Weekly E-Pistle: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

8/21/2020

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

"Who Do You Say That I Am?"- This Sunday's Service Description
"Nevertheless, She Persisted" - Last Week's Service Videos
Condolences to Family and Friends of Bob Shovan
Holland City Council Passes Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Sept 15 Interfaith Action Book Read Discussion: Tell Me How it Ends
About Your Vote...
UCC Aid for Beirut
Online Friendship Hall Roundup
Church Council Minutes and Pastor's Report
Birthdays & Anniversaries, Prayer Requests, and Financial Stewardship Report

This Week's Service: "Who Do You Say That I Am?"

In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Who is Jesus to you? Savior? Lord? Way Shower? Master Teacher? Friend? How has your understanding of Jesus changed throughout the years? Come join us this Sunday for our "Video Worship Service," as we explore these questions together and dive deeper into the meaning of the Great I AM.
Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Mark Miller.

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

This Sunday's Offertory Song will be performed for us by Mark Miller, who is the Director of Music at our UCC church in Summit, New Jersey.

Mark is a graduate of Yale University and Julliard. His newest album, “Imagine the People of God,” is available on Amazon and Apple Music.

Mark resides in Plainfield, New Jersey, with his husband of 24 years, Michael, and their two beautiful children, Alyse and Keith.

During this Sunday's "Video Worship Service," Mark will be performing an original composition for us, entitled "God is Still Speaking."

Last Week's Service

In last Sunday's Gospel, a Canaanite woman comes to Jesus asking for help in curing her child. Jesus, at first, is dismissive of her, telling his disciples to "Send her away!" Nevertheless, she persisted, until Jesus tells her, ""Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Watch this past Sunday's "Video Worship Service," when we explored what it means to be bold and persistent in speaking our truth and putting our faith into action. Message: Pastor Sal. Music: Peter Black and Pamela Chappell.

Condolences to Family and Friends of Bob Shovan

Our former member and Church Treasurer, Bob Shovan (above, left) passed away in hospital last Saturday. David Bushnell, (above, right), his husband and partner of 32+ years was at his side. David also served our congregation as pianist and bell choir director. Bob loved baked beans and would always bring a batch to every church potluck. After moving to Florida, the couple spent several of their retirement years RV-ing and working at Disney World. Among other positions, Bob ran the train in Animal Kingdom to Rafiki Station and drove the Friendship Boats in the Lagoon at Epcot. He truly loved that position. Cards of condolence may be sent to David Bushnell, 3299 Saloman Lane, Clermont FL 34711.

Holland City Council Passes Non-Discrimination Ordinance after a decade-long fight.

Above, our Douglas UCC church member, Dale Lower, speaks his truth to the Holland City Council during many hours of public comment August 19-20 (comments ended around 1 a.m. as people filed in from a full parking lot) in defense of a Non-Discrimination Ordinance to protect the LGBTQ community in Holland. Council passed the ordinance in an 8-1 vote. A very good night for West Michigan residents.

Sept. 15 Interfaith Action Book Discussion:
Tell Me How it Ends

September 15th at 6 pm, Interfaith Action of SW Michigan (DUCC is a member) will host a community discussion Valeria Luiselli’s book Tell Me How It Ends.This discussion is part of the six-month series on migration. Winner of a 2018 American Book Award and finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism, Tell Me How it Ends is structured around the forty questions Luiselli asks undocumented Latin American children facing deportation. Discussion will be led by Tatiana Reinoza, a resident of Stevensville and assistant professor of Latinx art in the Department of Art, Art History & Design at the University of Notre Dame. To participate in the Zoom discussion, write to OnlineChurch@douglasucc.org for the link and passcode.

About Your Vote...

So much confusion is in the air about voting safely this year. Luckily, our church member Dale Lower has been conferring with local election officials and has this set of guidelines to share about how to vote safely this year, no matter what happens at the post office. See also the State of Michigan's advice for Safe Voting, image above and downloadable below.

Step 1. Stay Safe, Vote Early.
Any registered voter in Michigan may vote by Absentee Ballot for no reason at all. All you need is your Absentee Ballot. And if you know who and what you will vote for, voting early is the best way to keep your vote safe. There are different ways to do that.

You can vote at your clerk's office, in person, where you can also register to vote. Our township and city clerks' offices are expecting absentee ballots to be available in their offices beginning the week of September 19.

You can vote early from home. Ballots should begin arriving in our homes the week of September 24. NOW is a good time to order your Absentee Ballot. If you haven't received an order form in the mail yet, you may order your Ballot online at: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication/Index.

Not sure if you have already ordered your ballot? You can check your voter registration and ballot status here, where you can also discover the name and address of your city or township clerk, who you can call if you have any concerns about your vote:
https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

Step 2. Mail Your Ballot Early or Carry it to Your Clerk's Office.
Complete your ballot as soon as you get it, and drop it in a Blue USPS letter box before October 19, OR to be absolutely sure it's received, you can drop it off in the dropbox at your clerk's office. If you have mailed your ballot and want to be sure it has arrived, you can call your clerk's office to have your ballot receipt checked. To find the right clerk for your ballot, visit this link: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

If you need a ride from your home to your clerk's office, or if you can offer a ride to another voter, contact us at OnlineChurch@douglasucc.org. Stan Greene has kindly offered to run the Ride-to-Vote Early Duty roster, and we have many volunteers already willing to provide this service.

Here is what you're accomplishing by voting early:
A. You're not relying on the USPS to deliver your vote in a big rush when they are underfunded and understaffed, so your ballot is safely submitted early!
B. You don't have to worry about standing in long lines and risking infection.
C. You assured your vote was counted and thwarted any attempts to disrupt the election.

safe_voting_expanded_information_696122_7.pdf
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UCC Aid for Beirut

On August 4, 2020, shortly after 6 pm local time, an explosion at the port of Beirut sent shockwaves across the city, shattering windows as far as 25 km away from the blast site. Although the full extent of the destruction is still unknown, the devastation was immediately clear. What can we do?

Stay up to date with UCC Disaster Ministries: www.ucc.org/disasters

Donate to help people and communities in Beirut respond to their needs. Make a secure online donation here: https://transactions.ucc.org/CampaignForm/UCChrist/Disaster
Or make checks payable to United Church of Christ with "Beirut Explosion Response" on the check, and mail to: United Church of Christ, c/o Financial Services, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland OH 44115.

Pray for continued strength and resolve for those whose lives have been impacted:

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. (Isaiah 40:1)
Holy God, ever present, our hearts are once again heavy as we watch the disaster in Beirut unfold. We pray comfort for those who have lost loved ones and remember those who have lost their lives, commending their souls to your care. In the midst of this tragedy, we are mindful of those who are injured and of the many who are ill, and of communities that are already struggling to address the many needs that are present. We pray for relief in these days of suffering, may our lives and our resources be a source of assistance, love and care. Be present with all who mourn today, grant peace and renewed hope. Comfort, O comfort your people we pray. Amen.

Friendship Hall Roundup

Jim Kern is asking for prayers for his home town of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the Midwest's derecho storm on August 10 left a terrible path of destruction to property and crops that its residents are still dealing with. Here are some places where your love offerings will help Iowans: United Way, or Greater CR Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund.
Kathleen Mueller reported that Retreat Hall is receiving guests, with Laurie VanDenBeldt keeping the place spotless. The team received $1,000 in the month of July from SCA for interns who were teaching art to Fennville kids. More guests are expected this week.
Pamela Chappell asked about the progress at Isabels (at the site of the former Zing! restaurant and owned by four of our church members). Sal says he visited, and the place looks amazing. Elizabeth Estes reported that the health department approval is in hand. They expect building inspections to be completed this week, and hope to open by Labor Day.
Long-time church member Linda Charvat shared delightful memories of Bob Shovan and David Bushnell ( see story above). She talked of the fun the bell choir had, and their outreach in the community. A gentle buzz began about the possibility of reviving the bell choir once the pandemic is under control.
Barb and Dick Lucier will celebrate their 55th anniversary on August 28th! (And for those who heard the rumor that Dick was ill -- it was just a rumor. He is hale and hearty! But we had a good laugh, since Barb, who was on the Zoom call, hadn't heard those rumors herself.)
Jim and Ann Hopkins joined us despite Jim's sore ribs, which are still hurting from his fall this past week. Continued prayers for his healing!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

August: 24- Kristi Van Howe, 25- Larry Freeland, Mark Kyle, Sarah Scott,
28- Barbara & Dick Lucier

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

Anna Lisa Cox (Friend of Jack and Julie Ridl and Social Justice Team); Grant Oliver (Kirt Oliver's son); Jim Hopkins; Alan Weathers; Hannah Sherman; Gary Plantinga (Nancy Plantinga's brother); Roye McDonald; Jodi Berault; Sarah Hurley and Fred Eagle Royce; 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).

Midwest residents and farmers who have suffered widespread destruction of crops and homes from the August 10 derecho storm. 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.

Pastor's Report & Council Meeting Minutes

pastors_report_august_2020.pdf
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approved_church_council_minutes_july_2020.pdf
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Financial Stewardship

August 16
Attendance for Online Services: 556
Weekly Online Giving: $1,061.76
Mailed Collection Plate through August 17: $2,280
Retreat House Income July SCA Interns: $1,000
Total: $4,341.76

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