Weekly E-Pistle: "Spirit of the Cosmos" - Sunday at Douglas UCC

This Sunday, we continue our focus on the theme of "Creation," as the month of September is designated as "Creation Season."  This Sunday, we are going to be focusing on the Cosmos or Universe. Christian theologian, Thomas Berry, wrote, "We will recover our sense of the Sacred only if we appreciate the Universe." Come join us as we explore the "Spirit of the Cosmos" together. Special Music by Gloria Larrieu.

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Thank you to all who helped with last Saturday's Cleanup of Oval Beach: Linda Charvat, Emily & Cally Tieman, Gloria Larrieu, Norm & Patty Hanson, Pat Denner, Peter Gower, Fritz Royce & Sarah Hurley, Julie Hebding, El Clough, Hannah Huggett, Kelly Huggett, Doug Sipsma, Mike VerMerris, Karen Sanfelli, Mia Bolen, Barbara Flynn, Sarah Sikkema, Megan Knapp, Kathleen Rilett, Kristen Foxworthy, Bud Baty, Julie Kimber, Cindy Pinchoff, Colleen Carol, Chris Peterson, Garnet Lewis & Vicky Cobb, Betsy York, Bob & Louise Kenny, Sarah Swift, Phiip Raywood, Wendy Hamlin.

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Thank you to all who took part in our Community Book read of Braiding Sweetgrass this week. Thank you to members of our church's Creation Justice Team and those who helped facilitate the evening: Karen Clark, Doug Sipsma, Nancy Plantinga, Wendy Hamlin, Julie & Jack Ridl, Bob Kenny, Gloria Larrieu, Paul Burdick, Pamela Chappell, and Eric Lejeune. And, thank you to Coast 236 Restaurant for sharing the harvest from their garden with us. Photos: Chris Clark.

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Proud of Douglas UCC’s 14 year-old, Hannah Huggett, who organized last weekend's Global Climate Strike in Holland. Thanks to all our Douglas UCC family who took part: Jerry, Molly, Gigi, Denny, Emily, Cally, Fritz, Sarah, Hailey, Kelly, and Sarah from our Creation Justice Team.

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Thank you to authors, Larry and Sandy Feldman, for coming to Douglas UCC last Sunday afternoon to speak with us about their book, Building Bridges Across the Racial Divide. More than 30 people were in attendance.

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The CROP Hunger Walk is on Sunday, October 6. You can sponsor the entire Douglas UCC team or an individual walker from our church -- Julie Ridl, Mike VerMerris, Beverly Hawkes, Dan Mack, Norman Capello, or Chris Clark -- with a check made out to "CWS Crop," or you can donate securely online at www.crophungerwalk.org/douglasmi/ducc

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We are hiring a P/T Administrative Assistant while Pastor Sal is on sabbatical next year (January thru March). Click HERE for a job description and all the details for applying. We are also seeking volunteers to help with Sunday worship while Pastor Sal is away. We need people to do the welcome and announcements, lead "Joys & Concerns," and preside over Communion. If you'd like to volunteer, please sign the sheets in the Friendship Hall. Thanks!

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Join us at Douglas UCC on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 PM, as we welcome award-winning author, Frank J. Cunningham, who will be speaking about his book, "Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older."

Of the book, Richard Rohr said, "What good work Frank Cunningham has done. His book is an invitation to more fully engage this stage of our journey and be enriched by it."

And, Joyce Rupp, said: "What a joy to find an approach to aging as balanced, openhearted, and insightful as this one."

"Vesper Time" has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 Illumination Silver Medal for books on spirituality, and the 2017 Nautilus Gold Award for books on aging. 

This is a free event. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.

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​Please join us on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM, as Dr. Shannon Connell of Neuropsychological Associates of West Michigan (and a Douglas UCC church member) will be speaking on "Healthy Aging: A Neuropsychological Perspective." This event is free and open to the public. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.

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Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:

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Financial Stewardship Report:

September 22:  Attendance: 130   ​Collection: $1,178   Online: $2,499.41     ​ Total: $3,677.41
     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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