Weekly E-pistle: Second Sunday of Easter

4/22/2022

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

This Sunday's Service Notes — Second Sunday of Easter, "The Benefits of Doubt"
Last Week's Service Video — Easter Sunday - "Resurrection is Real"
Hazardous Household Waste Day Volunteer Sign-up!
Spirit Journey to Sedona, Arizona, Including a Day-trip to the Stunning Grand Canyon!
Dark Sky Week, April 22-29
We Need You: Highway Cleanup, April 23, 9 AM
Jack Ridl Workshop, Take 2, on May 2
Memorial Service for Paul Murphy, May 10, 11 AM
New Member Class, May 15
4 Paws Lakeshore Fundraiser to support Wishbone Pet Rescue, June 4
Donate to Help Ukrainians
Save the Date, DUCC's 140th Anniversary Block Party, June 5
Minutes and Pastor's Report
Birthdays & Anniversaries, Prayer Requests, and Financial Stewardship

This Sunday's Service: "The Benefits of Doubt"

In this Sunday's Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, we hear the "Doubting Thomas" story. The apostle, Thomas, doesn't believe that Jesus has risen from the dead.

When it comes to our faith, we've been led to believe that doubting is an obstacle, when, in fact, the obstacle is certainty. The contemporary Christian writer, Anne Lamott, says: "The opposite of faith is not doubt. It is certainty."

Join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online), as we explore together "The Benefits of Doubt." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Pamela Chappell.

Download This Sunday's Online Bulletin:

order_of_service_april_24_2022.pdf
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Last Week's Service

RISE & SHINE! On Easter morning, we rejoiced and rose up, for the Christ Light showed 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. Please enjoy our Easter Service, when we gathered together in a celebration of resurrection and transformation! Message: Pastor Sal Sapienza. Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, and Nancy Plantinga

Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's Homily.

Hazardous Household Waste Day, May 24
Volunteers Needed!

The Annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event will be held for residents of the City of Saugatuck, the City of Douglas, and Saugatuck Township on May 24 from 3 to 7pm at the City of Saugatuck Department of Public Works Building, 3338 Blue Star Hwy. This community service is made possible through the Tri-Community Recycling Committee and generous support from the Rotary Club of Saugatuck/Douglas, the City of Saugatuck, the City of Douglas, Saugatuck Township, the Saugatuck Township Fire Department, and numerous private donors.

Download the guidance sheet below for drop-off instructions and a list of eligible and ineligible items, and items that require fees. Residents MUST have an appointment to drop off HHW items.

Sign up to participate at https://bit.ly/nohazards

Meanwhile, volunteers are needed on the day of the collection. If you can help serve on that day, sign up at https://bit.ly/wasted22

hhwdayeventguidancesheetspring04102022.pdf
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Spirit Journey to Sedona, Arizona, Including a Day-trip to the Stunning Grand Canyon!

Photo by Avi Naim on Unsplash

Join our beloved and inspirational Pastor Sal as he leads us on a 6-day exploration of Mind, Body and Soul to Sedona and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, one of the most beautiful regions in America. Arizona, and specifically Sedona and the Grand Canyon, both have an immense spiritual and artistic heritage. This is a perfect opportunity to realize and develop your own inner awareness with Pastor Sal as our spiritual teacher!

Attached are all the details, including the Reservation Form with pricing information.
Call or email David Geen with questions or to make your reservations:
Cell - (313) 492-9574 [email protected]

The group is limited to only 20 people, maximizing the experience for everyone.

mind_body_and_soul_2022_-_pastor_sal_in_sedona.pdf
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Dark Sky Week, April 22-29

Sponsored by our own DUCC Creation Justice Team, this will be a time to learn more about light pollution. There’s no charge for any of the events, and registration is not required.

KIDS’ STORYTIME - Tuesday, April 26 @ 6:30 PM at Saugatuck-Douglas Library- featuring books on light pollution, a craft activity, and door prizes
MOVIE NIGHT - Wednesday, April 27 @ 6:30 PM at Saugatuck-Douglas Library - view "The City Dark," discuss, and enjoy refreshments
DARK SKY NIGHT - Thursday, April 28 @ 6:30 PM at Guardian Brewing Co. - watch a SHORT presentation, discuss, enjoy a beverage

There's more at https://ducc-cjt.com/dark-sky/ -- learn how to evaluate your home lighting, browse local lighting ordinances, and become involved in a citizen science project.

We Need You: Highway Cleanup, April 23, 9 AM

The Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team has scheduled our highway cleanup for 9am on April 23. We are looking for many hands to work together to make light work of cleaning up our three miles of highway. Sign up on the sheet in the Friendship Hall or by writing to [email protected]. Thank you for helping us keep our corner of the world clean!

Jack Ridl Workshop, Take 2, on May 2, 7pm

The Saugatuck-Douglas District Library hosted a crammed workshop with our church member Jack Ridl this week. They determined that the waiting list is long enough to offer the same workshop on another day. So if you missed it, or tried to sign up after the event was full, here is your chance. Just call the library to register for May 2 at 7pm: Call 269-857-8241 to reserve your seat. There is no charge for admission.

Memorial Service for Paul Murphy, May 10, 11 AM

The Memorial Service for our beloved church member Paul Murphy, has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 10 at 11 AM in the church Sanctuary. All are welcome to attend.

New Member Class, May 15

If you are interested in becoming a member of our church, Pastor Sal will be holding a New Members Class on Sunday, May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at our church's Retreat House (69 Wall Street). All are welcome to attend. (If you would like to become a member, but are unable to attend the May 15 class, please email Pastor Sal at [email protected]).

4 Paws Lakeshore Fundraiser to support Wishbone Pet Rescue, June 4

Thanks to church member Mike Bojko for sharing news of this fundraiser to support Wishbone Pet Rescue!

June 4
6:00pm - 10:30pm
The Cottage at The Ravines
3520 Palmer Dr

This year's fundraiser will feature indoor and outdoor spaces, music, a new menu of hearty appetizers, cocktails, adoptable pets, and new ways to help Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance be the voice of Allegan County's homeless animals. Join us for a great evening and find out how you can help. Masquerade masks are optional but so much more fun!

RSVP to attend or learn how to upport this event here: https://www.4pawslakeshore.org/events-609141.html

Donate to Help Ukrainians

The United Church of Christ is appealing for support for refugees and for elderly and other vulnerable people who are displaced within Ukraine and unable to leave. As a member of the ACT Alliance, UCC support is being targeted to people most in need through humanitarian relief partners with a history of working in the region.

All donations will be deposited into the International Disasters fund designated for “Ukraine Relief.” Your generous financial support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need. One can also mail a check made payable to the United Church of Christ PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Ukraine Relief Fund” on your check in the memo section.

Read more about how you can support the UCC's drive for the people of Ukraine here.

Save the Date, DUCC's 140th Anniversary Block Party, June 5

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

SAVE THE DATE! This year, Douglas UCC celebrates its 140th Anniversary! In celebration, we will be having a "Block Party" with food and live music in front of the church on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, from 11 AM to 1 PM. More details to follow!

Minutes and Pastor's Report

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

pastors_report_april_2022.pdf
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approved_church_council_minutes_march_2022.pdf
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Birthdays & Anniversaries

April 24- Gregg Kurek, 26- Kevin Henry, 30- Linda & Matthew McWebb

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

Elinor Hite (Virginia Stuart's sister); Michael Mok and friends and family of Paul Murphy; Wendy Hamlin; Roye McDonald; Michele Turner and Family; Judy Baxter (Kristine Sherman's Mother); Joann DeJonge; Richard and Joanna Weber's grandson Mattox (friends of the Ridls); Paul Burdick; Al Overweg; Beverly Willming (John Willming's mother); Jay North (friend of Dan Pierce); Hannah Sherman; Maureen Pierce; Ron Turks (Carol Cunningham's son-in-law); David Abbot; Sarah Johnson Lock; Linda Masten (Mark Reiman's friend); 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); Dale Lower; Sherri Kanten (Ruth VandenBosch's friend); Michael (a friend of Dan Mack's); Chris Stuart (Virginia Stuart's sister-in-law); Mary Elizabeth Loudin (friend of Laurie VandenBeldt); Chris Robinson (Peter and Kathleen Mueller's nephew); Daniel Ver Meulen (Susan Fleming's son); Marcia Sullivan (Jo Cooley's friend)

Financial Stewardship

In-Person Attendance, April 1: 109
Livestream Attendance: 68
Total Viewers for April 1 Online Service Videos: 731

Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $4,360.75
Online Giving: $1,765.06

Total: $6,125.81

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.