“And so they gazed nakedly upon their own fear transferred; a fear of the black and the old, a terror of the unknown as well as of the deeply known. Some of those who saw her there on the church steps spoke words about her that were hardly fit to be heard, others held their pious peace; and some felt vague stirrings of pity, small and persistent and hazy, as if she were an old collie turned out to die.”
—Alice Walker, The Welcome Table
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Preparing a Welcome Table
Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis
As the nation turns its attention to observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and families and communities plan their meals and gatherings, I have found this holiday to be the time when people willingly express gratitude and hospitality. A cultural myth has risen around Thanksgiving: families debate and fight over politics, football, or the latest prodigal coming back after years away. While that has been the experience of far too many people, I have seen another side. I have seen people take seriously the practice of reflecting on what they are grateful for and opening their homes or sharing their abundance with others. Thanksgiving features familiar images and testimonies of a welcome table filled with plenty. I hope we do not take our welcome table at home or church for granted nor assume that it is as wide and inclusive as we think it is.
Speaking of the welcome table, Alice Walker authored a powerful story of the same name about an old Black woman who shows up for worship at a church to which she neither belongs as a member nor belongs based upon the color of her skin. She had done this many times before. The pastor and the ushers quickly remind her this is not her church and ask her to leave each time. Undeterred, the old Black woman takes a seat in the front pew. However, the church women would refuse to sit and worship until someone removed the old woman. The men obliged the demands of their wives and physically picked up the old lady and threw her out the back door.
I revisit this heartbreaking story from time to time, especially during Thanksgiving, to remind myself the church remains challenged by the culture and context in which it is found. The rules, beliefs, and prejudices learned in the home can be far more effective in shaping our feelings about and behavior toward the stranger than the Bible we read or the theology we profess. This story invites me to discern if my welcome is wide enough to include those who stoke within me “a terror of the unknown as well as of the deeply known.” In the name of peace, tradition, and order, it can be easy to exclude the other or withhold the blessings of service and community to some of the most vulnerable people among us. As we gather for Thanksgiving, I pray that we allow the movement of gratitude and hospitality we feel during the season to prompt us to expand our welcome table, whether in our homes or our church. May it be so.
DeWayne L. Davis
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This Sunday at Plymouth
November 21, 2021
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Command to Preach!
Scripture reading, Mark 11:12–14
This week's scripture was submitted by Jackie Lotsberg.
Chancel Flowers
Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Bill and Jean Brastad by their daughters, Patty O’Brien and Carla Owsley.
The congregation is welcome to attend services in person in the Sanctuary or watch via livestream on Facebook or Plymouth.org/worship.
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Schedule
The prelude begins prior to the service.
Music from the Jazz Trio, led by Laura Caviani
Sermon Response
10 a.m.
Sundays at 10
Church School
Confirmation in the Fireside room
Sunday Forum in the Chapel
The prelude begins prior to the service.
Music from the Adult Choir, the Handbell Choir, and Philip Brunelle
Anthems
- PSALM 90 Charles Ives
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SING TO THE LORD OF HARVEST German melody, arr. James F. Hopkins
This week: Celtic Weavings, in the Sanctuary.
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Contemplative Prayer is offered:
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - online
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In Memoriam
Judith “Judy” Paine (October 18, 2021), mother of Catherine Smith and family
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Update on Worship and COVID-19 as of November 19, 2021
Dear friends,
We have had our first notification of an individual testing positive for COVID-19, one who was present at the First Service (9 a.m.) on November 14. All those who registered upon arrival to the church for the 9 a.m. service were informed of this via email. While we feel there is little risk of exposure to those attending the 11 a.m. service on November 14, our community will be made aware whenever there is a potential risk. Here is a copy of the notification.
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Contact tracing remains essential in the church’s COVID-19 protocol. Whenever you enter the church building—for worship, a meeting, or any other gathering—please make sure you sign in.
At this time we will continue with in-person worship even though the pandemic situation in Minnesota remains critical. Our hospitals are at capacity and people who need emergency care are being turned away because there are no hospital beds available. If you are feeling at all unwell, please stay home and take good care.
Our protocol for worship remains the same, and you can find all our safe practices at the link below. If you have not yet attended worship, I ask that you please read the protocol before arriving at the building.
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Even in the midst of pandemic calamities and complexities, I pray we can be rooted in gratitude. As we enter Thanksgiving week, I invite you to join me in being especially mindful of the multitude of blessings within our community: the way we care for and nurture one another; the power of prayer, which provides necessary balm for those in need; the joy we know through our delight in one another. I am so thankful for you who make Plymouth Church a spirit-filled, loving place—whether scattered or gathered. Whatever your holiday brings, I will be holding you in prayer that you might indeed know how much you are loved.
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. The second of these classes will be held in person this Sunday, November 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 21
Art & Spirituality, with Julie L’Enfant and Hazel Belvo, who will be available in the Chapel after their virtual presentation to greet attendees and with books for sale.
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Thanksgiving Day Service
Celebrate Thanksgiving with our neighbors at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Temple Israel, Thursday, November 25, at 10 a.m. or streamed at facebook.com/templeisraelmn. Masks and physical distancing will be required for those attending in person. This worship service, offered by the Downtown Congregations Interfaith Senior Clergy, will feature a sermon by Pastor Elijah McDavid from Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and participation by area interfaith clergy, including Plymouth’s Lead Minister, DeWayne Davis.
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There are many reasons to give to Plymouth church. Today we focus on the impact we have on our broader community partners.
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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It's beginning to look a lot like Advent!
Advent in a Box
We've put together an all new Advent in a Box kit for your household, with different activities, opportunities for service, reflection, and Christmas traditions from around the world. This box is sure to help you or your household prepare for Christmas!
If you don't want all the components of Advent in a Box, but would still like the supplies and instructions to make Christmas ornaments to hang on our community tree (which we will be decorating and lighting Saturday, December 18, at our Christmas Festival), an ornaments-only box is also available.
Sign ups are only available through November 22, so please sign up today!
Ornament kits and Advent in a Box kits can be picked up Saturday, November 27, between 9 and 10 a.m., or arrangements can be made to pick up Sunday, November 28.
Wreaths
On Sunday, December 5, wreaths will be here! The Senior High Wreath sale will be held 10–11 a.m. and noon–12:30 p.m. Look for our friendly teens in Jones Commons!
Living Nativity
Our Living Nativity returns, bigger and better than ever, and we need actors! Sign up here if you are interested in helping out: Yes, I am in!
Be part of the magic of Christmas at Plymouth!
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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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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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Intersection Returns
Plymouth's Climate and Environmental Justice Team will be joining the Immigrant Welcoming Working Group and Racial Justice Initiative to offer new materials that explore the issues unique to each group as well as the junctions among them.
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2nd Monday of each month,
January–June
5:00–6:30 p.m. on Zoom.
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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 New Time: 12 Noon****
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 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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