“Let us continue to hope, work, and pray that in the future we will live to see a warless world, a better distribution of wealth, and a brotherhood that transcends race or color”

In a new religious biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., I discovered that soon after the Montgomery bus boycott, then-President Mordecai Wyatt Johnson of Howard University fought hard to get King to be dean of Howard’s School of Religion. After the creative and inspiring way he led a campaign that went from pursuing better treatment of black riders to striking a blow against segregation, schools, churches, and large nonprofits dangled many other lucrative offers before the young minister. And yet, King felt called to stay with his congregation and in the movement. Therein lies the new insight into King from Martin Luther King: A Religious Life. In his earliest writings in school and personal letters, King saw himself as a disciple and a servant.

From his first call to Dexter Avenue Baptist Church to his last sermon before his death in Memphis, King went all in, never letting up on his pursuit of discipleship and servanthood. When people doubted the efficacy of his espousal of the love ethic as the answer to the evils of hate, racism, and segregation, King backed up his inspiring rhetoric with an unwavering commitment to the principle of nonviolent resistance to the violent injustice perpetrated against Black Americans. Many of King’s detractors, including FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, sought to characterize King’s work as a self-serving grasp for power and notoriety. However, the truth of King’s health and finances confirms the testimonies of family, friends, and colleagues of a man wholly committed to service and self-subordination to the larger cause. And while countless, nameless unsung activists and citizens sacrificed their lives and livelihood for the cause of freedom with King, his unique voice, ministry, and nonviolent direct action convinced Black people to fight more fearlessly for their lives and white people to accept in principle, if not in practice, racial equality.

Before King became the King whose image and works have been “melted down into an image palatable to everyone and challenging to virtually no one,” he had a vision about the kind of world he wanted to see and his willingness to work for it. He wrote to his then-girlfriend, Coretta, who would become his wife, about his hope, work, and prayer for the future that he fought to make a reality throughout his public life in the struggle for Black freedom and equality. King never stop advocating for a warless world, equitable distribution of wealth, and racial equality and justice. Given who King has become in the cultural imagination, I hope we remember that his work and life echo all these many years later because he was a faithful, committed disciple and servant. On MLK Day, let’s honor King through our discipleship and service.

The prelude begins prior to the service.

Music from the Jazz Trio

IN DULCI JUBILO

Online Only

The prelude begins prior to the service.

Music from the Solo Quintet and guest organist Oliver Steissberg

The congregation is welcome to watch via Livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or Plymouth.org/worship.

Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Susan Diebold by her husband, Terry Diebold, and their children, Chris, Anne, Tim, and Mollie.

Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - online

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

Rev. Beth Hoffman Faeth has been ill with Covid-19 this week, testing positive on January 10^th. Please review last week’s update for current church protocol and information on virtual worship services.  

Emily Venell, our long-time staff member has announced her retirement effective January 31, 2022.

Emily has shared her gifts and talents with the Plymouth congregation, staff, and community for over 22 years. As Ministry Assistant for Hospitality, Emily has been a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the team and will be deeply missed. We are grateful for Emily’s welcoming presence and her willingness to go above and beyond in her work to keep Plymouth running smoothly. 

Thank you, Emily, for your valuable contributions as an employee. We wish you all the best as you embark on this new beginning. Congratulations on your retirement. 

There is a rapid escalation of poor care being provided at many long-term care facilities in MN. Learn more about what is driving this growing and alarming problem.

On December 12, 2021, Plymouth Congregational was blessed with 10 new members. Each week we'll highlight a new member to introduce you to.

This week please welcome:

Plymouth is a vibrant, active faith community, full of many passions and many opportunities. This is reflected in all the activities, groups, and offerings at Plymouth Congregational Church and is visible in the depth of the content on our website, Plymouth.org.

Each week, we’ll highlight one thing you can find on Plymouth.org.

Looking for ways to help support and welcome immigrants? Each month the Immigration Welcoming Working Group puts together a list of actions you can take if you have 10 minutes, an hour, a day, or just want to learn more.

Check The Immigration Welcoming Working Group's Plymouth website for more information

Find out everything you need to know about what's going on with our Children, Youth, and Families here:

Meetings are every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and include a speaker and small group time. Please visit www.mplsgriefsupport.com for more information, schedule updates, and resources to help you grieve during these uncertain days.

Use the contact form on the homepage to use to inquire about Zoom credentials.

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!