In This Week's E-Pistle You Will Find:
This Week's Service: "Walking on Water"
In Sunday's Gospel, the apostles are in a boat during a storm, and they are gripped with fear. Jesus calms the storm with the words, "Peace, be still." Often, when we are in the storms of life and our world is being rocked, we, too, are overcome with fear. The Good News is that Jesus gives us the tools to transform our fear into faith. Join us for our "Video Worship Service" this Sunday, as we learn the tools to "walk on water" and explore the path of "Fear-Less Living." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Elizabeth Estes.
Tune in on Sunday at 10 AM via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, or here on our website. Last Week's Service: "The Law of Abundance"
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)? Here is last Sunday's Video Worship Service, where we explore the "Spiritual Law of Abundance" and how to put it to work in our lives. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Special Chants by Nancy Plantinga.
"Celebration of Life" for Jim Lemons:
Christian Neighbors Needs Help Aug 11 to 14
Christian Neighbors Needs You! We've been so happy to share this news, that Christian Neighbors is able to expand their services by moving from their long-time home at St. Peter's Catholic Church to much larger quarters at the Community Church of Douglas, making more room to better serve the people of Saugatuck, Douglas, and western Allegan County.
The move is planned for August 11 to 14, and they very much need help loading boxes onto and off of trailers those days. Work shifts are just a couple of hours and flexible. Or if you are not a lifter, but can donate cold beverages and snacks to keep the workers hydrated and energized, those donations would be welcome at both locations any of those days. If you can help, connect with Director Joann DeJong by phone by Monday afternoon at 616-403-7427. Hon. Rev John Lewis Last Words to Us
Many of us watched the powerful events and online funeral service celebrating the life of Rep. John Lewis last week. On the day of his Funeral, the New York Times ran the letter he wrote to all of us before he died. Here is the letter, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that Pastor Sal shared with us during the online Friendship Hall this past week.
Friendship Hall Roundup
Kudos to Peter Black for all the extra work he has taken on during pandemic time to create videos with music and illustrations for his service music each week, even while moving house! We shared our love for the generosity and talents of our wonderful music Director!
Kudos to Mike VerMerris, who, for more than 10 years, has volunteered his time and talents to create our ever-growing church directory, rounding up photographs, managing many emails, to keep the data updated and the people in touch. Never has that document meant more to us than at this time! Thanks, Mike! Pastor Sal shared that Mary Harris' has a new knee! She is recovering nicely at home, and we all celebrated her new bionic status! Kathy Austin's Mom, Phyllis Wallis, has entered Hospice at Kathy and Mike's home. Prayers for Phyllis and their whole family at this time. We celebrated the 10-year Anniversary of Pete Wehle's heart transplant. For the whole amazing story, see Pamela Chappell's book, For Pete's Sake: Going Through Hell and Coming Out Whole. Paul Burdick gave us an update on our Stephen Ministry. The ministers all remain busy caring for their care recipients by phone and social distancing. It's not perfect, but it is working. They are looking for ways to continue the training of the four new ministers in training now. All is well as they innovate and keep their focus. Wendy Hamilin shared news of her pandemic time caring for her grandson, Freddy. She is embarking on a Red Shoes Rock project, to raise awareness of prenatal alcohol Exposure. If you'd like to spend time outdoors and socially distanced while learning about FASD and painting red shoes rocks, connect with Wendy through [email protected]. Jack and Julie Ridl said goodbye to their 16-year-old Tortie, Hattie Cat, this week. They had been treating her for Feline Leukemia for many months, but the time came. She was Jack's shadow and Vivi's teacher about all things cat. Please Help Celebrate Richard Graham's 85th Birthday with a Card Shower!!!
On August 20, long-time congregant Richard Graham will celebrate his 85th Birthday. Of course, because Richard lives in an assisted living facility, and pandemic rules for these facilities are strict, the best way to show Richard our love is to shower him with Birthday Cards. If you can, would you help us fill his room and his life with love right now by sending him a birthday card timed to arrive before August 20 to: Richard Graham, American House, 11911 James Street, Boardwalk Building C16, Holland, MI 49424
Birthdays & Anniversaries
August: 9- Bob Kenny, 11- Shirley Lawson, Sue Scott, Larry Spencer, 12- Julie Ridl,
13- Michael Riemke & Dan Ryan, Sheryll VanPortfleet, 14- David Geen, Michael Valdez, Tom Wendell, 15- Russ Foster 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; Gary Plantinga (Nancy Plantinga's brother); Roye McDonald; Jodi Berault; Sarah Hurley and Fred Eagle Royce; Phil Sang; Terry and Bobbie Chappell; Mary Harris; Tony and Chris Coley (Mark Reiman's friends); 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
August 2
Attendance for Online Services: 606 Weekly Online Giving: $1,864.90 Total: $1,864.90 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 |
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56 Wall Street • Douglas, Michigan 49406
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