"I was walking near the border checkpoint today and saw a woman crying near a fence . . . kids were playing together, and she had her back to them. I heard her sobbing between their giggles" —Ellison Barber, NBC News Reporter.

In all the heartbreaking news coming out of Ukraine, the targeting and killing of civilians, the indiscriminate destruction of non-military sites, and the fleeing of children and families to safety in distant countries, a surprising number of pictures and footage of the refugees show children smiling as they disembark from trains or as they play games in refugee camps. One news outlet clarified that parents were nervously smiling, not in relief or celebration upon reaching safety but to reassure their children that everything was all right. But the overwhelming news focus is on war trauma and devastation. I found myself gravitating to the smiles and giggles of children in the safety of the refugee camps and avoiding the tears and sobs of the loss, violence, and dislocations of war. I suspect many of us are drawn to displays of resilience and indomitability. We, too, want the reassurance that this will turn out all right.

But the pain and tears of war are real, and the trauma will linger long past the end of hostilities. This struggle to cope, survive, and endure the trauma of war will stay with those who witness the death and destruction, who escape the falling bombs and the bullets of military assault rifles, and who grieve the deaths of their families, friends, and neighbors. Is it too early in the conflict to think about healing? What does recovery look like when the violence is still too near and mass migration into refugee camps remains disruptive and damaging? How do we suffer with the people of Ukraine such that we are a constructive source of healing and recovery from so far away?

The wisdom of Proverbs famously declares there is “a time to kill and a time to heal.” Sadly, humans have perfected the ways and means to kill, but we have been less reliable in our response to neighbors who cry out for healing. It may be counterintuitive, but a time for healing can be made when our current time is held captive to war. In reflecting on how to be a healing presence or offer a healing response to human suffering, the priest and theologian Henri Nouwen cautions us not to be immobilized by feelings of despair and hopelessness. So, we embrace both the tears and the smiles. We confront the trauma of war and respond with compassion to those who suffer. Yes, resilience and an indomitable spirit are remarkable gifts of the human condition. Yet, we are in desperate need of healing. Perhaps the season of Lent can be a time for our reflection on how we can be a healing presence and offer a healing response to suffering in Ukraine.

The 9 a.m. Service features music from the Youth Choir and Jazz Trio, with guest pianist Mary Louise Knutson

Darkness Cover Me

Anthem

Introit and Kyrie, Maurice Durufle

The Lord is My Shepherd, Lennox Berkeley

Coffee and Social Time

CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in celebration of the hanging of the “Renewal of Life” spring Embroidery, in memory of Mary Carson, and in admiration of all the Needlers, who have devoted their love and skills to creating the Plymouth Embroideries. 

Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday; the congregation is welcome in-person or to watch via Livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or Plymouth.org/worship.

Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - online

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

Abel Elliot “Eli” Yore, son of Janine Sieja & Steve Yore, brother of Eyob Yore

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns: BethF@plymouth.org.

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.

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.

Meditations are sent out via email daily through the season of Lent. To receive these meditations, please email DougF@plymouth.org.

This is a great opportunity to hear what it takes to bring this great musical to life.

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.

Traditional church school is returning this Sunday, with all ages meeting at 10 a.m. Rooms and teachers may have changed, so please meet Nina in Jones Commons by the front desk at 955 so she can direct you to your room!

During Lent, all of our children and youth ages 3 through 8th grade will be talking about their personal beliefs about God, and our 9th-12th graders will be planning the Life Skills "carnival" scheduled for May 21.

See you Sunday!

Textile Lovers is a One More Chair small group who enjoy working with fiber as a social event. Fiber is the common element in getting to know others in the church community. Plymouth is a large church, but having a common interest makes breaking the ice nearly effortless. Bring your current project and join us Monday, March 14, from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Monroe Crossing will be joining the Plymouth Choir at both 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on March 20 for a special offering, The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass

Is Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation (2007) on your spiritual to-read (or re-read) list? Sunday, April 3, 3:00-4:30, Illuminating the Way will hold a Zoom meeting to discuss pages 1-89 of the New Directions paperback edition with other portions of the book to follow. 

Contact Chris Lance (clance730@gmail.com) for the link or if you have questions.    

The Laura Caviani Trio, featuring Chris Bates and Dave Schmalenberger, are performing at Crooner’s Dunsmore Room in Fridley, MN, on Friday, April 15, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Visit http://croonersloungemn.com for more info, or call 763-571-9020 for tickets.

Uniting in prayer, action, and giving, we stand as a people of faith in love and compassion with the people of Ukraine and all who are affected, and with our global partners who are welcoming those driven from their homes. We are partnering with the United Church of Christ, which has established a Ukraine Relief Fund. Gifts made to the UCC Ukraine Relief Fund will provide shelter, food, and other care to war refugees and internally displaced people. It also will help refugees and asylum seekers from African, Middle Eastern, and other countries who had sought refuge in Ukraine and now are twice displaced, as well as other citizens of more than 125 countries living in Ukraine.

To support the Ukraine Relief Fund, please make checks payable to “Plymouth Church” and include “Ukraine Relief” in the memo line. You can learn more about this special emergency fund here:

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!