Here and Now
, August 2019
|
|
Rev. Adam Blons
This summer, while attending the UCC's national gathering, I went to a workshop called Open and Affirming 201. The focus of the workshop was on helping churches who are already Open and Affirming think about growing their witness. Mac Plymouth became an Open and Affirming and More Light (the PCUSA designation) church in 1995.
|
|
|
Since then, this commitment has held us accountable to being a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people. As we continue to grow in our own understanding of God's radically inclusive love, we want to make this commitment known to our community, particularly those who walk by our building. There are no signs outside the building that suggest the possibility of finding God's radical welcome inside it.
|
|
At the workshop, they shared this photo which shows a display of rainbow colored doors that say, "God's doors are open to all." Churches across the country are using this display to tell their neighborhood about their faith in God's inclusive love. I pictured the same display outside the building facing Macalester. I wonder how many students, faculty and staff know that we are a welcoming church? How much would this statement mean to all the people who walk by or use our building each week?
After worship on August 4, there will be six doors ready to paint in rainbow colors. Come and help us grow our witness! They will be displayed outside the building along Macalester Street beginning August 25 in time for the arrival of new students and the beginning of a new program year at the church.
|
|
Rev. Corinne Freedman Ellis
It’s that time of year when we all start thinking about going back. Back to school, back to church, back to our regular work schedules, back to life as we know it. This time has felt like a shift everywhere I’ve lived, but never more than here in Minnesota, where summer seems to take on a dimension of its own. Cabins and bike rides, “up North” and kayak voyages, summer here has a slow, easy rhythm to it.
|
|
|
This summer, the slow, easy rhythm has afforded me the privilege of reconnecting with dear friends across the country and forging some new friendships here in town. When schedules are a little freer and the weather a little more forgiving, it’s easier to travel and call and invest in these significant relationships.
But what I’m coming to realize is that friendship is something like a spiritual practice. (This isn’t an idea I invented; see
this lovely article.) Friendship, like any spiritual practice, is sacred and bears wonderful fruit, but it’s also hard. It takes work. Discipline. Sometimes it feels carefree and joyful, and other times it feels so challenging to make the time. But it’s more than worth it to share life with others.
As we head into the fall, focused on growth, I wonder how friendship fits into the mix. If church is a place where we come together to build community, forging friendships is a big piece of that. Could we work on deepening our spiritual friendships with one another? Could we invite our non-church friends into spiritual community? I believe diving deep into this spiritual practice could be a fruitful endeavor for all of us!
|
|
Ginger Schneider
Thank you so much for the prayers, cards, and support during the difficult time of my younger brother's hospitalization and death. It was rather unexpected. I am thankful that he is at peace and no longer in chronic pain. It has made me think about my plans if I become unable to make decisions and my final wishes.
Later in August, my family and I will celebrate Paul's life.
|
|
|
I am scheduling the last of the carpet cleaning on the lower level for Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2.
IMPORTANT: The tile floor maintenance (including the kitchen, the west hallway, preschool rooms and restrooms) will be next for Friday August, 16. This will mean there will be no access to the building until Saturday, August 17.
Hard copy of the church directories will be available in the outer office starting Sunday, August 4.
|
|
|
Sunday Schedule
Worship
Sundays at 10 a.m.
Nursery
(ages three and under)
9:30-11:30 a.m.
|
Looking Ahead
Sunday, August 4
Communion Sunday
Dunk Tank and Pie Sunday
Sunday, August 11
Worship
Sunday, August 18
Worship
Sunday, August 25
Worship
Liturgist Training
End of the Capital Campaign Celebrations
|
Publication Deadlines
Bulletin,
Forecast
Weekly Email
Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.
Here and Now
Monday, August 19,
3 p.m.
Submit your content for publications to
Tanner
.
|
Please deliver notices for the hallway bulletin board to Ginger's mailbox.
|
|
Worship Highlights
Sunda
ys this Summer:
Face to Face
Sermon Series
August 4 -
Mission Trip Report Back
Reports from the middle school and high school youth about their transformative experiences working together this summer.
August 11 -
Stephanie DeFrance Schmidt
August 18 -
Kathleen Vellenga
Preaching on Faith and Anger
August 25 -
Stephanie Hubbard
Preaching on Parenthood and Faith
|
Liturgist Training
Every Sunday following a prelude and introit, the first spoken words in worship come from a member of the congregation, our liturgist.
If you have ever thought of serving as a liturgist or if you have led for many years, you are invited to participate in an orientation to this ministry. Background to these elements in our worship, tips for speaking understandably and clearly with our sound system, and suggestions for engaging with the congregation will be offered by Corinne and Adam.
All are invited to explore with no obligation to commit to this ministry. Please contact Corinne or Adam with questions.
No need to RSVP.
Next Session:
Sunday, August 25 - 11:30 a.m. - Sanctuary
|
Pew Cushions Available
Yes, the pews are hard, but the deacons have a solution! We have a few chair cushions available in the Narthex for those who would like a cozier, more comfortable worship experience.
Please try them out and let us know what you think; two versions are available to sample. We will stock more cushions if people like them!
|
|
SignUpGenius
Just a reminder that everyone - yes, you! - is invited to use
SignUp Genius
to volunteer to make our
worship happen.
During the summer, when schedules are less predictable, be sure to use the SignUp Genius tool to note when you will be unavailable and find a substitute if necessary.
|
|
Celebrating Completion of Brick by Brick Campaign
Our Social Hall has now been freshly painted and carpeted - the last project funded by the Brick by Brick campaign. Over the past almost 4 years, we've painted and plastered; tuck pointed and touched-up; reduced energy and increased efficiency; and brightened and beautified. Now its time to celebrate!
On Sunday August 25, the Brick by Brick Follow-Up Committee will host a classic summer cookout lunch, immediately following worship services. The cookout will feature patties and hotdogs made of
Beyond Meat
,
the new vegan meat-like product. Please join us for a fun summer lunch, a chance to thank all involved and to celebrate the many accomplishments of the Brick by Brick Campaign.
|
|
Serve with us!
Volunteers are needed for grilling, set up and clean up.
Contact:
Abby McKenzie
651-353-6683
|
|
Announcing New Sunday Flower Ordering Process
Beginning in August 2019, the process for ordering flowers for the Sunday altar table will be changing. This new ordering process will give church members more flexibility when choosing to donate flowers for our Sunday altar table.
Benefits of this new ordering process include the following:
- Church members will now have the freedom to choose their own floral shop.
- Church members can choose what kind of flowers and colors they want in their bouquet (preferable at least 18 inches in height).
- Church members can choose what price point is comfortable for them and make their payment directly to the floral shop.
- Church members can ask their floral shop to deliver the flowers to MPUC. Must be delivered on Saturday between 8-11 a.m. and placed in the vase by the open mailboxes in the outer office.
- Church members can choose to bring the flowers to church themselves, preferably by 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.
- Church members can choose to use flowers from their own gardens, or flowers purchased at a local farmers market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make a donation of flowers?
Q: What information do I need to provide Ginger when requesting a Sunday?
A: An acknowledgement of flowers will be printed in the Sunday bulletin, so Ginger will ask for any “dedicated to…/in celebration of.../in memory of…” information you wish to share.
Q: What if I do not have a floral shop to work with?
A: Ginger will be able to help place an order, with you making payment of $30 to MPUC.
Q: Can I take the flowers I have donated home with me?
A: Yes, you can. An alternative option is for the Deacons to deliver the flowers to someone in our church membership – let Ginger know your preference when you request a Sunday.
Q: I had already signed up to make a flower donation in the months of September through December. Will these dates be honored?
A: Yes, they will - you will begin using the new ordering process as outlined above for your selected Sunday(s).
|
|
Presbyterian Fellowship Celebrates 75 Years
Seeks Accompaniers at US/Mexico Borderlands
|
|
“Being an ‘acompanante’ is to engage in the ministry of presence. It’s not about changing, fixing, or even helping. It’s about being there as wholly and fully as possible, present to God’s movement within you and those you came to stand beside.”
- Susan Webb, PPF accompanier in Barranquilla, Colombia in 2008
|
|
|
|
The Centro de Atencion al Migrante (CAME) in Agua Prieta, Mexico, offers hospitality to asylum seekers at the US/Mexico border who are forced to wait a month or more before even making their asylum petitions.
In the face of the local cartel extorting hundreds or thousands of dollars from migrants, CAME freely offers travelers a safe place to stay. For their commitment to peace and welcome, CAME has received intimidations from the cartel. The community of CAME has requested the presence of accompaniers to support their safety as they continue their ministry of hospitality.
Are you called to walk alongside aid workers in Agua Prieta as they walk the road to peace with migrants? The MPUC Mission and Social Justice Committee has contributed $500 to the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship to sustain this ministry of accompaniment. For more information, talk with Don Christensen or go to the website of Presbyterian Peace Fellowship.
|
|
Dear members of MPUC,
How can begin to express my thanks for the generosity and kindness you have shown me throughout my time at Macalester Plymouth United Church? I was overwhelmed by the gifts, money, music, and affirming comments you gave on my last day; but more than anything, I was truly touched by your abundant love and support since the beginning. Every day I walked into the building, I was reminded of God's beautiful presence in this world through your words and actions. It was my pleasure to serve such a wonderful congregation and I wish you all the very best in the years to come.
With great love,
Emily
|
|
|
Stop by and see the Memorial Garden flourishing!
The next time you’re at Church, take a moment to step outside the social hall via the door near the name tags and check out the Memorial Garden! With abundant rain and help from a garden designer and volunteers who weed and water on a schedule, it looks glorious! When working there, a passerby always stops and compliments us. To date, the cremains of two members have been buried there. Several others have planned ahead and prepaid.
|
|
Committee Members
Marijo Hickok
Janet Humphrey
Elaine Kirk
Cathy Slight
|
|
Church Movie Night
Summer nights are for R&R with friends and family - don’t miss out on the final church movie night of the summer!
Save the Date for
Amazing Grace -
Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m.
A documentary presenting the live recording of Aretha Franklin's album Amazing Grace at The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles in January 1972.
|
|
Nursery Care
Nursery care will be offered for children age three and younger from 9:30-11:30 a.m. each Sunday this summer.
|
|
Summer Chair Yoga
Roberta Olson will lead a one hour chair yoga class on the second Tuesdays of the month this summer. Using intentional, slower movement, we explore seated and standing poses to improve flexibility, balance and strength, emphasizing safety in movement. People of all abilities are welcome!
Tuesday, August 13 and Tuesday, August 27
12:30 p.m. in the Plymouth Room
|
|
School Tools Drive For Kids From Low Income Families
Each year, Interfaith Action and faith partners collect new backpacks and essential school supplies to help children from families with low-incomes who are served through 10 different programs in Greater Saint Paul.
|
|
|
In 2018, MPUC joined 21 other faith communities, plus 8 businesses, and lots of individual donors in collecting more than $23,000 of school supplies to fill 550 backpacks!
The drive will run through Sunday, August 18. Donations of supplies can be left in the marked boxes in the Social Hall. Money donations should indicate School Tools Drive on the memo line.
Plus, if you have school age kids or grandkids, a shopping trip for other kids is a great activity to do together!
A list of what’s needed is near the collection box, and will also be included in an August bulletin. You can also find it
here
.
|
|
MPUC Young Adult Group
*
*Young adults (20-30s) meet the first Saturday of each month for connection and fun.
We are going to mix it up and for our August 3 MPUC Young Adult gathering, seeing
Assassins
, featuring music by
Stephen Sondheim,
at the Lab Theatre Company. Tickets are
$12 each, $10 for students. We will meet at the theater, watch the show together, and then we can head to a local bar or food spot to debrief our thoughts afterward!
|
|
The Lab Theatre
Saturday, August 3
6:30 p.m., show starts 7 p.m.
|
|
700 North 1st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
|
|
NeighborFest
Bring your family, friends, and pets for an evening out with your neighbors!
|
|
John P. Monahan Plaza
Thursday, August 15
5:30-7:30 p.m.
|
|
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55105
|
|
Finance Committee Updates
|
|
Dunk Tank and Pie Sunday
August 4
Have you heard about "per capita" or OCWM [Our Church's Wider Mission]?
|
|
These are the support programs for our Presbyterian and UCC denominations respectively. Each year, our church contributes to both providing basic support for the ongoing mission and ministries of our denominations.
We contribute a certain amount based partly on the number of members we have, so we often use the term "per capita" to refer to our overall denominational support. Each year, we ask congregation members for contributions to help offset this denominational support. Our budgeted goal is to raise $4,000 in 2019 toward the overall required amount of $10,872.
Similar to last year, we thought we should have some fun with this! The Finance and Stewardship Committee is once again planning an after church event on Sunday, August 4 to raise awareness of the need for each of us to contribute our slice of the pie to our denominations ($26 per member). In fact, we're inviting everyone to bring a pie to church as well as your per capita financial contribution to the cause. You can be creative! Pizza pies, quiches, and other round treats are welcome.
|
|
We have added the Per Capita option to the online giving feature.
|
|
And, last but not least, contributors will have the chance to dunk Adam, our Lead Minister in a dunk tank! But that's not all! This year Corinne is planning on being dunked also! Mark your calendars for August 4 and don't miss this fun and important event.
|
|
|
Online Giving
Do you appreciate the convenience of online bill paying? Do you like to put your regular obligations on auto pay?
|
|
|
The Finance and Stewardship Committee has been working to make giving easier with the introduction of online giving. You can set up a schedule for regular giving by automatic payment or a one-time contribution by visiting our
website
. You can also give to some of our special offerings and programs such as the Food Shelf or the Youth Mission Trips on this site. The special giving options will change throughout the year.
Online giving provides an easily accessible electronic record of your donations for you and ultimately reduces the volume of counting and depositing of cash and checks that must be done after each Sunday service by church volunteers. Reduced use of paper is also better for our environment.
NEW! Online Giving Cards are now available in the pews. Whenever you contribute online or at another time besides Sunday, you may put one of these reusable cards in the offering plate. It is another way to show your faithfulness and to ask God's blessing on your gift. We encourage everyone to try online giving!
- Dwight Johnson for the Finance and Stewardship Committee
|
|
Alternative options for supporting MPUC
Stock Donations
With the current strength of the stock market, donations of appreciated stock are a great way to make your pledge payments or special gifts to the MPUC. If you are interested in making a gift of this type, or if you have any questions about donations of stock, please feel free to call or e-mail
Don McCall
, or call the church office to request a copy of the stock donation instructions.
Donations from your IRA account
If you happen to be over 70 and one half years old and are subject to the required minimum distributions rules, you might consider making a charitable contribution MPUC directly from your IRA. The new tax law enacted in 2018 offers various tax benefits for “Qualified Charitable Distributions” from hour IRA account that are worth investigating.
Your tax preparer can best advise you on your personal circumstances, but if you have general questions, please feel free to call (651.398.6550) or e-mail
Don McCall
with your questions.
|
|
Tom and Monica Liddle
East Timor
|
|
|
Rochelle and Tyler Holm
Malawi
|
|
|
Immigrant Update
Tran Family
Thirty years ago, our Church sponsored the Tran family as they immigrated from Vietnam.
As is true today, many people were involved in helping Lien find housing, enrolling the children in school, transporting them to medical appointments, swimming lessons, etc. Lien earned her GED and then her cosmetology license.
After five years, the Church was able to help Wi Tran immigrate and re-join his family. Wi served as MPUC’s custodian for twelve years. He died last year, after a long illness.
All of the children graduated from high school. Tin and Giai went on to earn four-year college degrees. They, together, with Lisa work full time in well-paying jobs. Tin and Giai are both married
Recently, Jim and Paula Nessa and Bob and Elaine Kirk spent a most enjoyable afternoon, catching up with the Tran family. These delightful young adults are a testament of Lien’s tenacity and her unwavering care and love for them.
- Elaine Kirk
|
|
The Tran Family today.
On the left: Tin, Giai, Lien holding Evie (Tin’s daughter), and Lisa.
|
|
Publication Celebration
Sunday, August 11
On August 11, in the Plymouth Room after worship, Barbara Schue invites friends to join in celebrating her completion of a huge project:
publishing a book of 23 short stories. The characters range in age from
6 to 90. She will talk a little and read one of the stories. Books will be available.
From the back cover:
|
|
"Barbara Schue finally succumbed to the writing bug later in life than most authors, but the first symptoms had appeared by age eight... Raised where the Christian faith was lived rather than talked about, she finds that many of her characters (though not all) are as decent as the people she grew up with... With compassion and charm each story captures a moment of change in a character's life, an opportunity to choose one path or another."
|
|
|
|
Macalester Plymouth
United Church
1658 Lincoln Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Phone
651-698-8871
Email
Web
|
|
Summer
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday
Closed
Social Media
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
