Weekly E-Pistle: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

7/31/2020

In This Week's E-Pistle You Will Find:

"Tuning into Abundance" - This Week's Service Notes
"The Kingdom of Heaven is Like..." - Last Week's Service Links
Thank You from Christian Neighbors, Moving Sale, and Volunteers Needed
Gorgeous New Birdhouse from Peter and Kathleen Mueller
Blessings for the Backpack of the Soul by Chris Clark
Online Friendship Hall Roundup
Birthdays & Anniversaries, Prayer Requests, and Financial Stewardship Report

This Week's Service: "The 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 for this Sunday's Video Worship Service, 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.

Tune in on Sunday at 10 AM via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, or here on our website.

Last Week's Service

In last Sunday's gospel message, Jesus gives four parables to explain the Kingdom of Heaven. He compares it to a mustard seed in the ground; a pearl inside a shell; yeast inside of bread; and a treasure hidden in a field. Click the video link above to explore these parables with us, and how they point to the location of the Kingdom of Heaven. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Pamela Chappell.

Thanks from Christian Neighbors &
Volunteers Still Needed for Their Big Move!

We received a lovely thank-you note from Christian Neighbors, thanking DUCC and its congregation for the $6,150 check we sent them to support the excellent work they do providing for the needs of people in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Western Allegan County.

As we announced last week, Christian Neighbors is moving from their long-time home at Saint Peter's to larger quarters at the Community Church of Douglas. And they are calling for our help in the form of volunteers and donations toward their moving expenses to buy new shelving and refrigerators and equipment.

Meanwhile, there will be a moving sale, on Wednesday, August 5 from 10am to 2pm. at the Thrift Store at St. Peter's Church. Clothing - $1 per bag. Lots of collectibles and treasures!

If you think you can help with the physical move, please email them at [email protected]. And if you can help with a donation, please mail a check marked "Moving Expenses" to Christian Neighbors Inc., P.O Box 43, St. Peter Drive, Douglas MI 49406. Call them at 269.857.1050 for more details. Thanks, in advance, for your support of this amazing mission!

New DUCC Housing for Avian Friends

Another new facility has been installed in the DUCC memorial garden! This beautiful birdhouse, gifted by Peter and Kathleen Mueller, has made room for some new tenants in the garden. Peter and Kathleen are using their sequestering time to design and build these one-of-a-kind houses. We are so grateful to receive this gift, and are inspired by the way they have chosen to use their pandemic time at home!

Blessings for the Backpack of the Soul,
Just Released by Chris Clark

Church member Chris Clark had been planning a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage when Covid 19 hit, spoiling his plan to hike the trail, but launching him on a new path.

In preparation for the hike, Chris had studied and collected Camino and hiking meditations, songs, and prayers from many faith traditions. And so, encouraged by Pastor Sal, friends, and family, he has worked hard over the past months to collect these resources into an anthology of inspiring blessings for hikers.

This book is perfect, Pastor Sal says, "for anyone interested in making a journey within." Chris is offering the e-book for free from his website, which is available now. In September, he will release a paperback version of the book through Amazon. Here is the link for the free e-book download:
https://gchrisclark.com/book/

Online Friendship Hall Round-up

Online Friendship Hall is our way to catch up with the work of the Church and hear what's going on in each others' lives as we stay home and stay safe during this pandemic time...

Pat Denner and Betsy York are among our many congregants who have used pandemic time to engage in learning opportunities through the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP). The many classes and programs offered through HASP are normally available only to members, but this summer, they have been offering their curriculum online and for free. To join the rest of their Zoom meetings, write to [email protected] to register as a guest. You can find the remaining summer lineup at hope.edu/virtualhasp. And to see the past Zoom meetups, subscribe to their YouTube channel: bit.ly/HASPClasses. Membership with this organization buys you lifelong learning online and off in company with an interesting crowd of engaged and engaging seniors.

Speaking of online learning, Serena Spina is also using this time to for online learning, and recommends a free online class through Harvard on Everyday Morality, offered through Coursera here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/moralities

Ted Sommer, we reported last week, had successful surgery to repair a heart valve. We are so thrilled to report that he is now recovering at home.

Rose Marie Stevenson shared a joy that dental surgery for her cat, Hoofie, went very well, though the risk had been high. He is thriving again, and seems to be back to his cranky old self.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

August 2- Walt Lawrence, 7- Gregg Smith, 7-Gregg Smith & Salvatore Sapienza

Birthday and Anniversary cards are a great way we can continue to reach out to one another during this time. 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

Hannah Sherman, Jodi Berault, Sarah Hurley and Fred Eagle Royce, Phil Sang, Terry and Bobbie Chappell, Mary Harris, Tony and Chris Coley (Mark Reiman's friends), Sam Fitzpatrick; Patricia Carr and her husband Riley (Debra Carr's sister); Barbara Klatt (Barb Lucier's friend); Myron Freund; Terry Stough (Catz Dienes' son); Ted Sommer; Phyllis Wallis (Kathy Austin's mother); Drew Carter; Jeff Cooley (Jo Cooley's brother); Marcia Sullivan (Jo Cooley's friend), Len Lynch (Kathleen Mueller's brother); Curtis Coffin (Marty Coffin's brother).

All of our Covid-19 pandemic first responders, and for the researchers and scientists working on effective tests and treatments for Covid-19. Prayers for all in the military and their families; all who are homeless or addicted or abused or neglected or rejected or hungry; The UCC; the Grand West Association; our Church Council; our Stephen Ministers; our church committees; our communities, our schools, our nation and our planet.

To add or remove a name from the Prayer List, please email us.

Financial Stewardship

July 26
Attendance for Online Services: 426
Podcast Downloads, July: 335
Weekly Online Giving: $2,005.51
Collection Plate (mailed-in gifts): $2,510.00
Facebook Donations, July: $511.90
Total: $5,027.41

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.

Or you may send checks by mail to:
Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ
56 Wall Street, PO Box 519
Douglas, MI 49406