“It is amazing to me that a difference of opinion upon subjects that we know nothing with certainty about, should make us hate, persecute, and despise each other . . . Arguments cannot be answered by personal abuse; there is no logic in slander, and falsehood, in the long run, defeats itself”
— Robert Ingersoll, Some Mistakes of Moses
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When the Argument Is Having You
Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis
Before you know it, the conversation has gotten away from you—the anger within brews. You can hear yourself raising your voice, not so much because of your passion, but because the other person is raising their voice. For all involved, everything hinges on winning this test of wills. Soon, nobody can see the other, neither their fear, their pain, nor their suffering. They are an enemy to be defeated with nothing less than total victory. The “debate” has moved from a place of engagement, curiosity, and discovery of truth. You are no longer arguing; the argument has you.
The rancorous polarization on display on social media, at school board meetings, and in the laboratories of democracy revolve primarily around political and religious disagreements. Politics and religion are ripe for unpleasant, disgruntling debates because they are areas of life where fear and power have been wielded with abandon to oppress, dominate, and exploit. And yet, their significance in our lives and the varieties of ways they are practiced among diverse peoples provoke debate and discussion. There is a lot at stake if one’s safety or humanity hinges on the outcome of a political or religious debate. But, if we value freedom and equality, we have no choice but to work it out. How do we hear uncomfortable truths and potentially new wisdom without turning against each other? How do we argue about the big political and religious questions without the argument turning us into liars, abusers, or slanderers?
The way we disagree and argue is particularly important for the church. Given the church arguments down through the years over doctrine, worship, gender, and sexuality, one would think we would have learned how to disagree without hating, persecuting, and despising each other. Sadly, we have not distinguished ourselves admirably at all when confronting and managing our differences. Ironically, the biblical and theological origins of the church are founded on the teachings of Jesus, who urged his disciples to love their enemies, be reconciled to those with whom they are angry, and forego retaliation against those who harm them. And yet, too often, we allow arguments to have their way with us, tearing us apart as a nation and as a people of faith. Perhaps our task should be to spend less time preparing our arguments than preparing how to remain gentle, generous, and loving when we inevitably disagree. Whatever our disagreements, I pray the exchange leads to truth and wisdom and that all involved are fully seen, heard, and affirmed. May it be so.
DeWayne L. Davis
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This Sunday at Plymouth
November 14, 2021
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Schedule
10 a.m.
Sundays at 10
Church School
Confirmation - Fireside room
Sunday Forum
in the Chapel
The prelude begins prior to the service.
with music from the Plymouth Choir and Philip Brunelle.
Sundays at 5 in the Sanctuary.
Please scroll down.
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Command to Preach!
Scripture reading, 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36
This week's scripture was submitted by Peter Eichten.
Anthems:
- TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON C. Hubert H. Parry
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CLOSE NOW THINE EYES Ian Kellam
Chancel Flowers
Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Bud and Fern Friskey by their daughters, Martha Van Hemert, Marilyn Mahmud, and Maureen Tanis, and families.
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Contemplative Prayer is offered:
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In Memoriam
Charles “Charlie” Lloyd (November 12, 2021), husband of Jan Lloyd
A memorial service for Mary Arbisi will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Lakewood Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis.
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Update on Worship and COVID-19 as of November 12, 2021
Dear Beloved Community,
It was a blessing to see many of you last Sunday. And it is understandable that even more of you are waiting to return. Daily new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota are startingly high. While we will continue to gather in the sanctuary for worship for now, please adhere to following protocols as we come together. We have made some very slight adjustments following last week:
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There will be no pre-registration for attending worship. Only Door #1 will be open on Sunday mornings. Please plan to park in the main church lot or at Park Nicollet. When you arrive, you will be asked to sign in. This is so we can alert you if we learn that someone in attendance develops a positive Covid case up to seven days following Sunday morning.
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If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result (even if you are asymptomatic!) within 7 days of participating in a church activity: worship, small group, meeting, etc. please contact me (BethF@plymouth.org or 612-977-1286). Your name will be held in confidence, but we must alert others of a possible exposure.
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We will not be requiring vaccination documentation. Rather, we ask that all adults planning to be present for worship be vaccinated, and we trust that you will be thoughtful in the decision to attend. Vaccinations have begun for our children under 12, but in the meantime, we do not want to exclude children from worship and we hope families will attend Sunday morning church activities. We can not emphasize enough the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to protect you, your loved ones, and our community at large. Even in the youngest age groups, it is remarkably effective in preventing the serious consequences of COVID-19.
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We require face masks for everyone in all parts of the building on Sunday morning (and all days).
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We ask that you maintain a social distance, to the best of your ability, inside the sanctuary. Family groups are of course welcomed to sit together. Some pews will be roped off to encourage distancing.
- The sanctuary will be open at 8:45 a.m. for 9:00 a.m. worship and 10:45 a.m. for 11:00 a.m. worship. If you arrive at church earlier than this, you will be asked to wait in Guild Hall.
- While it will be a blessing to be together in person inside the sanctuary, the experience of worship will be different. Offering plates will not be passed; rather there will be depositories for the collection of giving envelopes. We will not yet celebrate communion. Initially there will be no coffee fellowship. And only two of the three clergy will be present each Sunday because all three of us cannot risk exposure together, forcing all of us into quarantine at the same time.
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While we are taking seriously all precautions to prevent spread of infection, we cannot eliminate all risk. If you are feeling at all unwell, please stay home and take good care.
- Please stay tuned as protocol may need to change based on circumstances.
I will continue my weekly correspondence as we move into this new season of church life together, alerting you of any necessary changes in procedure or other important updates. I hold you all in prayer as this pandemic wears on. May we be people of hope, may we be kind and caring, may we remain faithful in community.
Blessings,
Rev. Beth Hoffman Faeth
Minister for Congregational Care and Worship
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Considering Church Membership? Please attend our Inquirer’s Classes
One of the lessons of the pandemic has been the reminder of the importance of community. Plymouth Congregational Church provides unique ways to explore and experience progressive Christianity, personal spirituality, the arts, and social justice, all within a supportive congregation. To know the care and concern of others during these uncertain days is a special blessing, and feeling rooted within a spiritual community can be life-affirming. Please consider if this is the time for you to consider church membership.
Our new member process begins with “Inquirer’s Classes,” during which some history of Plymouth will be shared, along with relevant information on governance, programs and activities, and vision for the future. These classes will be held in person on Sundays, November 14 and 21, at 10 a.m. Participating in the series does not obligate you to church membership. Following the classes, for those who are interested, you will be invited to participate in Membership Sunday on December 12.
Please email me (bethf@plymouth.org) to let me know of your interest in participating in the Inquirer’s Classes and ask any questions you might have. I look forward to hearing from you . . . and to creating community with you!
Blessings,
Beth Hoffman Faeth
Minister for Congregational Care & Worship
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SUNDAY FORUM!
November 14
The Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, 2 Spirit, and Children
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There are many reasons to give to Plymouth church. Today we focus on the impact our community has had on our youngest members and their families.
By making your annual commitment, you are stepping up to support the work that cultivates faith, nurtures our connection to each other, and amplifies our love for and commitment to the community around us.
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Plymouth member Richard Jewell is featured in our This I Believe | Racial Justice Is Personal video, a project of the Racial Justice Initiative. The goal of these personal stories is to inspire reflection and action, and we offer them with humility and vulnerability. The video is included below. |
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A Special Invitation to the Final Episodes of Seeing White
The Racial Justice Initiative strongly encourages all of Plymouth to take two hours to read or listen to Seeing White, Parts 13 & 14. The episodes are titled “White Affirmative Action” and “Transformation.” Then join us on Thursday, November 18, at 7 p.m. for a discussion of Part 14.
We would like to hear from you, as we believe these two episodes set the stage for Plymouth’s next steps to end systemic racism. To access the podcasts and discussion, please click, then scroll down on www.plymouth.org/act/advocate/rji. To access the transcripts, Google Seeing White transcripts 13 or 14.
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Advent In a Box! and
Other Christmas updates
It's hard to believe, but Advent is around the corner—16 days away to be exact! On Sunday, November 28, we kick off the holiday season, and just like last year, we are doing Advent in a Box!
If you are interested in signing your household up for the entire kit (or new this year, just the ornaments that you can make at home and bring to Plymouth on December 18 to decorate our community Christmas tree!) sign up here!
Sign-ups are only available through November 22!
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Nicollet Square Holiday Party
Nicollet Square Holiday Party, will be different again this year. There will be no tree, no dinner, no gift room, no cookie platters to take home. BUT with your help, we can give a boxed dinner and a gift card to our 42 youth residents. Please send gift cards in any amount for Target to Penny Bond, 101 Promenade Ave. Apt. #243 W, Wayzata, MN 55391 by Dec. 13. Call 612-710-2421 with questions. Let’s try to make it a Happy Holiday for these young people. And a Happy Holiday to you.
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Intersection Returns
Plymouth’s Climate and Environmental Justice Team will be joining IWWG and RJI to offer new materials that explore issues unique to each group. The goal is to learn about racial justice, immigration, climate, and environmental issues from a historic and current perspective and explore the junctions.
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2nd Monday of each month,
January–June
5:00–6:30 p.m. on zoom.
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Community Organizing and Social Movements Training
The Racial Justice Initiative at Plymouth Church will offer a free online training series on Community Organizing and Social Movements.
Thursdays, December 9 & 16
7:00–8:15 p.m. Via zoom
Many of us at Plymouth want to take action as a result of our educational efforts in working toward a more just and level playing field for all citizens of our cities.
Claudia Albano, University of California-Berkeley and community activist, will share her knowledge of and involvement in community activism and social movements.
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Volunteer Opportunity
Help us keep communication on track. We're looking for skilled volunteers to support Marketing and Communication.
We're looking for a volunteer (or volunteers) with graphic design experience to help support projects as needed. When requested, you'll help create banners, flyers for events and programs, and more. If interested please email Elizabethb@plymouth.org with your experience and a few work samples. This is a great opportunity for a young graphic designer or creative college student.
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Church School!
Welcome back, Plymouth family!
Find out everything you need to know about what's going on with our Children, Youth, and Families here:
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Ongoing Tuesday Vigils for Justice
**** Note: Time change to 12 noon****
With the end of Daylight Savings Time, beginning November 16th the Racial Justice Initiative justice vigils will be held from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Plans are to continue the vigils through the winter, weather permitting. Please join us when you are able. We always meet by Door 1 by Jones Commons.
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Plymouth Church Building COVID-19 Updates
With growing rates of COVID-19 due to the Delta Variant, the number of breakthrough cases, and the extreme contagiousness of the variant; the PCC COVID Advisory Group has decided to re-implement the masking policy in the building.
As of Thursday, July 29, 2021: All Plymouth congregation members, staff, and guests, vaccinated and unvaccinated, will need to wear a mask inside the Plymouth building.
Our goal is to be proactive and preventative while our country gets a handle on the Delta Variant. Our COVID Advisory Group will continue to closely monitor the Delta Variant / COVID-19 and respond accordingly. The health, safety, and wellbeing of all who use Plymouth Congregational Church is our top priority.
Thank You For Your Support
The clergy and staff at Plymouth are continuing to work to care for and support you—our congregation—and, as mentioned above, our essential building tenants. Our need for your support continues. Please consider making a gift online (click here), texting your gift to 612/999-2874 or sending in a check (1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis 55403). Mail is being collected securely and safely each day. We are so grateful for you!
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and ask to be removed from this distribution list.
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Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Avenue (at Franklin)
Minneapolis, MN 55403
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