In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find:
This Sunday's Service: "Merry Christmas!"
"There is good news of great joy for all people, for unto you this day a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord!" (Luke 2:10)
Please join us on Christmas Morning at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online) as we celebrate the birth of the Light of the World! Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Jeff Spangler Download the Online Bulletin Here: 
Winter Storm:
A "Blizzard Warning" has been issued for our area, and we are keeping our eyes on Winter Storm Elliott. If we need to cancel our Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Morning services, we will send an email announcement to our membership and post the cancellations on our church's website and social media accounts.
Last Week's Service Video — Fourth Sunday of Advent
Last Sunday was the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, in which we put our focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her revolutionary song of love. We'll also light our fourth advent candle for "Love." Please enjoy this inspiring message from Pastor Sal and uplifting music from Peter Black and Max Brown.
Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's Homily. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 24, 6 PM
Please join us on Saturday, December 24, at 6 PM (either in-person or streaming live online) for our annual Christmas Eve service of "The Lessons and Carols," in which we celebrate the story of the birth of Jesus told through lessons from the Bible and through beloved Christmas Carols that we all know and love. The evening will feature a special performance from the Douglas UCC Holiday Choir. Then, on December 25, please join us at 10 AM for our Christmas morning worship service, followed by a cookie exchange in the Friendship Hall.
Christmas Message from UCC Leadership
As we await the coming of the Christ Child, take heart in the hope, joy, light and love that Jesus brings. Christmas blessings to all this holiday season from the United Church of Christ, and peace in the New Year.
Special Christmas Fund Collection this Sunday
This Sunday, we will be taking a special collection for the UCC Christmas Fund, which has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for more than 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Get information, here. You can donate to the Christmas Fund by using the special offertory envelopes in the pews this Sunday. Thank you, as always, for your generosity!
Christmas Morning Cookie Exchange!!
Following our worship service on Christmas morning, we will be having a “Cookie Exchange” in the Friendship Hall during Coffee Hour! If you are able, please bring a plate of cookies to share and enjoy!
Thank You Saugatuck Players!
This year's production of The Christmas Carol, put on annually by the Saugatuck Players -- including our own Peter Black as accompanist -- raised more than $12,000 for Christian Neighbors and Childrens First Lakeshore. Thanks to all who continue to support this wonderful holiday tradition! God bless us, every one!
Save the Date: Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, Jan 8
On Sunday, January 8, after service at 11:30am in the Friendship Hall, we will hold our Mid-year Congregational Meeting. We will also be broadcasting it via Zoom, so if you prefer to join us online, watch your email for the invitation to join in.
January Treat Signups for Coffee Hour
Photo by Ruth Georgiev on Unsplash
We love our post-service coffee hours! The treat makers make it happen! If you can supply treats for January coffee hours, please sign up for the January slots. Sign-up sheets are in the friendship hall, or contact Joyce Wright, our Coffee Hour Coordinator, by email.
Holiday Receipts for the Receipt Collection
Every receipt counts! We can see the finish line from here! Those hefty holiday receipts would be most welcomed. Just pop them into the receipt box in the Friendship Hall! When we reach our goal, Family Fare will donate $1,000 to Ladders of Hope Food Pantry in Fennville. Feeding the hungry -- it's a DUCC Holiday tradition!
Year-End Giving Statements Coming -- Do We Have Your Correct Address?
Photo by Amol Tyagi on Unsplash
As our Financial Team works to prepare year-end giving statements, please help them out by updating your mailing address, if it has changed over the past year. Please send your new mailing address to Michael VerMerris.
Reports & Minutes
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Birthdays & Anniversaries
January 1- Tim Lemanski, 2- Doreen & Tamara Ritt, 4- Greg Gerrans
5- Beverly Hawkes, 6- Louise Kenny 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
Family and friends of Amy Wood (Mary Fechtig's sister); Gemina Petruzzelli; Family and friends of Gary Johnston (Mark Johnston's father); John Willming; Dave Bazany; Carol Rice; Family and friends of Bill Modsel (Lynne Snyder's Brother-in-law); Family and Friends of Sidney Matheis; Family and friends of Alan Weathers; Doug Petersen; Kirstin Barendsen (cousin of Ruth VandenBosch); Marianna Maver (Friend of many in our congregation); Beverly and Orie Hawkes & Family; Susan Schram & Family; Diane Carr & Family; Michael Lynch; Jennifer Roe-Lazzaro; Mary Baxter (Marjorie Reiman's friend); Elwood Cephus Stith (Mark Reiman's friend); Pete Wehle; Rev. Lou Grettenberger (friend of Ginny Mikita); Phil Sturdevant (Pete Wehle's friend); Darren Dixon (Beverly and Orie Hawkes' nephew); David Zylstra (Laurie VandenBeldt's friend); Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart's sister); Joann DeJonge; Beverly Willming (John Willming's mother); Jay North (friend of Dan Pierce); Hannah Sherman; Maureen Pierce; David Abbot; Sarah Johnson Lock; 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); Sherri Kanten (Ruth VandenBosch's friend); Chris Stuart (Virginia Stuart's sister-in-law); Mary Elizabeth Loudin (friend of Laurie VandenBeldt)
Financial Stewardship
In-Person Attendance, December 18 : 85
Total Views for December 18 Online Videos: 616 Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $2,810.00 Online Giving: $4,396.89 Total: $7,206.89 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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