Weekly E-Pistle: "God, our Mother" - Sunday at Douglas UCC

This Mother's Day Sunday, we will explore "God as Mother." Most of us grew up being told that God was a man, our Heavenly Father. How would our world be different if we viewed God not as an authoritative, judgmental male, but as our gentle, nurturing Heavenly Mother? Come join us this Mother's Day Sunday at 10 a.m. as we continue to explore the question: Who is God? Special music: Pamela Chappell and friends!

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Join us this Sunday immediately following our worship service for our "2nd Sunday of the Month" Potluck.  Please bring a dish to share. We are also in need of people who can stay afterwards and help clean up.  If you can help, please contact Karen Clark: kbclark@iusb.edu

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Pastor Sal and Peg Donohue presented a $7,500 check on behalf of the church to board members and volunteers of Ladders Of Hope Food Pantry in Fennville to pay for a new generator. Ladders of Hope is an all-volunteer non-profit that helps individuals and families in Allegan county with food assistance. Last year alone, they helped more than 6,000 people.

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Thank you to our church's Social Justice Team for hosting author Anna-Lisa Cox last week. Every seat was taken in our Friendship Hall for Dr. Cox's inspiring presentation on 19th Century race relations in Michigan.

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Kudos to one of our youngest Douglas UCC churchgoers, eighth grader, Hannah Huggett, who organized the first-ever recycling event at Tulip Time. Hannah was assisted by Douglas UCC members: Sarah Swift (pictured above with Hannah); Kathy Klage; Gail and Denny Babel; as well as by her sisters, Hailey and Molly Huggett. Hannah, you rock!!

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​The Artz & Gardenz Studio Tour is this Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Among the seven unique stops on the tour is Summerhouse Lavender Farm (owned by our church members, Dan McGavin and Carol Brown), where our own Mike VerMerris will be displaying and selling his artwork. ​

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Great turnout this past Tuesday night for “Bee Informed" at Douglas UCC. Anne Marie Fauvel from the Bee Informed Partnership spoke to us about the honey bee population and what we can do to help them thrive. Thank you to our Creation Justice Team for facilitating.

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Congregational Care is a ministry extended to all in attendance at Douglas UCC.
This outreach offers rides to doctor appointments, light meals during an illness, and a member who is a nurse has offered to oversee bandage and tube changes when needed.  Please do not hesitate to contact  Cindy Winkler at winkler.cindy@yahoo.com if Congregational Care can assist you during your time of need.  Congregational Care is always in need of volunteers to help with this ministry.  If you’d like to be a part of the team, please let Cindy know. 

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​Douglas UCC has hired Mayotte Group Architects to explore possibilities about the expansion of our church facilities. All involved in our Groups and Committees are invited to join us on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Hall for a sharing of ideas with the architects, and everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, May 19 at 12:30 p.m. for another visioning session with the architects. Come share your input as we vision our future together.

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Thank you to all who expressed interest in the AED/CPR Training. The class will be offered three different times: Saturday, June 15 from 9 -11:30 .a.m. and from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Saturday, June 22 from 9-11:30 a.m. Please sign the designated sheets in the Friendship Hall for the session you wish to attend. The cost is $20. Scholarships are available and observers are welcome to attend for free. ​

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​On Saturday, May 18, Margret Bazany, a Shamanic Practitioner and Douglas UCC church member, will be teaching an "Introduction to Shamanism" workshop in the Friendship Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The cost is $50.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Margret at margretbazany@gmail.com ​

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Lakeshore Community Chorus Concert- presents “Oldies But Goodies,” a concert featuring music from the 50’s and 60’s with special guests, the Holland Windmill Barbershop Chorus. Our own Pastor Sal will serve as the narrator.  Performances are: Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 at 4 p.m. at the 1st Congregational Church in Saugatuck. Tickets are $20/Adults, $10/Students. Tickets available online at www.lakeshorecommunitychorus.org or at Scooter’s Café in Saugatuck.  
 
4 Paws Lakeshore Benefit - 10th Annual “4 Paws” Gala is on Friday May 24, 2019 at Laketown Golf & Conference Center in Saugatuck. Benefits the Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance. Tickets are $100 per person, which includes cocktails, dinner, and entertainment by Kelly Carey. This year’s theme is "Sonny & Cher.”   Purchase tix: www.4pawslakeshore.org

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Enjoy last Sunday's Music & Message:

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Financial Stewardship Report:

May 5:  Attendance: 144     Collection: $1,991.22        Online: $1,905.19      Total: $3,896.41
     Thank you for your generous giving
which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service.

You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING

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