Jeff Spangler.
Easter Message from UCC
In this 2023 Easter Message from the General Minister and President of the UCC, Reverend John Dorhaur shares the news of this past week's violent attack on the Community Church of Chesterland, Ohio, a UCC church that would soon be hosting an event at which men in drag would be appearing. He met with the congregation soon after, and his Easter message, above, relays the hopeful news from that congregation.
As Paul wrote, “We do not grieve as those who have no hope,” says Rev. Dorhaur, "This is the power of our faith... Whatever trials, sufferings, tribulation, or trauma you are enduring or have endured, always remember the Easter joy of resurrection hope, and may it, as it did with the members of that church that night, center you, remove your despair, take away your fear and ground you, as always, in the certain hope of Christ’s resurrection." You can read Dr. Dorhaur's full message at the link below: Potluck Survey: We'd Love to Hear from YOU!
Are you ready? Your Church Council is considering a request to restart the monthly Potluck lunches we held on the second Sunday of each month before the Covid pandemic. Please help our Church Council out by taking this very short survey and sharing your thoughts with us. The deadline for completing the survey is April 15 (a memorable deadline). Click the button below to take you to the survey now. Thanks for helping out by participating!
A New Stole for Pastor Sal
This week, members of our church's Creation Justice Team gifted Pastor Sal with a new stole, symbolizing the beauty of God's Creation. Pictured (l. to r.) Paul Burdick, Chris Clark, Virginia Stuart, Brad Hopkins, Pastor Sal, Michael Valdez, Betsy York.
DUCC Movie Night: Radical Grace, April 12
We are excited to announce a very special "Movie Night" at Douglas UCC on Wednesday, April 12 at 6 PM in the Friendship Hall for a screening of the award-winning documentary, Radical Grace, followed by a Q&A with its director, Rebecca Parrish. Produced and narrated by Oscar-winner, Susan Sarandon, Radical Grace follows three fearless nuns who risk their place in the Church to follow another higher calling: social justice and inclusion. You won't want to miss this powerful and inspiring film. Popcorn and refreshments will be served. This event is free and all are welcome.
Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance Funder, June 3
4 Paws Lakeshore has combined it's efforts with Wishbone Organization, so the 4 Paws Lakeshore name has been dissolved and folded into Wishbone organization.
Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance presents it's annual fundraiser! There's No Place Like a Home Saturday, June 3, 2023 6:00pm - 10:00pm 2755 Blue Star Hwy Fennville, MI 49408 Join us for an evening of fun with an outdoor venue, music, food, drinks, and wonderful adoptable pets. Attire: Shelter Chic w/Red Shoes At the event, you'll find the annual "Hearts of Love" donation program that helps Wishbone provide necessary professional medical care to the animals, as well as several other exciting new ways to help them continue to be the voice and caretaker of Allegan County's homeless animals. To purchase tickets and/or be a sponsor in various areas of need, click the button below. Birthdays & AnniversariesApril 10– Jack Ridl, 12– Ben Greene, Stan Greene13– Bill Klatt, 14– Julie Hebding 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
Dirk Hollebeek (Ruth VandenBosch's Godson); Peter Black and Family; Max Matteson; Marissa Overweg (Laurie VandenBeldt's granddaughter); Eric Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Anne Geraghty (Pat Denner's Sister-in-law); Nicole and John (Wendy Hamlin's daughter-in-law and son); Dan Pierce (Craig Drager's husband); Lisa Marth (The Marths' Sister-in-law); Vicki Latham (Ruth VandenBosch's cousin); Darren Dixon (Beverly Hawkes' nephew); Chris Stuart, (Virginia Stuart's sister-in-law)
Financial Stewardship
In-Person Attendance, April 2: 93
Total Views for April 2 Online Videos: 848 Podcast Listeners in March: 2,846 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $16,220.00 Online Giving: $1,821.99 Total: $18, 041.99 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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