In This Week's E-Pistle, You Will Find
This Sunday's Service: "Spiritually Fed"
This Third Sunday of Easter, we will put our focus on another Resurrection story, this one from John 21:1-19, where the Risen Christ appears to Simon Peter and instructs him to "feed my sheep."
So many people in our world today are spiritually malnourished, so how are you spiritually feeding yourself and others? Join us this Sunday at 10 AM (either in-person or streaming live online), as we explore what it means to be "Spiritually Fed." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black, Jeff Spangler, and Mary Fechtig. Download This Sunday's Online Bulletin: 
Last Week's Service
In last Sunday's Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, we heard 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." Please enjoy last week's message when we explored together "The Benefits of Doubt." Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Pamela Chappell.
Click here to read, listen to, watch, and share Pastor Sal's Homily. Kudos to Highway Clean-Up Volunteers!
KUDOS – Thank you to our Creation Justice Team and all the volunteers who helped us clean-up the highway last weekend: Eric Lejeune, Greg Plowe, Linda & Rich Marth, Elisabeth & Joe Mannancheril, Sarah Donovan, Dan Mack, Mike VerMerris, Linda Charvat, Joyce & Kelly Wright, Kathy Klage, Cindy Winkler, David Miedema, Philip Raywood, Ginny Mikita, and Steve Hutchins. We are grateful for your service to our church and community.
Hazardous Household Waste Day
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| hhwdayeventguidancesheetspring04102022.pdf |
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 david@villasandvines.com
The group is limited to only 20 people, maximizing the experience for everyone.
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 david@villasandvines.com
The group is limited to only 20 people, maximizing the experience for everyone.
| mind_body_and_soul_2022_-_pastor_sal_in_sedona.pdf |
Jack Ridl Workshop, Take 2, on May 2
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.
Create Community: Spaces for Discovery:
SCA Needs You!
In celebration of two decades bringing art and artists to Saugatuck and Douglas, the SCA is planning an ambitious 4-community, 7-site outdoor art installation in celebration called "Create Community: Spaces for Discovery" with sites in Fennville, Douglas (Wade's Bayou), Holland, and Saugatuck.
You can read ALL about the intent behind the installations (creative placemaking, public art), meet the artists, see each of the installation locations, etc., on our webpages for the project.
The SCA is offering volunteer opportunities for these installations, including helping paint sticks at the SCA! Volunteers + staff are painting approximately 2,000 sticks red for all 7 installations. No experience needed -- volunteers will have mini rollers and can stand or sit as needed. Painting happens both outdoors and inside our Art Studio.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP for volunteer slots -- lots of days and times through May are available.
You can read ALL about the intent behind the installations (creative placemaking, public art), meet the artists, see each of the installation locations, etc., on our webpages for the project.
The SCA is offering volunteer opportunities for these installations, including helping paint sticks at the SCA! Volunteers + staff are painting approximately 2,000 sticks red for all 7 installations. No experience needed -- volunteers will have mini rollers and can stand or sit as needed. Painting happens both outdoors and inside our Art Studio.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP for volunteer slots -- lots of days and times through May are available.
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. Mike Mok has generously designated that donations (in lieu of flowers) be given in Paul's honor and memory to Douglas UCC. Donations may be made by check (Please write "in memory of Paul Murphy in the memo line), or online here.
Qigong Classes Begin May 11, 11:30am
Photo by Sajad Nori on Unsplash
Dear Friends,
I am excited to be offering Qigong in Douglas again this year. We will meet for the first time on Wednesday May 11 at 11:30 am. (Please note the day and time change) and will be meeting this year on the Retreat House lawn. We will gather throughout the summer months on Wednesdays unless the weather is rainy. The class is generally about 50 minutes long.
For those of you who are new to this practice, Qigong is a very simple but deep practice of movement, meditation, visualization and breathing techniques. Similar to Tai Chi, Qigong is rooted in Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts Practice. Different than Tai Chi in that you don’t have to memorize any forms! It is great for cultivating Self and Body Awareness, Stability, Balance, Ease of Movement and Joy and Peace! It is a very accessible practice for everyone.
As last year, I am offering the class on a donation basis but am requesting that you give a minimum of $5 in order to keep it sustainable. Many thanks to the church for supporting this class, and I am looking forward to seeing last year’s students again and welcome anyone to come try it out.
Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions
Kat VanHammen Katvanhammen@gmail.com
I am excited to be offering Qigong in Douglas again this year. We will meet for the first time on Wednesday May 11 at 11:30 am. (Please note the day and time change) and will be meeting this year on the Retreat House lawn. We will gather throughout the summer months on Wednesdays unless the weather is rainy. The class is generally about 50 minutes long.
For those of you who are new to this practice, Qigong is a very simple but deep practice of movement, meditation, visualization and breathing techniques. Similar to Tai Chi, Qigong is rooted in Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts Practice. Different than Tai Chi in that you don’t have to memorize any forms! It is great for cultivating Self and Body Awareness, Stability, Balance, Ease of Movement and Joy and Peace! It is a very accessible practice for everyone.
As last year, I am offering the class on a donation basis but am requesting that you give a minimum of $5 in order to keep it sustainable. Many thanks to the church for supporting this class, and I am looking forward to seeing last year’s students again and welcome anyone to come try it out.
Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions
Kat VanHammen Katvanhammen@gmail.com
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 pastor@DouglasUCC.org).
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
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.
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 Gaele 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!
Birthdays & Anniversaries
May 1- Max Matteson & Bud Baty, May 7- Cathy North
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.
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
Hotwagner Family; Fritz Royce; David Zylstra (Laurie VandenBeldt's friend); 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 24: 71
Livestream Attendance: 61
Total Viewers for April 24 Online Service Videos: 489
Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $12,742.00
Online Giving: $2,406.14
Total: $15,148.14
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.
Livestream Attendance: 61
Total Viewers for April 24 Online Service Videos: 489
Collection Plate & Mailed Donations: $12,742.00
Online Giving: $2,406.14
Total: $15,148.14
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.
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