 In Sunday's gospel, Jesus tells the disciples a parable, which has become known as the "Parable of the Persistent Widow." In the parable, a widow fighting for justice refuses to give up in her quest to be heard. She, like many of the bold women in the Gospels, inspires us to speak our truth, even if our voices are shaking. Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore together how to "Ask Boldly & Live Justly." Special Music: "If I Were Brave" by Nancy Plantinga and Brenda Marcy. Douglas UCC partnered with Interfaith Action on Monday night for a "Symposium on Gun Violence Reduction," featuring a keynote address by Dr. Bill Durston of Americans Against Gun Violence, as well as a panel of physicians, police, educators, clergy, and students. More than 100 people were in attendance! Thank you to our church's Social Justice Team, Beverly Hawkes, and Julie Ridl for organizing this event. The Holland Sentinel newspaper was there and wrote a front cover story on the event, too! Watch the video of the event on our Douglas UCC YouTube channel.  More than 50 people packed the Friendship Hall on Wednesday night, as our church member, Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan spoke to us about "Healthy Aging." We are so grateful to Shannon for sharing her wisdom with us.  In the latest edition of his podcast, "Into the Mystic," our UCC President, Rev. John Dorhauer, reflects on the spirituality of the fall season. Listen HERE for an inspiring 5-minute reflection.  Please join us on Saturday, October 26, from 9 AM till Noon for our "Fall Clean-Up Day." We will be cleaning up the church grounds. Bring garden tools, if you have them. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you.  A BIG THANK YOU to our church members, Michael Bojko and Patricia Denner, for their very generous donations to help us purchase a new video camera for our church. We are so very thankful for their thoughtfulness and generosity.  Save-the-Date: On Sunday, November 17, we will be having a "Groups Fair" at Douglas UCC, immediately following our worship service. Our church groups will be spread out across our church campus. Each group will have its own table, where they'll give out information about their group and have sign-up sheets for new members. It'll be a great (and fun) way to raise awareness about all of our groups, as well as to get new people involved.  We are excited to be welcoming best-selling author Scott Stabile (Big Love) back to Douglas UCC on Saturday, November 2. Scott will be facilitating a workshop entitled, "Love Yourself Madly." Scott says, "In this workshop, we are going to look at ourselves honestly and love ourselves madly. We'll learn how to shift our self-abusive thoughts into self-loving ones, and how to empower ourselves with our thoughts and actions. We'll shift the focus of our inner critics and turn them into our inner cheerleaders." To learn all the details, cost, and registration, please visit www.ScottStabile.com. Scholarships are available.  Click below to download the latest editions of our Pastor's Report and Church Council Minutes: 
Enjoy last Sunday's music and message:
Financial Stewardship Report:October 13: Attendance: 136 Collection Plate: $2,394 Online Giving: $1,363.04 Retreat House Use: $150 Total: $3,907.04 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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