“I want to tell you that the world is still beautiful . . . I still believe we are capable of attention, that anyone who notices the world must want to save it”—Rebecca Baggett, “Testimony”
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Taking Time to Notice Beauty
Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis
Several weeks ago, I stopped at an intersection traffic light behind a car with several bumper stickers plastered on its rear bumper. When the light turned green, the driver took far too long to move because they were distracted by something in their center console or passenger seat. In annoyance and impatience, I was just about to blow my car horn and let loose with words I shouldn’t use when I noticed the message on one of the bumper stickers: “There is so much beauty in the world. Take time to notice it.” I don’t know how it worked, but my anger immediately subsided, and I searched for the beauty around me. A few days ago, a colleague of mine posted a wedding anniversary picture with her spouse with a crudely painted message on the wall behind them, “Life is beautiful.” I found myself nodding in agreement. Okay, I get the message. Beauty surrounds us. I am convinced that transcendentalist poet Ralph Waldo Emerson is right in his conclusion that “beauty breaks in everywhere.” Our loss is failing to notice it.
With so many challenges menacing the world, especially the destructive consequences of our abuse and exploitation of the earth’s natural resources, we may forget just how still beautiful the world is. I take for granted the beautiful plants and flowers in the courtyard at church. Sometimes, I forget to take notice of the sky or a tree until someone points them out to me. Noticing beauty may not answer the world’s most profound problems or injustices. Still, it can be a necessary temporary distraction from the hard stuff that creates feelings of despair and hopelessness. Yes, I know beauty is subjective, but whether its effect is emotional or intellectual, the beauty around us can be a source of delight no matter what else.
In light of the depressing news about war and violence, pandemics and climate change, and political backlash and polarization, the words and wisdom of poets have reminded me of the world’s beauty more so than scripture. Don’t get me wrong. The biblical witness about love, justice, and God’s faithfulness affirm my faith and fortify my resolve. But the poets often serve as the heralds of beauty ignored, forgotten, or discounted. The poet Rebecca Baggett invites us “to look again and again” to recognize beauty in the tender grass, the river rocks, and the October leaves. Perhaps that can be a new discipline to incorporate into our spiritual practices and explorations: taking intentional time to notice beauty. I pray that each day you find beauty around you in which to delight. May it be so.
DeWayne L. Davis
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July 24, 2022
"Under the Big Top"
Outdoor Worship at 9 a.m.
Masking is not required outdoors.
11 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.
There is a "Mask Only" Section available in the Sanctuary and marked for those wishing for extra security.
Schedule
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9 a.m. Worship
"Under the Big Top"
Outdoor Worship
9 a.m. worship will not be offered virtually
Masking is not required outdoors.
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Features music from the Jazz Trio
Musical Response
I WISH I KNEW HOW IT WOULD
FEEL TO BE FREE
Billy Taylor
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Coffee and Social Time
in Jones Commons
Church School
Small Group Discussion
Hearing From the Heart
Gallery
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In the sanctuary
and online
Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.
There is a "Mask Only" Section available in the Sanctuary and marked for those wishing for extra security.
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Features music from the Solo Quintet and Philip Brunelle.
Anthems
THE CALL
Vaughan Williams
NISI DOMINUS
Giacomo Carissimi
The prelude will begin at 10:45
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Sundays at 5 services are on hiatus. We plan for it to return on Rally Sunday, September 11. And stay tuned for special summer worship opportunities! |
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Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday; the congregation is welcome in person or to watch via Livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or Plymouth.org/worship.
Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Donny Wichmann by Mindy Wichmann, Jan Mattox, Tom Mattox, Leigh Mattox, and Jimmy and Maggie Pfeffer.
In-Depth with Beth and Seth is on hiatus until October.
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Upcoming Memorial Services |
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A service for Jerry Gale will be held at Plymouth on Saturday, July 23, at 10 a.m. In-person attendance is welcome, and the service will be livestreamed (available here).
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Contemplative Prayer is offered:
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Unsettling Truths - The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery
On Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. come to Guild Hall for Mark Charles' presentation on his recently published "Unsettling Truths - The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery". There will also be a chance to purchase a copy and get it signed.
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Minnesota Impressions - Conn Gallery Art Exhibition
July 17-September 30
We are privileged to be hosting Minnesota Impressions, an exhibition by Gabe Jewell, whose paintings also serve as contemplative companions in support of meditation in collaboration with his father Richard Jewell, www.Meditationary.org.
Gabriel Jewell is a Minnesota artist based in Rochester, Minnesota, who grew up as a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, attending Sunday school in the 1980s-90s.
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Would You Help Our Children & Youth Programs?
We need volunteers! Please take a moment to complete this survey and see how you can help support our children and youth programming throughout the summer and fall. Our events and programs cannot continue to grow, expand, and welcome in new families without widespread support!
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Children, Youth, & Families
and Church School
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CALL TO ACTION: WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GROW
Two types of volunteers are needed to help advance Plymouth’s marketing efforts:
Committee Members
As the committee is formalized, we’ll need help from members experienced in marketing, design, advertising, and data sciences to help bring campaigns to fruition and educate leadership and the congregation about how our goals and how our campaigns are functioning.
Ambassadors
We will need 10–15 people willing to participate in a new training curriculum and serve as a physical manifestation of our campaign—noticing, welcoming, coaching, and nurturing connections with church prospects. We'll provide training beginning this summer.
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Building a City for All of Us
Come together using our collective voices for change in support of affordable housing. No one should have to choose between food or rent and risk becoming homeless. Join us for this important event on July 28, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church 4100 Lyndale Ave South Mpls, MN. 55409
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New Member Spotlight
On June 5, Plymouth welcomed seven new members into our congregation.
Joan Hoffman
joanhoffman36@gmail.com
My husband and I moved to Hudson in 2016 from Menomonee County in Wisconsin to be near our daughter Beth and her family. I have enjoyed attending Plymouth these last few years and have been grateful for the online services during the pandemic. My husband, Harry, died in 2019, and his memorial service was held at Plymouth, where we have always felt a sense of community. Plymouth is an exciting church to be a part of, and I applaud the progressive theological stance and that Plymouth works diligently to live into its commitment to justice. I am a prolific reader, walk daily, am passionate about politics, and enjoy meeting new people.
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Donations for Third Wednesday Drop-in Bingo
Plymouth Drop-in for low-income adults who live with mental illness happens every Wednesday and Thursday, but third Wednesday is always bingo. Donations of practical prizes like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and soap are much appreciated and can be left in the Bingo Box in Jones Commons. Adult coloring and puzzle books are also great, as is almost anything "gently used" as they say at the thrift stores.
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We Need More Bags!
We continue to offer hearty, warm to-go meals each Sunday at Plymouth Congregational Church. With our partners from other downtown churches, each Sunday of the month is covered, with all of the distribution occurring at Plymouth.
We hand out a lot of bags—more than 100 each Sunday! We need more large paper grocery bags with handles, and we hope you can help. Please bring your bags to the collection bin outside Plymouth’s Jones Commons each Sunday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to noon.
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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. 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
Wearing a mask is strongly recommended for everyone.
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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