"Perhaps we need more conversation, deeper reflection on our tradition and sacred writings, and better articulation of our values and commitments"
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The Values and Commitments of Beloved Community
Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis
When the Black Lives Matter movement galvanized the nation into a confrontation with police brutality and racial injustice, my clergy colleagues from across the country donned their stoles and collars to join the protests and organizing. While not called on to lead in the movement, they instead offered support, prayers, presence, and pastoral care to young activists who had long since given up on the church as a reliable partner in movement spaces. Unfortunately, some of those colleagues returned to angry and confused congregants who thought it inappropriate for their pastors to be in the streets, who disagreed that police brutality was even a problem, or who were genuinely surprised by their ministers’ views and opinions on race, policing, and public safety. Somewhere, there had been a disconnect between the minister and the congregation about the values and commitments that they shared (or didn’t). How did it come to that?
I suspect that for the sake of comity and simplicity, it is easier for communities to avoid difficult conversations or to assume that the people in their church agree about the big issues of the day. And even when we are clear about what we believe, it can be uncomfortable breaking through the wall of separation of church and state to speak prophetically. Are the values and commitments of our tradition and our sacred texts consistent with our political and ideological commitments? Does the gospel imperative to love our neighbor as ourselves apply to the person whose mugshot is plastered on our television screen or who was determined by police to be worthy of execution without arrest, charge, or trial? Perhaps we need more conversation, deeper reflection on our tradition and sacred writings, and better articulation of our values and commitments, especially about race, policing, and public safety.
In keeping with the need for faith communities “to build a habit of mind . . . of bringing the full strength of their hearts and minds to bear on the most pressing issues in our civil life,” members of Plymouth Church, led by our Plymouth’s Reimagining Community Safety Committee, are participating in the Building Beloved Community Public Safety Project, an initiative led by Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety John Harrington. In the last few years, both in our church and in the larger community, we have witnessed the horrific impact of years of neglect and failed policies in policing and public safety. Yet, it does not appear that we have successfully brought to bear our witness as a beloved community to the current debate in our civic life. We endeavor to engage in a thoughtful, intra-communal conversation at Plymouth about the values and commitments that we hold dear and how we live them out in our community. I hope you will join us in finding a way to live and lead with our values and commitments.
May it be so.
DeWayne L. Davis
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February 27, 2022
Worship will be held in-person and available online.
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Musical Response
Like a River In My Soul
arr. Tim Osiek
Sundays at 10
Coffee and Social Time
Church School
Sunday Forum
Group Discussion Hour
Contemplatives - Centering Prayer
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The prelude begins prior to the service.
Music from Philip Brunelle, Plymouth Handbell Choir, and the Adult Choir.
Peace Candle Response
When Rooks Fly Homeward
Arthur Baynon
Anthems
ALMA DEI CREATORIS
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
LEAF FROM LEAF CHRIST KNOWS
Judith Weir
Noon
Coffee and Social Time
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Worship i the Sanctuary this Sunday; the congregation is welcome in-person or to watch via Livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or Plymouth.org/worship.
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In Memorium
Judy Bottemiller, wife of Karl Bottemiller, mother of Chuck Bottemiller, grandmother of John Bottemiller
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Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, March 2
5:30 p.m.
In-person and Online
Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent. Lent invites us to consider in deeper, intentional ways our life of faith. Considering the example of Jesus and the way he both wrestled with and lived into his ministry, we now begin a period of reflection and prayer so that we can discover what God is calling us to do and be graced by God to grow in strength and integrity.
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Sundays at 5 Returns March 6!
Contemplative Prayer is offered:
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COVID-19 Update as of February 25, 2022
Dear friends,
How wonderful it is to worship in person and share together in a multitude of offerings during Sundays at 10, details here. Boards, Committees, groups, and gatherings are also welcome to reserve space for meetings at the church. Event Request Form It is a blessing to move into a new season of church activity, and have the building come alive with the positive energy you bring.
Here are a few reminders regarding our life together in community:
- Facemasks must be worn at all times in the building. The only exception to this is when someone is speaking from the pulpit in the sanctuary.
- Only Door #1 will be open on Sunday mornings and we ask that you sign in when you enter the building.
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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 possible exposure.
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While we are taking seriously all precautions to prevent the spread of infection, we cannot eliminate all risk. If you are feeling at all unwell, please stay home and take good care.
Many of you are eager to return to in-person church life and others of you are practicing caution regarding gathering in a group. Both worship services will continue to be livestreamed and our Sunday Forum offers an opportunity to participate via Zoom. There will always be a variety of ways to participate in community remotely.
I hold you all in prayer as we persevere through this unprecedented time. 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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Sundays at 10
For February 27
The Board of Spiritual Formation and its committees will again be offering a variety of activities between the 9 and 11 a.m. services. This time is referred to as “Sundays at 10” and offers an opportunity for folks to learn and engage with one another outside of worship.
This February, Sundays at 10 will provide options organized around 5 primary categories. The offerings within these categories may vary, but you can expect to see something offered in each category each week. Weekly topics, meeting locations, and information about virtual participation options will be published in the church calendar.
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Subscribe to Meditations
Meditations are sent out via email daily through the season of Lent. To receive these meditations, please email DougF@plymouth.org.
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Lenten Spiritual Enrichment Opportunity:
Seeking significant conversation and the building of relationships? Let’s talk about “Meaning”!
“Meaning” is a new podcast offering from Plymouth. In each 10–15-minute episode, host Chris Bohnhoff engages members of the Plymouth community in a conversation about the deeper significance of the things they do. A series of questions end each episode, helping listeners reflect on each guest’s unique wisdom and how it may illuminate one’s own spiritual path.
Join Chris Bohnhoff and Beth Hoffman Faeth for a Lenten small group study during which we will listen to an episode of “Meaning” together and then engage in important conversation and reflection. We will meet via Zoom for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning March 9 at 10:00 a.m. Register here:
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Sunday Forum
February 27
10 a.m.
What’s Happening at Plymouth
Hear a brief overview of the array of things going on at church during this program year – what’s been happening and what they’re excited about that’s coming up – and ask questions about the work of our Plymouth Boards, the Racial Justice Initiative and Leadership Council
Presenters will be chairs of the following boards: Nancy Gores – Leadership Council (pictured); Tom Anderson – Community Life; Mike McGettigan – Administration and Finance; Diane Hallberg – Fine Arts; Johanna Schussler – Spiritual Formation; Mary Jordan – Outreach; Maureen Tanis – Worship; Barb Iverson and Ann Manning – Racial Justice Initiative; and Mary Welfling – Plymouth archivist.
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Building The Beloved Community Public Safety Project
First Meeting: March 3, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Plymouth welcomes all of our voices on this critical issue
"How to provide public safety in the beloved community"
ZOOM DISCUSSION ON THURSDAY, MARCH 3, AT 7 PM
Please register to join fellow Plymouth members for this Zoom discussion.
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Family to Family Class Offering
Plymouth is proud to have 50 years of sponsoring the Drop-in Center as support for low-income adults experiencing mental illness. Still, the reality is that mental illness, like cancer or any other disease, can happen to anybody. Everyone experiencing mental health challenges needs support, and NAMI recommends their FAMILY TO FAMILY class. The class is offered several times a year, with details and registration on the NAMI website.
Family to Family 8-Week Class
Learn about mental illnesses, the brain, treatment, and resources to help a loved one living with a mental illness. This workshop meets weekly for two and a half hours for 8 weeks and is for the family and friends of an adult living with a mental illness.
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Children, Youth, & Families
and Church School
Even though we are in the middle of a deep freeze, Spring is just around the corner, and we've got some Spring Cleaning to do!
At 10 a.m., children of all ages (as well as any interested adult volunteers) can meet in the education wing for some spring cleaning and organizing. We've got windows to wash, markers to test, closets to empty, carpets to vacuum, and other projects big and small to spiff up the Education Wing.
See you Sunday!
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Afghan Refugee Family Co-Sponsorship Update
Afghan New Year is approaching--the Spring Equinox.
We plan to give the Afghan family we are co-sponsoring a gift of items they cannot purchase with EBT, as well as some special treats.
Please consider donating one or more of the following items:
disposable diapers sizes newborn and one
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- baby wipes
- baby shampoo
- baby wash
- free and clear laundry soap
- dish soap
- unscented bar soap
- shampoo
- body lotion
- sanitary napkins (no tampons)
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- deodorant
- toothpaste
- toilet paper
- paper towels
- dates
- pistachios
- almonds
- cashews
- walnuts
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We will have a donation barrel in Jones Commons from February 27 until March 16. Only new, unopened items will be accepted. If we collect more than our family needs, the rest will be distributed to other Afghan families in need through the Minnesota Council of Churches. |
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Ongoing Tuesday Vigils for Justice
Racial Justice Initiative justice vigils are now being held from 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 near Jones Commons.
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Plymouth Church Building COVID-19 Updates
All Plymouth congregation members, staff, and guests, vaccinated and unvaccinated, will need to wear a mask inside the Plymouth building.
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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